gkelley@amnag.org
Superintendent. My goal is not to impress you, but to share my heart. I am humbled Alabama family, and I ask for your pa4ence—and especially your prayers—as I step into
God in Montgomery, one of our church moFos was “Doing Life Together.” I look spirit with this incredible family.
week in Springfield, Missouri, where we had the opportunity to do just that. We aFended the new Superintendent’s Orienta4on and were privileged to stay a few extra days for the AGWM Missionary Renewal and Commissioning. It was a powerful week—not only witnessing 84 new missionaries being commissioned but also praying over and presen4ng Bibles to Alabama’s newest missionaries, Forrest and Autumn Belson.
What a privilege it was to also gather with 40 to 50 members of our Alabama ministry family for Alabama Ministry Connect, hosted by our District Missions Directors, David and Susan Strahan. Along with many new and current missionaries and leaders, we were honored to spend 4me with former leaders and heroes such as Sis. Jimmie Ruth Headley, Bill and Mary Strickland, and Howard and Evelyn Reynolds. We shared stories, laughed, cried, and prayed together. What a legacy. What a family. We are blessed.
As I began this ar4cle, I asked for your prayers. I believe that is what God is calling us to do as a family: pray. This is what I keep sensing God speaking to my spirit—we need to pray more fervently than ever before. I know most of us pray, but are we praying enough? I fear we may talk about prayer, share quotes about it, and read about it more than we actually pray.
My parents who were lifelong ministers shared with me a\er I first began ministry, a truth I’ve never forgoFen. “We must not become so busy in the Work of the Lord, that we fail to make 4me for the Lord of the Work!”
Our General Secretary, Brad Kessler, shared this week that there are four things he prays every day: 1.) For God’s anoin4ng; 2.) For wisdom; 3.) For God to expand his capacity; and 4.) For eyes of faith in every situa4on!
And our Assistant General Superintendent, Rick DuBose, shared from his book, “IN JESUS NAME” the following: “This present manifesta4on of evil is of a kind we have never faced before, and it will require a different kind of prayer to defeat it… a new level of prayer is required when there is a new level of devil.”
Church, we are facing things in our day that apart from the help of Almighty God we will fail! 2 Chronicles 7:14 lets us know that there are condi4ons for His precious promises, by sta4ng IF we pray… THEN… As your newly elected Superintendent, I am calling our family to prayer! I believe as we pray, we will see the Hand of God at work in our family like never before! Will you pray with me?
CLARK
as your new Secretary-Treasurer! We know many of you well, ahead. I wanted to take this opportunity, in wri4ng my first entry family, and to share our hopes for our 4me in this important role.
spent as part of the Assemblies of God family in Alabama. My pastors and in mul4ple offices and roles over many decades. As Ambassador, first as a camper and later as a camp staff member serving Henderson, and David Strahan. For several summers, I sang in teenager, I traveled with my dad and visited over 250 of our together. What a fond collec4on of memories I am privileged to
Alabama (Roll Tide!), where I focused my studies in Business playing in the Million Dollar Band in those years. A\erward, I Sensing that God’s calling on my life was coming to frui4on, I in 1996. I later had the privilege of being ordained in 2000 at District Council mee4ng in which my dad re4red from service
opportunity to join his staff in 1997 as an associate pastor, and it has twenty-nine years in a variety of roles, focusing primarily on me, I worked under two of the great leaders in our fellowship fruioulness through long seasons of adversity. These men have leader.
twenty-seven years of marriage. She is beau4ful inside and out, her. Our children, Emma and Joshua, are enrolled at Nelson student pursuing a master’s degree in Counseling, while Joshua is a Media. Both desire to follow God’s leading in ministry to the local
Mike Sharp, who has graciously welcomed me into this role and Debra are uniquely gi\ed and have been used by God through will be a phone call away!
to encouraging, equipping, and empowering the churches, are excited to serve under the leadership of Greg and Ginger ff in the Network office. We believe that God has ordered our we covet your prayers that we will fulfill it with excellence, and we are here to serve you in that journey!
