the
Contents 5 7 9 10 13 17 19 21 23
Message from Bishop Neil C. Ellis Who We Are About Global United Fellowship The Senior Pastor’s Wives Division with Lady Patrice Ellis Bishop to Bishop: Bishop Marvin Sapp 1-on-1 with Bishop Neil C. Ellis The Gathering Youth Ministry Schedule The Gathering Session Schedule Monday and Tuesday The Gathering Session Schedule Tuesday and Wednesday Morning The Gathering Session Schedule Wednesday (cont’d) The Gathering Session Schedule Wednesday (cont’d) and Thursday Morning
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Small Group Synopsis The Gathering Session Schedule Thursday (cont’d) The Gathering Session Schedule Thursday (cont’d) and Friday Morning The Gathering Session Schedule Friday Evening The Gathering Children’s Session Schedule A Word from Our Leaders: Jonathan Carey A Word from Our Leaders: Rob Watson and John Guns A Word from Our Leaders: Harold Ray GUF Executive Council
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Message from the
Presiding Bishop MY BELOVED BROTHERS AND SISTERS,
It is clear to me that we have been called upon to lay the foundation for a Kingdom Vehicle through which generations to come will have the tools needed to bring the body of Christ into the fullness of Kingdom Building.
On behalf of the leadership of our Fellowship, I am so excited to welcome each of you to the 5th Annual “Gathering” for our Global United Fellowship Family. This is year number 5 and we are excited and yet humbled that so many of you have traveled from various parts of The United States and from other countries around the globe to join us here in Greensboro, North Carolina. Without a doubt, you can expect this to be a life-changing and transformative week.
Our fellowship is constantly evolving and each year we seek to find creative ways to equip and empower the saints to do the work of ministry effectively and live victoriously. Therefore, I encourage you to pay close attention to the printed and online schedules and participate in as many of these life-changing sessions this week.
Another year has passed since we last met and what a glorious 12 months it has been for our Fellowship! God has shown Himself strong on our behalf and we’ve been the beneficiaries of his grace and favor all year long. Over the past year, we have experienced unprecedented growth and positive change. I am pleased to report that since last year’s Gathering, almost 300 new churches have willingly joined the fellowship. They join the hundreds who are already a part of our global family. We are now connected across some 40 countries around the globe.
We have planned, prayed, and partnered with The Holy Spirit to propose what we truly believe will be a transformative week. The table is now spread; we bid you come, dine, and hopefully, leave this “spiritual buffet” full and more nourished and equipped to fulfill your global assignments. Because of God’s Grace! Neil C. Ellis Presiding Bishop
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Global United Fellowship Who We Are
WHAT WE BELIEVE We believe that: • God is the Creator of all that exists and the Body of Christ is the vehicle that God uses for impacting the world. • The Word of God is the standard for both the family and the nations and should not be compromised. • Everything we do must glorify God. • Members of the Body of Christ should be equipped for the Challenges of Life, the expectations of God and the demands of ministry. • What we do today affects future generations.
MISSION STATEMENT Embracing the spirit and principles of Ephesians 4:11-13 Ephesians 4:11-13 11. And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12. For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13. Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; GUF is a Christian Fellowship that embraces Churches, Ministries, Fellowships, and Pastors who acknowledge, accept and submit to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. GUF will not allow any Name, Denomination, Doctrine, Tradition, Socio-economic or Cultural composition, to separate or prevent us from experiencing the authentic fellowship of the Saints of the Living God. Our mission is to foster biblical Unity among Christian Believers as one Body in Christ.
Discipline, Personal and Ministry Development. Furthermore, we will focus on the Cultivation of Spiritual gifts rather than on Doctrines and Theological Positions. GUF firmly believes that there is more that “Unites Us” than that which “divides us”.
OUR COMMITMENT GUF as a Christian Fellowship and organism commits to: Embracing both the Eternal Transforming Power of Calvary and the Supernatural Power of Pentecost. Demonstrating the principles of Holiness, Miracles and Revelation as exemplified specifically in the book of Acts and throughout the Scripture. The inclusion of All baptized Christian believers who subscribe to the Gifts and Graces as well as submit to the Power and the Leading of the Holy Spirit in all aspects of their private and public lives. Equipping and Empowering the Saints to do the Work of Ministry so as to experience Personal Victorious Living. Strengthening the Body of Christ, forging Christian relationships, promoting Unity, exemplifying Integrity while building the Kingdom of God. Providing Opportunities for ministry as well as preparing and releasing the gifted among the body in order to be a greater blessing and support to the entire body of Christ. Embracing the Word of God as our guide for character, integrity and accountability.
