OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 1
OKLAHOMA
OUTLOOK APRIL
School of Ministry (OKC) Credential Celebration Fine Arts (Mustang, The Bridge) Spanish School of Ministry (Tulsa) Century Leadership Conference 104th District Council (BA, The Assembly) OYM Christian Fun Day
MAY
School of Ministry (OKC) OCM Fun Arts (Muskogee) Spanish School of Ministry (Tulsa) Soarks Youth Camp #1 Sparks Youth Camp #2
JUNE
Spanish School of Ministry Graduation (OKC) Sparks Youth Camp #3 TEX-OK-LA Indian Camp Meeting Royal Ranger Pow Wow Sparks Youth Camp #4 Elite Ladies Luncheon (Tulsa) Elite Ladies Luncheon (OKC) Sparks Youth Camp #5 Royal Ranger JLTA Sparks Youth Camp #6
Publisher H. Franklin Cargill
April 1 April 1 April 7-8 April 8 April 24 April 24-25 April 29
May 6 May 6 May 13 May 22-26 May 29-June 2
June 3 June 5-9 June 6-9 June 9-11 June 12-16 June 15 June 16 June 19-23 June 21-25 June 25-28
Designer Jayson Evans Copyeditor Renae Elmore
GENERAL PRESBYTERS
SECTIONAL PRESBYTERS
H. Franklin Cargill Superintendent
Raymond Frizzelle Section 1
Craig Dacus Assistant Superintendent
Keith Williams Section 2
Darryl Wootton Corporate Secretary
Terry Bradley Section 3
EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERS
Bob Yandell Section 4
Bruce McCarty Ron McCaslin MINISTRY DIRECTORS Chad Brodrick Church Ministries Doug Everaard Youth Ministries
P.O. Box 13179 Oklahoma City, OK 73113 405.475.1100 www.okag.org @OKDCofAG
Dean Guthrie Children’s Ministries Darren Pilcher Executive Pastor Missions Susie Purkey Women’s Ministries
OklahomaDistrictCouncil ORDAINED FEMALE PRESBYTER Deborah Burke
Jamie Austin Section 5E Mike Buie Section 5W Jeromye Jackson Section 6 Jimmy Keith Section 7 Kelly Coffey Section 8 David Brooks Section 9N Duane Elmore Section 9S Don Barnes Section 10 Ric Freeman Section 11 Arlis Moon Section 12
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SUPERINTENDENT
G ROW IN G OR
G ROWN ? This title contains two similar words with two completely
different meanings. An understanding of “growing” reflects on a progressive action. “Growing” says that the story has not ended. A pattern continues to emerge. The past may indicate that there is more to come but the present reveals that more is to come. In one sense of the word, to be “growing” means that one is not dying. On the other hand, “grown” indicated a finished work, a completed process, or the end. A graduate that receives a diploma has completed the course, kept the agreement, and has arrived at a new level – might we say “grown?” We have come to understand that a graduation differs from a commencement. We often use the words in reference to the same event, but their meaning is exactly opposite to one another. Every parent understands, at least to some extent, the process of human growth. From the moment of conception, God has a blueprint for every human life. He is not willing that any would yield to condemnation but that all would experience the victorious life offered by the Father that culminates in a heavenly eternity.
we are to no longer live in sin; I am confident that He desires his children to move from milk to a meat diet. But just because we turn “21” or arrive at a certain level of competency or achievement – let us never forget – He’s still working on us! In the book of Romans, Paul addresses the whole world, Jew and Gentile, as under condemnation, guilty of sin and sentenced to death. Then he explains our possibilities as he elaborates on justification. What a Savior – that He justifies the wicked who turn from sin. It all happens through Christ’s redemptive and propitiatory work. We are indeed justified! However, it does not stop. The third major theological concept, sanctification, is introduced in the very middle of his treatise to the church at Rome. Sanctification may be described as “spiritual growth,” “the continuing work of God,” “the transformation process of the believer.” II Peter 3:18 – “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
As a father, I have a first-hand experience as provided by our two sons. While the growth process brought daily challenges it also stretched my parenting ability as maturity prevailed. Now, I often refer to my sons as “grown” but I have actually arrived at a different conclusion - that, at least in my thoughts, they are still growing.
Romans 12:2 – “And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
The goal is that our children will “grow up” and become “adults” no longer dependent but sufficient. We want them to be contributing members to society. Our prayer is that their future will exceed the realm of the imaginary and that their accomplishments will soar above our dreams. But – herein lies the age-old question, “to be or not to be?”
