Link winter 2013

Winter 2013

THE NEW MEXICO MINISTRY NETWORK Network Pastor/ Executive Director Micheal Dickenson mdickenson@nmministry.net

Assistant Executive Director David Vistine

Help us New Mexico by informing us of ministry successes in your church and community.

Send your submission to: gchristopher@nmministry.net

dvistine@nmministry.net

Executive Administrator/ Chief Financial Officer Marcus McClain mmcclain@nmministry.net

New Mexico Ministry Network 6640 Caminito Coors NW Albuquerque, NM 87120 505 899-5399 (phone) 505 899-5859 (fax) info@nmministry.net www.nmministry.net

MINISTRY DIRECTORS:

EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERS:

Men’s Ministries Kent Barnard

Royal Rangers Bart Garrison

Women’s Ministries Becky Dickenson

Girls Ministries Mary Helen Gonzalez

East Central Area Lemuel Perry

Native American Area Carlos Baki

Student Ministries Jeral Dickenson

Champions Ministries Marcus and Sharon McClain

Southeast Area Melvin Suttle

West Central Area Brenton Franks

kbarnard@nmministry.net

bgarrison@nmministry.net

Northwest Area Randy Joslin pastor@theoasis.us

Southwest Area David Crispin

pastordave@oneworship.org

AREA PRESBYTERS:

bdickenson@nmministry.net

jdickenson@nmministry.net

mhgonzalez@nmministry.net

mmcclain@nmministry.net

arbidee@plateautel.net

kdmdsuttle@yahoo.com

baki69@hotmail.com

Northeast Area David McCarty fwc@zianet.com

pastorbrenton@evangelchristiancenter.org

NETWORK PASTOR MICHEAL DICKENSON low me to take this opportunity to express what this Network is all about.

First of all, let me simply reference that we exist as 97 churches, 239 ministers, and, on any given weekend, approximately 25,000 people gathering to worship in those church We are the church! We es. Our churches are as diverse are the Body of Christ! We are as the culture and geography the family of God! We are the of New Mexico and serve our New Mexico Ministry Network! smallest communities as well as

From the time the first century Church exploded from that Upper Room, experiencing the outpouring of the Spirit, onto the streets, and ultimately around the world, the Church has been expressed and viewed in a variety of ways. For our our largest cities. Furthermore, larger fellowship the journey has every single church and ministry been quite an adventure from is vital to the advancement of the those small beginnings in 1914 to Kingdom in our state; and every today where over 66 million peo- person is the focus of our minple are part of the Assemblies of istry.

God worldwide; and here in New As a Ministry Network, Mexico, we are…The Church, I think it is important to emthe Body, the family. We are the phasize that everything we do New Mexico Ministry Network; is about ministry. While we acand we exist to serve the people, knowledge that ministry hapthe churches, and the communi- pens at the grass roots level in ties of New Mexico. our communities, we as a Net Earlier this year, we made work exist to serve, resource, decisions to change our identity and support those ministries. from a “District Council” to a Having said that, we also “Ministry Network.” It has been understand that we do our minan interesting journey as we are istry within the framework of trying to adjust to this change. a Network. We are a network Quite often as we travel the of ministers and churches that state, people ask me about it. Al- work together to fulfill our God-

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We exist to serve the people, the churches, and the communities of New Mexico.

given assignments within this field of ministry. And while our ministry assignments may vary significantly, we inspire, encourage, and assist one another on our ministry journeys. Thank you for being a part of our Network!

Every camp and retreat that we coordinate is designed to connect to you, the people and leadership who make up our Network. Our prayer is that these events not only provide a place of ministry to those in your church, but that they compliment and support all that you are doing on the local level.

In the coming weeks, most of us will in some fashion get together with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. These are treasured moments, whether with actual family members or with our church families.

On behalf of all of us who serve in your New Mexico Ministry Network, “We wish you God’s very best during this wonderful season. It truly is our joy to serve you, to minister to you, and to know you as our family.

We love you all!”

