WE STAND AT A CRITICAL JUNCTURE AS THE CHURCH! Beyond nickels & noses…look at the AG research from 2017 1. First, we need to look at ATTENDANCE vs. CONVERSIONS. How many of us did it take to win someone to Christ this past year? A “Healthy” AC? The Missional Effectiveness ratio 5:1 This means to maintain health and missional focus 1 conversion for every 5 in attendance is a healthy target. Did you know that today is takes 4 AG worshippers to produce one reported conversion in a year? 30 years ago, it took 6 worshippers to produce a reported conversion. Churches under 200 (attendance) 7:1 Churches more than 200 (attendance) 3:1 2. Second, The CONVERSIONS/WATER BAPTISMS - Assimilation Ratio. Did we keep them long enough to get them into the water? The Assimilation Ratio 3:1 No less than 1 water baptism for every reported conversion provides a healthy target. Churches under 200 (attendance) baptize nearly ½ of their converts. Churches over 200 (attendance) baptize less than ¼ of their converts. 3. Thirdly, The ATTENDANCE/WATER BAPTISMS – Kingdom Growth Ratio. How effective did we add to the Kingdom this past year? A “Healthy” AW/Kingdom Growth Ratio 15:1 4. The CONVERSIONS/SPIRIT BAPTISMS – Discipleship/Mobilization Ratio. Are we effectively discipling and mobilizing our people? To maintain health, this ratio should be between 3:1 and 4:1. The CS can be either too high or too low. Did you know? 1 in 6 reported converts are expected to one day receive Spirit baptism. 30 years ago, the ratio was 1 out of every 3. In our smaller churches (0-199 attendance) 1 in 4 reported converts are expected to one day receive Spirit baptism, compared to 1 in 7 in our larger churches (attendance 200+) and 1 in 8 in our largest churches (attendance 1000+). 5. The ATTENDANCE/SPIRIT BAPTISMS – Reproduction Ratio. Are we producing Pentecostal Leaders for our future? The reproduction ratio 15:1 – 25:1 – This ratio combines a healthy AC (5:1) with a healthy CS (between 3:1 and 4:1). The single most critical factor to Spirit-Empowered Church Health is….#1 SERVE/GO: Community Engagement Today, we stand at a crossroads in our culture and in our South Texas Churches. The enemy would like nothing more than to limit and immobilize our efforts. Can we realize that the enemy cannot alter the Word of God and he cannot resist the power of the Holy Spirit. Let’s turn this tide in the future by allowing the SPIRIT priority in our ministries. The Apostle Paul tells us, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). We have hope because we have Jesus. Now, let us give that hope away to the lost people of this world as a church EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT – the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead! WE MUST NOT SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS! Will you join me in prayer. I look forward to seeing you at the Fall Sectional Council Tour. Still privileged to serve,
Tim R. Barker
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His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 3:10 & 11 NIV 10
As a pastor there were benchmark events that I knew were inspired by the Holy Spirit that breathed new life into me and into the church. One of these events was the nudging of the Holy Spirit to plant or to be involved in a church plant or revitalization. There is nothing on this earth that pleases the heart of God like planting a new church family because this church represents Him and His work on earth, the saving and restoring of individual lives. After receiving the challenge from the Holy Spirit and after much prayer we moved forward with my associates Revs. Bobby & Lisa Nixon and planted in the LaVernia area. Bobby and Lisa did all of the hard work and I did all I could to equip, coach and encourage. It may be one of the greatest Kingdom events that the Lord has allowed me to be a part of. It breathed new life into the soul of our church family, Hillcrest Assembly of God in Seguin. I want to encourage you to continue praying and seeking God for your community and for the hundreds of communities in our South Texas District that have no evangelical/spirit filled witness. Allow the Lord and His precious Holy Spirt to lead and guide you into planting, praying, or participating in planting a new church family. Be willing to start small with a small group Bible study and prayer meeting in a town or neighborhood. It’s the best investment you can make! Please consider partnering with our South Texas church planters *Give them a call to pray with them and speak encouragement over them *Go with them to the community to which they are called *Invite them to your church to share their heart and vision *Be willing to support them monthly for a year or two Kendall Reavis, District Church Planting, 832-449-0900 Jim Kautz, District Church Revitalization and Church Health, 281-841-3104 Bacliff – Faith Assembly (Recently became District Affiliated), Pastors Darrin & Robin Vail, 409-939-5671 Baytown – Dream Church, Pastor Frank Gregoire, 281-917-2416 Beaumont – Redemption Church, Pastors Byron & Ashley Ellis, 518-512-1638 Garden Ridge - Garden Ridge AG, Pastors Robert & Tiffiney Dennard, 678-770-6746 Katy - R.E.D. Community Fellowship (Redeemed, Empowered, Delivered), Pastors Lew & Cindy Rhoades, 281-755-5820 Kingwood – Crossroads Fellowship Kingwood, Pastors Chase & Katelyn Abbott, 806-577-1929 Rosharon - Victorious Living Community Church, Pastor Guillermo Santiago, 979-849-1208 San Antonio - Gateway Fellowship Church Espanol, Pastor Mario Calderon, 210-852-2081 Tomball - Divine Mercy Assembly of God, Pastors IsraelDivine & Mercy Kuyinu, 281-830-2533 Tomball – Iglesia Esperanza Viva (Living Hope), Pastor Kevin Pena, 713-653-4699, Bless each of you and thank you for all you do in ministry! Pastor Don
