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If only I could have some JOY while serving in the ministry! So many leave their Kingdom assignment because of the increasing pressure of a multitude of responsibilities that have been heaped upon them by the people they serve. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy with unspoken requirements that we put upon ourselves. Jesus says that the pressures of life can choke out the fruitfulness of God in our lives. Don K. Wiehe Matthew 13:18-23 (NIV) District Sectretary/ 18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower Truesurer means: 19When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” Opposition can choke out the fruitfulness of God in a believer’s life. A lack of Biblical understanding, trouble, persecution, worries and the deceitfulness of wealth is what Jesus says can choke out the fruitfulness that Jesus desires for our life. One writer says it like this,
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Joy in Greek “There are eight Greek words for joy in the New Testament, but the most prevalent one is chara [khar-ah’]. It appears about 60 times in the New Testament, and its first occurrence is about the nativity of Jesus in Matthew 2:10, which says, “when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” According to Strong’s Concordance, chara means joy, calm delight, or inner gladness. It is related to chairo [khah’-ee-ro], which means to rejoice and charis [khar’-ece], which means grace. Therefore, chara means to rejoice because of grace. It is the awareness of God’s grace or favors through Jesus, as well as our reaction to it. Putting it all together Biblical joy comes from the Lord. It is a perpetual gladness of the heart that comes from knowing, experiencing, and trusting Jesus. Martin Lloyd-Jones said, “joy, in other words, is the response and the reaction of the soul to a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Moreover, biblical joy is not based on our possessions or circumstances like worldly joy. Warren Wiersbe defines joy as “that inward peace and sufficiency that is not affected by outward circumstances.” It is my prayer that you be filled with Biblical Joy, that steadfast fulfillment in knowing you are loved by God and that your obedience is pleasing to Him thus bringing you joy. Hebrews 12:2 & 3 NIV “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
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I recently had opportunity to sit down with Robert and April Jones to talk about their new marriage book, Top Five Needs. I had met the Jones at the district’s Valentine’s event in February where Robert and April had shared from their hearts about marriage, communication and serving one another’s needs. My husband and I received a copy of the book that evening and started reading it on the drive home the next day. First off, I asked the Jones to share a bit about themselves. They met in Bible College and after four years and an alarming number of refusals and what could only be described as divine rearrangement; April finally relented to a relationship. (You can read all about their courtship in their book.) Once April’s heart was fully engaged, marriage followed quickly and now the couple has been married thirty years. Robert and April have served as ministers and missionaries throughout their life together. They have four children and currently pastor First Assembly in McAllen, Texas. Both Robert and April are certainly quite qualified to write; Robert preaches weekly and April is a blogger and Bible teacher in her own right. When I asked them why they chose such a challenging subject for their first book, they laughed and explained that they were thrown into. Robert shared about a ministry season in Modesto, CA where he served as Family Pastor and overseeing a couples class was part of his portfolio. During that time, he sat with thousands of couples in crisis and wound up reaching deep into his own marital challenges and God-solutions in order to minister to those marriages. His counseling sessions created a demand for marriage conferences and he and April rose to the task. Marriage became such a huge part of their ministry that Robert began a manuscript in 2016; but the Covid-19 pandemic afforded him time to finish the manuscript and space for April to add her personal touches. (You’ll note, April has interjections throughout the book; they add a delightful dimension to the work.) Early on in the book, Robert writes about his realization of his marriage being in trouble and his growing desperation to salvage it. This surprised me as a reader because surveys show that men typically rank their marriage higher than their counterpart wife, typically even on the
