Spring 2014
Spring 2014
THE NEW MEXICO MINISTRY NETWORK Network Pastor/ Executive Director Micheal Dickenson mdickenson@nmministry.net
Assistant Executive Director David Vistine
Help us New Mexico by informing us of ministry successes in your church and community. Send your submission to: gchristopher@nmministry.net
dvistine@nmministry.net
Executive Administrator/ Chief Financial Officer Marcus McClain mmcclain@nmministry.net
New Mexico Ministry Network 6640 Caminito Coors NW Albuquerque, NM 87120 505 899-5399 (phone) 505 899-5859 (fax) info@nmministry.net www.nmministry.net
MINISTRY DIRECTORS:
EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERS:
Men’s Ministries Kent Barnard
Royal Rangers Bart Garrison
Women’s Ministries Becky Dickenson
Girls Ministries Mary Helen Gonzalez
East Central Area Lemuel Perry
Native American Area Carlos Baki
Student Ministries Jeral Dickenson
Champions Ministries Marcus and Sharon McClain
Southeast Area Melvin Suttle
West Central Area Brenton Franks
kbarnard@nmministry.net
bgarrison@nmministry.net
Northwest Area Randy Joslin pastor@theoasis.us
Southwest Area David Crispin
pastordave@oneworship.org
AREA PRESBYTERS:
bdickenson@nmministry.net
jdickenson@nmministry.net
mhgonzalez@nmministry.net
mmcclain@nmministry.net
arbidee@plateautel.net
kdmdsuttle@yahoo.com
baki69@hotmail.com
Northeast Area David McCarty fwc@zianet.com
pastorbrenton@evangelchristiancenter.org
NETWORK PASTOR MICHEAL DICKENSON
In the first chapter of Jeremiah we hear Jeremiah saying, “The word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.’” This reference of God speaking to the young Jeremiah provides the backdrop to the life and ministry of Jeremiah… his story. As I reflect on this, and as I consider the lives of men and women who have been powerfully used of God over the years, I’m reminded of just how God has always used ordinary people that have surrendered to Him to write His Story in every generation. In just a few weeks now, on April 1-3, we will gather at Copper Pointe Church in Albuquerque to celebrate “Our Story,” the amazing story of the Assemblies of God in New Mexico. This will truly be an event you do not want to miss as we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of our New Mexico Ministry Network.
When that small group of individuals gathered in Tucumcari on April 23-25, 1940 to form the New Mexico District of the Assemblies of God, little did they know the impact of their decisions in the years to come. Every church that has been established, every minister called and commissioned, and every soul won to Christ through these ministries is a tribute to these early pioneers.
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pastored years ago. I encourage you to register early for this event in order to be a part of the Missions Lunch on Wednesday to celebrate seventy-five years of missions in our Network. Then on Wednesday night, we’re looking forward to churches from the surrounding area joining in with us for the big celebration of “Our Story.” It’s going to be one awesome night! Please join us in prayer as we prepare for this event. I can’t wait to experience this together as we remember and honor, and as we look with anticipation to the future God has planned for us in the days to come. Come and join us for “Our Story”… to be continued!
I’m reminded of just how God has always used ordinary people that have surrendered to Him to write His Story in every generation.
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During our Network Conference, we will have opportunity to celebrate what these seventyfive years means to us, not only in terms of remembering, but to each of us today and as we look to the future. We are thrilled to have Pastor Dary Northrop as our guest speaker this year. While his present ministry is that of pastoring Timberline Church in Ft. Collins, Colorado—one of the fastest growing churches in our fellowship—his roots go back to New Mexico where his parents
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Spring 2014
“OUR STORY” 75 YEARS OF MINISTRY
Spring 2014
MINISTERING IN PARTNERSHIP EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR MARCUS McCLAIN request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both For many of us, we had in my chains and in the defense the opportunity to gather toand confirmation of the gospel, gether during our leadership you all are partakers with me of tour. I trust that you were able grace.” to make it because Pastor Mike spoke valiantly and with clarity regarding one of the most pressing issues of our time. During the tour I brought to you a summary report on our Partnership for the Next Generation (PNG). Paul began by stating I was thrilled to report that 75 that he thanked God for certain of our 89 Assemblies of God people every time they came to churches gave to PNG, with 25 his memory. I ask you this queschurches giving each month regtion, “Do you have those, who ularly. The total for PNG in 2013 when they come to your mind, was $186,621! To that we shout that your response is to stop and “Praise the Lord” and “Thank thank the Lord for the gift of who you for partnering in ministry!” they are to you?” I hope so; and Following our tour, our I hope that you have found the Presbytery met; and I was given joy of ministering in partnerthe opportunity to bring the deship. For I am convinced more votion on the last day. I spoke than ever that when God calls on the subject of “Ministering in His ministers, He places around Partnership.” Here is a summathem key individuals to aid in ry of that devotion: the completion of the task they The Apostle Paul’s philoshave been assigned to. ophy on partnership is presented Three key words stand out to us in Philippians 1:3-7, statin verses 3 through 5, the words ing: “I thank my God upon every “remembrance,” “prayer,” and remembrance of you, always in “fellowship.” “Remembrance” every prayer of mine making
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I thank God every time you come to mind!