GUF will focus on empowering and the perfecting of the saints through Biblical Training, Mentoring,
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BISHOP
TO
BISHOP
Marvin Neil C. Sapp Ellis 1ON1 WITH
ne is a platinum selling artist and newly appointed Bishop in the Lord’s church. The other has been a Bishop in the Lord’s church for over two decades, and is the fearless leader of one of the fastest growing Christian organizations in history. Marvin Sapp and Neil Ellis are the epitome of renaissance men and know what it means to wear various hats. Bishop Sapp sat down for a no holds barred One on One interview with His Grace, Bishop Neil C. Ellis, as he opened up about egos in ministry, balance and his favorite pastime. Sapp: This is Global United Fellowship’s fifth annual Gathering, so the question is what are you most proud of accomplishing during this time? Ellis: Well first of all Marvin, let me just say that we started in August of 2013 with 41 churches and by the time we were inaugurated in October of 2013, we were up to 60 churches. By the first Gathering, we were at a little under 300 churches and as of today, we are looking at almost 1200 churches. One of the things that I am very proud of is the fact that so many of our leaders have bought into the vision. This is really a trans-generational change that is
taking place because you have people from various denominations who are coming to gather and unite under these five prongs of the fellowship to unite, equip, enhance, resurrect, and build. When we got started we felt that we were doing what the Lord wanted us to do, but to see more than 1,200 church leaders come together to make the vision come to pass is incredible. It’s a unique situation to see people come together without any form of doctrinal state and I’m pleased that God is demonstrating his commitment to what we’re doing. Sapp: With an organization growing so fast, what would you say is the biggest obstacle you’ve had to face as the leader of Global United Fellowship? Ellis: The biggest problem that we have is managing the egos of our pastors and leaders, because God has brought so many significant people together. So many of them in their own right are accomplished in their cities and across the country, and while they’re submitting to the vision, it’s not an easy task to manage everybody and keep them focused and in perspective. Many of our leaders have come with notoriety and known across the country and the world in some cases. You have to be able to work with these people and work with their agendas, because what I’m discovering more and more that you cannot look at presence and absence as an indication of one’s level of commitment. The truth of the matter is we’ve attracted some people with some busy schedules and sometimes they aren’t able to be present. In managing egos, we’re not just talking about people who have already made
it, but also leaders who are on the climb looking for an opportunity. So, bridging the gap, managing the egos of all of our leaders is an interesting scenario because we have such a wide cross section of people and we’re literally building a fellowship with all the fellows in the ship. All the fellows in the ship are not there with equal status or equal notoriety and we’ve got to learn how to all come together for the good of the work and not necessarily for the rating of levels of commitment. Sapp: What would you say is the key to being an effective leader in the church? Ellis: In this season of the church, we must understand a few things: The body of Christ has taken a major hit in the last decade. Many people don’t see the church as being relevant right now. Secondly, they don’t see the church as being effective in what it’s doing. Now when it comes to the leadership and what it takes to become an effective leader, we must understand the time that we’re in. With this day of reality television, people really want to be able to connect and they have no regard for people who separate themselves as leaders from those who are followers. To be an effective leader, you cannot lead from the throne, you’ve got to lead from the floor. You’ve got to be among the people and with the people. The times in which we live forces us to understand people. Secondly, we must be able to connect because you can understand and still ignore. You have to put yourself among the people and be able to shake hands and throw your arms around them. Lastly, you have to be comfortable in your own skin if
you’re going to be an effective leader in this season. I know I am the Presiding Bishop of the Global United Fellowship, so I don’t have to orchestrate things for everybody to understand that. First of all, I am Neil Ellis and I am comfortable with Neil Ellis. I happen to wear the title of Bishop that will eventually be worn by somebody else. In order to be an effective leader, you’ve got to make a decision to serve people while you’re in office. As it pertains to leading apostles, bishops and pastors, you have to lead from a position of compassion. Everybody is not perfect and in the term leader, some of the people who are going to be serving with you may fall, therefore, the leader has to have a spirit of compassion and know how to cover other leaders. If it’s all about you, you’ll be quick to expose other people because from your perspective it makes you look good. I think what makes an effective leader is getting the people in leadership around you to all become effective and successful. The final thing with effective leadership is, a really good leader should always be trying to work himself out of a job. We should be preparing our successor at all times, because if something were to happen to me and Global goes into a frenzy because they can’t find a new leader, that does not speak well of my leadership. If I die and it takes them six to eight months to find a successor, that’s ridiculous! The first five years of GUF are gone, so over the next five years, I have to be thinking about succession. Sapp: One of the things I noticed is that Global United Fellowship has successfully united churches from across all denominations. This is probably one of the most amazing things about GUF that I personally enjoy. Not too long ago everyone was segregated. How does Global so seemingly bring churches together and why is this unity so important? Ellis: I believe in variety, and while I have tremendous appreciation for denominations, there’s only one family of God. We have to be very careful in our denominations that we are not building separate kingdoms. I am from a family of 10, but we are all Ellis’. I have one sister who is married and although her name has changed, she’s an Ellis. We are all different, we all have different personalities, but we get along very well
