September 2016

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 1

OKLAHOMA

OUTLOOK SEPTEMBER

Fall Ministry Tour (Sec. 8, PM) Fall Ministry Tour (Sec. 9N, AM) Fall Ministry Tour (Sec. 10, PM) Fall Ministry Tour (Sec. 1, AM) Chi Alpha Breakaway Fall Ministry Tour (Sec. 6, PM) Fall Ministry Tour (Sec. 5W, AM) Main Event Men’s Conference

OCTOBER

OSOM Game Day DMR (Branson, MO) Spanish School of Ministry (Tulsa) LFTL (Sec. 3) LFTL (Sec. 7) Convergence (OKC) LFTL (Sec. 12) LFTL (Sec. 11) LFTL (Sec. 10) LFTL (Sec. 9) LFTL (Sec. 1) LFTL (Sec. 5) LFTL (Sec. 4)

NOVEMBER

Publisher H. Franklin Cargill

September 19 September 20 September 20 September 22 September 23-25 September 26 September 27 September 30-Oct. 1

October 1 October 3-5 October 8 October 10 October 11 October 14-15 October 17 October 18 October 20 October 24 October 25 October 27 October 31

LFTL (Sec. 2) November 1 LFTL (Sec. 8) November 3 Youth Pastors Retreat November 3-5 School of Ministry (OKC) November 5 LFTL (Sec. 4) November 7 Credential Celebration (Sparks) November 12 Spanish School of Ministry (Tulsa) November 12 Century Leadership Roundtable November 17 PB&J Retreat November 18-19 LFTL (Sec. 6) November 21

Designer Jayson Evans Copyeditor Renae Elmore

GENERAL PRESBYTERS

SECTIONAL PRESBYTERS

H. Franklin Cargill Superintendent

Raymond Frizzelle Section 1

Craig Dacus Assistant Superintendent

Keith Williams Section 2

Darryl Wootton Corporate Secretary

Terry Bradley Section 3

EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERS

Bob Yandell Section 4

Bruce McCarty Ron McCaslin MINISTRY DIRECTORS Chad Brodrick Church Ministries Doug Everaard Youth Ministries Dean Guthrie Children’s Ministries Darren Pilcher Executive Pastor Missions

P.O. Box 13179 Oklahoma City, OK 73113

Susie Purkey Women’s Ministries

405.475.1100 www.okag.org @OKDCofAG OklahomaDistrictCouncil

ORDAINED FEMALE PRESBYTER Deborah Burke

Jamie Austin Section 5E Mike Buie Section 5W Chad Brodrick Section 6 Jimmy Keith Section 7 Kelly Coffey Section 8 David Brooks Section 9N Duane Elmore Section 9S Don Barnes Section 10 Ric Freeman Section 11 Arlis Moon Section 12

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SUPERINTENDENT

FA LL MIN IST RY

TOUR

Every Oklahoma Credentialed Minister is encouraged to

attend at least one of the 14 scheduled meetings that will be held across our state during September. These meetings are critical not only for relational purposes but for sharing of information.

The ministry “can be” a lonely place that is filled with obscure emotional conflict and personal struggle – but that need not happen! Only you can take an offensive position regarding your life and ministry. We need each other – standing strong and together – if the Gospel is to be presented to our generation.

Please take note of the closest meeting to your residence. It is not necessary that you attend the session assigned as “your” section. You are urged to attend the most convenient – both in accordance with your personal schedule as well as the closest driving distance.

Linda and I look forward to embracing our family as we tour Oklahoma and love on our friends!

Our Fall Ministry Tour is designed to: • • • • •

Embrace Empower Encourage Enable Equip

Each meeting will include the latest plans associated with our District Camp Ministry. Exciting projections will be shared as “THE DREAM CONTINUES” – Phase II of the NEXT GENERATION. An update will be presented regarding Youth Camps and Kids Camps not only from this past season but as it relates to our future as a Fellowship.

A second session will focus on the latest impact of the new federal regulations as they apply to minimum wage requirements and the reporting of wages. Recommendations will be addressed with the importance of proper reporting of financial matters that impact each local church. A representative from Church Mutual will be attending each meeting and presenting the mandatory requirements associated with Workers Compensation.

One of our Executive Presbyters will address the importance of diligence to the “small foxes” that nibble at every minister, regardless of position held or ministry experience. Every person will be encouraged to take a personal inventory of their personal life. This session will focus on building healthy ministers who serve healthy ministries.