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Why Plant Churches? By Kendall Reavis Maybe you have asked yourself this question, “Why plant churches?” I mean don’t we have enough churches already. Maybe we should fill up the existing churches before we open another. When I speak at churches, I ask this question and ask the folks to consider how many churches they drove past to get to the service. As a Church Planting Facilitator, I have a few answers to this question: • Population growth • One church can’t reach everyone - each church has a unique personality • New generations have a new culture which new churches can often more easily adapt to However, recently God showed me another reason to plant new churches. I was sitting at our District Council in the Missions Service. We were celebrating all of the missionaries our District has sent across the country and around the world. As the service progressed Renay West challenged us to support missions. All of the missionaries were invited to the front to pray with those responding to the challenge. It was beautiful to see our family of churches and pastors working together to further the gospel around the world. In this sacred moment God spoke to my heart. He showed me how important it is that we plant more healthy churches. These churches become sending churches. Our new church plants begin supporting missions very early in their life cycle, some from day one. It makes me proud to see these congregations, whose pastors are self-supporting, investing in our missionaries. So, if you ever are looking for a why we should plant new churches, look no further than our missionaries! Kendall is the Church Planting Facilitator working with new church planting projects all across South Texas. Feel free to contact him: kkreavis@yahoo.com.
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Ministers Changes and Updates New Certified
Carlos Chavez Kevin Guthrie Stephanie Hanson
Upgraded to License Shannon Eaton Steve Emerson
New License
Hannah Choate
Shane Hubner Elizabeth Johnson
Nick Rogers Urias Saenz
Chris Hundl Kelli Miller
Matthew Powell
Todd Chontos
Transfers in
From Oklahoma District David Cavazos Anna Collier From PennDel District - Robert Dennard From Northern California & Nevada District - Robert S Jones From North Texas District - David Jordan
Transfers Out
To Minnesota District - Ryan Quigley To New York - Craig Richey To Wyoming District - Court Riddle To Tennessee District - Jennifer Rodriguez To Southern Missouri District - Todd William
New Pastors
Garden Ridge A/G, Garden Ridge - Robert Dennard Grand Parkway A/G, Porter - Glen Jalowy
First Assembly of God, McAllen - Robert S Jones
New Churches
San Antonio Baruch Hashem Congregation, San Antonio Section - General Council Affiliated Labors of Love and Hope Church, Rio Grande Valley Section - General Council Affiliated
Church Changes
Living Springs Assembly of God, Bandera - Became PAC of Gateway Fellowship Church, San Antonio Name changed to Gateway Fellowship Church, Bandera First Assembly of God, Port Arthur - Merged with Faith Harbor in Port Arthur Grace Church Garden Oaks, Houston - Withdrew from Assemblies of God Coat of Many Colors, Baytown – Went from District Affiliated to General Council Affiliated, Faith Assembly of God, Bacliff – Went from PAC to District Affiliated, Gateway Fellowship of Katy - Church closed
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SWP (Seniors With Purpose)
No Coasting to the Finish Line I love that! “No Coasting to the Finish Line” Judy and I would like to thank Superintendent Barker, his wife, Jill, and the South Texas District Leadership for this appointment. We are thrilled and honored with our new Kingdom assignment, working with senior adults in South Texas: STXAG-SWP (South Texas Assemblies of God- Seniors With Purpose) This is a new District ministry, well at least formally. We want the foundation to be strong. The dream is not small and will necessitate a lot of help from our South Texas credential holders, churches and Senior Adults. Here’s what is on our hearts and what we are believing for: • Seniors engaged, serving their Church and Loyal to their Pastor and Church Leadership • Development of a strong and active SWP Leadership Team • Develop a multi-component web of communication • Seniors committed to continued spiritual growth • Seniors with a sense of Value and Purpose • Opportunities for Seniors to use their gifts, talents and experience in meaningful ministry and serving • Develop a District wide synergy with our demographic • Develop/Create Great Seniors activities • Educate and inform Seniors regarding what is available to them in the way of assistance, both inside and outside the church world • Seniors engaged or continuing to be engaged in Missions • Ministry to Retired Ministers, Widows and Widowers • Grow the number of local churches and/or Sections with ministry to Seniors through assisting and resourcing •Fun times The above is the easy part! Getting it done will require a lot of help, prayer, elbow grease, money, time, vision-buy-in and cooperation. The big launch will happen at the Senior Summit in February, 2019. Between now and then we will be developing the leadership team, and communication data base. We will also take advantage of every opportunity to share with churches, ministers and our District Seniors where we are and what to look for. Several of the bullet points above will be a natural result from “working the plan”. Look for us on the District web site. We will be launching the SWP Facebook page soon, where we will be revealing what’s happening and how to be involved. From our viewpoint, SWP will be spiritually enriching and an absolute barrel of enjoyment… ok, fun. But it all will be on target and purposeful! “No coasting to the finish line!” Please consider adding “Seniors With Purpose” to your giving, either monthly or with an offering. If you have ever started a ministry from the ground up, you understand. One final thing. We, Judy and I, are available for ministry. I believe God has blessed us with an incredible life and ministry. Outside of Seniors With Purpose, Missions services and encouraging missions giving, preaching and filling in for pastors, Men’s retreats, etc. We want to remain engaged. “No coasting to the finish line!” Wayne- 210-326-8130; Judy- 210-273-7268 pc@mychurchisamess.com Wayne Clark 9