Pinedale A/G
$700.00
Convoy of Hope
$500.00
Crossroads A/GAlbertville $500.00
Montgomery First A/G $300.00
Tuscaloosa First $120.00
New Beginninngs A/G
Fountain of Life Church
Dothan First A/G
$50.00
El Bethel A/G
$50.00
DIRECTOR:
GINGER KELLEY
Ladies, It’s time for our annual fall retreat: Engage! This will be my first event to host as your new Women’s Director, and I count it a great honor. We’ve already had such a great response from churches who plan to be with us. I hope you can be there as well! Our speaker, Susanne Cox, is no stranger to Alabama, so you know that she will come ready to minister— Get ready! Our band from Fountain of Life in Saraland will lead us into His presence. We have fun things planned each night after service including a Christian comedian and a pajama party. I can’t wait for you to experience this weekend with your friends and fellow women from across the state. Be praying for this special time together. Contact our office if you have any questions!
IN LOVING memory of…
Rev. Aus<n Ball
Rev. Thomas Aus4n Ball, age 83 of Deatsville, Alabama, entered into the presence of the Savior he so faithfully proclaimed for many years on May 19, 2026 at Bap4st South Hospital in Montgomery, Alabama. Born in Montgomery on April 18, 1943, he was the beloved son of the late Alfred Eugene Ball and the late Ruby Eloise Heard Ball.
A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful pastor, and servant of God, Rev. Ball dedicated his life to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. On January 11, 1964, he married the love of his life, Chris4ne, beginning a beau4ful marriage that spanned more than six decades and was firmly rooted in faith, love, and devo4on.
Following his marriage, Rev. Ball honorably served his country in the United States Air Force and was sta4oned at White Sands Air Force Base in Clovis, New Mexico. Even at a young age, however, the call of God upon his life was evident. At only 15 years old, he began evangelis4c ministry, preaching revivals and sharing the message of salva4on wherever the Lord opened a door.
Rev. Ball’s first pastorate was at Lomax Assembly of God in Clanton, Alabama. He would later faithfully shepherd congrega4ons at Calvary Assembly of God in PraFville, First Assembly of God in Arab for 24 years, and New Hope Assembly of God in Clanton, where he served for more than 10 years before re4ring from pastoral ministry. Between pastorates, he also ministered as chaplain at Limestone Correc4onal Facility, carrying hope and the love of Christ to those in need.
Throughout his many years of ministry, Rev. Ball touched countless lives through his compassionate spirit, hearoelt preaching, and unwavering faith in God. He was a true people person who never met a stranger and never missed an opportunity to tes4fy of the goodness, grace, and mercy of the Lord. Whether in the pulpit, at a hospital bedside, or in everyday conversa4on, he faithfully pointed others to Christ.
Above all else, Rev. Ball dearly loved his family and treasured every moment spent with them. His legacy of faith, kindness, and steadfast devo4on to God will con4nue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his devoted wife, Chris4ne Ball of Deatsville; daughter, Jill Ball of Houston, Texas; son, Thomas Ball of Albertville; grandchildren, Jordan Williams, Victoria Williams, Andrew Ball, and Hayley Bynum; great-grandchildren, Luca Williams, Graycnn Ball, Cowen Ball, and Samuel Bynum; sister, Vada Gentry of PraFville; and brother, Buddy Ball of Opp.
Rev. Michael "Mike" O'Brien
Pastor William Michael "Mike" O'Brien went to be with the Lord on June 1, 2026. Mike faithfully served as Pastor of Cedar Springs Assembly of God in Leeds, Alabama. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, pastor, veteran, and friend whose life touched countless people throughout the community and beyond.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Terrance and Margaret O'Brien and Sam and Laverne Barnes; and his brother, Patrick O’Brien.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Mary O'Brien; his daughters, Jennifer Rutherford (Dave), Laura Layton (John), and Carrie Deese (Joseph); his grandchildren, John Rutherford, Lynx Rutherford, Emerald Adams, Waylon Adams, Abigail Layton, Summer Layton, and Sawyer Deese; and his great-granddaughter, Penny.