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same day. I asked Robert to share some warnings of marital despair for husbands who might otherwise be unaware. He responded with three indicators: a spouse showing signs of giving up or resignation, a lack of intimacy (physically and emotionally) and disintegration into separate lives. He explained how April had resigned herself to their marriage not improving, the coldness that had grown between them as she guarded her heart and poured herself into outside tasks to distract from the disconnection during that season. April nodded in agreement as he described these symptoms. Both Robert and April are refreshingly honest in their book. I asked if the level of vulnerability was diffcult for them April explained how important it was to share the bedrock truth of what they had learned; but to do so in a way that honored the people in their stories. Rob agreed that this was a hard balance to strike and the book went through a rigorous editing process. The book is titled Top Five Needs and I asked Robert for clarification; does every husband and wife have the same five needs? Are those needs static throughout the marriage? His quick answer was "No and no.” He went on to explain how a spouse’s top five needs are as unique to them as their fingerprint. Needs correlate with personality, experience, life season and even personal growth. A person’s top five needs will change over time and should be re-evaluated on a regular basis. Now, learning to serve your spouse in those needs, that’s a skillset that will be required until death do we part. As we closed out our time together, I asked Robert and April to share one sentence about why we need to read the book. April said “The concepts of the revelation that God gave my husband translate into every area of life.” and Robert agreed, then laughed and added, “You don’t have to be miserable, there are solutions available for every marriage.” All in all, your marriage can benefit from the truths shared in this enjoyable and applicable book. Pick up your copy today on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. (This interview conducted by Anna Thoreson, an ordained STX minister and blogger. You can read more of her writing on STXAGWM.org and agreatuntethering.com )
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our board meeting was ending, I made a tearful and humbling confession: “I feel like I am driving down a dirt road behind a truck. I can see nothing but a cloud of dust. I am struggling with vision and direction for our church.” For more than a year, our staff had scrambled to adapt to evolving COVID-19 mandates. I was so consumed with keeping my head above water I had little margin for planning our next steps. I had prayed for a fresh vision, but nothing was clear. I felt discouraged and incompetent. I was even beginning to question my calling. After that emotional moment with my board, I debriefed with a trusted colleague. I admitted I had been working at a pace that was not sustainable. Since the start of the pandemic, I had not taken a regular sabbath, much less a vacation. I also realized it had been seven years since my last sabbatical. I knew I needed to get one on the calendar. Perhaps you recognize the need for a sabbatical but are not sure how to ask for one or whether your church even offers one. If that’s you, stay tuned. What Is a Sabbatical? In addition to a weekly sabbath and annual vacations, a sabbatical is part of a comprehensive approach to stewarding a ministry calling. A sabbatical may include rest, education, travel, study, and prayer. It is a good practice to schedule a sabbatical every five to seven years, with each one lasting between one and six months. Our church provides all pastors with a one-month sabbatical every seven years. Sabbaticals have not always been a part of our Assemblies of God tradition, but a growing number of ministers, churches and districts are recognizing their value. Why You Need It To become better leaders, pastors may attend conferences, read books, and even engage coaches. However, many of us ignore the need for rest and reflection. People expect pastors to be on call 24/7. They expect us to be scholars, counselors, anointed preachers, visionaries, general contractors, authors and caregivers. After years of carrying the weight of all these expectations, many ministers burn out. After my confession to our board, I realized I had been depleted for quite a while. It is past time for an extended break when vision is lacking, energy is waning, joy is fading, and depression is rising. If you’re questioning your calling, that is a clear sign you need to get away and seek God. A sabbatical benefits not only the leader, but also his or her family and church. Even those who are skilled at separating work and family inevitably carry home some of the stress. A sabbatical provides an opportunity to reset and refocus on what matters most, including family. The church’s ministry is more effective when leaders are healthy, and getting adequate rest is a vital part of maintaining good health. A sabbatical can also enhance longevity. Often, a pastor will return with renewed passion and vision for ministry. And leaders who take time to rest set a positive example for other members of the congregation.