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Winter 2013

WE ARE! THE NEW MEXICO MINISTRY NETWORK

Winter 2013

“SYNONYMOUS” /si-non’-e-mes/ adj. Having the same meaning EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR MARCUS McCLAIN

There is a good chance that you can recollect a time, when at the end of a church service, the congregation was invited to come forward, find a place to pray, seek God, and “wait upon the Lord.” Your recollection might include altars, platform steps, a pew, or just a quiet corner in the sanctuary. Nevertheless, we graciously responded to the invitation and went with an expectation to have an encounter with God.

mous, describing the same experience. Hopefully, you have encountered this experience, enjoying it over and over again, which takes me full circle to my conversations with the two very special, very dear ladies: What they were sharing with me is how absolutely valuable it is for us to make time to get alone with God!

It is interesting when two We need to not be in a hurry but conversations with two different to be submissive to His presence ladies have a direct impact on and will. We need to tarry, linyour thinking. My first converger, long for, and receive that sation was with my mother some glorious touch that comes from time ago, I can’t rightly remema divine encounter. Whatever ber the exact moment, but we your experience, whatever your were discussing the miraculous reference, do not let it be only an works of the Holy Spirit. During experience of “yesterday!” that dialogue, Mom made the Instead, let it be a “today” excomment that it seems that we perience, and all of your “tomorare not seeing the supernatural rows” as well. Decide now to workings of our Lord as we have As I connected my two conversatarry, linger, or however you deat other times and she wonders tions I noticed that two phrases scribe it, but please, wait in Him. if it is because we are not spend- seemed to merge in some mental

I leave you with two very ing enough time alone with God pathway; they are, of course, the phrase “tarry at the altar” and familiar scriptures that I believe in our “prayer closet.” affirm His desire to commune

The other conversation “linger in His presence.” For with us in this “synonymous”way: took place just a few weeks ago many, it was not just an invita Isaiah 40:31 “But they while I was having dinner with tion to come forward and kneel, that wait upon the Lord shall some dear friends of mine. We but it was a most intimate time renew their strength; they shall were talking about Cook Can- of worship, just like when the mount up with wings as eagles; yon and how valuable our Youth Psalmist encouraged us not to they shall run, and not be weaCamp ministry is. This Pente- get in a hurry but to “linger in ry; and they shall walk, and not costal sister stated that it is criti- His presence.” In these times, faint.” (KJV) cal that our young people from the Holy Spirit began to work

Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are our churches make it to camp among the worshipers. Both of they which do hunger and thirst because camp seems to be one of these speak of ‘prayer closet’ exafter righteousness: for they the few places now days that they periences.

To me, ‘tarrying at the shall be filled.” can ‘tarry at the altar’ to receive altar’ and ‘lingering in His pres- As always, God Bless You Big! the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. ence’ are in many ways synony-

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How absolutely valuable it is for us to make time to get alone with God!

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CREDENTIAL RENEWAL

The on-line renewal process is up and running! You may go to www.ag.org., click on “Ministerial Renewal� and follow the instructions to complete your renewal. We are encouraging those who are able to use the online system; however, hard copies have also been mailed out if you need to use this avenue.

The FINAL deadline for renewals to be completed is December 31, 2013. Renewals received after this date must pay a $25.00 late fee and credentials will lapse if not received before January 15, 2014.

It is important to be aware renewing online is a two-step pro-

cess. The General Council forwards all renewals to our office for final approval. You must meet your tithe/ dues responsibilities to the General Council and the NM Ministry Network prior to your renewal being approved. If there has been a change in your stance regarding our Statement of Fundamental Truths, you will be required to address those prior to your renewal being processed.

If you have further questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to contact Devonna Cummins at (505) 899-5399 or dcummins@nmministry.net.

GIVING CREDIT FOR 2013

Please note any giving to be credited for 2013, must be postmarked December 31st or prior.

Any on-line giving or funds delivered in person after December 31, will be reflected on your 2014 giving statement. **Our office will be closed December 30th-31st.

ANNUAL CHURCH MINISTRIES REPORT (ACMRs)

Forms will be mailed from National office in December. The deadline for completion is January 31, 2014. Please assist us by completing this vital information for your church.