as a family. I don’t know of any conflict today among any of my siblings. One has gone on to be with the Lord but there are nine of us left and we all get long as one family and that’s how I think God wants his church to be. While we’re all focused in on this segment of scripture it’s still all one body. We don’t have to kill one another. I think all of us should be working hard to try to embrace each other because the Baptists, the Apostolics, the Charismatics, the Independents are basically saying and doing the same thing, we’re just saying and doing them in different segments. It would be amazing for all of us to come together at some point, say one thing and say it together. Marvin, I’m going to tell you that Global will fail if we don’t go after this kind of systematic approach. I think in the next two years or so, I’m going to have to find some kind of event that brings the National Baptist Convention, Global United Fellowship, The Apostolics and COGIC in one place. Even if it’s 100 people coming from various denominations, this is something the world needs to bear witness to and I believe that God is going to make it happen. Sapp: How do you maintain balance between your spiritual calling and your personal life? Ellis: The first thing I think that is important for you to maintain balance is you have to keep your feet on the ground. If your feet are not on the ground, you’ll be off balance. In my case, I have to first be familiar with Neil. I have to know Neil. I can’t lose track of who Neil is because with Neil comes the husband, the father and the friend. In Neil there’s daddy and there’s baby and there’s buddy and I have to keep that leveled. The same kind of passion that I commit to the church, is the same passion that I should commit to my wife of 35 years, Patrice. I must always know that if I want to remain married I can’t be married to myself. I also have a parental God ordained responsibility as a father to meet the needs of my children until they become adults, therefore, I have to know how to commit my time. There’s also the church that I am pastor of, Mt. Tabor Church and this is all before we even get to Global United Fellowship. I am a husband and father first and I have a commitment to them and I have a calling from God to his
church. In my case, there is also the House of Elijah that houses my sons and daughters in ministry and there’s about 48 of them. Each of them need time, attention and direction, and then there’s GUF. Some may say, how do you balance all of this? What I try to do is when I’m at the church, I give the church my full attention and when I’m home I give my wife and my children my full attention and the church takes second place. What I try to do is not really be sentimentalized, I have to be focused. During the week of The Gathering, I am not the pastor of Mount Tabor. I have to get through this week and I want Global to have all of my attention. When The Gathering is over, I shut down and go back home as the pastor. My team knows not to mix the various roles and it takes communication and understanding and it may be difficult to put it all together, but once you have your people around you and they understand their roles, they will help you carry out yours. Sapp: What’s one thing about your personal life that nobody knows? Ellis: Like yourself, I am a very public person but I’m very private; to the point where I don’t have many visitors to my house. Most people don’t know that I’m private because of my very public image. In my public image I’ve had to rise to the occasion but I’m very shy. When I get to the pulpit, it puts me in the public arena and I try to master that but outside of that arena for which I am anointed, I’m very shy. One thing that I love to do that people don’t know is I can play dominoes for 24 hours straight! If I’m home on Thursday and Sunday evenings, my family knows not to make any plans for me. I don’t take any preaching engagements on those days because it is set aside for Dominoes. There’s seven of us and we keep score from January to December and in December someone wins the trophy. Every December, our team travels to Florida for three days and we go Christmas shopping together and for those three nights we play dominoes. The winner of the tournament gets all expenses paid to Florida, inclusive of hotel and airline. We really love to play for bragging rights!
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the gathering
Youth Ministry
WORSHIP SERVICES & WORKSHOP SCHEDULE Theme: “PressingRestart”
Tuesday, July 10, 2018 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM White Party
Wednesday, July 11, 2018 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:55 AM – 11:55 AM 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM 3:45 PM – 5:00 PM 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Day 1 Opening Workshop: Restart Workshop: Dream Lunch Community Service Project Positive Development Non-Profit, Inc. Community Service Debriefing Rehearsal for Friday Presentation Worship Service
Thursday, July 12, 2018 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Day 2 Opening 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Workshop and Panel Forums: Bullying / Suicide Family Self Image / Purity 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Rehearsal for Friday Presentation 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Worship Service
Friday, July 13, 2018 8:00 AM Staging for Let the Church Say Amen 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Let the Church Say Amen 7:00 PM Closing Services (Main Sanctuary)
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the
schedule
Monday, July 09, 2018 TIME
EVENT
L O C AT I O N
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Vendor Booths Move In 10:00 AM
Executive Council Meeting
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Episcopal Catechism Class #2 2:00 PM
Registration Opens
4:00 PM
Governing Council Meeting Inspirational Challenge: Bishop James Woodson
Gate City Room Imperial Room A
Imperial Room D
Tuesday, July 10, 2018 MORNING SESSIONS 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Registration Opens
Guilford Ballroom Lobby
9:00 AM
Induction Service
Imperial Room D
11:00 AM
Exhibit Hall Opens
Guilford Ballroom (D & G)
11:00 AM
Consecration Service Speaker:
Guilford Ballroom
Bishop Matthew Odum
EVENING SESSIONS 6:00 PM - 6:15 PM Intercessory Prayer Bishop Darryl Husband
Guilford Ballroom
6:15 PM - 6:30 PM Praise & Worship
Tuesday Evening Sessions Continued... The Gathering
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the
schedule 6:30 PM
State of the Fellowship Address Speaker: His Grace, Bishop Neil C. Ellis
10:00 PM – 12:30 AM Millennials & Young Adults After Party
Guilford Ballroom Club Fifth
Wednesday, July 11, 2018 MORNING SESSIONS Resurrecting the Dying
5:30 AM - 7:00 AM Discipline of Prayer
Imperial Room D
7:30 AM - 3:00 PM Exhibit Hall
Guilford Ballroom (D & G)
Bishop Harold & Pastor Brenda Ray
8:30 AM
Conference Sales & Registration Opens
Guilford Ballroom Lobby
Devotional Message Speaker:
Guilford Ballroom
Bishop Aretha Wilson
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM Educational Forum 9:00 AM
Presentation on Theme Presenter: Bishop John Guns
Guilford Ballroom
9:20 AM
From Engagement to Transformation: Guilford Becoming A Change Agent Ballroom Presenter: Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr.