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Requesting Time Away How do you ask for a sabbatical if your church does not offer one? The tension surrounding such a request causes some pastors to remain silent and continue down a path toward burnout. Perhaps you recognize the need for a sabbatical but do not want to appear self-serving. Remember that rest is not just a human concept; it’s God’s idea (Genesis 2:2; Leviticus 23:3). Consider your relationship with the board and their personalities when deciding whether you or another person should request the sabbatical. If you make the request, be humble and avoid an entitlement or martyr mentality. Pastoring comes with a unique set of challenges. However, it is counterproductive to commu- nicate to board members that your job is more demanding than theirs. There may be value in asking and preparing another person to advocate for your sabbatical. Your spokesperson should have a relationship with the board and a personal interest in your health and effectiveness. A board member or church leader could make the request. Alternatively, another pastor or presbyter could speak on your behalf. Many district leaders are willing to help you address this topic with your board. Input from leaders outside the church carries weight and may help relieve some of the tension. If no one is available to present your case, a letter or an article outlining the benefits of a sabbatical could serve a similar purpose. Preparation and clear communication will significantly influence the outcome of your request. Be ready to negotiate, but present your board with a proposal from which to begin discussions. Here are six considerations to keep in view:
in as leaders and cover other responsibilities. This had a lasting and positive impact on our church. 5. Establish your exit and reentry strategy. Inviting a board member to communicate the sabbatical policy to the congregation will help curb assumptions. A formal send-off is a good way for the congregation to participate in the sabbatical process. In blessing you and praying for you, they are a part of creating a healthy church. The plan for your reentry is also important. Upon returning, you might want to present a brief report to the congregation and board to demonstrate accountability and the value of a sabbatical policy. 6. Express gratitude — but don’t apologize — for the time away. Taking a sabbatical is good stewardship. When I realized the benefits of a sabbatical, I no longer felt like it was self-serving. My prayer is that you will arrive at the same conclusion. If your church doesn’t offer a sabbatical policy, it may be time to start a discussion about the value it could add. A sabbatical is an investment churches make in pastors, so pastors can continue investing in the kingdom of God. This article by Kent Mankins was republished from the Summer 2021 edition of Influence magazine.
1. Present a policy, rather than a one-time request. A new policy for all pastoral staff members will appear less self-serving and will benefit future pastors. 2. Settle financial questions. Typically, pastors continue to draw their full salary during sabbaticals. Churches may also provide compensation for education or travel. Our church provides an honorarium in addition to the pastor’s salary. Some churches offer nothing, and others cover all expenses. If any of your responsibilities will require compensating someone else while you are away, you will also want to include this in the discussion. 3. Identify the purpose. Since a sabbatical is different from a vacation, clearly communicate the reason for taking one. Ideally, a sabbatical should incorporate elements of rest, study, reflection, dreaming, and most importantly, deep communion with God. 4. Put together a plan. A leadership vacuum can lead to chaos. During your initial request, you may not have all the leaders in place, but outlining each of your responsibilities demonstrates you have thought through the implications of your absence. When I took a sabbatical while serving as lead pastor of a smaller church, I was the only full-time staff member. A board member who had recently retired offered to take over the management of daily operations. A local retired pastor agreed to preach each Sunday I was gone, for a small honorarium. We empowered key volunteers to step
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Ministers & Churches Changes and Updates New Certified
Amaris Campos Victoria Cantu Santos Galicia Jose Gonzales Stormy Greathouse
Luis Guzman Kara Haley Richard Mallet Gabriel O’Dell
Ariel Sosa Nia Walker Brandon Wood Ashley Woodward
Guillermo Dominguez
Olivia Watson
New License David Delgado Azeneth Dominguez
Upgraded to License Transfers in
Heather Armstrong