A leader must continue to strive to learn to lead. A true teacher will never master the art but will always be open to concepts of improvement and personal growth. An artist continually grows in ability, performance, and presentation.
The same principle applies to our Heavenly Father and our relationship with Him. It is a sad day when a “believer” thinks he has arrived. I know we are to walk in maturity; I fully acknowledge that
What is the point? The Spirit-filled life is more than a destination – it is a process. Remember – we are not “there” yet!
One of my concerns is that too many times I have witnessed Christians that thought they were “grown.” I have known preachers that acted as if they had “arrived.” I have experienced professionals who had forgotten the humility of being a “student.” I urge you – refuse to be “GROWN!” Growing - with you - in Him, Frank and Linda Cargill
FRANK CARGILL DISTR ICT SUPE R INTE NDE NT F R ANK . CAR G IL L @O K AG . O R G
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MISSIONS
YOU R CHU RCH D OE S N ’T N E E D A MIS S ION S
P RO G RA M
What do you believe about world missions? Our answer to that question will determine the trajectory of our church’s ministry and outreach. Frankly, the last thing our local assemblies need is another program. Church specialists tell us that healthy ministries start with decluttering the calendar and simplifying our strategy. And, to regulate our missions’ endeavors to a programmatic approach could, in fact, cheapen its biblical importance to what we do and how we function as the Body of Christ. One of the most impactful missions’ book I’ve read recently is authored by J. D. Greear, entitled Gaining By Losing: Why the Future Belongs to Churches that Send. He writes, “Discipleship is going from ‘mission field’ to ‘missionary’…In the Bible we find no gap between the call to follow Jesus and the call to engage in mission… To that end, every ministry in the church – and not just the ‘missions department’ – must ask: ‘How is our ministry leading people into God’s global mission?’” Greear goes on to explain, for instance, how their church’s high school and college students are challenged to serve for one month on a missions teams during the summer as well as each small group to adopt a city service-evangelism project and an international missionary. In other words, consider the fact that every church ministry department should be driven globally. After we answer the first question about our belief regarding world missions, maybe the next question should be the following: How does/should our belief about global evangelism translate into the entire vision and mission of the local church? We do not involve ourselves in getting the Gospel around the world because it fits our ministry strategy; we participate to be obedient to the command of our Lord. As we enter a new year, let’s pray the prayer of Bob Pierce,
DARREN PILCHER M IS S IO N S DIR E C TO R E X EC UT IV E PASTO R DA RR E N . P ILC H ER @ O K AG . O R G @ DA RR E N P ILC H E R
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founder of Samaritan’s Purse, who wrote the following words in his Bible after visiting suffering children on an island in Korea: “Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God.” The answer to that prayer will always supersede any ministry program or department. How can our missions office help facilitate this global passion among your congregation in the New Year? Please call on us!
RECOMMENDED READING
Gaining By Losing: Why the Future Belongs to Churches that Send J.D. Greear
FINANCE
ACCOU NTA BLE RE IMBU RS E ME N T
PLANS
One of the most important policies a church should have
in place is an accountable reimbursement plan. An accountable reimbursement plan can be a determining factor defining the taxability of reimbursements or advances made to employees. Reimbursements made under an accountable reimbursement plan are not taxable and do not need to be reported on an employee’s W-2. Reimbursements made under a nonaccountable reimbursement plan are taxable and should be included on an employee’s W-2. This single factor makes adopting a plan such as this a huge benefit to the employees of your church. With rare exception, church employees will incur business expenses in the course of performing their work. These expenses can come in a number of forms. By definition, these expenses are ordinary and necessary to the performance of the job. If the church has not adopted a formal accountable reimbursement plan, these expenses, allowances, or advances can create unnecessary taxable income to the employee. This can have the adverse impact of creating a larger than necessary tax liability for the employee. If an employee receives an advance, allowance, or reimbursement for expenses, how these amounts and expenses are reported depends on whether the employer reimbursed the employee under an accountable or nonaccountable plan. In order to be considered an accountable reimbursement plan, the church’s reimbursement or allowance arrangement must include the following rules: 1) The expenses must have a business connection. This means that the expenses or allowances must have been incurred while performing services as an employee for an employer.
