The STAR Fall '23

Tim R. Barker District Superintendent

Social media has changed our world. It’s reported that more than one billion active users are on Facebook alone with other networks like Pinterest, Instagram, WhatsApp, SnapChat and Twitter representing hundreds of millions more. For the first time in history, we can now reach the world within minutes from our fingertips. We access far more people in this digital world than our physical neighborhood. While I love accessibility and opportunity, I must admit that it troubles me how some folks, even ministers, are utilizing this gift. Our goal should be to engage our world with truth, hope and the good news.

These are exciting times, yet it can also be confusing times. Technology is reshaping life and ministry, and it all seems to be moving forward at an expedited pace. We must accurately leverage these tools for the Kingdom. The Great Commission compels us to engage our world and make disciples, but with all the noise and potentially harmful things online, it’s hard to know where to begin. Yet, here are three considerations that assure that our posts glorify God:

• Speaking the truth. “Lying lips are detestable to the Lord, but faithful people are his delight” (Proverbs 12:22). This means that if you aren’t 100% certain of the accuracy of your information – DON’T POST!

• Share to edify, encourage, and embolden.

• Spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, not political posturing or opinions.

REMEMBER – you’re still a Christian (A MINISTER) even while online. Therefore, use social media to…

• Promote the church, ministry and the gospel. Why would we want to share controversial information or anything that would portray the church in a less than desirable way.

• Post content that is meaningful.

• Listen and think before you send.

• Ask before you repost. (I wish I could underline this repeatedly)

• Be kind, courteous and respectful.

• Care about your tone.

• Always take the highroad.

And, as a Christian, I believe it begins with the simple very basic question, “How would Jesus use Social Media?”

Starting with that question, I believe these simple truths can help in maximizing our online influence:

1. Don’t use social media just to inform; rather, use it to impact people.

“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8

2. Keep in mind that social media is an aspect of meaningful community, not a replacement.

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25

Social media is a wonderful tool for connecting with people, but if all your interactions are happening online, then you’re missing out. I like what someone told me…” you can’t hug Facebook.”

3. Show respect even to those who don’t deserve it; not as a reflection of their character, but as a reflection of yours.

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.“ Romans 12:18

Some people seem to use their social media platform to create “drama” and public forums for arguments. As Christians and especially as ministers, we ought to fight the temptation to be pulled into the negativity. We have to rise above it by refusing to engage in online shouting matches or by publicly criticizing. People will come to respect you more and the influence of your life and ministry will be stronger if you display dignity and restraint with what you post online.

4. Don’t be discouraged by critics. Criticism is the price of influence.

“Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.” Luke 6:26

Anytime you share anything online, there’s a good chance someone will misunderstand your intentions or completely disagree with your perspective. If your words and actions are consistent with your faith in Christ, then you should have peace whether you’re receiving praise or criticism from people. I believe that pleasing God is always more important than being popular with the crowd.

Choose to be an encourager; the world has plenty of critics already.

5. Don’t be online all the time. Find balance and protect boundaries.

“…have the wisdom to show restraint.” Proverbs 23:4

6. Don’t be an “Undercover Christian” online.

“Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16

7. Remember the goal isn’t to gain more followers for yourself; it’s to gain more followers for Jesus.

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15

Sometimes it is impossible to be clear and accurate online, where people can and will misconstrue and misunderstand what is said. Some conversations (perhaps most) should be in private and in person, because everything that’s shared online is public forever.

Have you ever experienced that “sunken” feeling that you possibly have missed or were going to be late to an important scheduled meeting? If you’re like me, I live by what I put down on my calendar; i.e., birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Mother’s & Father’s Day, speaking engagements and the more mundane appointments like doctors visits and tax deadlines. Some appointments certainly have greater consequences when missed. Sir, if you miss your wedding anniversary, Mother’s Day and your wife’s birthday you could very well be in the proverbial “dog house”, or worse, for the rest of the year - or longer!

