The Summer Church Challenge
As we enter the summer season, many of us eagerly an7cipate warmer weather, family vaca7ons, and a respite from our rou7nes. However, as church leaders and community members, we encounter a recurring challenge: how can we preserve our robust sense of community amidst fluctua7ng a?endance, family travel, and disrup7ons to our typical schedule? I want to share three prac7cal strategies for fostering connec7ons within your church community during these summer months. Contrary to popular belief, summer does not necessitate a spiritual decline or a sense of disconnec7on. With deliberate planning and an adaptable approach, we can harness this season to strengthen bonds in novel and innova7ve ways.
1. Digital Connec7on Strategies:
In our digital age, technology offers powerful tools to bridge physical distances. First, consider enhancing your livestream services if you haven't already—not just for Sunday worship, but for midweek gatherings too. Create a summer-specific communica7on plan that includes regular email updates with spiritual content, prayer requests, and church news. Establish a private social media group where members can share vaca7on photos, prayer requests, and encouragements. Consider launching a summer devo7onal podcast or short video series that traveling members can access on the road. Virtual Bible studies using plaSorms like Zoom can accommodate those who are away but s7ll want to par7cipate. Remember that digital connec7on isn't just about broadcas7ng content—it's about facilita7ng two-way communica7on that makes people feel included no ma?er where they are.
2. Modified Summer Events
While large, complex events might see lower a?endance in summer, this is an excellent 7me to embrace simpler, more flexible gathering formats. Consider hos7ng casual outdoor events like picnics or barbecues that welcome drop-in a?endance and create a relaxed atmosphere for fellowship. Schedule these gatherings at different 7mes and loca7ons to accommodate varying schedules. Implement a "Summer Sunday" format with slightly shorter services followed by meaningful connec7on 7me. Create intergenera7onal ac7vi7es that bring together various age groups when regular programs might be combined due to lower numbers. Consider planning one or two high-impact community service projects that create shared experiences and purpose. Remember that some7mes less structured events actually create more authen7c connec7on opportuni7es during this season of change.
3. Effec7ve Communica7on Approaches
Clear, consistent communica7on becomes even more cri7cal during seasonal transi7ons. Develop a summer calendar and distribute it early, highligh7ng special events and any schedule changes. Create a centralized informa7on hub— whether digital or physical—where people can easily find the latest updates. Use mul7ple communica7on channels to reach different demographics, from social media to printed materials for those less digitally connected. Implement a system for sharing prayer requests and celebra7ons that works regardless of physical presence. Train your welcome team to be especially a?en7ve to visitors and irregular a?endees who may feel out of place during lower-a?endance periods. Most importantly, frame your summer messaging posi7vely—not lamen7ng lower numbers but celebra7ng the unique opportuni7es this season brings for different kinds of spiritual growth and community building.
As we implement these three or similar strategies for summer ministry, we're not just crea7ng stopgap measures—we're developing muscles for community resilience that serve us year-round. The flexibility, crea7vity, and inten7onality required during summer months can actually strengthen our ministry approach during every season. Your church community isn't defined by perfect a?endance but by your con7nued commitment to one another and to your shared mission—a commitment that knows no season. Let’s be the church year-round!
MICHAEL D. SHARP, D.MIN.
NETWORK SECRETARY-TREASURER
APOCALYPSE REDUX – The Last Days are Here Again
It comes around like clockwork in the evangelical world – last days madness. If the enemy of our souls cannot keep us from embracing a truth, then he delights in pushing us beyond the truth into extremes and error. This repeatedly happens with Christ’s promise to return someday. Now, here we go again. Sometimes it’s violence in the Middle East, or earthquakes, comets, wars, droughts, natural disasters, and all manner of plagues that are hailed as the final events confirming Christ’s imminent return. All these things have occurred for almost 2,000 years, they fulfilled all necessary prophecies the first time they happened, and repeated occurrences are not signs that Christ’s return is even “more” imminent today than yesterday. They are excellent for reminding people of the uncertainty of life, the inevitable failure of all people and nations, and our need of Jesus Christ as our only hope of enjoying God in the New-Heavens-and-New-Earth forever.
For two millennia, God’s People have been faithfully awaiting Christ’s return. This glorious event is, of course, chronologically nearer now than ever before. Many times through the centuries some well-meaning souls, and some ungodly deceivers, have misinterpreted Scripture to try and predict Christ’s Second Coming. Many historical figures through the ages have been confidently designated as “the” antichrist. European kings, barbarian leaders, Roman Catholic popes, Napoleon, the Kaiser, Hitler, etc., etc., ad infinitum, have successively been identified – with great passion and absolute certainty – as “the” antichrist.