The definition of reasonable period of time depends on the individual facts and circumstances. Regardless of the facts, actions taking place within the guidelines listed below will be treated as taking place within a reasonable period of time. 1) You receive an advance within 30 days of the time you have an expense. 2) You adequately account for the expense within 60 days after they were paid or incurred. 3) You return any excess reimbursements within 120 days after the expense was paid or incurred. 4) You are given a periodic statement (at least quarterly) that asks you either to return or adequately account for outstanding advances and you comply within 120 days of the statement. If the rules of accountable reimbursement plans are followed, the employer should not include any reimbursements on the employee’s W-2 form at the end of the year. If the rules were not followed, there is a high likelihood the employer should treat amounts as taxable income to the employee. To learn more about accountable reimbursement plans and how you can ensure your church has one in place go to https://www.irs.gov/publications/p463/ch06.html.
The information found in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as tax, legal, or other professional advice. Always seek the help of tax or legal professional when implementing policies of this nature.
2) The expenses must be adequately reported by the employee to the employer within a reasonable period of time. 3) Excess reimbursements, advances, or allowances must be returned by the employee to the employer within a reasonable period of time. Excess reimbursements or allowances are any amounts paid to an employee that are greater than the business-related expense adequately accounted for to the employer.
KEVIN CONNER F INANCE & O PE R ATIO NS K E VIN. CO NNE R @O K AG . O R G @K E VINSCO NNE R
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CHURCH
WHAT A WON D E RFU L
OPPORTUNITY March and April were always some of the busiest times of
the year at our church. Preparations were being made to serve our community and it was all hands on deck to make sure that we served them well. No doubt your church is in the midst of a flurry of activity as you prepare for Easter services and outreaches to your community.
Serving our communities with practical needs gives us as a church the opportunities necessary to show people the love of God and what it means to serve the needs of others. Each community needs the church to be the hands and feet of God, carrying His love to those who are hurting and need someone to turn to.
Part of our Easter activities involved our annual egg hunt at the city park each year. Eggs, prizes, inflatables, food and people scattered across our small park as our volunteers stood in awe of the large crowds who would come. It was certainly a sight to behold.
As a church strives to reach it’s community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the good works that accompanies our salvation, their communities become better places to live. Finding ways to be useful to their community, building bridges through acts of service makes the community aware that the church and consequently God, is aware of where they are at and has come to meet them there.
I always had to consider whether or not we had a valid reason for doing this event each year. After all, while the crowds came to take part in the activities, we didn’t see a huge increase in our attendance or a return on our financial investment. It always crossed my mind, “Is this accomplishing anything other than making us all tired?”
“Is our community different because of our church?” Yet each year we found the reason why we did all the work when a parent, grandparent, or city leader would come up to one of our volunteers and thanked us for serving the community. Their gratitude reminded us of the reason behind our outreach. It was a representation of the love of God working through us in acts of service to our community. Each church is an integral part of the community in which it resides. The church is more than a building with a group of people who have established themselves in a specific location each week. They are an integral part of the spiritual fabric of the community to which God has called them. They have a purpose for being!
CHAD BRODRICK C H URC H M IN IST RIE S C H A D. B RO DRIC K @ O K AG. O R G
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When looking at the effectiveness of our churches, let’s not just measure the internal indicators—attendance, worship, teaching and small groups—but also the external measures; the spiritual and societal effects you are having on the community at large. While it may be more challenging to measure your effectiveness outside the four walls of your church, we must ask ourselves, “Is our community different because of our church?” This Easter as we celebrate all that God has done for us in not only sending His Son as a sacrifice for our sins, but also raising Him on the third day, may the church also arise and see the wealth of opportunity around us to serve. Our service to our communities will open valuable doors to meet the most important need of all, the spiritual need of the soul. May God richly bless you during this celebratory season of Easter! We are grateful for the opportunities to serve! Chad Brodrick
WOMEN’S
DAU GH T E RS OF
THE KING
SUSIE PURKEY WO ME N’ S DIR E CTO R SUSIE . PUR K E Y@O K AG . O R G
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YOUTH
SYN E RGY
ONE DAY The next SYNERGY One Day is coming up soon, put this in
your calendar now. The ONE DAY events are designed for youth pastors, student ministry leaders from volunteer, part-time, full-time and everything in between. Please go to oklahomayouthministries.com to register.