THE IMPORTANCE OF AG HIGHER EDUCATION At a recent meeting of the General Presbytery in Louisville, KY a motion was adopted to establish a Blue Ribbon Committee to investigate the possibility of forming a student loan fund for students in our Assemblies of God schools, colleges, and universities in the event the federal government begins to deny loans because of our position on human sexuality. As your Superintendent, I committed a $3,000 gift on behalf of the Oklahoma District. The general Presbytery also took action to request all our 13,000 churches to contribute at least $50 as a seed offering to start such a fund. If every church in our Fellowship did this, we would start the fund with $650,000!

I am therefore appealing to every church in the Oklahoma District to send in a check to the General Council of at least $50 (more if possible) for the AG HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENT LOAN FUND. Please mail your contribution to The General Council of the Assemblies of God, 1445 Boonville Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802 and write the number 574001 on the memo line of your check.

We must invest in the next generation, if we are to see the Assemblies of God remain strong and healthy until the coming of our Lord! Thank you for responding to this appeal!

In addition many of our District Ministry Directors will be present and available for individual questions on a one-on-one basis.

FRANK CARGILL DISTR ICT SUPE R INTE NDE NT F R ANK . CAR G IL L @O K AG . O R G

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 3

MISSIONS

W E N E E D S P IRIT UAL

L E A D E RS In a recent time of personal devotions, it occurred to

me again how much we need spiritual leaders right now. With the unrest of racial issues and the controversial decisions on the political front, the last thing we need is another rant of personal opinions to read. We need real leadership right now!

No one will have a healthy plan to lead us through the twists and turns of moral right and wrong apart from a God who knows the end from the beginning. Spiritual leadership that is spiritual is the only answer… Men and women who steer clear of hate and isolation and hold fast to God’s perspective of Kingdom-mindedness can help turn the tide. We need leaders who will speak up and not sell out but have a baptism of love with humanity as the object of focus. These are not issues without faces. We need leaders who will deal strongly with the practice of sin and tenderly with the people involved in it.

Spiritual leaders are meant to be the bridge to a hopeful future in Christ. We need leaders who will not, consequently, shun away from being walked on if getting people to Him is the end result. True biblical shepherds will sacrifice for the sheep.

In Genesis 41, when Pharaoh experienced the influence of Joseph, he asked his officials, “Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?” In other words, where can we find such a spiritually deep person like Joseph…one who understands how to lead our nation through a challenging time…? We need spiritual leaders like Joseph who hear from the Spirit of God, who model one who is led by the Spirit of God, and one who is unafraid to give spiritual direction!

We do not need ones with political agendas to lead us. We do not need men and women who deal harshly with people and distract us from the real fight. We do not need leaders who share Scripture out of context to serve their need to address an issue. Conversely, we need leaders who point us to the glory of God, the message of the Cross, and the whole Counsel of God all in the spirit of love as the benchmarks for healthy and holy direction. We need spiritual leaders!

GLOBAL SERVANTS ITINERATING

KIRK & KARLA FORD Spain Returning to the field August 2017 HARRIS FAMILY Sensitive Country Returning to the field January 2017 LEE FAMILY Sensitive Country Returning to the field August 2017 JIM & CYNTHIA LEMONS Togo Returning to the field December 2016 TRENT & TINA MORROW Uruguay Returning to the field January 2017 FARI RIDER Taiwan Returning to the field January 2017 JASON & ROBERTA ROBERTS Mexico Returning to the field August 2017 GRADY & JANET SMALLING Latin America Caribbean Returning to the field October 2016 SMITH FAMILY Sensitive Country Returning to the field February 2017

DARREN PILCHER M IS S IO N S DIR E C TO R E X EC UT IV E PASTO R DA RR E N . P ILC H ER @O K AG . O R G @ DA RR E N P ILC H E R

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TODD & LESLIE STAMPS Europe Returning to the field March 2017

FINANCE

OU T OF

ALIGNMENT If a man is defined by what he knows about his car, then

let me be clear, I am no man! If you could stack up all of the things I do not know about my car against all of the things I do know about my car it would be laughable. There is, however, one thing I can tell you about my car. I can tell you when my car is out of alignment.

Over the years I have learned the importance of dealing with misalignment early rather than late. The longer I wait, the worse it gets, and the more it costs to correct.

All vehicles eventually get out of alignment. It doesn’t take much to make it happen. Potholes, curbs, rough terrane, poor road conditions, and driver error all work against the alignment of your vehicle. All you have to do to ensure your vehicle’s alignment gets off is drive.

Just drive it long enough and it will happen. If allowed to remain in this condition long enough, a misaligned vehicle will eventually lead to other more expensive problems. It will greatly diminish the comfort of the ride, the life of your tires, and eventually the vehicle’s suspension. Ignoring the problem will not make it better. Ignoring the problem will only guarantee the problem will get worse.

