The Alabama Messenger

The Alabama Messenger November/December 2017 Volume 31/Number 6

EDWARD WILSON

DISTRICT SECRETARY‐TREASURER

ewilson@adcag.org

A New Wind of the Spirit Needed: Comparing Ourselves to Ourselves The Assemblies of God was birthed by a new move of God’s Spirit among the holiness people. Spurned by the leadership of the denominations in which the Spirit fell, people gathered in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1914 and agreed to form what is now the Assemblies of God. However, it was not without controversy. The debate of the day was centered around doctrine. Some questioned the initial physical evidence of the Holy Spirit baptism. Others preached against the Trinity. Others failed to see the value and biblical call of the women in ministry. I am sure some even wanted to debate the use of drugs and alcohol and smoking. Some even feared the possibility of a central governance model taking away the autonomy of the local church.

Yet with all this debate, the Assemblies of God grew 297 percent from 1916 through 1936, twenty short years. Not only was there debate in these years, but there was the ending of World War I and the Great Depression.

John and Elizabeth Sherrill, a Baptist couple, authored the book, They Speak with Other Tongues, during the Charismatic Renewal of the sixties and seventies to disprove the initial physical evidence doctrine. It is interesting to note that the authors were baptized in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking with other tongues. They found while researching for this book that the 297 percent increase was valid.

In 1968 a Blue Ribbon Committee was commissioned by General Superintendent T.F. Zimmerman to study the slow growth that had developed. The committee’s report defined the mission of the Council in the world was to prepare the Fellowship for evangelism. With the renewed emphasis on evangelism the Council began to see substantial growth, while gaining national and world recognition. Again, the debates were ongoing but the Fellowship looked beyond the immediate and saw the lost and dying of the world.

Now to the twenty‐first century. The debate of the initial physical evidence is still happening. The fear of a denominational takeover is still a pressing thought in the minds of some. Some are still pushing the smoking and drinking issue. Debate will continue until Jesus comes. My question is, when will we quit allowing the devil to stress us out on a few issues while evangelism is being lost?

My solution may be too simplistic, but what if we quit comparing ourselves to others and began comparing ourselves to ourselves? I praise the Lord for our annual reports, reflecting growth. But should we be satisfied with a less that 2% annual growth when we know we have done so much better. The annual reports will come out comparing our growth with the growth or decline of other denominations. That may make us look good, but if we compare ourselves with ourselves (1916‐1936) we will or should be disappointed.

There are a multiplicity of reasons or excuses for low growth, but the truth is, we are not “looking unto the fields” and we are often not going into our world with a true presentation of the gospel as the Great Commission demands. I can’t find where the Bible recognizes a time when there will be a lack of interest in His word; however, I do find where there will come a time that there will be a “famine” of the word.

We are living in crisis times. People are looking for answers to life’s questions. They are desperately looking for hope. They are looking for a word – The Word – to show them how to live in a depressed age. We have it. We must share it.

During the upcoming holiday season, Thanksgiving and Christmas, let me encourage you to “Let your light so shine before the world that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Ask God to allow you to walk in anointing, authority, and power so when an evangelism opportunity comes you will be ready.

Ken Draughon ALABAMA DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT ds@adcag.org

A Time To Reflect…

When we stop and think about everything that we are blessed with we can only be THANKFUL. I love what the apostle Paul had to say about that. Philippians 4, “11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” There it is—HE gives us the strength.

Thanksgiving is a time of the year that should bring us to the place where we realize that everything that we have comes from one source—God! When we confess Him with our mouths and believe Him with our hearts we come to the proper attitude that we need to have in order to worship Him. In Ecclesiastes 3:1 we read, there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: It is time for the church to worship God the way He alone deserves to be worshipped.

Lord, open my eyes to see and my ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.

In the spirit of this book and chapter let me suggest that this is a TIME TO REFLECT. Psalm 100:3, “Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” The word “Know” in verse 3 means to ascertain by seeing. You aren’t just called to know about God, but you are told that you can see for yourself that the LORD is God. In 1 Kings 18, as Elijah fought against the prophets of Baal he told the people that the God who answers by fire, He is God. The people of Israel ascertained by seeing to the power of God as the sacrifice, the wood, the water and the dirt beneath it were consumed by fire. You see we are called not just to know about Him but also to experience Him. It is he who made us, and we are his. In Acts 17:24-28, “24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.”

Everything that we are, everything that we do, everything that we have has been ordained by a loving God. He is the creator. We are His creation. We are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

Please take the TIME to REFLECT upon God’s goodness to us and be THANKFUL. We are wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving and a very meaningful Christmas.

