Alabama Messenger July/August 2026

REV. GREGORY D. KELLEY NETWORK SUPERINTENDENT gkelley@amnag.org

This is my rst ar cle as your new Superintendent. My goal is not to impress you, but to share my heart. I am humbled and honored to serve this great Alabama family, and I ask for your pa ence—and especially your prayers—as I step into this role.

While pastoring First Assembly of God in Montgomery, one of our church mo os was “Doing Life Together.” I look forward to living out that same spirit with this incredible family.

Ginger and I just returned from a week in Spring eld, Missouri, where we had the opportunity to do just that. We a ended the new Superintendent’s Orienta on 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 presen ng 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 me 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 ar cle, 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 rst began ministry, a truth I’ve never forgo en. “We must not become so busy in the Work of the Lord, that we fail to make me 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 anoin ng; 2.) For wisdom; 3.) For God to expand his capacity; and 4.) For eyes of faith in every situa on!

And our Assistant General Superintendent, Rick DuBose, shared from his book, “IN JESUS NAME” the following: “This present manifesta on of evil is of a kind we have never faced before, and it will require a di erent kind of prayer to defeat it… a new level of prayer is required when there is a new level of devil.”

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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 condi ons for His precious promises, by sta ng 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 WHITE, CPA

NETWORK SECRETARY-TREASURER cwhite@amnag.org

What an honor it is to serve the Alabama Ministry Network as your new Secretary-Treasurer! We know many of you well, and many others will become our friends in the season ahead. I wanted to take this opportunity, in wri ng my rst entry to the Alabama Messenger, to introduce myself and my family, and to share our hopes for our me in this important role.

I can proudly say that every day of my life has been spent as part of the Assemblies of God family in Alabama. My parents, Nelson and Billie White, served “the District” as pastors and in mul ple o ces and roles over many decades. As a young person, I was impacted deeply by Camp Ambassador, rst as a camper and later as a camp sta member serving alongside friends like Larry Henderson, Melinda (Reynolds) Henderson, and David Strahan. For several summers, I sang in the Alabama All-State Choir led by Tommy Conner. As a teenager, I traveled with my dad and visited over 250 of our churches as he preached and we played our trombones together. What a fond collec on of memories I am privileged to have!

My college years were spent at the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!), where I focused my studies in Business Administra on and Accoun ng. I also had the privilege of playing in the Million Dollar Band in those years. A erward, I became a CPA, working in Birmingham for several years. Sensing that God’s calling on my life was coming to frui on, I began taking courses from Berean College and was licensed in 1996. I later had the privilege of being ordained in 2000 at my home church, Kingwood Assembly of God, in the same District Council mee ng in which my dad re red from service to the District.

Pastor Ron Cox at Kingwood gave me a wonderful opportunity to join his sta in 1997 as an associate pastor, and it has been my privilege to serve that congrega on for the past twenty-nine years in a variety of roles, focusing primarily on church administra on and global missions. During that me, I worked under two of the great leaders in our fellowship (Ron Cox and Jay West) who have modeled integrity and frui ulness through long seasons of adversity. These men have challenged me to be a be er pastor, husband, father, and leader.

My wife Kelly and I met at church and have now enjoyed twenty-seven years of marriage. She is beau ful inside and out, and I can’t wait for our Alabama family to get to know her. Our children, Emma and Joshua, are enrolled at Nelson University in Waxahachie, Texas. Emma is a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in Counseling, while Joshua is a freshman in Church Ministries with a specializa on in Media. Both desire to follow God’s leading in ministry to the local church and community.

I want to extend special gra tude to my predecessor, Dr. Mike Sharp, who has graciously welcomed me into this role and provided mentorship in this transi on. He and his wife Debra are uniquely gi ed and have been used by God through sixteen years of faithful Network ministry. I am thankful he will be a phone call away!

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As Kelly and I enter this new season, we look forward to encouraging, equipping, and empowering the churches, ministers, and missionaries of this great Alabama family. We are excited to serve under the leadership of Greg and Ginger Kelley and alongside all the other o cers, directors, and sta in the Network o ce. We believe that God has ordered our steps in this moment to step into this assignment, and we covet your prayers that we will ful ll it with excellence, humility, and frui ulness. We believe the best is yet to come, and we are here to serve you in that journey!

Pinedale A/G

$700.00

Convoy of Hope

$500.00

Crossroads A/G Albertville

$500.00

Montgomery First A/G

$300.00

Tuscaloosa First

$120.00

New Beginninngs A/G

$75.00

Fountain of Life Church

$60.00

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 rst 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 of ce if you have any questions!