S Y N E R G Y | ONE DAY July 20 , 2017 Woodlake Church Tulsa Featuring: Terry Parkman Terry is the NextGen Pastor at River Valley Church in Minneapolis, MN a multi-site church with locations in the US and abroad. There, he is the Lead Youth Pastor over River Valley Youth, it’s pastors, and its development across its 8 metro-area campuses. He is also the Pastor of River Valley Leadership Institute, an innovative leadership program designed for developing leaders to their highest capacity. He most recently took on the 20+ Young Adult ministry as well. His heartbeat is for this “emerging generation” of youth and young adults and helping them to discover their purpose, developing them as leaders, and empowering them to step out into the plan of God for their lives. He lives in the Minneapolis-metro area with his wife Christina and his daughter, Avalie.
MY BUCKET LIST
BY TO DD DRAKE
You can’t go anywhere without hearing someone talk to you about a bucket list. Bucket lists have gained so much popularity. I had a bucket list before I even knew what to call it. From early on I loved two things: Missions and Speed the Light. I have had the privilege to travel the globe and work with many different missionaries. Recently, I traveled to Presov, Slovakia to work with missionaries John and Daralena Bean. Where I was asked to drive their Speed the Light vehicle. It was truly an amazing experience. The Beans work with the Roma people of Slovakia. The Roma largely live in shantytowns all over the beautiful landscape of Slovakia. They are truly the poorest of the poor in Europe. In fact for many of the Roma if you don’t get to them they have no means to get to you. This makes Speed the Light so incredibly important. We are commanded to take the gospel to the world and the Beans and the other AG missionaries would be severely limited without the generous giving of the Assembly of God youth groups throughout our nation. Their Speed the Light vehicle has allowed them to connect with the Roma in any capacity needed. Slovakia is a very mountainous country and there are many different Roma villages they work in that are located in the mountains. In fact to go just about anywhere in Slovakia requires some sort of highway in the mountains.
Now accepting Applications for Summer Youth Camp Interns, to apply, please visit oklahomayouthministries.com
DOUG EVERAARD YO UT H M IN IST RIE S DO UG . EV E R A A R D@ O K AG. O R G @ DO UG E V E R A A R D
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I have heard stories of different vehicles that Speed the Light offers for different needs such as Harley Davidson motorcycles, camels, vans, busses, and any other mode of transportation you can think up. That is the beauty of Speed the Light. It isn’t caught in this box with a one size fits all mentality. With that said the Beans did not drive a bus and had no need for a camel. They need an SUV. Not only an SUV but also the Beans drive a good old American made Chevy. I can personally vouch that this American made SUV was the perfect vehicle to drive in the mountains near the Polish border. We were caught in a snowstorm and the vehicle performed perfectly. It showed me that Speed the Light meets the need where the need NEEDS met. Not only has my bucket list got a couple more items checked off but driving a STL vehicle for a week in three different countries has given me an even greater appreciation for the work that is done by Speed the Light.
CHILDREN
ON E
ACCORD This past week I had the privilege to spend some time with both our Kids Camp Leadership Team and the Kids Camp Worship Team. Our Leadership team spent time reflecting on past years at Kids Camp as well as planning and dreaming for this upcoming season, while our Worship Team worked hard at rehearsing the worship sets for Kids Camp. The following is an excerpt from a devotion that I did with both teams: “Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” - Amos 3:3 The phrase “one accord” is used 12 times in the Bible, 11 of which are in the book of Acts. The common thread of “one accord” throughout this book must not be ignored. Of the 11 times “one accord” is used in Acts, seven times were in the context of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, miracles being released, and the Body of Christ being strengthened. The other four times were detailed instances of a crowd rising up against the apostles. In both sets of cases, being in one accord preceded a release of power (whether good or bad). When we as a ministry team are in one accord, it leads to a release of power in the Lord.