Lance Abate – Rocky Mountain District Christopher Conley – Oregon District Cody Laymon – Arkansas District Gwen Lemley – Tennessee District
Transfers Out
Jeremiah Robison – Ohio District Brittany Robison – Ohio District Patricia Foster – North Carolina District Randy Lindsey – Idaho Ministry Network Austin Albury – Rocky Mountain Ministry Network Vanessa Perez – Arizona District
William Greg Lemley – Tennessee District Ricardo Mijon – Texas Louisiana Hispanic District Rose Mijon – Texas Louisiana Hispanic District Cary Robertson – North Texas District Gilberto Lopez Jr. – North Texas District Alanna Thibodeaux – Northern CA & Nevada District Randy Jordan – Arkansas District Lawrence Register – West Florida District Bailey Vautrain – North Texas District
New Pastors Pastor Weston Berry – Senior Pastor | Dayspring Church – Porter, TX PastorJustin Taylor Choate – Senior Pastor | Harvest Church – Daisetta, TX Pastor Sherri Davila – Senior Pastor | First Assembly of God – Pearsall, TX Pastor Angela Okotie-Eboh – Senior Pastor | The Ark Fellowship Assembly of God – Cypress, TX Pastor Ronnie Ford – Senior Pastor | Faith Assembly of God – Lumberton, TX Pastor Warren Kalkstine – Senior Pastor | Faith Assembly of God – League City, TX Pastor George Kraft – Senior Pastor | Family Worship Center – Bay City, TX Pastor Steve Martin – Senior Pastor | New Beginnings Fellowship – Port Lavaca, TX Pastor Carolyn Morehead – Senior Pastor | Faith Christian Fellowship – Yorktown, TX Pastor Brandon Morgan – Senior Pastor | All Nations Worship Center – Conroe, TX
Church Name Change Harvest Church | Formerly: First Assembly of God Daisetta – Daisetta, TX
New Church: Brave Church – Missouri City, TX | Senior Pastor: Bart Lindsey 11
2022 Schedule Date
Level 1 Courses
Level 2 Courses
Level 3 Courses
Leadership Exchange
March 14
BIB214 Old Testament Survey
MIN251 Effective Leadership
No Class
“A Reason for Hope” Rev. Stephen Samuel
April 4
BIB121 MIN223 Introduction to Introduction Hermeneutics: How to Homiletics Study the Bible
MIN325 Preaching in the Contemporary World
Discussion to be Announced
May 9
THE211 Introduction to Theology
THE245 Eschatology: A Study of Things to Come
MIN327 Discussion Church Administration, to be Announced Finance & Law
June
MIN191 Beginning Internship
MIN291 Intermediate Internship
MIN391 Advanced Internship
Summer Break
July & August
Summer Break
Summer Break
Summer Break
Summer Break
September 12
THE142 BIB115 THE311 AG History, Missions & Acts: The Holy Spirit at Prayer & Worship Governance Work in the Believers
(Certified)
(License)
(Ordained)
Discussion to be Announced
MIN171 Spirit Empowered Church
MIN261 Introduction to A/G Missions
October 3
MIN181 Relationships & Ethics in Ministry
MIN281 Conflict Management for Church Leaders
MIN381 Pastoral Ministry
Discussion to be Announced
November 7
BIB114 Christ in the Synoptic Gospels
MIN123 The Local Church in Evangelism
BIB313 Corinthian Correspondence
Discussion to be Announced
December
Christmas Break
Christmas Break
Christmas Break
Christmas Break
Hosted at the South Texas Assemblies of God Ministries Center, 12106 East Sam Houston Pkwy N, Houston, TX 77044 Classes start at 6pm. Classes are avalible live streaming via Zoom. For Zoom links contact the District Office at 713.455.1221. 12
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VISIT TODAY! www.PROJECTSHOVELREADY.org
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A Very Special Senior Summit, “FIND US FAITHFUL” This year’s Summit, “Find Us Faithful”, will come to us from a bit of a different angle! Our three speakers, all in their 40’s, have a perspective, a Biblical perspective, concerning the value and need of our older generations fulfilling their God designed role in the lives of following generations. Why? Great question! They all three deal with younger generations and have come to realize that our Seniors possess values and a grit for life that living for Jesus requires and is lacking in many of the younger in our churches and communities. Seniors have a lot to give! We will have some great music ministry, the Harvesters, from SAGU and the “Sisters” from South Carolina! Check out the Sisters at sistersmusic.org. And, we’ll have a bunch of fun too! But make no mistake, there is deep purpose and some important goals for this Summit! Judy and I can hardly wait! I’m looking forward to the opening moments of the Summit too! Should be arresting, yet very enjoyable and will set a great tone and provide direction for the rest of the Summit! Please, please get yourself registered bring as many as you can and join us April 4-6 at the Hill Country Camp. Pastors, please let your Seniors know and assist them coming to our 2022 South Texas Senior Summit, “Find Us Faithful”! And, consider coming with them and help serve them! A great way to invest in them!