Scripture reminds us that there are 3 festivals that every man in Israel MUST not forget. And more than simply “not forgetting” is each man MUST participate in these festivals. There is no choice!

“Each year every man in Israel must celebrate these three festivals: the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Harvest, and the Festival of Shelters. On each of these occasions, all men must appear before the Lord your God at the place he chooses, but they must not appear before the Lord without a gift for him.” Deuteronomy 16:16 (NLT)

1. Festival of Unleavened Bread, or the Passover. The Lord wanted every person in Israel to never forget their miraculous deliverance from Egypt and this was done my partaking of the annual meal of remembrance, Passover. Passover was fulfilled by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Every person MUST participate by putting faith in the sacrifice of Jesus and applying Him to their life. The rejection of Jesus has eternal consequences.

2. Festival of Harvest or Pentecost. This festival was celebrated 50 days (pente) after Passover and was instituted to show gratitude for the physical harvest of food provision. This festival was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost after the crucifixion of Jesus

and was represented by the only harvest that matters, people giving their lives to Jesus. The infilling of believers with the Holy Spirit took place on the Day of Harvest, Pentecost, and is for the purpose of harvest - receiving boldness to share the good news of Jesus to everyone. We MUST be filled and stay filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8, Acts 2:38 & 39, Ephesians 5:18

3. And lastly every person MUST participate in the Festival of Shelters for seven days after harvest. This represents your eternal home. The only question is where we will spend eternity? The scriptures tell us that we must die and we must stand before the judgment. Hebrews 9:26

Leviticus 23

39“Remember that this seven-day festival to the Lord—the Festival of Shelters—begins on the fifteenth day of the appointed month, after you have harvested all the produce of the land. The first day and the eighth day of the festival will be days of complete rest. 40On the first day gather branches from magnificent trees—palm fronds, boughs from leafy trees, and willows that grow by the streams. Then celebrate with joy before the Lord your God for seven days. 41You must observe this festival to the Lord for seven days every year. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed in the appointed month from generation to generation. 42For seven days you must live outside in little shelters. All native-born Israelites must live in shelters. 43This will remind each new generation of Israelites that I made their ancestors live in shelters when I rescued them from the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”

This is wonderful reminder that this world is not our home and we are only passing through. This festival will certainly be fulfilled when we are in our eternal home with Jesus, living in the place that He has gone to prepare for us. John 14:1-4

Dear friend, scripture tells us that you don’t want to miss these 3 festivals, or the fulfillment thereof: Passover (our personal salvation), Harvest (salvation for others), the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and Shelters (our eternal home with Jesus). Don’t miss these 3 appointments!

Don K. Wiehe District Sectretary/Treasurer

all Church Ministry majors!

Announcing SAGU tuition discount’s for ministry majors and credentialed AG ministers/missionaries and dependents:

All students living on-campus and are ministry majors receive 50% o tuition including all federal, state, and SAGU scholarships and grants have been awarded. Students must be seeing a bachelor’s degree in Ministry related degrees, enrolled full time and live on campus, and complete a FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov Details are at: www.sagu.edu/50

Lastly, All Assemblies of God credentialed ministers/missionaries and dependents receive discounts on tuition. Details are at:

We believe in the call to ministry.

Ministers & Churches Changes and Updates

New Certified

Tausha Hamilton Rachel Petz Elisa Pitts Roberto Ponce

New License Upgraded to License

Walter Alldredge Fernando Castillo

Shea Hoffman

Upgraded to Ordained

Janet Teague

Reinstated

Amy Hauck Esther Vargas

Francisco Vargas Vincent Ward

Anastacia Lopez Zachary Walker Crystal Waller Cameron Ward

Transfers in Transfers Out

Guadalupe Almaguer – Wisconsin-Northern Michigan Breonna Fernandez – North Dakota