One accord = with one Mind, with one Passion Being in one accord leads to the release of the power of the Holy Spirit, the strengthening of the Church, and makes the way for salvation for the lost. As a ministry team, we MUST operate in one accord, not for the sake of saying we’re a great team, but so that we position ourselves to be used by God in a mighty way. He wants to touch His people, and He has purposed in His heart to use us to do it. So, let’s be in unity for the sake of His people. Therefore, if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, then make my joy complete by being of one mind, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. – Philippians 2:1-2
DEAN GUTHRIE CHIL DR E N’ S DIR E CTO R DE AN. G UTHR IE @O K AG . O R G @O CMDE AN
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IN MEMORY
Jeannie L. Maze
8/13/1953 - 1/7/2017 Reverend Jeannie Kincheloe-Maze, 63, went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 7, 2017. Jeannie was born August 13, 1953 in Fairview, Oklahoma to Earl and Loucile (Maret) Kincheloe. Jeannie married the love of her life Larry Maze on December 5, 1969. Jeannie was an Ordained Minister with the Assemblies of God Church and spent a lifetime ministering alongside her husband. In her ministry, she was a Pastor, Children’s Pastor, Youth Ministries, member of a singing group and taught all ages and groups, ministering wherever she went. She loved meeting new people and never met a stranger, and would mother all who were in need. She enjoyed helping others, traveling, spending time with family and friends, playing the piano, singing, learning, playing with grandkids, telling stories, genealogy, prayer, teaching, studying the Bible, and God who was the center of her life. Her faith in Jesus was great because nothing was impossible with God, which she reminded everyone who would listen and sometimes those who didn’t listen. Jeannie took great joy in being a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She survived cancer and many health issues, always believing in God’s strength to help her persevere, and she was full of faith until the end. Jeannie is survived by her husband Larry; sister Earlene Kincheloe, four children: James Maze and wife Linda; Debra Lamar and husband Adrian; Stacie Maze; Jennifer Maze-Hennig and husband Scott; five grandchildren: Calley Lamar, Stephen Lamar, Matthew Lamar, Jamie Maze and Taylor Minshall; and three great-grandchildren. She will be reunited in Heaven with her parents, two brothers, Elmer and Leroy Kincheloe; two sons, Larry Don and Jeffery; and numerous grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
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Larry Womack
2/18/1950 - 1/3/2017 Reverend Larry Wayne Womack 66, passed from this life to be forever with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, January 13, 2017 in Nashoba, Oklahoma while in the presence of his family and friends. Larry was born February 18, 1950 to Ernest and Johnnie (Kirksey) Womack in Heavener, Oklahoma. He later married Verna Sue Scarberry on August 8, 1969 in Waldron, Arkansas. Larry was a hard-working man. He owned a fencing business for 35 years and he enjoyed hunting and fishing, traveling and being with family. Brother Womack pastored for 28 years and started Glory Hill Assembly of God Church in Finley, Oklahoma August 6, 1991. He loved life to the fullest and enjoyed spending time with family and friends and to share his love for God. Larry leaves behind a loving wife, Verna Sue Womack of the home; one sister Betty Obokivich and husband Eric of Rodgers, Arkansas; five brothers Bill Womack and wife Pat of Arkoma, Oklahoma; Gene Womack of Spiro, Oklahoma; Jerry Womack and wife Gloria of Shady Point, Oklahoma; Paul Womack and wife Brenda of Paducah, Kentucky; Ronnie Womack and wife Billie Gene of Liberty, Oklahoma; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and a host of friends.
OKLAHOMA
DISTRICT NEWS PRAYER REQUESTS Clint Gray - Wisdom and provision for new church and for current location to sell. Dale Floyd - Dad who has cancer. Anita Davis - Needs healing.
PASTORS’ REPORTS Charley Hudspeth, Newkirk, reports one saved in regular worship service. Jerry Yoder, Thomas, reports eight saved, two filled with the Holy Ghost and three water baptized. Raymond Frizzelle, Miami, reports three adults saved and three water baptized.
INFORMATION Help for Pastors call (918) 758-4147 or visit www.pastoralcareinc.com.
NEW PASTORS Erick Jesse Cantu McCurtain First Steve Ashe Schulter Christian Assembly Phil Tally
TRANSFERS Transfer In Jason Taylor Shara Taylor
From South Texas South Texas
CONGRATULATIONS New Life Pentecostal Assembly dedicated their new sanctuary on February 18th with Jim McNabb officiating. Continue to pray for the ministry - Pastor Luke Yohannan Rev. and Mrs. Bud West celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in March. In 1970 he was told he had less than one year to live—they have much to celebrate!!
EVANGELISTS’ REPORTS Dale Floyd reports 62 men and women saved in January and 64 in February. Dale Parker reports several saved, healed, and delivered in a California seven week tour. Also, several were filled with the Holy Ghost including teenagers and one man healed of deafness in Texas. Marna Hillard reports three confirmed healings, from cancer, heart problems and one of stomach issues that was going to require surgery.
MINISTER’S SPOUSES Mary Evon Snell Spouse of the late Howard Snell 7/6/1925 – 3/13/2017
INVESTMENTS M A D E
E A S Y.
MINISTRY
M A D E
P O S S I B L E .
cepnet.com/OK
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