Sadly, in almost every generation a relatively few well-meaning but misinformed Christians have worried themselves and everyone around them to death with end-times speculation. Good, godly leaders have repeatedly told God’s people the truth that all the “natural” signs spoken of by Christ and his apostles were fulfilled long ago and need not be repeated. Good pastors and teachers have repeatedly taught God’s People to live as if Christ or death itself could come at any moment, but to plan and work as if they must hand this Church to another generation someday. That’s good teaching that some sincere souls have always chosen to ignore. Instead, they throw good money after bad for false teachers and their products. Make no mistake – there’s a lot more money in preaching end-times speculation than there is in teaching holy living or Romans verse-by-verse. Once the prophecy date-setters have your money, they never give it back.
Jesus himself warned his disciples against just this kind of speculative thinking, living, and preaching. All the signs given by prophets, Christ, and the apostles to identify the last days were fulfilled, often repeatedly, long ago. Scripture repeatedly teaches that the last days began with the life of Jesus the Messiah and were definitively marked by the Spirit’s outpouring at Pentecost. We’ve been living in the last days since that time! Christ warned us that there would be no sign to indicate that his immediate appearing was at hand. (Acts 2:14-41, 1 Tim 4:1, 2 Tim 3:1, Heb 1:2, 1 Pet 1:20, 1 Jn 2:18, etc.) He warned us not to become embroiled in speculation and prediction. There will be no sign that we are in the very, very, last, last days! His coming for us will be sudden and unexpected, with no time to prepare or flee
Some love living on the road to Armageddon, where every recurrent “sign” means the last days are here again. For my part, I will not be distracted by this or that “sign”, Jewish Feast, new revelation, new Magog, Brussels supercomputer, wannabe antichrist, 88 Reasons, or anything else. I will be about obeying Christ’s command to reach people with Jesus, make disciples, teach God’s word faithfully, and live a Spiritfilled life of holiness and love. I’m looking to and for Jesus Christ, God’s Son and our Savior, regardless of victories, disasters, or “signs.” God has made it clear: The last days began at Christ’s first coming and continue until he comes again, which could be at any moment. Maranatha! Even so, come Lord Jesus!
DIRECTOR: CYNDI DRAUGHON
Ladies, It’s time for our annual fall retreat: Engage! Hosting this event is one of my favorite things to do as your Women’s Director. 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, Laura Allred, is a PREACHER— Get ready! Our band from Fountain of Life in Saraland will lead us into His presence. 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!
Download your Engage registration form from our website: www.amnag.org/engage
Cost Per Person:
$140 (Cabin)
$150 (Lodge)
Student Registration: $100
Please email Terra Russell for more info. trussell@amnag.org
ENGAGE RETREAT
IN LOVING memory of…
Obituary for Rev. Sally Ann PraD Michaud
Sally Ann Pra? Michaud ended her earthly journey on May 25th, 2025, at Chapman Healthcare Center in Alexander City. She was born on July 23rd, 1939, in Auburn, Maine. Her biological parents were Julia Shiminsky and Joseph Gorman. They divorced several years later, and her mother remarried. Sally was then legally adopted in 1945 by her stepfather, Leslie Moore Pra?.
Sally's childhood years were spent in Bath, Maine, where she was blessed by the addi7on to her life of a brother, Leslie Charles, and a sister, Lorraine Edith. When she was in her preteen years the family moved to Vermont where she a?ended grade schools in Montpelier, and both Junior High School and Senior High School in Saint Albans gradua7ng from Bellows Free Academy in 1957. She met the love of her life, Frederick Michaud, of Fall River, Massachuse?s, in 1955 at a local basketball gymnasium. It was "love at
first sight" and they were married on August 24, 1957, at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Saint Albans. They had three very lovely and caring children; Steven Frederick, born in 1958, Frederick, Jr. in 1960, and Julie Ann in 1963. She was blessed with wonderful daughters-in-law, precious grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. She had a long friendship with Patricia Green-Bush and Mary Sue Burt both of Montgomery, Alabama.