Alabama Youth Ministries ALABAMAYOUTHMINISTRIES.COM

DISTRICT YOUTH DIRECTOR: STEVEN

A. MASON

EMAIL: DYDSEC@ADCAG.ORG

JAN-OCT 2017

YOUTH GROUP

OFFERINGS ATMORE FIRST- $1500 DOTHAN FIRST- $580 JACKSON FIRST- $500 MONTGOMERY FIRST- $500

FOREIGN AIM TRIP

PINEDALE, CLANTON- $500

MAY 28-JUNE 6, 2018 /// COST: $1,880 with Missionaries Nelson & Amy Lugo

MOFFETT RD, MOBILE- $225

NEW YORK CITY N E W

EVANGEL, MONTG.- $250

SUMITON FIRST- $225

Y O R K

TUSCALOOSA FIRST - $200

S TAT E S I D E A I M T R I P

JULY 21-27, 2018 /// COST: $1,150

with New York School of Urban Ministry

HANCEVILLE AG $180

JAN-OCT 2017

GIVING

APPLICATIONS MUST BE TURNED IN BY DEC. 31, 2017 —SPACE IS LIMITED AND MAY FILL UP BEFORE THIS DATE—

fine arts workshop

02.10.18

AIM2018

SEE YOUR YOUTH LEADER FOR AN APPLICATION OR VISIT ALABAMAYOUTHMINISTRIES.COM

TOP TEN CHURCHES PHENIX CITY FIRST $22,800.00 MONTGOMERY FIRST $16,624.03 DOTHAN FIRST $12,200.00 MADISON ASSEMBLY $11,163.85 JACKSON FIRST $11,163.41 OZARK FIRST $10,000.00 GARYWOOD, HUEYTOWN $9,802.52 NEWTON FIRST

$9,339.00

Merry Christmas from The Masons

BETHEL, ARITON

$8,311.18 LIFE CH., RAINBOW CITY $7,883.04

WEEK 1 SPEAKER

WEEK 2 SPEAKER

John Dougherty

Steve Tripp

GEORGIA DYD

WISCONSIN DYD

THURSDAY, January 4 Sections: Anniston/Sylacauga Lunch Banquet at WESTERN SIZZLIN, OXFORD (12 PM) Reps: Daniel Everhart # 256-499-1166 or Seth Jones # 256-276-0799 THURSDAY, January 4 Sections: Birmingham/Tuscaloosa Dinner Banquet at GARYWOOD, HUEYTOWN (7 PM) Reps: Paul Turner # 205-260-7229 or Jon Delmark # 503-442-8430 FRIDAY, January 5 Sections: Tennessee Valley/Cullman Youth Rally at HARTSELLE FIRST (7 PM) Reps: Anthony Martin # 256-366-3547 or Eric Nail #205-837-0741 SATURDAY, January 6 Section: Baldwin Youth Rally at CHRISTIAN LIFE, FOLEY (6 PM) Rep: Matthew Baker # 925-698-2236 TUESDAY, January 9 Sections: Andalusia/Monroeville Youth Rally at APPLETON, BREWTON (7 PM) Reps: Terry Rowell # 251-363-7715 or Ray Bundy # 334-406-6721 WEDNESDAY, January 10 Section: Phenix City Youth Rally at PHENIX CITY FIRST (6:30 PM CST/7:30 PM EST) Rep: Jimmy Ginn # 334-663-1091

MONDAY, January 15 Section: Montgomery Dinner Banquet at MONTGOMERY FIRST (7 PM) Rep: Aaron Argo # 205-272-0509 TUESDAY, January 16 Section: Dothan Lunch Banquet at OLD MILL, DOTHAN (12 PM) Rep: Bart Lindsey # 334-797-9487 TUESDAY, January 16 Section: Enterprise Dinner Banquet at CHANCELLOR ASSEMBLY (7 PM) Rep: Scotty Jones # 334-733-9432 WEDNESDAY, January 17 Section: Demopolis Youth Rally at BUTLER FIRST (7 PM) Rep: Jimmy Watson # 205-742-8665 THURSDAY, January 18 Section: Mobile Dinner Banquet at MOFFETT ROAD, MOBILE (7 PM) Rep: TBA - call AYM Office # 334-279-7172 x.3

STEVE MASON ALABAMA DYD

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Michael D. Sharp, DMin District CE Director

WATCH for what’s coming up!

