Conclave
A GATHERING OF LEADERS
A Servant’s Heart Special Conclave Session Facilitator: Elder Phyllis Morrison Saturday, May 3, 2014 Fairfield, CA
Apostle Ezreaonne Jackson Host / Prelate
Bishop Dennis Golphin Guest Prelate
History
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ishop J. D. Ellis, II alone with the Eldership of the church saw a need for the leadership of the ministry to be uniformed. So the Eldership address their Superior concerning the need and it was in April of 1971 that the Church of God in Christ, Presidium and Board of Bishops was uniformed in their Quadrennial Installation scheduled for that evening. This went over so well that they decided to uniform the other Ministers and women in Ministry. In November of the same year Elder Beuford Terry or Cleveland, Ohio and Elder Marcus Butler of Jackson, Mississippi was ask to assist, then a year later Elder Walter Bogan of Flint, Michigan and Elder Phillip A. Brooks of Detroit to serve in the Holy Communion and the Adjutancy took off. Definition: Is a borrowed Military term which means; 1 a staff officer acting as a general assistant to a commanding officer; 2 a staff officer in charge of and responsible for official correspondence except combat orders, personnel records, etc.; 3 One who assists or helps.
The Mind Set o Remember that you are serving the man or woman of God (commanding officers) of the Kingdom o Remember that your destiny is in the mouth of your leader (commanding officer) SERVANT ATTRIBUTES: † Humility: A Servant must be humble and not become “big headed” † Intercessor: A Servant must know how to go to God on behalf of his/her leader. † Warfare: A Servant must know how to war in the spirit. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against powers, against spiritual wickedness in high places”. (Eph. 6:12) the Kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take if by force. (Matt. 11:12) † Time Management: Organize yourself, so that your Leader can flow in the “spirit” and not in the “flesh.” † Sacrifice: You have to give up something! Time, Money, Talents, Family & Friends † Commitment: You have to be faithful even when you don’t feel like it. When others won’t do you will and should do!
Three Areas of Servant Ministry. • Adjutants – Acts as a personal secretary: relating to an individual, conduct, motive or private affairs. • Armorbearer – Acts as an aid to the leader: to provide with what is useful or necessary in achieving an end. To give assistance. • Handmaiden – Takes care of the leaders belongings: watchful attention or maintenance.
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The Adjutant n Adjutant sometimes act as his/her leader’s confidential secretary.: marked by intimacy or willingness to confide or entrusted with confidences. One who handles correspondence and manages routine and detail work for their leader. An Adjutant MUST: ♦Have tack and diplomacy: Know how to respond to a situation without causing it to escalate. ♦Be Obedient: Do what you should do and not what you think should be done; and not what you want to be done. ♦Communicate: Know how to communicate with your leader, ministry and to the vision of your leader. ♦Flexible: Avail yourself to the needs of your leader, ministry and to the vision of your leader. ♦Be Patient: Know when to “wait” (keep serving until….) and to stand still. ♦Be Alert: Know your surroundings, know your leader needs (“Johnny On The Spot”); and know that you know! ♦Organized: Disorganization brings about CONFUSION!! The adjutant is the one who has principle charge of the Chief Apostle, Apostle, Bishop’s or leader’s movements in the Sanctuary.
Armourbearer Acts as an aid to the leader. • A nointed to Served • R esponsible for Atmosphere • M ature in Faith • O rganized & Detailed Orented • U nified with fellow servants • R eformation Minded: the doctrine and practice and establishment of the ICM churches. • B oldness In Intercession • E ncouraging • A nticipates The Need • R elationship Oriented • E ffective In Intercession • R eveals Jesus
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uties of an Armourbearer
• Protect: To be a shield from harm and/or injury • Serve: To render obedience and worship to God & your leader • Watch: A state of alertness and continual attention: know your surroundings and those around you. • Pray: Act of communicating and interceding to God on behalf of your leader and ministry. Handmaiden Will never allow there leader to be embarrassed • Apparel is neat and clean • Hair in place and nice looking • Make-up is appropriate Pray: Act of communicating and interceding to God on behalf of your leader and ministry.
Qualification of an Adjutant /Armorbearer • Above Reproach: blame; discredit or disgrace • Husband of one Wife • Prudent: marked by wisdom • Respectable • Apt to teach • Not given to wine • Not self-willed • Not quick tempered • Gentle • Free from the love of money • Lovers of good • Just • Devout: devoted, to the ministry, or the belief of the reformation • Rule his own house well • A good reputation with those outside the church Public conduct of an Adjutant / Armour bearer • The servant must keep the integrity of the servant calling in his or her own mind • The servant must maintain a good reputation Ministry • The servant must always remember that they serve. • The servant must protect the use of their name Levitical Vestment and Dress Code • Colors • Chief Apostle primary color is Scarlet. • Apostle’s and Bishop’s is Fuchsia. • All other Clergy is Black or White Cassocks
Vestments • Cassock: black ‘tunic’ worn by priests ~ Black represents death to the world • Rochet : alb long full-length white garment ~ Covering of purity • Cincture: cord around waist ~ Binds alb (and unchaste passions) • Chimere: Sleeveless outer robe ˜ Defender of the faith • Stole: long strip of linen hung around the neck ~ Immortality and yoke of ordained obedience • Chasuble: covers all other garments at Mass ~ Covering of ‘spiritual armor’ for protection • Surplice: similar to alb, shorter with lace bottom • Zucchetto: small hat that sits on the crown of head; normally removed for prayer. • Cope: worn during the (The ceremony of sprinkling the altar, clergy, and congregation with holy water.) Roman Catholic Church • Crosier: ornamented bishop’s staff ~ The staff of the shepherd of the flock of God • Mitre: two-pointed hat of higher clergy ~ Points symbolize Old-New Testaments teaching • Tiara: papal crown with three crowns ~ Temporal, societal and spiritual ruler • Bishops’ Ring (faith) and Cross/chain (authority)chain 40in long to allow the proper wearing with the vestments or civic attire. Only the Bishop’s and Apostles wear gold chains and crosses. The adjutants wear silver crosses and black ropes. Adjutants to the Bishops/Apostles were a purple cord. • Pallium: stole with six crosses (archbishop)
Understanding Episcopal Protocol 1. Standing You stand when the Chief Apostle enters a room or when they are being introduce for the first time. 2. Publicly Addressing a Bishop Chief Apostle – Your Eminence (Your Excellency) Apostle – Your Grace Bishop – Your Grace 3. Addressing leaders and spouse of unknown titles If you do not know the title of the spouse or the leader you would say: Grace and Peace be unto you, the replay: Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you.