Sally had a late life spiritual experience in 1981, when she was 43 years old, that led her back to school for more academic and voca7onal training from 1984 through 1993. She graduated from Southeastern College of the Assemblies of God in Lakeland, Florida, and was ordained by the Assemblies of God. She then received Ecclesias7cal Endorsement from the Assemblies of God for chaplaincy service in Ins7tu7onal Facili7es. Ironically, she started out as a Volunteer Chaplain in 1981 at Julia Tutwiler Prison in Wetumpka, Alabama, and came full circle to the State Appointed Chaplain at that very same prison in 1994. During those years she also served as a State Chaplain at Florida Correc7onal Ins7tu7on in Lowell, Florida. In addi7on, she served as Chaplain at Okaloosa Juvenile Deten7on Facility in Crestview, Florida, and as Chaplain for the Air Force Enlistment Villages: Teresa Village in Fort Walton Beach and Bob Hope Village in Shalimar, Florida. She leaves behind her husband of 67 years, Frederick; their three children, Steve, Fred, and Julie; two daughters-in-law, Leslie and Donna; several grandchildren, Heidi, Joshua, Stanley, Neill and Sarah; and several great-grandchildren, Samantha, Jason, Devin, Kaden, Golden, Langley, Grayson, Harrison, and Tate.
Obituary for Rev. Rusty Lynn Perkins
Rusty Lynn Perkins, 47, of Cullman, Alabama, passed away on May 13, 2025. Born on January 12, 1978, Rusty lived a life rooted in faith, compassion, and a deep love for his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Ronald and Gail Perkins. Rusty is survived by his devoted wife, Mandi Perkins; his brothers, Brian (Jane) Perkins; Reggy (Diane) Perkins; nephews Tyler (Jenny) Perkins, Zachary (Katlin) Perkins, Dalton Moon, and Dallas Moon, great nieces Sofiah, Bellah, and Lily Perkins, and Presley Moon, great nephews Bryson and Luca Perkins, and a host of cousins, and friends who were blessed by his wisdom, warmth, and ever-present encouragement.
Rusty’s greatest honor in life was sharing the Word of God and living fully for Jesus Christ. His faith was not just something he spoke about—it was the guiding light of his life. Whether ministering to others, offering a helping hand, or simply lending a listening ear, Rusty embodied the love of Christ in all he did. His legacy is one of service, humility, and unwavering devo7on to God.
A Celebra7on of Life service will be held on Sunday, June 1st, at 3:00 PM at New Beginnings Church in Warrior, Alabama where all who knew and loved Rusty are invited to gather and remember the remarkable man he was.
Rusty Lynn Perkins will be remembered as a loving husband, faithful brother, joyful unc, and a humble servant of the Lord. His life was a testament to grace, and his memory will con7nue to inspire those he leaves behind.
Obituary for Rev. James F. “Jim” Smith, Sr.
Reverend James F. “Jim” Smith, Sr., a resident of Ozark, died early Thursday morning, May 29, 2025, at his home. He was 75.
Funeral services were held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in Ozark First Assembly of God Church with Reverend Murray Kelly, Pastor Brian Presley and Dr. Michael Sharp officia7ng. Burial followed in Westview Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contribu7ons may be made to the Missions Department, Ozark First Assembly of God Church, 170 Country Club Drive, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Reverend Smith, son of the late Charlie Franklin Smith and Viola Catherine Blackmon Smith, was a na7ve of Geneva, Alabama where he was a 1968 Graduate of Geneva High School. He a?ended Southeastern Bible College and was a graduate of Global University, Springfield, Missouri. In 1970, he married the love of his life, Judith Ann Harclerode and he received his creden7als in 1976.
Pastor Jim’s
first church was in 1979 at First Assembly of God in Huntsville as their Music/Youth Minister. In August 1983, he was called to Wewoka Assembly of God in Talladega and then in June 1985, he became the Pastor of Daleville Assembly of God Church where he remained thirty-three years prior to re7rement. He also served as the District Presbyter for the Alabama Assemblies of God for twenty-nine years. Pastor Jim was a member of the Ozark First Assembly of God Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Ann Harclerode Smith.
Surviving rela7ves include his daughter, Jodi Michelle Smith Sandler (Mikey), Midland City; two sons, James F. “Jimmy” Smith, Jr. (Laura), Ozark and Zachary Andrew Smith (Callie Worthy), Daleville; brother, Billy Joe Smith, Enterprise; two grandchildren, Jadon Micah Burwick and Lanie Michelle Burwick; sister-in-law, Terri Ream (Rick), Red Lion, Pennsylvania; several cousins.
