Publisher Frank Cargill Editor Jack Salkil Designer Jayson Evans
OCTOBER Credential Interviews.......................................... October 1 Light For the Lost (Sec. 3).................................. October 3 Light For the Lost (Sec. 7).................................. October 4 Light For the Lost (Sec. 12)............................... October 10 Light For the Lost (Sec. 11)............................... October 11 Light For the Lost (Sec. 1).................................. October 13 Light For the Lost Spanish Service............... October 14 Light For the Lost (Sec. 9N).............................. October 17 Light For the Lost (Sec. 9S)............................... October 18 Convergence (Youth Convention)................. October 21-22 Light For the Lost (Sec. 6).................................. October 24 The Main Event: Men’s Conference.............. October 28-29
November Reach the World Auction..................................... November 1 Light For the Lost (Sec. 4).................................... November 3 Women’s Prayer Encounter................................. November 4-5 Credential Presentations – Eastern Zone.... November 5 Light For the Lost (Sec. 8).................................... November 7 Light For the Lost (Sec. 2).................................... November 10 Youth Pastors Retreat............................................. November 10-12 Light For the Lost (Sec. 5W)................................ November 14 Light For the Lost (Sec. 5E).................................. November 15 P B & J Retreat (Children’s Ministries)........... November 25-27
December Royal Ranger Winter Trace.................................. December 2-4 Spanish School of Ministry................................. December 10 OYM Student Leadership Retreat.................... December 27-30
Copyeditor Renae Elmore GENERAL PRESBYTERS
SECTIONAL PRESBYTERS
Frank Cargill Superintendent
Raymond Frizzelle Section 1
Craig Dacus Assistant Superintendent
Leo Guthrie Section 2
Tom Goins Secretary-Treasurer
Melvin Baker Section 3
EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERS
Steve Rose Section 4
Curtis Owens Ron McCaslin MINISTRY DIRECTORS
Darryl Wootton Section 5W
Doug Everaard Youth Ministries
Chad Brodrick Section 6
Dean Guthrie Children’s Ministries
Weldon Wright Section 7
Darren Pilcher Church Ministries
Micah Wells Section 8
Michelle Pilcher Women’s Ministries Jack Salkil Executive Administrator Lindell Warren Missions
405.475.1100 info@okag.org @OKDCofAG facebook.com/OklahomaDistrictCouncil
Bruce McCarty Section 5E
David Brooks Section 9N L Duane Elmore Section 9S Don Barnes Section 10 Billy Martin Section 11 T.D. Gifford Section 12
Healthy Church Network Life provides an abundant array of illustrations! In the words of
Therefore, we have
Mickey Mantle, “If I had known I was going to live this
reserved November 11
long, I would have taken better care of myself.” Have
and 12 for a Discovery
I ever found that to be true in my life!
Weekend. This event is free and made possible
With increasing age, the more rigid and inflexible my joints
by your Oklahoma AG
respond to my mind. The routine of life becomes established;
Ministries. In our desire
change and “new” things become intimidating.
to reach as many as possible, simultaneous
The parallel applies to the local church. The older and
meetings are scheduled
established church body requires a longer transition period
in Lawton, Muskogee,
when facing the future. Regretfully, a history of greatness offers
and Oklahoma City.
increased resentment to the inevitable demand for change. Yet, the only thing certain in life is change!
Pastor, you cannot take the journey alone! Your leadership must buy-in or frustration will be the result! Share this opportunity
We have chosen to partner with our local churches and pastors
with your board and significant leaders. Do not attempt the trip
who are interested in becoming the church that God intends for
alone. Do not attempt the trip with only those who think
this hour. Yesterdays victories will not conquer the challenges of
out-of-the-box. Present leadership must participate and buy-in
tomorrow! We will change! The only real question is, “How will
if success results.
we manage change?” Register for Discovery Weekend today. Make it a priority on your The Healthy Church Network – HCN - offers a step-by-step
calendar. At the close of the Friday and Saturday sessions, you
approach that I would like to make available to EVERY
will be given the opportunity to join a transformational journey
OKLAHOMA CHURCH. During the coming year, every church that
that will be one year in length and that will require a
is willing to seriously consider the future will be able to participate in an amazing journey of transformation; however,
commitment from you and from your church.
letters, brochures, and promotion fail to adequately explain the process. It requires a personal experience!