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
HEALTHY ME AT GLOBAL 2018’ Free Health Screening
10:00 AM
GUF Evangelism
Caring for Caregivers at Local Nursing Home Ministering to staff, nurses, doctors and a Bible Study for residents
Pinehurst Room Meet in Room: Colony A & B
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the
schedule Wednesday Sessions Continued... 10:30 AM
"Changing the Landscape: From Theory to Practice A Call to Narrative Guilford Ballroom to Engaging the Seven Mountains Presenter: Bishop Harold Calvin Ray�
New Voices @ Noon Worship Service
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM Speakers
Pastor Michael Fisher, South Pacific Province Bishop Leofric Thomas, South East Province
2:00 PM
2:30 PM
GUF Evangelism
Soul to Soul Ministry with Homeless Camps (delivering shoes & toys to the homeless)
Guilford Ballroom Meet in Room: Colony A & B
The Financial Empowerment / Wealth Creation Institute Featuring: Guilford Economic & Financial Independence Ballroom Experts & Practitioners Bishop Harold Calvin Ray, Facilitating
2:30 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM
Lady Etiquette: Inspiring Women to elevate their confidence Lady Patrice Ellis
GUF Evangelism
Center for Hope (pray and serve dinner to families in transition)
Imperial Room A Meet in Room: Colony A & B
Adjournment
EVENING SESSIONS 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM Exhibit Hall
Conference Sales & Registration Opens
Guilford Ballroom (D & G) Guilford Ballroom Lobby
6:00 PM - 6:25 PM Intercessory Prayer
Guilford Ballroom
6:30 PM - 6:55 PM Inspirational Message
Guilford Ballroom
Bishop Darryl Husband
Bishop Jerome Williams
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the
schedule Wednesday Evening Sessions Continued... 6:55 PM
Screen Promos
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Evening Worship Speaker
Guilford Ballroom
10:00 PM - 11:30 PM CLUB GLOBAL Comedy Show
Club Fifth (Ticketed Event)
Bishop T. L. Penny
Thursday, July 12, 2018 MORNING SESSIONS Resurrecting the Dying
5:30 AM - 7:00 AM Discipline of Prayer
Victoria Ballroom A
7:30 AM - 3:00 PM Exhibit Hall
Guilford Ballroom (D & G)
Bishops Leonard & Carolyn Love
Conference Sales & Registration Opens 8:30 AM 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Devotional Message Bishop Jonathan Carey
Senior Pastors Wives Session Lady Patrice Ellis
Guilford Ballroom Lobby Guilford Ballroom Imperial Room C
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM Education Time Slot 9:00 AM
From Apathy to Engagement: Inspiring Today’s Church to Serve
Guilford Ballroom
10:20 AM
How to get a church engaged in vision and mission
Guilford Ballroom
11:35 AM
Adjournment
Presenter: Dr. Donte Hickman
Presenter: Pastor John K. Jenkins, Sr.
New Voices @ Noon Worship Service
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM Speakers:
Prophet Evans Oppong, United Kingdom Minister Felicia Archer, Bahamas Province
Guilford Ballroom The Gathering
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Small Group
synopsis 2018
This year’s sessions will be life changing and empowering. Each session will allow the attendee to be stretched and their faith be strengthened. Throughout this year’s Gathering, large and small group sessions will be provided. On Thursday, we will provide powerful sessions for present/future Business owners, Pastors, Young Adults, Couples, Ministry Leaders and Full-time staff. Each session will be led by a highly qualified presenter who will address the theme, “Transformation through Engagement”. Here’s a brief synopsis of each session:
Business Owners Mrs Tameka Holly This session will look at how to strategically deal with a changing global economy while developing an approach to successfully managing your business model.
Pastors Bishop Sir Walter Mack This session will provide pastors with vital insights into reaching the community and best practices in leading a transformational congregation.
Couples Bishop Joel and Pastor Ylawnda Pebbles This session will provide couples with the keys to a healthy and fulfilling marriage. It will offer biblical tools for building an enduring marriage.
Young Adults Elder Claude Cheatham This session will seek to equip YA with the tools to live victorious lives while managing the demands of a secular culture.