Much like a vehicle, teams also get out of alignment. It doesn’t take much to make it happen. Regular working conditions, human relationships, problems, crises, and regular ministry activity all work against the alignment of your team. All you have to do to ensure your team’s alignment gets off is lead. Just lead long enough and it will happen. If allowed to remain in this condition long enough, a misaligned team will eventually lead to more substantial problems.

It will create sideways energy, it will greatly diminish the morale of the team, it will frustrate the focus of the team, and ultimately it will diminish the effectiveness of the team. Ignoring the problem will not make it better. Ignoring the problem will only guarantee the problem will get worse.

level of a serious problem. It is highly manageable. All it takes is a little extra effort, a few emails, or getting someone else to cover for the problem team member. There are other more serious problems to deal with, and taking time to focus on this smaller issue doesn’t feel as pressing. All that needs to be done is just adjust the wheel and the team can remain centered and focused.

The problem with this thinking is that is never as simple as making one simple tweak to the steering wheel.

When the team is out of alignment, even in the early stages, it takes more than one minor adjustment to correct the issue. It takes many adjustments to keep the team focused and on target. What starts out as something that requires minimal effort to work around, will ultimately take a great deal of effort and focus in order to keep things moving in the right direction.

The lesson for leaders is simple. Do not ignore misalignment inside of your team. When you sense misalignment, you must do what you can to help correct the issues. If it can be caught early, it can be corrected early. Misalignment is normal. It is not necessarily an indicator of a deeper or more serious problem, but if left alone it can lead to more serious problems. As leaders we should remain involved with the members of our team, and do the work necessary to keep the team focused and on point for the task at hand.

In order to truly set a team up for success, leaders must deal with misalignment within the organization. If left alone, it will not correct itself. If left alone, it will only get worse, and lead to more challenging problems down the road. There are many reasons leaders do not address misalignment, but none of these reasons keep minor problems from turning into major problems down the road.

There are many reasons leaders do not deal with misalignment within their teams. One of the chief reasons is due to the fact that when misalignment first surfaces it hardly feels like it rises to the

KEVIN CONNER F INANCE & O PE R ATIO NS K E VIN. CO NNE R @O K AG . O R G @K E VINSCO NNE R

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 5

CHURCH

THE P OW E R OF

OUR WORDS Words. As I sit to type this article for the Outlook, I am aware of

The servant returned carrying, on a silver platter, a human tongue.

The king then asked his servant to bring him the most dangerous object in the kingdom. The servant returned again with a human tongue. What we learn from this fictional story is that the tongue is one of the most powerful tools that we have and by it, we have the ability to be constructive or destructive.

Throughout my life I have made many mistakes, which have often come because I didn’t take the time to think through what I needed to communicate. It is much too easy to default to conversations, topics, and responses that come without much thought of the impact that those words may have on those around us. While our words matter, I recognize that more often than not, they reveal my heart, mind and emotion like no other.

We all know the power of the word for by it we have been encouraged and discouraged, included and rejected, valued and devalued. Each careless word spoken to us, about us, or by us can affect the relationships of those around us and can diminish the opportunities that are afforded to us. That is why it is so important for us to weigh our words to determine the desired result.

the weight that is placed on the words that I use. While writing may come easy for some, I typically agonize over the wording, content, and structure. Not because I am obsessive about my writing, but because I want to communicate in a way that is beneficial, encouraging, and worth reading!

Researchers have claimed that the average person speaks over 15,000 words per day! It is no wonder that the writer of Proverbs spent so much time writing about the power of our words. In fact, there are over 150 references to how we use our words, which equates to 1/6 of the book!

I read a legend not long ago of a king who asked his trusted servant to bring him the most valuable object in his entire kingdom.

CHAD BRODRICK C H URC H M IN IST RIE S C H A D. B RO DRIC K @ O K AG. O R G

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Some of the things that I have determined to work on in my life are 1) showing a genuine interest in others, 2) inviting them into a relationship and 3) investing my time in them. By focusing on these three areas of my relationships with others, I must make sure that my conversations and responses exhibit the importance I place on those around me. It also forces me to deal with my heart. For out of the heart, the mouth speaks.

I am looking forward to Men’s Retreat on September 30-October 1, Oklahoma School of Ministry Game Day on October 1, and the upcoming LFTL Tour in October and November! Make plans to join us for these great events!

WOMEN’S

WOM EN ’S C ON FE RE N C E

SELAH The 2016 OKLAHOMA Women’s Conference is now in the

History Books and just as we hoped and prayed, IT WAS FABULOUS! It feels super, to have “one under my belt.” (Angelic Choir Sound...