For questions or additional information, contact Lindell Warren and Oklahoma Mission Ministries – 405.475.1100. Reserve your place at the table! (Only those who participate in the Discovery Weekend will be able to take the trip. Sorry, no exceptions are possible.)
FRANK CARGILL // District Superintendent frank.cargill@okag.org
Reducing the Risk of Fraud Over the summer, I had the opportunity to sit in a seminar conducted by Verne Hargrave, author of “Weeds in the Garden; The Growing Danger of Fraud Taking Root in the Church.” Verne brought tremendous insight from his decades-long career as a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Fraud Examiner. Beyond offering a recommendation for his book, this article will provide, in broad strokes, some key insight into mitigating the opportunity for fraud occurring within your
Hargrave provides ten action steps church leadership could make to better protect the church’s assets, and ultimately its reputation.
1. Develop a strong organizational and governance structure. 2. Document all processes in an accounting/ management manual.
ministry.
3. Keep up-to-date with the exponential change in information technology.
It is unfortunate to think that fraud would ever take place
4. Insist on complete and timely financial reports.
within a local church, but according to many experts, it occurs all of the time. In fact, churches make for lucrative targets. According to Hargrave, “in many churches there is a resistance to put fraud prevention steps in place because any attempt to do so is an indication that current employees and volunteers are crooks.” This simply could not be further from the truth, and this mindset makes the church a prime target for fraud. Poor internal controls and loose management structures do a disservice not only to the church body, but also to those charged with handling financial matters. According to Hargrave three ingredients are necessary for fraud to occur. Those ingredients are pressure, rationalization, and opportunity. Church leadership cannot do much by way of lessening the pressure and rationalization which may occur
5. Ensure the church is in compliance with IRS rules and regulations. 6. Extend strong cash collection processes throughout the church. 7. Implement a strong bill approval and payment system. 8. Provide adequate controls over personnel procedures. 9. Maintain controls over property and equipment. 10. Perform a periodic fraud risk assessment. In the end, fraud prevention is not about mistrust, but stewardship.
in the lives and minds of its employees or volunteers. Limiting opportunity, however, is well within the scope of possibility. The intent of establishing effective internal controls is not to impede church leadership’s ability to make necessary purchases or financial decisions it believes would benefit the overall ministry of the church. It does however provide an accountability structure ensuring that church resources are used to further the church’s overall ministry
Transfers WELCOME Gerry A. Blaksley Danielle Kallsen Christopher M. Cunningham
FROM Kansas Iowa North Texas
purpose.
FAREWELL Lenard D. Crogh Travis Rutland Thomas O. France Robert Q. Haynes
Kevin Conner, MBA // Financial Accountant
kevin.conner@okag.org
TO Southern Idaho Georgia Arkansas Southern Missouri
VISIT www.okag.org FOR OUR OPEN CHURCH & OPEN FOR CALLS LISTS
Finding Receptivity or Going to the Most Receptive People Groups I learned something recently. John 4:35 cannot be applied universally. We have often preached it that way yet,
the idea. So, the transition took place for Mark and Nancy to
on further study we find that Jesus was talking about the
the right moment in time to bring in the harvest of our Spanish
Samaritans. Jesus said, “Do you not say, ‘Four months more
brothers and sisters.
move from AGWM to U.S. Missions. This strategic move captured
and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” Jesus did not refer to all
From my perspective other ethnic groups here in Oklahoma show
people; rather, he meant the receptive Samaritan people. In verse
signs of receptivity. It seems when people are in transition their
39 the Gospel writer said, “Many of the Samaritans from that
openness to the Gospel becomes more pronounced. Take for
town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony…” Then
instance some Asian and oceanic groups. Also, we see Middle
in verse 41, John records, “And because of his words many more
Eastern people getting a clearer witness for Jesus Christ.
became believers.” The Cowboy Church Movement is not a “flash in the pan” but a As Jesus was speaking, the Samaritans were leaving the town and
genuine cultural phenomenon. I believe there exists a Samaritan
coming across the fields toward him (v. 30). The Nineteenth
type harvest in the sub-culture of cowboys. We need more of
Century Bible Scholar Adam Clarke states, “…the seed of life
these types of churches to bring in a ready harvest.
which Jesus had sown but a few hours ago had already brought forth much fruit; therefore he says, ‘Lift up your eyes, and look on
The missiologists teach when we find receptivity we go there.
the fields; over which it is likely the Samaritans were then coming
We go there to win the lost and to conserve the harvest through
in troops, guided by the woman who had already received the
church planting and discipleship. Yes, the Lord of the harvest has
light of the Gospel of peace.”
set before us an effective and open door. Let us walk through the door, prepared to harvest and disciple the people.