Some Food for Senior Thought! Ok, I’ve never been this old before! It is amazing how with age some perspectives change, priorities adjust, and some goals are revisited and revised! Some things that once seemed so important don’t quite hit the mark anymore! God’s Word doesn’t change! God’s purpose for my life is the same. But some of my assignments to accomplish His purpose can change and are sometimes new to me as I grow older! Also, I’m noticing, some things which were once taken for granted, are now very appreciated, even looked forward to and embraced with a bear hug! Navigating life’s stages of age is not just a piece of cake! Plus, you throw in our culture’s definition of retirement and family that has made its way, to one degree or another, into the church and it becomes more difficult for Seniors to remain relationally and strategically plugged into both family and church the way God has designed! Wow, to exhaust that piece of thought using what the Bible teaches about the older generations’ role and responsibilities to the younger
is not remotely possible in a short article like this. So, let’s just take one aspect that blankets the subject. Something that every Senior should be taking very serious in their last half of life! First, let me say it bluntly! The Bible rejects much of our culture’s definition of retirement! The Godly purpose of old age, is not a life of leisure and self-indulgence! Wow, would like to run with that ball for a while!!! Here are the last 4 verses of Psalm 92: The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing, to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. Then there is this warning in Deut 4:9: “Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren.” God expects us to be fruitful as Seniors, engaged in helping following generations to be Christ-like! The Bible hasn’t made this a “holy request”! As Seniors, this is our call and purpose in our families and churches! While so much more needs to be said, suffice it to say, that we will do our best to not only say it, but, in some ways, to provide opportunities and pathways to do it! Much more to follow! “No Coasting to the Finish Line!” Wayne and Judy Clark Seniors With Purpose STXAGM
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WARRIOR
Princess
Girls Camp May 6-7, 2022 Hill Country Camp Kerrville, TX
$55 per person until April 18th $65 after April 18th Registration transferable but not refundable
Grab your camo and your crown, you were chosen for such a time as this!
Melissa LeClare Host
Jen Whalen Speaker
** Camp packet and medical release available at www.stxgm.org/forms ** Questions? Contact Melissa LeClare - Girls Ministries Director mleclare@stxag.org 713.455.1221
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$40 per person *meals included* Register by March 16th Melissa LeClare mleclare@stxag.org 713.455.1221 12106 E Sam Houston Pkwy N Houston, TX 77044
Hampton Inn & Suites 14120 Karissa Ct Houston, TX 77049 281.741.3816 19
Powwow 2022 will be April 8-10 at Camp Williams in Hallettsville. Registration will be open by the end of January and boys will have 3 days of adventure and excitement in a beautiful outdoor setting. Rev. Chance Abbott, STXAG Youth Alive Director, will be our featured services speaker. Royal Rangers is celebrating 60 years of mentoring future men in 2022! Our big celebration will be at National Camporama in Eagle Rock, Missouri from July 10-15. An estimated 5,000 boys and men from all across America will spend a week together hearing from anointed speakers and having the adventure of their lives. All churches are invited to participate and can contact us for more information. jason@stxroyalrangers.com
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