Winter 2013

NEW MEXICO MINISTRY NETWORK NEWS

Winter 2013

NEW MEXICO MINISTRY NETWORK NEWS PASTORAL INSTALLATION: HARVEST FELLOWSHIP ABQ

The New Mexico Ministry Network is proud to announce Rev. Jason Dickenson as the new pastor of Harvest Fellowship of Albuquerque, NM. Network Pastor Micheal Dickenson Jason and Lisa Dickenson.

MINISTERIAL NEWS DECEASED: Nobel Ballew, Stevinson, CA Dave Laughlin, Montgom-

ery, TX John Smith, Cubero, NM

GENERAL COUNCIL NEWS GENERAL COUNCIL DUES/TITHES INCREASE BEGINING IN 2014

At the 2013 General Council in Orlando, FL, the council in session approved an increase in Dues/Tithes for all credential holders.

The changes will go in effect January 1, 2014. They are: Ordained: $300 per year Licensed: $240 per year

Certified: $120 per year FROM THE DESK OF PASTOR MARCUS: WORTH REPEATING

Unclear assumptions are the foundation of confusion.

Never cut what you can untie.

Regret requires resilience.

RALPH M. RIGGS SCHOLARSHIP

Marisa McCarty has been named a 2013 recipient of the Ralph Riggs Scholarship, worth $5,000. McCarty is attending SAGU and is one of eight 2013 Ralph Riggs Scholarship recipients.

“The Ralph Riggs Scholarship is named for former As-

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semblies of God General Superintendent Ralph M. Riggs (deceased), an early and influential advocate for higher education in the Fellowship. Since 2009 AGTrust has awarded a total of $510,000 in Ralph Riggs Scholarships.

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DAVID VISTINE their sons and daughters failed to share their values.

As I read that story, something went off in my heart. We are concerned about the decline of faith and morals in our nation and communities, but are we instilling faith in our children?

Ray Comfort, author and

Discipleship is not just for popular speaker known for his adults, it is for every age level in evangelistic method The Way the church! As leaders, we are of the Master, has also written concerned that we are living in a a book titled How to Bring Your society that is growing ever more Children to Christ. It is an outsecular and away from God; and standing book to help parents it is impacting our children and our teens.

I read a story sometime ago about the Great Wall of China. In about 220 B.C. the Chinese people needed security from their enemies. It took understand the commitment 300,000 men hundreds of years that is necessary to bring our to complete it. The wall was so children and teens to Christ. He high no one could break it down; says many times our children fall much of the wall still stands tointo the trap of false conversion. day. It was more that 1,500 miles They say a sinner’s prayer, but in length. No one ever climbed are never discipled by their parover it, and the nomad invaders ents to understand their faith. never tried to break it down.

What is more, they are not even

However, during the first taught the foundations for their 100 years of the existence of the faith to help them build strong Wall, China was invaded three convictions to be able to stand times. In each instance invadwhen attacked by society. It is a ers marched right through the great book and has many powergates. The Chinese were so busy ful suggestions for parents and building and relying on the walls teachers to impart the Word of of stone they failed to teach inGod to children. tegrity and values to their chil As Pastors and Shepherds dren who would later take up of God’s people it is vitally imthe cause of defending the naportant that we do all that we tion. At least in some instances

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Discipleship... is for every age level in the church!

can to help parents win their children to the Lord and to instill the principles and truths of God’s Word in their hearts.

We have many tools that we can use to get the message into their hearts. We may seem overwhelmed by the challenge, but we need to remember to rely on the our enabler: the Holy Spirit.

Churches use tools like Children Church to reach children at their level. Sunday School still works if you have well-trained teachers and workers motivated to transform kids!

Don’t forget that Royal Rangers and Girls Ministries are effective tools for churches to reach and keep boys and girls for Christ.

The main thing is we must pray and then choose the vehicle that is best for our church to captivate, inspire, and reach our young people.

One of the great tools recently that has come out that I am so excited about is the Children’s Fire Bible. It comes with an app for an iPad. When used with the app, a 3-D Bible character pops up on the screen to tell their story and to engage kids with quizzes and games! Check it out! Both parents and kids will love it; and it will reinforce Biblical truth in your children. Let us never leave the walls unguarded or the gates open when protecting our next generation through discipleship!