Discipleship Sunday School Small Groups Children’s Ministries BGMC Junior Bible Quiz Royal Rangers Alabama Kids Camps Senior Adult Ministries

BGMC

SPECIAL PROJECTS $ needed FOR: Charles Hasselbring 007-002 020615-1

Tom McLane 007-002 020976-7

Phil Schmidt 007-002 020788-6

A MINISTRY TO EVERY CHURCH ….AND EVERY PERSON

msharp@adcag.org

2018 Children’s Leaders Retreat in The Smokies!

Once again, the annual Children’s Leaders Retreat will be held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Weds. Jan. 17 thru Sat. 20.

We enjoy so much, the fellowship, making new friends, and deepening existing friendships, and look forward to seeing you!

This year we return to the normal format. This will be a time of previewing new children’s ministry materials, sharing personal life stories, a time of teaching, and time for just having fun!

This year we would like to have a meeting and day in Cades Cove, weather permitting. Bring some warm clothing! Highs normally in upper 40’s.

Spirit of the Smokies Condo and Lodge 865-453-0307 CODE AAG18 to secure room(s).

2018 CE DEER HUNT - Jan. 4-6 Wondering what to give someone for Christmas?

PUSHMATAHA PLANTATION where there is over 16,000 acres of lush wildlife habitat managed to ensure every hunter has an opportunity to harvest game. Call 205-459-5739 to register. Sponsored by Pastor Scottie Fulcher and Butler First AG.

BGMC Pheasant Hunt

success!

THANK YOU Mark Sasser for the great job you did serving as coordinator!

nce e r e f f i ngad i k a m #

To those churches who sent a Discipleship Dollar Day offering to help further discipleship, we give a big…….

THANK YOU! “You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.”

2 Timothy 2:2

BGMC January 2017 Orchard AG……….……….…………………$34,456.71 Clearwater AG…………………………………25,389.69 Montgomery First AG………………………….9,958.44 Phenix City First AG……………………………6,800.00 Life Church of the AG ………………………..4,433.00 Thompson Chapel AG………………………….4,152.28 Pleasant Grove First AG………………………4,124.56 Jackson First AG………………………………..3,925.75

SS Tithe January 2017 Atmore First AG………………………...…...$1000.00 Harper’s Joy AG………………………………….675.00 Faith AG…………………………………………….562.00 Kingwood AG……………………………………...450.00 The Crossing……………………………………...450.00 Montgomery First AG…………………………...450.00 Creola AG…………………………………………..392.00 Evangel Church…………………………………..335.33

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

May we recommit to give our all, The Sharp Family

Alabama Women’s Ministries Director: Cyndi Draughon

for every woman...

FINDING JOY! I would like to encourage each of you to remember what this season is all about. Is it the gifts under the tree, the lights in the windows, the cards in the mail, turkey dinners with family and friends, stockings hanging in the living room, and shouts of "Merry Christmas" to those who pass us in the streets? Is this really Christmas?

For many people, Christmas is a time of sorrow. They don't have the extra money to buy presents for their children, family, and friends. Many are saddened at Christmas time when they think of their loved ones who will not be able to come home for various reasons. Turkey dinners may be only a wish and not a reality for some.

Yet, Christmas can be a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born. His birth brought great joy to the world. Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in the excitement of knowing about this great event. They knew this was no ordinary baby. The prophets had told of His coming hundreds of years before. The star stopped over Bethlehem just to mark the way for those who were looking for this special child.

During this Christmas season, I challenge each of you to find JOY in celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.

New Women’s Ministry Theme for 2017 “We are called to this voyage and invited to relish every moment of it with the One who spoke the seas into existence and breathed life into our infant lungs.

Listen for a moment. Do you hear the sound of His voice singing over you, beckoning you to join Him in the journey? It’s time to put out to sea with your Captain and let the wind of His Spirit fill your sails. Will you trust Him to lead the way? Will you trust Him to navigate safely through the storms? Will you trust Him for the journey?

Your voyage awaits . . .”

Merry Christmas from the Alabama Women’s Ministries Department!

Alabama Girls Ministries Coordinator: Kristi Norris

her heart... her world... His purpose What is Girls Ministries All About?

Girls Ministries church-based discipleship program has a legacy of godly women coming alongside girls, guiding them on a path to become mature and godly women. Our goal is simple: To see every girl moving toward a deep relationship with Jesus Christ, and to realize her importance and potential in the kingdom of God. What Makes Girls Ministries Different? Girls Ministries discipleship program is the premier program for preschool through high school girls in the world. No other girls ministry program has our variety of activities, focused discipleship track, or a 60-plus-year proven track record of helping girls become confident, godly women who are leaders in the church, home, and world.