Carlos Vale – Minnesota Carolyn Vale – Minnesota

James McNatt – North Texas Stuart McNeil – New York

New Pastors

Miriam Mora – New York Timothy N. (Nathan) Stoker – North Texas

New Birth Assembly of God – Huntsville, TX | Lead Pastor: Stephen Akin-Olatunde

Church Name Change

Mauriceville All Gospel Church – Orange, TX | Formally: Mauriceville Assembly of God

12

Day Israel, Petra, and Holy Land Tour

TEXAS BIBLICAL STUDY TOUR

Jerusalem Bethlehem Sea of Galilee Mount of Olives Megiddo Dan Nazareth Petra (Jordan) Mount Hermann And Much More…

March 1 – 12, 2024

$4,630.00 Per Person From Houston

Includes: Roundtrip Air Transportation From Houston, First Class Hotels, Double Occupancy, 2 Meals A Day – Buffet Breakfast & Dinner, Daily Sightseeing With English Speaking Tour Guides, Entrance Fees, Airport Taxes, And Fuel Surcharges - Which Might Subject To Change, And Tips To Guides, Headwaiters, Porters, And Drivers.

Tour Host: Dr. Tim R. Barker

Tour Director: Dr. Calvin M. Durham

As I write, Judy and I are in Branson with 34 seniors from South Texas. We have had an absolute wonderful time.

The go carts were a little touch and go, but otherwise, we have enjoyed some wonderful shows and we’re looking forward to this final day that will end with a dinner cruise on table rock lake.

The centerpiece for the trip was the Sight and Sound Theater’s production of “Queen Esther”. An absolutely amazing, too difficult to describe, portrayal of the biblical account of this amazing young lady, whom God positioned to save the Jewish people.

Esther ultimately realized that she was placed in this incredibly high position for “Such A Time As This”.

With several thousand people in attendance, the production was ended with a very powerful altar call, inviting people to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. But, we were all reminded that we are here, now, for such a time as this!

In the story, Haman devised a plan to destroy God’s people! But God through Esther turn the tables on Haman!

We are watching, such vile and evil plans unfold right before our eyes. The works of Satan, John, 10:10, are literally thrown in our faces every day. The gloves and mask are off! It’s blatant, vile and obvious! probably more so to Seniors who have lived through so much change in our world!

Here is the thought for this article. While there is so much life to live and the Joy of the Lord is still abundant, you are not where you are without opportunity to be “Light and Salt” in your areas of influence, “for such a time as this”!

Seniors, are especially enriched through life experience to be “Living Letters”, Biblically uncompromised, Holy Spirit led, examples of Jesus Christ, beginning with our families and extending into our culture and indeed to our world.

Come on! “No Coasting to the Finish Line”! You are specially positioned to combat the enemies onslaught of putrid, destructive sin. Like Haman, Satan has targeted your family, our children and our Godly values. We are, no doubt, here, like Esther, for such a time as this!

While Seniors With Purpose will continue to provide some wonderful opportunities for enjoyable and, yes, fun times, we will always be challenged to keep our eye on the ball and be who we are called to be!

Wayne & Judy Clark Seniors With Purpose

Is the need for missionaries still relevant today? Jesus said to his disciples in Matthew 9:37-38 “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the Harvest therefore to send out workers into his Harvest.” The Holy Spirit is calling the Church to look up and see that the fields are ripe for harvest. He is asking workers to pour out their lives to proclaim Christ because there are still people in need of a Savior. That’s why we go, and send missionaries, to share the Hope of Christ to those who don’t know Him.

“God isn’t looking for people of great faith, but for individuals ready to follow Him.”

- Hudson Taylor

So, what do WE DO if we, or someone we know are feeling the CALL to MISSIONS? What does it take to become a missionary with the Assemblies of God (US/World)? What is the DIFFERENCE between Full Appointment and Missionary Associate assignments? These are some questions we get from time to time. Read below to find out how to get started today!