Download your Engage registration form

E NeGn’sARGetEreat

from our website: www.amnag.org/engage

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n Fees Registratio Due Upon Arrival

le lance t Refundab it + $75 Ba ble, but no Transfera $75 Depos posits are De n )o Registra Women g ______ Registerin __ $_______ Women = it x _____ os ep D 5 $7

ation rship Don SCHOLARSHIPS

S EN TOWARD DONATE ____$50 ____$25

____$100

Student Registration: $100

____$150

for more info. ginger@amnag.org

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ScholaGAGE RETREAT REGISTRATION

$150

Please email Ginger Kelley

TYPE. UR ROOM CE BELOW ANTEE YO OT GUAR PREFEREN LE YOUR WE CANN RC CI AY UM YO , ER EV HOW OR

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Cost Per Person:

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E NGAGE

Women’s Retreat SEPTEMBER 10-12, 2026

Springville Camp & Conference Center Cost: $150

As In Heaven

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.

Susanne Cox GUEST SPEAKER

ACTIVITIES: -Work Shops -Pajama Party -Christian Comedian -Karaoke -Pool -Zipline -Paddle Boats -Giant Swing -Giveaways -Time with Friends -Shopping

Ginger Kelley WOMEN’S DIRECTOR

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Ministers, The Alabama Ministry Network team eagerly awaits our Regional Conference Tour with Rev. Joe Phillips! This year, we will begin at 8:30 AM with a me of donuts, co ee, and fellowship with one another. At 9:00 AM, we will begin our o cial session where you will hear a powerful word from Pastor Joe. We will conclude this session with a special me of prayer for our ministers and churches.

Following this, we will conduct our sec onal business and conclude with our annual BGMC luncheon. This is going to be a great me to be together, and I hope you will make your Regional Conference a high priority! Loca ons are listed below: Southwest Region: Monday, Sep. 28 at Atmore First AG Southeast Region: Tuesday, Sep. 29 at Montgomery First AG North Region: Thursday, Oct. 1 at Hartselle First AG

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Pastor Greg Kelley

IN LOVING memory of…

Rev. Aus n Ball Rev. Thomas Aus n 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 Bap st 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, Chris ne, beginning a beau ful marriage that spanned more than six decades and was rmly rooted in faith, love, and devo on.

Following his marriage, Rev. Ball honorably served his country in the United States Air Force and was sta oned 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 evangelis c ministry, preaching revivals and sharing the message of salva on wherever the Lord opened a door.

Rev. Ball’s rst pastorate was at Lomax Assembly of God in Clanton, Alabama. He would later faithfully shepherd congrega ons at Calvary Assembly of God in Pra ville, 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 re ring from pastoral ministry. Between pastorates, he also ministered as chaplain at Limestone Correc onal 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, hear elt preaching, and unwavering faith in God. He was a true people person who never met a stranger and never missed an opportunity to tes fy of the goodness, grace, and mercy of the Lord. Whether in the pulpit, at a hospital bedside, or in everyday conversa on, 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 devo on to God will con nue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Chris ne 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 Pra ville; 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 re ected the same dedica on, courage, and commitment that characterized his life, ministry, and service to others.

Throughout Leeds and the surrounding areas, Mike was a ec onately known as "the TV Man." He worked for many years with Chester and Evelyn Harts eld at Whites Auto and Western Auto, where he built las ng friendships and earned the respect of many customers.

One of Mike's greatest joys was driving a school bus for STS Transporta on on the Tarrant High School route. He treasured the rela onships he developed with students and families over the years.

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As a pastor, Mike was deeply mission-minded and faithfully supported numerous missionaries and mission e orts 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 courses needed during each quarter.

Quarter 1 January – March

Quarter 2 April – June

Quarter 3 July – September

Quarter 4 October – December

Courses Open for Purchase: January 1

Courses Open for Purchase: April 1

Courses Open for Purchase: July 1

Courses Open for Purchase: October 1

Last Day to Purchase: March 10th

Last Day to Purchase: June 10th

Last Day to Purchase: September 10th

Last Day to Purchase: December 10th

Tests Must be Submitted

by March 31st

Tests Must be Submitted

by June 30th

Tests Must be Submitted

by September 30th

Tests Must be Submitted

by December 31st

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.

Transferred in: N/A

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Pastoral Changes: Ma hew Baker – The Island Church

Ministerial Changes Deceased: Aus n Ball William M O’Brien

New/Upgraded Creden als: Heled Edwards Jay Edwards