Ministry Leaders Overseer Shawn Bell This session will address the importance of servant leadership and how valuable the presence of spiritual leadership is in fulfilling the vision of the local church.
Full-time Staff Pastor Delton Ellis This session will provide those who serve daily within the local church, principles and practices for staying fresh and focused as they seek to accomplish the vision communicated by the Senior Pastor.
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the
schedule Thursday Sessions Continued... 1:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
GUF Evangelism
Meet in Room: Colony A & B
Cancer Survivor’s Luncheon
Imperial Room D
Grocery Giveaway (pray with shoppers & give away groceries) (Women Only) Lady Patrice Ellis
Small Group Sessions Business Owners
Imperial Room C
Young Adults
Auditorium 1
Ministry Leaders
Auditorium 2
Full Time Church Staff
Auditorium 3
Tameka Holly
Elder Claude Cheatham Pastor Shawn Bell
Pastor Delton Ellis
Pastors Session
Bishop Sir Walter Mack Hosted by Bishop Donte Hickman
Couples Session
Bishop Joel & Pastor Ywlanda Peebles
GUF Women’s Division, Round Table 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Session w/Bishop Ellis Hosted by Bishop T. L. Penny
3:30 PM 4:00 PM
GUF Evangelism
Block Party (Free cookout for residents with a Prayer Tent & Christian fun)
Auditorium 4 Imperial Room A Room: TBA Meet in Room: Colony A & B
Adjournment
EVENING SESSIONS 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM Exhibit Hall
Conference Sales & Registration Opens 6:00 PM - 6:25 PM Intercessory Prayer Bishop Darryl Husband
Guilford Ballroom (D & G) Guilford Ballroom Lobby Guilford Ballroom The Gathering
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the
schedule Thursday Evening Sessions Continued... 6:30 PM - 6:55 PM Inspirational Message Bishop D. C. Thomas
6:55 PM
Guilford Ballroom
Screen Promos
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Evening Worship
Guilford Ballroom
10:00 PM - 11:30 PM Marvin Sapp Live in Concert
Club Fifth (Ticketed Event)
Speaker: Devon Franklin
Friday, July 13, 2018 MORNING SESSIONS Resurrecting the Dying 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM Discipline of Prayer Dr. Harold A. Carter Jr. & Dr. Monique Carter
7:30 AM - 3:00 PM Exhibit Hall
Conference Sales & Registration Opens
Guilford Ballroom (D & G) Guilford Ballroom Lobby
Bishop Cynthia James
Guilford Ballroom
Presentations from Youth, Millennials & Children
Guilford Ballroom
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM Morning Glory 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Imperial Room D
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the
schedule Friday Sessions Continued...
*Remainder of the Morning & Afternoon Free* EVENING SESSIONS 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM Exhibit Hall
Guilford Ballroom (D & G)
Conference Sales & Registration Opens
Guilford Ballroom Lobby
6:00 PM - 6:25 PM
Intercessory Prayer Bishop Darryl Husband
Guilford Ballroom
6:30 PM - 6:55 PM
Inspirational Message Bishop J. Jasper Wilkins
Guilford Ballroom
6:55 PM
Screen Promos
7:00 PM
Evening Worship Guilford Speaker: His Grace, Bishop Neil C. Ellis Ballroom
8:00 PM
Word Network Live Telecast begins
10:00 PM
The Gathering Closing
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THE GATHERING CHILDREN’S MINISTRY WORSHIP SERVICES SCHEDULE Theme: “RESCUED BY JESUS”
July 10-13, 2018 – GREENSORO, NORTH CAROLINA TUESDAY JULY 10, 2018 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Children’s Ministry Worker Training
WEDNESDAY JULY 11, 2018 8:30 am 9:00 am 12:00 Pm – 6:15 pm
Children’s sign-in time begins Children’s WELCOME PARTY! BREAK
6:30 pm Children’s sign-in time begins 7:00 pm Kids Alive Evening Service THEME – “When You’re Lonely…Jesus Rescues 10:00pm Children’s Pick-Up THURSDAY JULY 12, 2018 8:30 am Children’s sign-in time begins 9:00 am Children’s Morning Worship THEME – “When You Worry…Jesus Rescues” 12:00pm Children’s Pick-Up 12:00 pm – 6:15 pm AFTERNOON BREAK 6:30 pm Children’s sign-in time begins 7:00 pm Kids Alive Evening Service THEME – “When you struggle…Jesus Rescues” 10:00pm Children’s Pick-Up FRIDAY JULY 13, 2018 8:30 am Children’s sign-in time begins 9:00 am Children’s Morning Worship THEME – “When you do wrong…Jesus Rescues” 12:00pm Children’s Pick-Up 12:00 pm – 6:15 pm AFTERNOON BREAK 6:30 pm Children’s sign-in time begins 7:00 pm Kids Alive Evening Service THEME – “When you’re powerless…Jesus Rescues” 10:00pm Children’s Pick-Up ALL SERVICE SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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a word from our leaders
Jonathan Carey Surprisingly, there are many clergymen in the United States who not only support President Donald Trump but actually voted for him. With the current state of the country, specifically with regard to race relations, do you foresee things turning around under this administration?