MISSIONARY ASSOCIATES (1-2 YEARS):

This opportunity will allow you to engage fully in missions work, building relationships on the field, and assimilating into another culture or ministry. You will serve with an established ministry on the field using your skills and interests under the supervision of an experienced missionary. MA’s serve for 1-2 years which can be foundational to a potential career in missions.

Qualifications:

Must be 18 years or older.

Born again Christian and growing believer.

Consistent in your personal devotional life.

Limited personal debt.

Recommendation from your District through an interview.

U.S. citizen or valid resident alien permit

Benefits:

A great opportunity to learn under a seasoned missionary.

Limited budget to raise (can only raise funds through friends and family, not calling churches).

A quicker path to the mission field.

Can keep your job while raising budget.

FULLY APPOINTED MISSIONARY (CAREER):

The main step for Full Appointment is a call of God on your life to share the Gospel & bring the hope of Jesus to the ends of the earth. Career Missionaries have different types of ministries and represent a wide range of educational and ministry backgrounds, but they all express a clear lifetime commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission through missions.

Qualifications:

A lifetime call to missions.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit according to Acts 2:4. Ordained or working on Ordination level credentials.

Limited personal debt.

Recommendation from your District through in-person interviews.

U.S. citizen or valid resident alien permit.

Benefits:

Calling churches and pastors for support.

Promotion of your ministry at District functions. STL vehicle; BGMC & LFTL funds for ministry needs.

“Heart Fund” for household goods (Overseas assignments)

WHAT IS MY NEXT STEP?

*For AGWM, go to wideopenmissions.org & apply.

*For AGUSM, call AGUSM at (417) 862-2781.

STXAGM

TO THE NATIONS!

Roger & Debbi Audorff, STXAGM Missions Directors email: raudorff.stxag@gmail.com visit our website: stxagmissions.org

Chaplain Spotlight

CHAPLAIN MCCLURE

Greetings, South Texas District. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, introduce you to Chaplaincy, and tell you about the facility I serve in. My name is Greg McClure. For the last 15 years, I have served as a nationally endorsed Assemblies of God Chaplain within the Federal Bureau of Prisons. I presently serve as Supervisory Chaplain at the Federal Detention Center located in downtown Houston, just a few blocks away from the Astros stadium.

To understand Chaplaincy is to know where it came from, how it began, and where it is today. Chaplaincy began with one act of compassion by a Roman Legionary Soldier who would later become a priest and then saint. That individual was St. Martin of Tours. The setting was the country of Gaul, modern day France, in the fourth century. This is how the story has been told. One day, St. Martin came upon a beggar along the road, shivering from the cold. Martin was so moved with compassion that he cut his cloak in half and gave one half to the beggar. Martin kept the other half of the cloak. The following night, Martin had a vision of Christ which appeared to him wrapped in the beggar’s half of the cloak. Martin was so moved by this encounter that he renounced his post as a soldier and joined the priesthood. Martin’s half of the cloak was kept and so revered that it was carried into battle by kings. The priest in charge of the cloak, who served as a custodian of sacred relics, was known by the Latin word cappellanus. This word comes from the word cappella which means a short cloak. Priests who were assigned as guardians of the sanctuary which housed the cappella were called chaplains, or keepers of the cloak. The places which housed the cappella became known as a chapel. Today, Chaplains are ministers who serve in settings outside of the local church. Our National Chaplaincy office describes it like this, “I am a Chaplain. This is my church.” At its very core, Chaplaincy is a compassion-based ministry rooted in the gospel of Matthew 25 where Jesus admonishes that what we’ve done for the least of these, we’ve done unto Him, including visiting those in prison. (Correctional Chaplains, Keepers of the Cloak, W. Thomas Beckner)

My current duty station is at a Federal Detention facility, what some might refer to as a high- rise prison. It is an administrative, multilevel facility, designed to meet the needs of adult male and female offenders appearing before the Federal Court in the Southern District of Texas. It contains eight different inmate housing units with two additional special housing or segregation units. My role as a Chaplain includes leading, providing, and facilitating ministry to almost 800 total inmates. Detention center ministry is unique, compared to other prisons, in that ministry takes place on each

unit separately. Additionally, over half of our inmate population is Spanish speaking. As you might expect, this is a daunting task to provide required weekly worship services while at the same time, overcoming language barriers. While the challenge is great, so is the opportunity. Since we are a detention facility, anywhere between 3,000 – 5,000 inmates come through our facility in any given year. For those that are designated, those inmates will release and return home to their families. This provides opportunities to reach those under our care with the message of hope and reconciliation.