In the strategy of the Spirit there will be time given for all people groups to be receptive to the Gospel. At certain times and places there exists little time between sowing and reaping, as was the case with Jesus at Sychar of Samaria. We don’t always understand why the wind of the Spirit blows a certain way, but we must respond by rushing in where the Spirit is stirring. A good example is the fall of the “Iron Curtain” in Eastern Europe 20 years ago. Assemblies of God World Missions rushed in with
Looking Ahead: Healthy Church Network Discovery Weekend - November 11-12, 2011 Three Simultaneous Locations:
Muskogee, First Assembly of God Lawton, First Assembly of God Oklahoma City, Highpointe Church
personnel and resources to begin the harvest. Obviously, a lot of sowing and reaping happened simultaneously. Here in Oklahoma we see a great harvest taking place among the Spanish speaking people. The time is right. The wind is blowing. If we seize the opportunity before us now, thousands of Hispanic people will be ushered into the Kingdom of God. I well remember talking to missionary Mark Fitzgerald four years ago about transferring to U.S. Missions, allowing him to work full
Personal Note Phyllis and I wish to thank our Oklahoma ministerial family for all the prayers and kind gestures on the passing of our Mom, Alton Cossey,on August 20. Phyllis’ mom had faithfully served the Lord the past 45 years of her life. She now rests from her labors and awaits our arrivals. Phyllis’ Dad, Clyde Cossey, continues to live in Anadarko.
time with the Spanish people of Oklahoma. Brother Cargill liked
LINDELL WARREN // Missions Director
lindell.warren@okag.org
DARREN & Michelle PILCHER // Church Ministries Directors darren.pilcher@okag.org
michelle.pilcher@okag.org
STL Update DOUG EVERAARD // Youth Director doug.everaard@okag.org
@oklahomayouth @ouoakley facebook.com/oklahomayouthministries facebook.com/dougeveraard
Pictured: Jolie & Nate Hicks, XA Pastors, SWOSU; Bill & Kate Hicks; Ric & Christy Freeman, Pastors, Life Fellowship; and Kevin & Kaisa Leedy, HS pastors, Life Fellowship.
Ric Freeman, pastor of Life Fellowship, in Weatherford, presents the keys of a new Speed the Light vehicle to Bill and Kate Hicks in Northern Asia.
Don’t Forget
DEAN GUTHRIE // Children’s Director dean.guthrie@okag.org
In Memory Of Ralph D. Ham 7/23/1931 - 8/15/2011
as the circulation director. Later Dwayne and Bonnie became ministers with the Assemblies of God. They pastored the
Ralph Dwayne Ham was born on July 23,
churches at Waynoka and Carmen, Oklahoma,
1931, in Waynoka, Oklahoma, to Floyd Sanford
for 12 years before retiring and returning to
Ham and Ethyl Lydia Luddington Ham. The
Woodward.
family later moved to Woodward where Dwayne attended school and graduated from
Dwayne was preceded in death by his mother
Woodward High School in 1949.
and father; seven brothers; his oldest son, Larry; and earlier this year his wife, Bonnie
On December 14, 1948, he married Bonnie
of 62 years. He is survived by his only sister,
Munson. To that union, three children were
Deloris Sidders and her husband Sam of
born: Larry, Delaine, and Tony. They made
Monroe, LA; two brothers Richard Ham and his
their home in Woodward where they raised
wife, Karen of Arlington, TX and David Ham of
their children. Dwayne spent many years in
Lubbock, TX; his two children, Delaine Prophet
the newspaper business. He worked for the
and her husband, Randy of Guthrie, OK; Tony
Daily Oklahoman and then spent his last 20
Ham of Edmond, OK; four grandchildren and
years working for the Woodward Daily Press
four great-grandchildren.
Doyle V. Roark 4/21/1938 – 8/31/2011
God in Cordell, where he was currently serving as pastor. Reverend Roark’s passion was his ministry
Doyle Roark, 73, resident of Cordell,
service. He enjoyed traveling and visiting with
Oklahoma, was born on April 21, 1938, in
people. He loved his family and his church
Mountain View, Oklahoma to Vernon and Alva
family and enjoyed spending time with his
(Sampley) Roark and passed away at his home
grandchildren.
on Wednesday, August 31, 2011, in Cordell. Doyle was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle was born and raised northwest of
Vernon and Alva Roark.