An accomplished author, educator, pastor and youth leader. Dr. Jonathan Carey’s extensive 36 year career in ministry is something that is celebrated and commended. His mission is to equip, encourage and empower and ultimately bring people to Jesus. With a heart for ministry and his philanthropic work, his mission will indeed be fulfilled. As told to Hasan James for Root Magazine Dr. Carey, how important do you think philanthropic works are as it pertains to Kingdom Building? Many churches and ministries have received grants from philanthropists, and these grants have in part assisted with fulfilling God-given visions and assignments, as well as providing the resources to rebuild after disasters. I believe in this season a greater emphasis must be placed by the church on the giving and empowering end of philanthropy. Philanthropy comes from two greek words meaning “loving people.” I believe it is a kingdom pursuit because we are to mirror the love God has for people. Jesus said that when we show kindness, compassion, and a hand-up approach to others we are ministering unto Him. Philanthropy is not self-centeredness rather it is selflessness. I believe philanthropy and social entrepreneurship are vital to kingdom building efforts because they both aid in breaking cycles of poverty and display the love of Christ for humanity. Philanthropy from a kingdom minded approach is one godly way to manage, disperse, and grow wealth.
receiving end of missional efforts. How important are millennials to the progression of not only GUF, but the Christian Church at large?
Millennials are vital to the growth and effectiveness of both GUF and the Christian This is an interesting question and ought Church at large. Among other areas, the church to be answered with an eye toward patterns, needs the help of millennials to navigate both human and divine. Observing the short digital terrains. Millennials are rethinking most track record of the current administration, it of the institutions that arbitrate life, and the would appear if this administration is left to its church is one of those institutions. Ubiquity agenda; timetables and priorities there will be of information makes it more difficult for many little if any improvement in race relations inside to find meaning in a church which often feels or outside the borders. Perhaps those religious out of touch. Millennials often say the church groups that openly supported the election bid of does not offer the quality answers to life in a the current administration ought to collectively complex culture. This criticism should be taken flex their influence muscles. This flexing can seriously by the church, as it may be the catalyst take place at all levels of governance and that produces relevancy without compromise. should among other things, offer opportunities Millennials will not only make up the ranks of for ongoing dialogue and assessments. What future leaders of the church and other mountains captures our attention often secures our efforts. of culture, they are also leaders of today. There The church must continue building an accessible are many approaches GUF and the church at bridge for equality and transformation. I have large may take to develop a more meaningful always been intrigued by Proverbs 21:1 which interaction with millennials. One is reverse in part states “The king’s heart is in the hand of mentoring, which is a healthy kind of give and the Lord”. Part of GUF’s mandate is to resurrect take between young and established leaders. the dying discipline of prayer. May we fervently Assisting millennials to discover their gifts pray for the Lord of Creation to turn the hearts and missions, as oppose to just asking them to and renew a right spirit within the hearts of our wait their turn is one of the priorities of reverse community and political leaders. mentoring. As head of the Metropolitan Deanery of GUF, As a Pastor with an extreme amount of what are your responsibilities? What plans do responsibility, how do you effectively balance you have for this region over the next five family, church and your personal self care? years? The truth is I do not always effectively maintain As the Metropolitan Bishop of the Caribbean balance, but I keep making adjustments. Deanery, my role is one of an administrative In the early years, my wife Shena and I, nature, working to ensure the objectives of GUF chose educational careers so we would have are met in my region of responsibility. more quality time with the children and that However, because of the newness of our worked well. In this season, I try to use a fellowship, my role has for the past few years three-prong system. First, I set my agenda and been more of a pioneering one. One must then allow others to vive for the time slots that have something to manage. I have been are open. I have discovered if you do not know given anointed and committed provincial what is important to you, others will tell you leaders and together we are working towards by how they dominate your time. Secondly, I establishing deep GUF roots throughout delay a day on issues and choices that are not the Caribbean. We believe these roots will emergencies. My often used statement is “Let result in fruitful ministry and within the next me get back to you in a day or so”. Lastly, I five years, we wish to see GUF represented am big on developing others and I try to view in no less than twenty nations with at least my pastoring as somewhat of a tribal chief role three, if called upon, able to host a Caribbean and not a medicine man one. Therefore, we Gathering. As of now, GUF is represented in equip, encourage, and empower others and try nine Caribbean nations and a passion of mine not to micromanage them. Shena has a simple is to see the GUF Caribbean churches sending approach to me, often she reminds me that I am missionaries and not predominantly on the not God, and it works well.
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John Guns
a word from our leaders
Rob Watson
must plan to spend very extended time there to meet the demand for the Gospel. Also, the countrymen are not very trusting so once you have established a relationship with them, Bishop Rob Watson’s they weigh heavily on you to travel there as passion for spreading much as possible. Many people come and God’s word at every promise a lot and deliver very little; so getting end of the earth is a them to trust you initially is sometimes very difficult. But once you show them your pure mission he doesn’t intentions and you invest your time, talent, take lightly and and sometimes tithes into them, they build an what makes this unbreakable bond with you. fellowship global.