Why Gender-Specific? Research shows girls learn more quickly and deeply when they are taught by a role model. Girls need a real-life example. When a girl understands what it means to be a godly woman, she aspires to the design that God intended. A single-gender classroom has many benefits, but the greatest of these is for a girl to feel safe and secure in her discovery of who God intended her to be.

Join the Club: If you're looking for a girls ministry that seamlessly weaves fun and biblical training together, Girls Ministries Girls Clubs are for you! Your girls will get: • Adventures, activities, and games that show them how discovering God's Word is fun!

• Lessons in valuable life skills from sportsmanship and integrity, to cooking and outreach.

• One-on-one help in choosing actions, attitudes, and behaviors that please God. The Bottom Line: Relationships Girls encounter difficult situations as they grow up. By intentionally fostering relationships between girls and leaders through Girls Clubs, you can create a safe environment for girls to discuss issues they face and get godly counsel. Most importantly, Girls Ministries Girls Clubs show each girl that God loves her and wants a relationship with her.

ALABAMA DISTRICT MISSIONS & MEN’S MINISTRIES DISTRICT DIRECTOR DAVID STRAHAN email: dstrahan@adcag.org

us & world missions

church planting & development

men’s ministry

lftl

2017 Light for the Lost Banquet Tour Guest Speaker: Rick Allen, National LFTL Director Section

Church

Date

Time

Anniston

Life Church AG, Rainbow City

10/29

6:00 PM

Montgomery

Life Chapel, Wetumpka

10/30

7:00 PM

Phenix City

First Assembly of God, Phenix City

11/2

6:30 PM CST 7:30 PM EST

Monroeville

Appleton Assembly of God, Brewton

11/3

7:00 PM

Birmingham

New Life Assembly of God, Westover

11/5

6:00 PM

Dothan

Harper's Joy Assembly of God, Dothan

11/6

7:00 PM

Enterprise

First Assembly of God, Enterprise

11/7

7:00 PM

Cullman

Freedom Assembly of God, Jasper

11/9

7:00 PM

Andalusia

Westview Assembly of God, Opp

11/10

7:00 PM

Mobile

Creola Assembly of God, Mobile

11/13

7:00 PM

Baldwin

Foley Assembly of God

11/14

7:00 PM

Tennessee Valley

Madison Assembly of God

11/16

7:00 PM

Demopolis

River of Life, Demopolis

11/17

7:00 PM

Tuscaloosa

First Assembly of God, Tuscaloosa

11/20

7:00 PM

Sylacauga

First Assembly of God, Ashland

11/21

7:00 PM

Thank you so much for supporting our project for the Nepal Theo College Women’s Dorm. We are still needing approximately $40,000.00 in faith promises to complete the project. If you have not made a faith promise, we would love for you to join us.

Please send in your funds as soon as you can so the project does not slow down.

Make sure and send your faith promise to the Alabama District Office, attention Missions Department.

2017 MEN’S ENCOUNTER

Visit http://www.adcag.org/downloads to listen/download the messages.

#ACTLIKEMEN

2017 Highlights • • • • • • •

405 men in attendance 85 men joining with us from Alabama Teen Challenge 38 men were Baptized in the Holy Spirit in the Thursday night service Dozens more Baptized in the Holy Spirit during our Friday night service Several Saved and Rededicated 122 men attended the Men’s Leaders meeting Activities: grilling, golf, skeet shooting, ping pong, pool, basketball, FCF Village, gaming competition, fishing, and a motorcycle ride

Mark your calendar to join us next year for MEN’S ENCOUNTER 2018: September 27-29; Guest Speaker: Pastor Choco De Jesus

ALABAMA DISTRICT COUNCIL LEADERSHIP

Section

Andalusia

Anniston

Baldwin Co

Birmingham

Cullman

Demopolis

Dothan

Enterprise

Mobile

Monroeville

Montgomery

Phenix City

Sylacauga

Tennessee Valley

Tuscaloosa

Executive Committee District Superintendent Kenneth Draughon Assistant District Superintendent John A. Loper, Jr. District Secretary‐Treasurer Edward Wilson

General Presbyters Johnny Jones Murray Kelley

Presbyters at Large District Youth Director Steven Mason District Christian Education Director Michael Sharp District Missions/Men’s Director David Strahan

Presbyter

Assistant Presbyter Secretary George L Arnett

Lane Simmons

Ray Bundy

Marty Phillips

Joe Simmons

Keith Frix

Michael Lynn

Ferron Smith

Judd Sessions

David Wooten

Clark White

Tommy Conner

Michael Joyner

Gary Salter

Jack Thorn

Scottie Fulcher

Jimmy Watkins

Jeff Walters

Eddie Littlefield

Thomas Harrison

Tommy Giddens

James F Smith Sr.