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is a reflection of the emotional commitment that the Apostle has made in certain individuals; “prayer” is a reflection of the spiritual commitment; and “fellowship” is about that physical and personal engagement that is so critical in partnership. In my own words, Paul was “all in” when it comes to the value of ministering in partnership. He understood that when you can identify, appreciate, and collaborate with a partnership, so much more can be accomplished for the Kingdom together than on your own. Now, what I shared with you is just a small part of my devotion; but I trust as you reflect upon the Apostle’s recognition of assurance, calling, and faithfulness in verse 6 and his transparency in verse 7—which is then followed by his prayer for his partners—you will see that he has provided us with a wonderful model for ministry. Thankfully, I have been blessed to partner with wonderful servants of God, not the least, our Network Pastors, the Dickensons, as well as our Presbytery and a fine host of ministers throughout New Mexico. In reflecting, it seems most appropriate to repeat Paul’s most eloquent statement, “I thank God every time you come to mind!” As always, God Bless You Big!
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DAVID VISTINE
In a recent discussion with our Network Pastor, we were talking about several things that bring a bad name to the ministry today. I want to tackle a tough and sensitive issue today that is not on my normal writing on the Discipleship track but rather something else we need to talk about! The first thing we need to talk about is ministerial courtesy and professionalism. One of my “pet peeves” as a minister is that many of us will not answer our calls or return phone calls. I have talked to many missionaries and Para-church ministers that have worked both in the secular world and the church world and one of the greatest disappointments to them is that Pastors will not answer their phones or return their calls. They are not accessible! As a minister we should have the ministerial courtesy to at least pick up a phone and call a missionary or and evangelist back and talk to them. We may not be able to schedule them for a service or accommodate them at that time, but we should at least be professional enough to call
them back and let them know. Realizing that God has called them as His servants to serve the church in a different but needed way, they should be treated with respect and love! In fact it would do well to remember the Golden rule and treat them as you would want to be treated! The other issue for many of our traveling ministers is the fact that they can never reach a
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a return phone call or a contact from them and call another church to receive pastoral assistance in a critical time. In fact because the pastor was not accessible, they decided to change churches and go where pastoral care was readily available in time of need or of crisis. I believe we need to let our people and our community know that we are open for business. Professionalism helps to communicate this in a way that people understand that we are here for them and care for them. Indeed, professionalism is needed in ministry and not just in the business world. If we will serve our people and our community with excellence, we will find new people walking through our doors to hear the Gospel! And that is what the Church is all about!
If we will serve our people and our community with excellence, we will find new people walking through our doors to hear the Gospel!
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pastor. They call the church but no one answers; instead they have to leave a message on voicemail, never to hear back from anyone again. It is sad to say that if a secular company operated in this way, it would not be long until they would go out of business. I wonder if that is not the reason that we as a church many times don’t grow or reach new people because we a just not accessible to them. I have had families try to reach their pastor in times of emergencies without
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Spring 2014
BRINGING CLASS BACK TO THE MINISTRY
Conference Schedule Tuesday 1:00pm 2:00pm 7:00pm After Service
Wednesday 9:00-10:00am 10:15-11:45am 12:00pm 2:00-4:00pm 7:00pm
Registration Leadership Seminar: Dary Northrop Keynote Service: Dary Northrop AG College Receptions Session-Dary Northrop Business Session Missions Lunch: “Celebrating Our Story-75 Years of Missions”* Session-Ricky Chelette Celebration Service “Our Story”: Micheal Dickenson
Map and Hotels
Child Care Schedule
Tuesday 1:30pm-4:00pm** 6:30pm-9:30pm Wednesday 9:00am-4:00pm**^ 6:30pm-9:30pm Thursday 10:00am-12:00noon
(3) Econo Lodge 25 Hotel Circle NE Albuquerque 87123 (505) 314-2525
$69.95* a night (mention "AOG" for rate)
$49.99* a night From $59.00* a night (mention "CGAOGM” for rate)
(6) Super 8 Hotel 450 Paisano NE Albuquerque 87123 (505) 271-4807
(7) Hilton Garden Inn 6510 Americas Pkwy Albuquerque 87110 (505) 944-0300
*Taxes not included for all hotels.