I’m very proud to announce that we’ve created partnerships with the Texas Louisiana Hispanic District of the Assemblies of God, and El Tabernaculo Asambleas, led by Pastor Jay and Dr. Melissa Alfaro. They have been instrumental in helping connect our facility to Spanish-speaking Pastors to volunteer and minister to our Spanishspeaking inmate population. I’m also very excited to announce that we’ve also created a partnership with the Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas (Houston Women’s Campus) located in Alvin, Texas under the direction of Rachel Wallace. This partnership provides a local resource for releasing female inmates who need addiction recovery and support to successfully reenter society.

Even with all the challenges that come from working in prison, God reminds me that it is His work, and I remain steadfast in that. South Texas, this is just the beginning. It is my hope and prayer that Pastors, Ministers, and churches across this District will partner with our facility. Opportunities to partner would include having your church come in for a service. Members of your church could also come. Other opportunities include serving as a volunteer. As long as I’m Chaplain at this facility, you are welcome to be a part of this wonderful ministry. I am a Chaplain. This is my Church!!

If you or your church is interested in coordinating Prison Ministry or are interested in volunteer opportunities, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Respectfully,

FDC Houston

Chaplain McClure

713-221-5400 Ext. 6001

gdmcclure@bop.gov

Bio:

Chaplain McClure is an Ordained Minister in the South Texas District, holds a Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages (Emphasis in Chaplain Ministry) from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Science in Church Ministries from Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Prior to serving at FDC Houston, Chaplain McClure served as a Chaplain at FCI Texarkana (TX) and FCC Yazoo City (MS).

We have an exciting announcement! The South Texas Assemblies of God Ministries has partnered with ADF Church Alliance to better prepare and protect your c hurch. ADF Church Alliance is a membership program that provides legal help so you don’t have to navigate religious freedom issues alone.

The program is a hub for churches to gain access to experienced First Amendment lawyers who can answer religious liberty questions, conduct document reviews , provide advice, and even represent your church in court if necessary and appropriate – it’s virtually all-inclusive for religious freedom issues. Please join us for a webinar discussing our new partnership and how to protect your church from religious liberty threats.

FREE WEBINAR

Navigating Religious Liberty Threats and Protecting Your Church

Join us for a conversation with Alliance Defending Freedom. During this webinar, ADF will discuss cultural and legal challenges ministries face so you can become equipped to handle these trials in the days ahead.

Monday, September 25th |10:00 AM CDT

Apostles and Prophets

APOSTLES AND PROPHETS POSITION

PAPER

(ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL PRESBYTERY AUGUST 6, 2001)

Modern church statisticians cite the phenomenal growth of the Pentecostal movement and report that Pentecostals and charismatics now make up the second largest Christian group in the world. Pentecostals stand in awe of what God has done and attribute such amazing expansion to their simple trust in the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit, which continues to be at work in the church today.

The rapid advance of the Pentecostal revival has also been accompanied by a new openness to the gifts of the Spirit. The evangelical world increasingly has turned from cessationism, the belief gifts of the Spirit ceased at the end of the New Testament era, to an understanding that New Testament gifts of the Holy Spirit are vital for ministry today.