Mike proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps and completed a tour of duty during the Vietnam War. His military service reflected the same dedica4on, courage, and commitment that characterized his life, ministry, and service to others.
Throughout Leeds and the surrounding areas, Mike was affec4onately known as "the TV Man." He worked for many years with Chester and Evelyn Hartsfield at Whites Auto and Western Auto, where he built las4ng friendships and earned the respect of many customers.
One of Mike's greatest joys was driving a school bus for STS Transporta4on on the Tarrant High School route. He treasured the rela4onships he developed with students and families over the years.
As a pastor, Mike was deeply mission-minded and faithfully supported numerous missionaries and mission efforts throughout his ministry. His heart for sharing the Gospel extended far beyond his local church and reached around the world through his commitment to missions.
Our new schedule layout is below. ALSOM students may take any cou rses needed during each quarter.
Quarter 1
January – March
Courses Open for Purchase: January 1
Last Day to Purchase: March 10th
Tests Must be Submitted by March 31st
Quarter 2
April – June
Courses Open for Purchase: April 1
Last Day to Purchase: June 10th
Tests Must be Submitted by June 30th
Quarter 3
July – September
Courses Open for Purchase: July 1
Last Day to Purchase: September 10 th
Tests Must be Submitted by September 30 th
Quarter 4
October – December
Courses Open for Purchase: October 1
Last Day to Purchase: December 10th
Tests Must be Submitted by December 31 st
Each quarter, we will post our entire ALSOM catalog for purchase. The courses required for each level of credentialing are listed below.
Level One (Certified)
BIB 214 Old Testament Survey
BIB 212 New Testament Survey
BIB 121 Introduction to Hermeneutics: How to Interpret the Bible
BIB 114 Christ in the Synoptic Gospels
THE 211 Introduction to Theology
THE 114 Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine
THE 152 Assemblies of God History, Missions, and Governance
MIN 171 A Spirit-Empowered Church: An Acts 2 Ministry Model
MIN 181 Relationships and Ethics in Ministry
MIN 191 Beginning Ministerial Internship
Level Two (Licensed)
BIB 115 Acts: The Holy Spirit at Work in Believers
BIB 117 Prison Epistles
BIB 215 Romans: Justification by Faith
THE 245 Eschatology: A Study of Things to Come
MIN 123 The Local Church in Evangelism
MIN 223 Introduction to Homiletics
MIN 251 Effective Leadership
MIN 261 Introduction to Assemblies of God Missions
MIN 281 Conflict Management for Church Leaders
MIN 291 Intermediate Ministerial Internship
Level Three (Ordained)
THE 311 Prayer and Worship
BIB 313 The Corinthian Correspondence
BIB 318 The Pentateuch
BIB 322 The Poetic Books
MIN 325 Preaching in the Contemporary World
MIN 327 Church Administration, Finance, and Law
MIN 381 Pastoral Ministry
MIN 391 Advanced Ministerial Internship
To enroll in an ALSOM course, please visit https://alsom.edvance360.com/. Across the top of the page, you will see several tabs. Click on “Store” to purchase a course. Once you add a course to your cart and proceed to check out, you will be prompted to login. If you are a first -time user, you will be asked to enter your email information. After you complete your purchase, an email will be sent to you to create a username and password. When you purchase the course, you will receive access to the course. To access the course, click on the tab “Courses.” This is where you will do all the work for your course. Each course has a pdf textbook. Some courses have additional content such as video lectures, PowerPoint presentations, and additional reading. Your test will come from content from all sources.
Ministerial Changes
Transferred in: N/A
Pastoral Changes:
MaFhew Baker – The Island Church
Deceased: Aus4n Ball William M O’Brien
New/Upgraded Creden<als: Heled Edwards Jay Edwards