Closing Service: Dary Northrop Communion and Prayer
Free child care (ages 0-5) is provided for all registered children for all sessions and services. Please help us plan by registering your children. -Please provide the necessary food items if your child has special dietary needs. **Estimate of when the daytime sessions and child care will end. ^Lunch will be provided for registered children in child care during the daytime care on Wednesday.
*Attendees must register to attend.
(1) Holiday Inn Express (2) Ramada Inn 10330 Hotel Ave. NE 10300 Hotel Ave. NE Albuquerque 87123 Albuquerque 87123 (505) 296-4852 (505) 275-8900
From $40* a night (mention “AOG” for rate)
Thursday 10:00am
(4) Days Inn 10321 Hotel Ave. NE Albuquerque 87123 (505) 275-3297 $55.00* a night
(mention “AOG” for rate until March 30)
(8) Barcelona Suites 900 Louisiana Blvd. NE Albuquerque 87110 (505) 255-5566
From $99* a night (ask for Julie) (mention “AOG” for rate) From $74.99* a night (mention “AOG” for rate)
www.nmministry.net/conference
(5) Guesthouse Inn 10331 Hotel Ave. NE Albuquerque 87123 (505) 271-8500 From $49.95* a night (mention “AOG” for rate)
From the lives of Ellis Stone and Paul Hutsell, to the harrowing tale of triumph that is White Horse AG, discover the great history of the New Mexico Assemblies of God! You will not want to miss out on Our Story!
Order yours at www.nmministry.net/history
Spring 2014
NEWS FROM AROUND THE NEW MEXICO MINISTRY NETWORK PASTORAL INSTALLATION: NEWCOMB ASSEMBLY OF GOD The New Mexico Ministry Network is proud to announce Revs. Steve and Beverly Clindaniel as co-pastors of Newcomb Assembly of God in Newcomb, NM. Network Pastor Micheal Dickenson installs Steve and Beverly Clindaniel.
TRANSFERRED OUT: Josiah Koop Tina Haroldson Keith Wilson Phillip & Linda Wright TRANSFERRED IN: Roberto Valentin to Alamogordo The Worship Center
MINISTERIAL NEWS Steven and Beverly Clindaniel to Newcomb Assembly of God LAPSED: John Bunting (O) Grant Christopher (O) Marion Dyer (L) Jerry Elliott (O) Debra Hoffman (L)
Paul Hoffman (L) Nathaneal Loehle (C) Thomas Malone (C) DECEASED: Raymond L. Franks Jr., Albuquerque, NM
BUILDING DEDICATION: NEW BEGINNINGS FELLOWSHIP Congratulations to New Beginnings Fellowship in Los Alamos for completion of their new building! After more than a year of construction and de-
velopment since their original building was destroyed by fire, the church celebrated its Grand Opening on February 8-9, 2014! Network Pastor Micheal
Dickenson and Executive Administrator Marcus McClain both attended the weekend’s dedication ceremonies.
SPEED THE LIGHT VEHICLE FOR BRYAN PETTET A heartfelt “Thank You” to the students of the New Mexico Ministry Network across the state for your sacrificial and generous giving that enabled us to purchase a great Speed The Light vehicle for U.S. Missionary Bryan Pettet! We will put your gifts to good use as we spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ both to the ends of the earth and to our own state.