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Winter 2013

DISCIPLESHIP FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Winter 2013

Women’s Director Becky Dickenson

Women’s Conference 2013 would prove to be a conference to remember. It was a landmark in the present, homage to the past, and focus for the future. Three hundred women from around the New Mexico Ministry Network gathered together at Tramway Community Church in Albuquerque. What the Holy Spirit loosed in that place is the stuff that will be talked of and experienced for weeks, months, and even decades!

The “I AM” tour!

TOUCH THE WORLD

May 1-9, 2014 order for your giving to go toward FAITH PROMISEIn THE WORLD the annual Christmas check for our May 1 East Central May 2 North East May 3 West Central May 5 Native American May 6 North West May 8 South West May 9 South East

More details yet to come!

missionaries, please send your funds to the Network Office by December 1. Touch the World funds must be received in the network office no later than December 27 to be credited in 2013. Your gift is not only a show of blessing and appreciation but it is also vital to the continuation of the various ministries represented by our New Mexico and World Missionaries.

STUDENT MINISTRIES DIRECTOR JERAL DICKENSON year in serving our Next Generation! From the strongest camp season ever in 2013 to our most recent “Called Camp” where nearly 150 gathered to explore God’s calling on their lives, we truly have dedicated ourselves to calling up our youth and children to prepare them to carry

New Mexico Student Min- on God’s work. God is moving istries has had a monumental and we are so glad to be a part of

it. Please join in prayer for our students, for Patty and me, and for the upcoming events in 2014.

(The 2014 upcoming calendar for New Mexico Student Ministries is below.) We have planned strategically so that we can truly invest in our youth and children.

Please work to be a part of our 2014 events. For the Next Generation!

NEW MEXICO STUDENT MINISTRIES 2014 CALENDAR February 17 Engage Fine Arts - Early Bird Deadline - Last Day

To Register At $50 18 Engage Fine Arts - Registration Increase To $60 24 Engage Fine Arts - Last Day to Register for Fine

Arts Categories March 9 National BGMC Day 13-15 Engage Fine Arts Event - Copper Pointe

Church, Albuquerque

28-Aug. 1 National Fine Arts/Youth Convention/AIM

- Columbus, OH August (July 28)-1 National Fine Arts/Youth Convention/

AIM - Columbus, OH 30-Sept. 1 PK/MK (Pastors Kids/Missionary’s Kids)

Retreat - Cook Canyon Camp

April 1-3 75th Anniversary Annual NM Ministry Network

Conference - Copper Pointe Church, Albu querque - Speaker: Dary Northrop 21-25 Cook Canyon Camp Work Week

September 6 Bike For The Light Albuquerque Area 1 Day STL Fundraiser 8-12 Bike For The Light State Tour 13 Bike For The Light Las Cruces Area 1 Day STL Fundraiser 14 National Youth Day 24 See You At The Pole National Prayer Day

June 2-6 Youth Camp 1 9-13 Youth Camp 2 16-20 Youth Camp 3 22-25 Kids Camp 1 25-28 Kids Camp 2

October 12 National Children’s Ministry Day 19 National Speed The Light Day 24-26 Called Camp - Cook

Canyon Camp

July 13-27 AIM (Ambassadors In Missions) Trip - Brazil $2500 - Minimum Age 14

December 5-6 Fun Arts - It’s Fine Arts

For Kids! - Albuquerque

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Winter 2013

PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION

Called Camp

November 2013 was a fantastic success!

Approximately 150 people gathered together at Cook Canyon for “Called Camp� to explore what it means to be called by God. We are passing the baton of leadership to the Next Generation to see students and leaders raised up!

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CL nuary 8 G IN , Ja rch

a OM er 14 , & M C b 8 UP em ry a c De ebru F

Biblical Foundations

Powerful Teaching

Reach your world

Ministerial Credentials Build Character

Mentorship

Classes held the second Saturday of each month from 8:30am-1:30pm.

Contact Devonna Cummins at 505-899-5399 or at dcummins@nmministry.net for more information.

Register online at nmministry.net/nmsom

Academic Progress

Practical Structure

FUN

Devotional Life