As told to Hasan James At what age did you realize that you were called into ministry? Do you come from a long line of preachers? I have always been intrigued by religion growing up but as with most young adults, I became more fascinated with the streets. I first realized my call into the ministry at the age of 29 years old, while attending seminary. Now admittedly, I only went to seminary because I like to debate and I was not very knowledgeable when it came to religion, so I set out to take a few classes to make me a formidable debater. Six years later, I graduated with a degree in theology and I haven’t stopped learning since. I do not come from a long line of preachers, in fact, I only have one uncle in my family that is a preacher. Since I became a preacher, several family members have followed suit. I like to think my obedience to God has paved the way for others in my family to embrace the calling on their lives. Considering you oversee churches in third world countries like Nicaragua, Pakistan and Haiti, what are some advantages and disadvantages of preaching the Gospel abroad? Well, there are some great advantages preaching the Gospel in third world countries. In fact, it is extremely therapeutic for me because I get to preach to a people where the masses are predominately hungry for God and his word. Unfortunately, Christianity as we know it in the West is tainted and diluted at best. When people are hungry for God, it gives you such a release to empty yourself out and pour into them all that God has given you. You finish with such a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Most people in third world countries don’t care about who you are in name, they just want to know if God has given you a word for them. A word that will provide instruction, encouragement, vision, and even rebuke if necessary. They do not have much so they fully rely on God. Obviously, some of the disadvantages to preaching the Gospel abroad are the logistics. It is sometimes very difficult to reach the very remote parts of some of these countries, so you
How did you initially connect with Bishop Neil Ellis? I first came in contact with Bishop Ellis through my spiritual father, the late Bishop Eddie L. Long. Bishop Long and Ellis were very good friends and Bishop Ellis was often brought in to speak at our conferences. It was through this that I became acquainted with his ministry. When Bishop Ellis pulled away from Full Gospel and started Global United Fellowship, I asked Bishop Long’s permission to join GUF and he was in agreement with me becoming a member. What is your key role at Global United Fellowship? Bishop Ellis has saw fit to allow me to serve the fellowship as the Metropolitan Bishop for Central America. I believe that my vast knowledge and tremendous relationships in that region prior to GUF, made me a viable asset in this capacity and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve. There are several high profile churches in the Northeast, what makes the Real Life Church different? What makes RLC different is our passion to be visible in our community. We strongly believe that the church should not be silent and if our church should close and no one would even miss it, then we are doing something wrong and should not be open. In short, RLC is relevant to our environment. What are some key elements that make for a successful Man, Ministry and Marriage? I believe that one has to search himself to define what he believes success is. To me, becoming and staying relevant is a good sign of success. Living life with a sense of purpose and not just existing, is also a sign of success. Understanding who you are and not trying to be or duplicate someone else and being confident, prepared, informed and purposed to do exactly what God called you to do are all elements of success. I believe that these things work to make you a successful man and maintain a successful ministry. What makes for a successful marriage? I’ve learned the hard way and if I could sum this up with one powerful word, it would be balance!
As one of the greatest leaders and teachers of our time, Bishop John Guns is on a mission not only to save souls, but to also equip them outside the four walls of the church. With a heart for ministry, family, outreach and education, Dr. Guns is the Bishop of Education for Global United Fellowship, a well deserved title considering his years of innovative thinking and his approach to kingdom building. By Hasan James The church gets a lot of flack about not being on the front lines as it pertains to social justice issues. How can we, as the body of Christ, effectively address both spiritual and social justice issues? First, it begins with honestly confronting the issues that face us. Then courageously seeking strategies and solutions to deal directly with those issues. This happens only when we create partnerships that merge and marry diversity of gifts and resources. The church becomes the voice that galvanizes all of these entities. What was the inspiration in launching Operation Save Our Sons? Initially, I started OSOS when the Trayvon Martin case came about, but it has evolved to equipping young African American men to manage conflict, make positive decisions and handle life and all its dynamics successfully as young African American male. Ultimately, OSOS is about empowering and equipping them to live effective, meaningful lives. Being a husband and father of three daughters,
do you talk to your girls about the current #MeToo movement and navigate them on how not to become a statistic? I talk to my girls all the time. Being a parent of three African American females is a big deal to me. In fact, I see them as my primary responsibility and partnering with their mother to prepare them for life is vital. To me, the #MeToo movement is about more than empowerment of women within a system, but the releasing of women to fulfill their God created purpose. This is something we constantly challenge our girls to pursue. Achieving God’s purpose is fundamental to a complete and full life. What makes Global United Fellowship different from other religious organizations? For me, its about the relationships and the willingness to try new things to further advance the Kingdom of God. GUF has the potential to bridge so many different cultures and create meaningful dialogue that truly embodies what it means to be global. I find it profound. Church attendance in pews across the Unites States is down between 40% and 50%. What do you attribute that to and do you think it will ever turn around? Church attendance has been painted as optional and technology has supplanted the need to gather collectively. I believe the key to the turn around is, the church must simply stay the course of living out Acts 2. I know this may seem obsolete, but we must know that we are people of strength and endurance and will sustain this season of decline. We must also become focused on building a healthy church culture where love is primary and the Gospel is preached with no fear or compromise.