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Spring 2014
NEWS FROM AROUND THE NEW MEXICO MINISTRY NETWORK
Spring 2014
TURQUOISE TRAIL CONVOY OF HOPE 2013 WOMEN’S MINISTRIES DIRECTOR BECKY DICKENSON
EL Paso, TX, a city of sunshine and warmth… except in November of 2013! The NM Women’s Ministries Turquoise Trail Missions Team headed to El Paso to work with Convoy of
Hope at the end of November and experienced El Paso at below freezing! We had waited two long years to be part of a nationwide outreach where Convoy of Hope (COH) partnered with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) to canvas all 50 states. Our team, ranging in ages ten 10 to 70+, was anxious to be a part of such a great ministry with an outreach specifically to the women in our own extended community. Everyone who comes to a COH event is considered a guest and, at this year’s event, over 6,000 guests came out to be a part of all COH had to offer. The weather did not prevent them from coming even though many did not have coats or even good shoes to protect them from the intensity of the cold. Men, women, and children stood in bitter sleet for hours in nothing but blankets or towels to wrap up in and flip flops with socks. Many of us wrapped our arms around children in tears because they were so cold. Some of our team, working in the children’s area, began wrapping little ones hands in paper towels to give them “paper gloves” and others gave away their own scarves and gloves. The NBCF served
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hundreds of women with breast cancer consultations and preventative information. One of our team was a breast cancer survivor and God used her to minister first-hand to women with heavy questions seeking answers. Other members of our team worked in the “shoe department” to pass out 1,500 pairs of TOMS shoes to children. Still others helped make thousands of lunches given (Continued on page 9.)
WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 2014 Renay West is coming back to be our conference speaker! She is a gifted communicator and travels extensively bringing a prophetic message of hope, freedom, and transformation. She is an Assemblies of God missionary and currently serves in Thailand. Plan to attend and bring your friends! Go with us to Santa Fe
and join the prayer team as we ask God to break strongholds, bring freedom, and show God’s favor to our Capital and our State.
“I AM”-THE TOUR Join us as we make New Mexico our Mission Field this May 2-9! We will canvas the state as we travel corner to corner to minister and pray with women and conduct special services designed to bring the message of being FREE, PURPOSED, and PREPARED.
Begin praying now and mark your calendar to be a part of bringing freedom to our own mothers, daughters, and friends! Check nmministry.net/women for the missions’ trip application!
NATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY February 23rd is National Women’s Day. The Assemblies of God sets aside one day every year to focus on the women in our congregations across the nation. Special offerings collected on this Sunday
support the National Women’s Department and help to provide for ministries that address the needs of women worldwide. The magazine Ministering to Women in 2014 is a great resource to help you plan
for National Women’s Day in your church. You can contact the National Office at women. ag.org or 1-800-448-2235 for more information.
TURQUOISE TRAIL CONVOY OF HOPE 2013 (Continued from page 8.) away during the event, took family portraits, and even cut hair. Our bravest women packed grocery bags in the open air to give away so each guest
left with at least one week of free groceries. This will forever be known as our coldest Missions trip yet, and, as in every previous year, the Lord brought
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together a sisterhood of women who work hard, never complain, are flexible, and serve with their whole hearts. Our New Mexico women are always up to the challenge!
Spring 2014
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES NEWS
• 24-hour business center • 24-hour front desk • ATM/Banking • Conference Room(s) • Microwave and Fridge in all rooms • Free Wi-Fi • Handicapped parking • Health Club • Internet access in rooms • Meeting rooms • Restaurant(s) in hotel • Room service (limited hours) • Security guard • Self parking (free) • Smoke-free property • Swimming Pool
MCM Elegante’ Hotel Amenities
July 24-26, 2014
Retreat for Ministry Wives
Refresh
Please enclose your $20 non-refundable registration fee.
Return this form by June 24, 2014 with your check payable to NMMN. Mail to: NMMN Refresh Retreat, 6640 Caminito Coors NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.
Meet the speaker…
Marjorie Harris lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, Rev. Stephen Harris. He served as Assistant Superintendent for the Arizona District from 1995 until his election as Superintendent in April 1999. Steve & Marjorie have two children, Chad & Colton, and three grandchildren, Clayton, Eli,
!and Ethan.
You will love Marjorie the minute you meet her! She is a fun-loving, gifted, talented, follower of Christ as well as the manager of a fantasy football team (you’ll have to ask
!her about that)!
Come expecting to be refreshed as you spend time with your girlfriends, listen to the humor & ministry of Marjorie, and respond to the whisper of the Holy Spirit! Refresh Retreat hosted by Becky Dickenson and the wives of New Mexico Ministry Network Presbyters.