Introducing Matt Roever Director of Military/Veterans Ministries
Matt Roever grew up in a family under extreme military influence. His father, Dave Roever, is a wounded veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart. With his father’s injury being so serious, Matt became a natural in his understanding of the price of freedom. He never left his dad’s side, serving and assisting in every way imaginable. Today, Matt, serves as Director of the Roever Foundation, reaching out to the veterans and activeduty troops in countries like, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, South Korea and installations stateside for the Army and Air Force. His interaction has built relationships with some of today’s most senior leadership in the military, such as Major General Johnson who oversees twelve military hospitals including Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and General Joseph Anderson who serves in the Pentagon. Matt directs the most successful faith-based, military/veterans’ recovery program in the nation. The Department of Defense sends wounded and desperate, military families to this program. Over 22 veterans a day commit suicide, and one active-duty soldier take his life each day. Matt is helping stem the tide of suffering in our most hurting national treasure, the military. His leadership and commitment to our heroes is both timely and effective. INTEGRAS is the dawning of a new hope and reconnection to veterans across the country and more specifically, the South Texas District of the Assemblies of God. While not permitted to serve in war-time because he was the only son of a disabled veteran, Matt found an effective way to serve. From the Middle East to the Far East and anywhere a hurting service man or woman is to be found, whenever or wherever possible Matt is there to assist and to “serve those who serve.”
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Date
Level 1 Courses (Certified) Level 2 Courses (License)
September 8 9:30AM - 12:00PM THE142 AG History, Missions & Governance
October 6 November 3
MIN251 Effective Leadership
Level 3 Courses (Ordained) THE311 Prayer & Worship
1:30PM - 3:30PM MIN171 Spirit Empowered Church MIN181 MIN281 MIN381 Relationships & Ethics in Conflict Management for Pastoral Ministry Ministry Church Leaders BIB114 Christ in the Synoptic Gospels
THE211 BIB313 Introduction to Theology Corinthian Correspondence
Hosted at New Life Church on Northpark, 4032 Northpark, Kingwood, 77345 All students must RSVP 2 weeks prior to each class.
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Girls Ministries
More than just a program
TEEN EV ENT Open to girls 6th - 12th grades
There is no time to SPARE‌ TAG your friends! Saturday, October 20th 10am - 2pm MAIN EVENT $20 per person
Events are taking place in Katy and Pharr, TX RSVP by Oct 12th or sooner: Melissa LeClare mleclare@stxag.org
Restoration and Renovation Don’t forget the Girls Ministries short term missions project for the Ladies Adult and Teen Challenge facility.
Only $35 buys a new chair for the chapel
PROJECT
Make check payable to South Texas Girls Ministries or give online and designate MTS GM Missions Project
Pricing
THURSDAY
CAMPGROUND LODGING $150 On-site Registration $180 On-site After Deadline
2pm
Registration Open
5:30pm
Dinner
7pm
CONNECT Service After Service Party
$75
On-site Student Registration
$85
On-site Student After Deadline
8pm
Breakfast
After Service Party
10am
CONNECT Service
FREE
(After-Service Treats and Fellowship Thursday and Friday)
Lunch Activities
$100 Off-site Registration $130 Off-site After Deadline $50
Off-site Student Registration
$60
Off-site Student After Deadline
$40
Meal Ticket
(5 Meals During Conference)
After Service Party
Activities 12pm
HOTEL LODGING
FREE
FRIDAY
5:30pm
Dinner
7pm
CONNECT Service After Service Party SATURDAY
8am
Breakfast
9:30am
CONNECT Service
Schedule
(After-Service Treats and Fellowship Thursday and Friday)
For more information, visit www.stxagwm.org/details
MARICELA HERNANDEZ DOLOR TINA RICHARDSON Speaker
Guests
HAROLD & ELENA GUERRA Worship
Every year, ladies from across South Texas come together at Hill Country Camp and Conference Center to experience life change and celebrate in community with other sisters in Christ. They leave refreshed and ready to take the next step towards the heart of God. This special gathering is designated to help women of all ages and walks of life be encouraged in their relationship with Christ; get connected with other women who desire to be used by God; and to become better equipped to make a difference in their family, workplace, church, community, and world. Your heart will be encouraged through authentic worship, uplifting praise, fun girls’ excursions, hands-on ministry, laughter, and lots of sweet fellowship. There is something for everyone! Whether you want to deepen your faith or are exploring what faith is all about – come and join us for this life-changing experience.
Vanessa Hall
STX Sisterhood Director vanessa@stxag.org
Promo code: STAR