Serving as ac7ve pallbearers will be Heath Whatley, Alex Alford, Michael Gasse?, Jim Maxfield, Mike Wolfe, Danl Hale, Aubrey Sullivan, and Reverend Bill Mansfield.
The family would like to thank nurses, Jessyka Casey, Kelli Stevens, and Libby Babington for their loving care and kindness shown to Mr. Smith and his family during this 7me.
Ministerial Changes
Transferred in: Sco? Sherman (O)
Zachary Manning (O)
New/Upgraded CredenNals:
Anna Kay Roberts (L)
Rachel Conley (L)
John A White (L)
John A Mar7n (C)
Amanda Marable (L)
Deceased: Rusty Perkins James F Smith Sr. Sally A Michaud
Pastoral Changes: Ashford First AG – Robert Braswell Authen7c Life Church – Zachary Manning Temple AG – Eric Helfins7ne Lake City AG – Seth Mar7n
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.
UNDERSTANDING OUR FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS
We sometimes find that, for whatever reasons, some of our ministers are not clear on our financial obligations to the Alabama Ministry Network. We have begun to publish these more frequently in order to clear up any misunderstandings proactively before ministers fall behind in their giving. Here are the Network Bylaws followed by an explanation.
ALABAMA MINISTRY NETWORK CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
ARTICLE VIII. FINANCES
Section 2 - Obligations
of Ministers
a. All ministers shall be required to remit on a monthly basis 7.5% of their income earned from Gospel ministry and from secular work for the support of the Network general fund.
b. The following exceptions are permitted:
1. Ministers who receive wages strictly from secular employment and regularly attend a local assembly shall be required to support the local assembly with 5% of their income and shall also be required to support the Network general fund on a monthly basis with 5% of their income.
2. Evangelists shall be required to support the local assembly of which they are a member with 5% of their income and shall also be required to support the Network general fund on a monthly basis with 5% of their income.
3. Financial obligations of missionaries, military and industrial chaplains, and nationally appointed home missionaries are as outlined in Article VII, Section 8c of the General Council Bylaws.
c. Compliance with the above requirements shall be a prerequisite for membership in the Alabama Network Council and for the renewal of credentials of all active ministers. Any minister whose obligation falls into arrears shall be require d to appear before his/her respective Sectional committee at the time of the Sectional Councils, and his/her credentials will be withheld until such time as his/her financial obligation is brought up-to- date.
d. All ordained ministers shall recognize their obligation to support our General Council headquarters office in Springfield by contributing from their tithes or as an offering, the sum of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per month. Licensed ministers shall contribute the sum of twenty dollars ($20.00) per month, and certified ministers shall contribute the sum of ten dollars ($10.00) per month.
e. Each minister should accept the responsibility to provide a retirement income for himself and his/her family by contributing an amount equal to 5% of the minister’s salary to the MBA minister’s account.
Explanatory Note: If a credentialed minister receives any income from ministry, whether regular or irregular, parttime or full-time, or if they serve in a pastoral role in a local church, then they are required to remit to the Network office on a monthly basis 7.5% of their income from all sources, including secular work. If a credentialed minister receives no income at all from ministry, and only receives income from secular work, and does not serve in any pastoral role in a local church, then they are required to remit to the Network office on a monthly basis 5% of their income from all sources. Exceptions are only as provided in Paragraph b. In both scenarios, the remainder of the minister’s tithe should be paid to the local church they attend or serve. You may pay your tithes by mail, or online at the Alabama Network Website at www.adcag.org, or by Text at Text #73256 Message: ADCAG. If paying online, always enter your personal name in the memo box to ensure that your tithe is credited properly to your account.
Ministers who meet the following conditions: 1) are 59 ½ or older, 2) receive no regular income from ministry, 3) do not serve as permanent lead pastor, and 4) have formally requested and received a ministerial status change to SENIOR RETIRED, have no financial obligations to either the General Council or Alabama Ministry Network. Senior Retired ministers may still be volunteer chaplains, serve without regular remuneration part-time on church staffs, serve in pulpit supply and as short-term interim pastors for love offerings or honorariums, etc. Please contact the Network office with any questions as to your proper status.
Any exceptions based on category of ministry (missionary, evangelist, etc.) are as described in the Bylaws. Whenever you have questions about how the Network requirements apply to your particular circumstance, please contact the Network Secretary-Treasurer’s office. - Michael D. Sharp, D.Min., Network Secretary-Treasurer, ALSOM Director