Phone____________________________________________________
!
!Registration is $20 per individual. A block of rooms has been set aside for this event at the MCM Elegante’ Hotel, located at 2020 Menaul NE, Albuquerque, 87107. Each attendee will be responsible for reserving and paying for their own room. Rooms are $79 per night plus tax (approx. $90 total).
! One double room can accommodate up to 4 people. Reservations may be made by calling the hotel at 505-884-8723. Please ask for the NM Ministry Network-Refresh Retreat rate when you call to make your reservation. This rate is guaranteed until June 24.
!
Thanks to “Partnership for the Next Generation” for helping to make this event possible for the Ministry Wives of the New Mexico Ministry Network.
If you need to cancel your room reservation, you must do so no later than 6pm on July 23rd in order for your credit card not to be charged.
! ! ! !
Name____________________________________________________
Mailing Address___________________________________________
Email____________________________________________________
Church___________________________________________________
NMMN WOMEN’S CONFERENCE ! SEPTEMBER 18-20, 2014! CHRISTIAN LIFE FELLOWSHIP! 121 SIRINGO RD! SANTA FE NM!
FEATURED GUEST!
RENAY WEST
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CALL BECKY @ 505-350-6998, VISIT WWW.NMMINISTRY.NET, OR SEE YOUR WOMEN’S MINISTRIES COORDINATOR.
Spring 2014
A TESTIMONY FROM THE OASIS FARMINGTON AND AZTEC CHILDREN’S PASTOR JOSEPH SNODGRASS In August of last year, we launched a series in our Oasis Kids ministry called “Transformed: Redemption of the Fallen,” based on the popular Transformers franchise. We designed the series to show kids how Jesus transforms us, making us a different person, when he saves us. During our weekend services at both our Farmington and Aztec campuses, we talked about both immediate change that takes place at salvation and ongoing change that occurs as we grow in Christ. We decided to wrap it up by talking about the Holy Spirit and his role in transforming and empowering us. This decision meant that we had to break this study into a two week session to give us ample time to cover the subject. We also decided to get very practical about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We
wanted the kids to know about speaking in tongues–what it is, why it happens, and that it’s a special gift from God that’s not just for adults. We got down to the smallest of details–some of the most common experiences or feelings that people reported when they were filled with the Holy Spirit and how these are nothing to fear. It was a two part “Holy Spirit 101” for kids! As we moved into prayer after the first week’s lesson, a quiet stillness filled the room. There was a tangible heaviness that felt like walking through a deep fog. I instructed the kids, still sitting in their seats, to ask their heavenly Father to fill them with the Holy Spirit. Prior to this time our kids were generally quiet during prayer and, at first, this week was no exception. I could feel that something was about to happen, but had no idea the extent of what the Holy Spirit was going to do. After a few moments of quiet prayer, we heard a gentle sobbing among the thirty or so children present. I remember the surprise on the faces of our Ministry Team Members as we discovered that the sobbing was coming from the boy’s side of the room! It wasn’t long, however, before it crossed over to the girl’s side of the room. We were frantically searching everywhere for tissues! We
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began to move out among the children, ranging in age from 7-12, praying with them in their seats. Sobbing turned into flowing tears as boys and girls asked God to baptize them in the Holy Spirit. The quiet was overcome by the voices of children asking their Father for the promised gift. It wasn’t long before we heard boys and girls around the room speaking in other languages as they lifted their hands and faces to heaven. It was definitely a moment that none of us will ever forget; young children in the presence of their Father, innocently asking for a gift that was long ago promised, and being answered and rewarded by a God who is ever faithful. That Sunday thirteen children were baptized in the Holy Spirit at our Farmington campus with five filled in Aztec. The following week another eleven would join that number. God is faithful!
S:
SE AS
CL y 10 G a N MI & M
8 CO ch UP Mar
Biblical Foundations
Powerful Teaching
Reach your world
Ministerial Credentials Build Character
Mentorship
Classes held the second Saturday of each month from 8:30am-1:30pm. Contact Devonna Cummins at 505-899-5399 or at dcummins@nmministry.net for more information.
Register online at nmministry.net/nmsom
Academic Progress
Practical Structure
FUN
Devotional Life
The New Mexico Ministry Network 6640 Caminito Coors NW Albuquerque, NM 87120 (505) 899-5399 www.nmministry.net/link