Mountain View. He attended Mountain View
Ministers’ Spouses Paul W. Herren 10/23/1920 – 8/3/2011 Spouse of the late Ellen Herren
schools, graduating in 1956. Doyle married
Survivors include his wife: Jackie, of the home;
Jackie Betche on September 14, 1957 in
two daughters: Rhonelda Neece of Yukon, OK
Gotebo, Oklahoma. He worked as an
and Vanya McLaughlin and husband, Eddy, of
upholsterer and in flooring sales in the Tulsa
Oklahoma City, OK; one son: Rodney Roark and
area. Reverend Roark received his call to the
wife, Kyndal, of Colorado Springs, CO; two
ministry in the late 1960’s. He became the
sisters: Wanell McCracken and husband, Bill,
pastor of Parkhill Assembly of God in Tulsa,
of Mustang, OK and Sue Gibson of Kingfisher,
Oklahoma. Brother Roark and his family later
OK; nine grandchildren: Emily Whitfield and
moved to Cordell in the early 1970’s, where he
husband, Dustin, Melissa Wallace, Brady
pastored First Assembly of God until 1986. He
Neece, Carlin Neece, Brian McLaughlin,
then became the pastor of Seiling Assembly
Vanessa McLaughlin, Nolan McLaughlin and
of God and later returned to Cordell in 1989.
wife, Abby, Keaton Roark and Ross Roark; four
Brother Roark was the pastor of the Living
great grandsons: Camden Neece, Cayden
Waters Assembly of God Church in Burns Flat
Wallace, Jude Whitfield and Logan Whitfield.
until 1997. He returned to First Assembly of
OKLAHOMA DISTRICT NEWS
PASTORS’ REPORTS Phillip Clements, Barnsdall, reports eight saved in Sunday A.M. services. Brad Jones, Wright City, reports eight saved in summer mega sports camp. Two saved in regular services and 255 back-packs given away. Clint Gray, Arpelar, reports one teenage boy saved in regular services.
PRAYER REQUEST Doug Everaard - son’s healing from cancer Alma Hill - son’s helaing from eye surgery Harold Powell - healing from third stroke
INFORMATION Help for Pastors call (918) 758-4147 or visit www.pastoralcareinc.com.
NEEDED Part time Youth/Music Leader at Shawnee New Life. - Contact David Pollard (405) 214-8282.
DONATION 31 pulpit commentaries
- Contact Martha McDonald (405) 771-3855
Lawton Southside has miscellaneous church items
- For details, contact (580) 353 - 5097 IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE LISTED ON THIS PAGE OF THE OUTLOOK, PLEASE CONTACT US VIA EMAIL. LAVERN.GUTHRIE@OKAG.ORG
Stan Miller, Afton, reports two filled with the Holy Ghost. Ruth Deskin, Jackfork, reports ten youth and children saved in Sunday A.M. Children’s service with Cosetta Ellis in July. Bob Wingo, Dustin, reports four saved in regular services. Monroe Lowrimore, Sallisaw, reports three saved in regular services.
EVANGELISTS’ REPORTS Bob & Jan Teel, reports 47 saved and two filled with the Holy Ghost in Kidz Krusades and revivals in July. Charles Holybee, reports six saved and three rededicated in jail ministry. Alex Hanna, reports 50 Iraqi and Arabs saved, healed, and delivered through Arabic Outreach Ministry.
NEW PASTORS John Dorsey – Welch Gateway Kevin Akins – Elk City First Roger & Eva Rounsaville – Pauls Valley First Daniel Wortham – Savanna First Vickie Webb – Cherokee New Life
Paer & Be conference
Cornerstone Church, Southaven, MS • Jan. 3-4, 2012 MINISTERING
Bryan Jarrett
Robert Wilburn
Pastor, Northplace Church Superintendent, Mississippi
George O. Wood
General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God
Doug Clay
General Treasurer
Tuesday, January 3 7:00 p.m...................................................Doug Clay, General Treasurer
Wednesday, January 4 9:00 a.m.............................................Kermit Bridges, President, SAGU 10:00 a.m.........................Robert Wilburn, Superintendent, Mississippi 2:00 p.m.................................Bryan Jarrett, Pastor, Northplace Church 7:00 p.m...............................George O. Wood, General Superintendent p.m
For more information, please visit
www.sagu.edu/pbc
Kermit Bridges President, SAGU