With the restoration of the miraculous gifts to the Church has also come the question of whether God is restoring the five-fold ministry of Ephesians 4:11: “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.”1 Bible scholars differ on whether the gifts of pastor and teacher are separate in Ephesians 4 (yielding a total of five), or whether a better translation might be “ . . . and some to be pastorteachers” (yielding a total of four). Greek grammar would seem to dictate four, but the New Testament often discusses pastoral and teaching roles separately. However, the best designation for ministry is neither fivefold nor fourfold but manifold. Ephesians 4:12 gives to all saints the work of ministry, while 1 Corinthians 12:28–30 and Romans 12:6–8 provide aspects of ministry beyond the designations in Ephesians 4:11,12.

Relatively few questions are raised about the validity of contemporary evangelists, pastors, and teachers. However, there are a number of voices in the church today calling for the restoration of apostles and prophets, thinking these offices are the key to continued growth and vitality. The issue is important, and this paper is an effort to seek scriptural guidance.

The Apostolic Church

Some advocate the recognition of contemporary apostles and use the term apostolic. They believe church bodies that do so have moved closer to the New Testament ideal of ministry.

Historically, the adjective apostolic has been used to signify (1) church bodies that attempt to trace a succession of their clergy back to the original 12 apostles, as do the Catholic and Episcopal churches; (2) Oneness, or Jesus-Only, Pentecostal churches, who since the early 20th century have used the description “Apostolic Faith” (previously used by Trinitarian Pentecostals such as Charles F. Parham and William J. Seymour) to designate their distinctive doctrines; (3) churches that claim God has raised up present-day apostles in their midst (“New Apostolic” and “Fivefold” churches); or (4) churches, including most Protestant groups, that claim to be apostolic because they teach what the apostles taught; that is, New Testament doctrine. Therefore, most Christian denominations think of themselves, in one sense or another, as apostolic.

Pentecostal churches believe they are apostolic because (1) they teach what the apostles taught, and (2) they share in the power of the apostles through the baptism in and fullness of the Holy Spirit, who empowers their lives and ministries. They believe what matters is not a contemporary apostolic office but apostolic doctrine and power.

The New Testament Apostles

The origin of the apostolic office is traced in the Gospels to Jesus. The Gospel of Mark reads, “[Jesus] appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons” (Mark 3:14,15). Matthew and Luke contain similar attributions (cf. Matthew 10:2; Luke 6:13). The number 12 seems to have had significance, so the most common title for this group in the Gospels is “the Twelve” rather than “the Apostles” (cf. Matthew 26:14,20,47; Mark 4:10; 6:7; 9:35; Luke 8:1; 9:1; 18:31; John 6:67; 20:24). The designation “the Twelve” also continued in the life of the Early Church through the writings of Luke (Acts 6:2) and the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 15:5). In addition, Jesus himself is called by the writer to the Hebrews “the apostle and high priest whom we confess,” (Hebrews 3:1).

The word apostle comes from the Greek apostolos2 and may be translated by such terms as delegate, envoy, messenger, or agent.3 Since Jesus probably spoke Hebrew or Aramaic rather than Greek, it is possible the Hebrew/Aramaic shaliach also means much the same as apostolos. This is the actual word used by Jesus and His earliest followers and provides much of the conceptual background. The rabbis of Jesus’ day regarded it as an important legal principle: “A man’s agent (shaliach) is like unto himself.”4 This meant if a man’s agent made a deal, it was the same as the man himself making the deal. The modern concept of power of attorney is very similar.

When it comes to apostles or other kinds of agents, it is of crucial importance whom the agent represents. The Gospels make it clear the apostles were appointed by Jesus to act on His behalf. Mark’s tersely stated record of their initial commission is “that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons” (Mark 3:14,15). It has to do with personal fellowship with Jesus, preaching the good news of the kingdom of God on Jesus’ behalf, and participation in the power of Jesus to cast out demons. Jesus apparently sent them out early in the Galilean ministry with instructions to preach and heal the sick (cf. Matthew 10:5–14; Mark 6:7–11; Luke 9:1–5). Like the Seventy dispatched later, their immediate scope of ministry was to “the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 10:6).

To continue reading visit: ag.org/Beliefs/Position-Papers