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o’s and Don’ts
1. Never stand in front of or between your leader and individual they are talking to. 2. Never turn your back on your leader. 3. Always back at least three steps backwards before walking away. 4. Always walk slightly to the side and behind them depending on the circumstance or situation. 5 Never enter their conversation unless you are invited, then make you answer brief as possible. (remember they are not your associate)
6. Never allow anyone to walk or step in front of your leader. a. When sitting have individual go around. b. Entering an elevator no one gets on until your leader is on and situated (people are not to over crowd him/her). c. During convocations or any other type conferences someone should be assigned to assist the leaders at the elevators, until all of them are settled. 7. Never let anyone directly approach your leader without your consent. (if leaders are approaching one another adjutants should have already communicated to one another by [eye or nodding of the head] before it takes place. Unless they want to greet the people (still don’t let the people rush your leader). 8. Your leader is to NEVER carry anything in their hands (I don’t care if they say no thank you, take it!). And guess what neither are you. Ask me why? I’m glad you asked You can not serve with your hands full. There should be someone to assist you as well. To bring your leaders bible and personal belongs and yours or you place them where your leader will be sitting and have someone to watch the items. 9. You are to never use your cell phone while in the leader presence of your leader in public. If there is an emergency then someone should be your alternate call. For those of you that have children put your phone on vibrate. If you are sharing a room with your leader don’t be loud (they are still in the presence of the Lord after ministering). If need take the call outside the room. 10. When traveling with your leader you should always make sure that their clothes are ready for the next day (everything, even their change of clothes for later on).
Arise in the morning and make sure that nothing is needed (if they like coffee make sure that the coffee is there [know your leader]. You should be waiting on them not the leader waiting on you. You have to be in the proper position to serve. 11. Last but not least, pray at all times. Chose a day of fasting and consecration while on the field ministering with your leader. Just a few hours, because you need your strength. Remember stay in your place until you are release by your leader. Now we will learn how to properly dress our leaders: As Adjutants and Armorbearers our Leaders are to do nothing but stand while we dress them. We should not have to take the time to figure this out or ask our Leader. Know the vestments and put them on, in a fashionable amount of time. Exercise: Let’s see how many of you can properly dress your leader. (Give 1 ½ mintues). 1. His/Her shirt/blouse with their Collarette/collar. They should already have this on. 2. Cassock (robe like) 3. Cincture (belt) 4. Rochet (long sleeved white linen dress) 5. Chimere (only the Presiding prelate may wear the scarlet chimere) (cloke) 6. Bishop’s Scarf (should have a embroidered seal) 7. Zucchetto (fitted skull cap) 8. Chain and Cross
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hese items are worn in a processional: the Cope and Miter, Staff or Crozier The Beretta is for outside wear, but can be used for processionals also.
Conclusion Examine yourself periodically and your actions. Ask yourself these 3 questions: 1. Am I faithful in interceding? 2. Am I watchful in spirit? 3. Does my Lord consider me a good ambassador of Him as well as my leader? Sometimes you may wonder or hear people talking about you, and you will ask yourself ‘is it worth it’? Your answer, Matthew 10:40-42
Reference: Books: Used and Read The Bible Vocati Ab Ministrandum; “A Calling to Servant-Ministry” Author – J. Delano Ellis, II, Pentecostal Church of Christ in Cleveland, Ohio Records of the Adjutancy in the Church of God in Christ. The Art of Armor Bearing “God’s Blueprint for Effective Sevarnthood” Bishop Lester Love God’s Armor Bearer Vol. 1 & 2 God’s Armor Bearer Devotional “Developing a Spirit of Excellence in Serving God’s Leaders – Terry Nance Supporting the Pastor’s Vision Dr. Robert L. Matthews - Ruling Elder of Evangel Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland Seminars Attended and materials used: A Servant’s Heart: Humility, Intercession & Spiritual Warfare Elder Brenda G. Jones – New Restoration Community Church in Henderson, NC http://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/ELDERBRENDAGJONES The Armorbearer Coach Armorbearers International – Earma Brown Website: www.armorbearers.net Adjutant and Leadership conferences Faith, Victory and Freedom International Apostle Halvester Gupton Semainar Teachers: Bishop William S. Spain, The Glorious Church http://www.gloriouschurchraleigh.Bishop Slaugther
www.EzreaonneJackson.org