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a word from our leaders
Harold Ray
Bishop Harold Ray is Vice Presiding Bishop of Global United Fellowship and he works closely with Presiding Prelate, His Grace, Bishop Neil Ellis. As Senior Pastor of Redemptive Life Fellowship church in West Palm Beach, Florida and author of over a dozen books, Bishop Ray is necessary to the growth and relevancy of GUF. By Hasan James What is the responsibility of Vice Presiding Bishop of such a large aggregation like GUF? My responsibilities are to generically support the vision of our Presiding Bishop, handling assignments as are directed in our daily course of business affairs. More specifically however, I oversee an extensive portfolio of emerging innovations in the area of The Seven Mountains of Cultural Influence, The Roundtables Values Initiative, The Global United Financial Empowerment Institute, and its extensive internet based educational platform, dedicated to the eradication of poverty, and poverty inducing systems. In addition
to continuing and developing relations with The United Nations in our agenda to collaborate with United Nations Sustainable Development goals and objectives, oversight of the metric analysis of measurable objectives in marketplace ministry, oversight and direction of the GUF Social Justice interventions around the globe and the initiation of research, analysis, and design of a strategic plan for consummate operational systems of the Global United Fellowship.
covering. Our secret has always been, and remains; transparency, honesty, communication and friendship. All prayerfully molded in and submitted to, the authority of the Holy Spirit as He directs us in our marital and family relationships, as well as our service in ministry.
You’re a graduate of Oral Roberts University. He was one of the greatest orators of our time. What did you learn from him?
My next book will be a follow-up to my last book, entitled “Discovering Your Authentic Voice,” where I passionately and scripturally encourage the believer to prophetically speak to their future from a clarion understanding of their uniqueness of purpose, calling and presence. The sequel, if you will, is entitled “Changing the Landscape,” a call to action for intervention in every sphere of society, especially in the spheres of education, media, government, family and religion. Our call, however, is not to merely echo moves of the past, but to discover and implement the prophetic unction of our purpose in a post modern societal environment.
Oral Roberts was my spiritual father from 1975 until his untimely death. I traveled with him, served in crusades with him, served on the Oral Roberts University Board of Regents, and was the first African American President of the Student Body. In the later years of his life, I was blessed to visit with him on multiple occasions for hours of mentor/mentee sessions in his home. His prophetic voice and experiential spiritual discernment still resonates in my spirit today. His apostolic deposit blessed our local church on more than one occasion, as he visited and preached in our service at Redemptive Life Fellowship. I was honored to have his endorsement and commentary as he forwarded my first book in early 1992. You have been married to your wife Brenda for over 30 years. What makes for a long lasting marriage like yours? Brenda is the unequivocal support that has sustained my life, living and ministry for 34 years. In addition to her profound prophetic insights, keen sense of spiritual discernment, passion for prayer and raising a growing international network of intercessors, she has provided stability and balance to my life as a loving wife, best friend, mother of my only children and grandmother to our six grandchildren. A powerful preacher in her own right, she is humbly deferential in all respects to my role as leader and
You’ve written many books that have impacted millions of people around the globe. Can you give us some insight on your next book?
Hypothetically, Bishop Neil Ellis is receiving a special award for his contribution to Christendom and you are asked to introduce him. What would your speech sound like? My speech would focus on his unabashed and determined effort to bring a distinctive quality to the church as a corporate entity, and to the believer as an individual ambassador of the cause of Christ. Without question he is willing, if necessary, to brave the disapproval of his fellows, the censure of his colleagues, and the wrath of his contemporaries, to enliven and sustain the distinctive call of God upon his life; to educate, enhance, equip and empower the Body of Christ, improving their quality of life, all predicated upon the indelible commitment to resurrect the dying discipline of prayer.
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GUF Leadership
Executive Council Members
Bishop Neil C. Ellis Presiding Bishop / Chairman
Bishop Kenneth Ulmer Vice Presiding Bishop at Large
Bishop George Brooks Suffragan Bishop / Vice Chairman
Bishop James Woodson Apostolic Aide to Presiding Bishop
Bishop Carolyn Showell Vice Presiding Bishop
Bishop Sheldon McCarter Vice Presiding Bishop
Bishop Leonard N. Smith Vice Presiding Bishop
Bishop Harold C. Ray Vice Presiding Bishop
Dr. Harold A. Carter Jr. Executive Secretary
Bishop Kevin Gresham Executive Treasurer
Bishop Brian Moore Chairman of the Coalition
Bishop Craig Johnson Sr. Metropolitan Bishop (US)
Bishop John Guns Christian Education
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