Dwight Johnson

Scott Crooms

Jerry Jenkins

Vint Norris

David Edwards

Jeff Scurlock

Russ McDonald

Charles (Chuck) Morris

Randy Reid

Greg Kelley

Jim Ingram

Barry Danner

Tony Willis

Boyd Cochran

Keith Jones

Michael Waldrop

Seth Jones

George Sawyer

David Kelley

Jesse White

Charles Lenn

Chad Payne

Darryl Ballew

2018 Course Schedule Class Date

Level 1 Courses (Certified)

January 6 January 6 January 20

Assemblies of God History, Missions, and Governance

Christ in the Synoptic Gospels

Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine

Acts: The Work of the Holy Spirit

Prison Epistles

February 3 February 3 February 10

March 10 March 10 March 17

April 14 April 14 April 28

May 19 May 19 May 26

August 4 August 4 August 11

Introduction to Hermeneutics

Eschatology

Church Administration, Finance and Law

The Local Church in Evangelism

Effective Leadership

Pastoral Ministry

Conflict Management for Church Leaders

Introduction to AG Missions

September 8 September 8 September 8

October 6 October 6 October 13

Relationships and Ethics in Ministry

November 3 November 3 November 10

Level 2 Courses Level 3 Courses (License) (Ordination)

Introduction to Theology: Prayer and Worship A Pentecostal Perspective

New Testament The Pentateuch Survey

Old Testament The Corinthians Survey Correspondence

Romans: The Poetic Books

Justification by Faith

Introduction to Preaching in the Homiletics Contemporary World

(Black denotes North Campus) Mt Olive You may contact Edward Wilson for more information.

(Blue denotes Southeast Campus) Newton (334) 279‐7172 or ewilson@adcag.org (Red denotes Southwest Campus) Evergreen

Enrollment form may be found at www.adcag.org

ADDRESS CHANGES CALVARY ASSEMBLY OF GOD 4839 CALVARY BLVD DECATUR AL 35671 MAIL: PO BX 5370 DECATUR AL 35603 (256) 355-7440 PASTOR: GEORGE H. SAWYER DECATUR DREAM CENTER 312 8TH ST SW MAIL: PO BX 5370 DECATUR AL 35601 PASTOR: GEORGE SAWYER LAWRENCE COUNTY DREAM CENTER 1167 CO RD 265 TOWN CREEK AL 35672 MAIL: PO BX 5370 DECATUR AL 35601 PASTOR: MITCHELL HALLMARK LEE, JOSEPH (O) (ANGELA) 1501 KNOLLWOOD DR MOBILE AL 36609 251-714-9518 LEWIS, KEVIN W.(O) (AMY) 2410 COFFEEVILLE RD JACKSON AL 3654 251-246-4736 McLANE, TOM AND MARLA (O) 625 S. KICKAPOO AVE SPRINGFIELD MO 65804 PASTORAL CHANGES REV JOE LEE KNOLLWOOD A/G REV KEVIN LEWIS JACKSON FIRST A/G NEW MINISTERS JONES, JACOB A. (CM) (MADISON) 11173 HIGHGATE DR W IRVINGTON AL 36544 251-581-4063 PETTIS, REGINA (O) (STEVE) 305 BRIARWOOD CT BAY MINETTE AL 36507 334-695-8570 MINISTER TRANSFERRED IN MANLEY, JOSHUA E (L) 7278 CAHABA VALLEY RD APT 437A BIRMINGHAM AL 35242 205-742-8610 FROM THE SO MISSOURI DISTRICT

ALABAMA DISTRICT COUNCIL OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Kenneth Draughon District Superintendent

John A. Loper, Jr. Assistant Superintendent

Edward Wilson District Secretary‐Treasurer

GENERAL PRESBYETERS Kenneth Draughon Johnny E. Jones Murray Kelley

DISTRICT PRESBYTERS George Arnett Barry Danner Scottie Fulcher Jerry Jenkins Keith Jones Michael Joyner Charles Lenn Eddie Littlefield Michael Lynn Marty Phillips Randall Reid George Sawyer Jeff Scurlock James F. Smith, Sr. David Wooten

DISTRICT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTOR Michael Sharp

DISTRICT MISSIONS/ MEN’S DIRECTOR David Strahan

DISTRICT YOUTH MINISTRIES DIRECTOR Steven Mason

DISTRICT WOMEN'S MINISTRIES DIRECTOR Cynthia Draughon

Alabama District Council of the Assemblies of God 5919 Carmichael Road Montgomery, Alabama 36117

Merry Christmas from Springville Camp & Conference Center