AHHHHHHHH!) OKC North Church has a seating capacity of 700 but we agreed to set up 625 chairs. On Friday evening, we had people standing along the back walls, looking for seats! We reached our goal in attendance.

To God be the Glory!

Our Speakers, Pastor Laurie Hoyt, from Bellevue Christian Center, Omaha, Nebraska and Pastor Susanna Foth Aughtmon from Pathway Church, Redwood City, California both “Rang the Bell”, ministry-wise, in all three services.

Sobering Words. Humorous Words. Powerful Words! Our women and scores of students present, flooded the altars as we sang anointed worship choruses led by Leah Smith (her anointed vocals are heavenly) and the gifted, North Church Band.

I personally prayed with women to be delivered from the spirit of suicide, crack-cocaine, nicotine, and other substances, depression, debilitating fear, and for those battling Immigration delays, in becoming U.S. citizens. All current and relevant cultural issues.

Friends, these are OUR women, that came on OUR church vans, from OUR AG churches, to the Women’s Conference...and God moved!

We thank Pastor Martin Urbina, from Vida Victoriosa AG Church who Directed the Discovery Church Human Video Group (Yukon, OK) for their anointed presentation “Breathe.”

We are hearing wonderful reports of women who left encouraged, delivered and empowered for service! Many told me they would be back next year and would “bring MORE!” (that’s what we prayed for.)

Lastly, I want to thank my wonderful husband of 35 years, Evangelist Mark Purkey and my two daughters, Lyndi Purkey and Andrea Purkey, who came, worked and supported me.

Linda Stamps-Dissmore and Michelle Pilcher, who attended the conference and personally ministered strength to me, thank you! I love you both!

Not to be forgotten, our FABULOUS TEAM from all across our wonderful State of Oklahoma: Linda Cargill, Shirley Ophus, Deana Smith, Barbara Miller, Renae Elmore, Lavern Guthrie, Bev Robertson, Robin Johnson, Shelle Anderson, Dona Bunn, Maria Allen, ReBecca Yandell, Chantel Goff, Vada Dwaileebe, Andrea Miller, Debbie Pratt, Khristy Russ, Linda Goldner, Cheryl James, Judy Martin, Vonda Dotson, Julie Allred, Kay Couch Kelli Parker, Rita Rhoads and Bridgette Tomlin. Thank you, FABULOUS Proverbs 31 Women! I love and appreciate you with all my heart! Thank you for serving the Lord with your gifts, talents and abilities. May we all hear those two, all-important words on THAT day...” WELL DONE!” Lovingly Submitted, Susie Purkey

Dove Dance Girls, who presented “Lord, You’re Holy”, Directed by Mrs. Daphne Tardibono.

The Victory Dance of OKC Team and their Director, Mr. Daniel Tardibono, who presented our Finalè, (written and directed by Yours Truly).

The launch of our New 2017 Theme: “Daughters of the King”, complete with a Drama portrayal of The Bride (Church), uniting with our Bride-groom JESUS. (It could be any day!)

SUSIE PURKEY WO ME N’ S DIR E CTO R SUSIE . PUR K E Y@O K AG . O R G

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 7

YOUTH

SYN E RGY

ONE DAY What a great first SYNERGY ONE DAY we had at Yukon

Discovery Church with Heath Adamson. Heath talked about simplifying life in ministry, if we want to see change in our student ministries, it truly comes through seeking God, prayer, and fasting. “We must educate ourselves beyond obedience.”

If you missed this first one, don’t worry the next one is coming up September 24, 2016 with Adam Starling the lead Pastor at Victory Family Church in Norman. We will be diving into Student Ministry, Life and Leadership. Take advantage of a Saturday and invite as many of your volunteers as you can

August 13 | Owasso First Speaker: Chris Davis

Just FYI, It is a Bye week for OU football and OSU is on the road!

Look forward to seeing you and your leaders there.

August 20 | Edmond Spring Creek Speaker: Justin Graves

S Y N E R G Y | ONE DAY September 24 Victory Family Church Norman, OK

Campus Missions One Day is an event designed to: Share your passion for your school campus with fellow Oklahoma Students.

Cultivate and learn new ideas for reaching your campus for Christ.

Go home equipped and ready to reach the students, teachers, and staff of your school.

Visit oklahomayouthministries.com for more information.

Featuring: Adam Starling, Pastor - Victory Family Church

Youth Pastor’s Retreat is coming!

November 3-5

DOUG EVERAARD YO UT H M IN IST RIE S DO UG . EV E R A A R D@ O K AG. O R G @ DO UG E V E R A A R D

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CHILDREN

K ID S CAMP

RESULTS Oklahoma Children’s Ministries would like to thank those who either attended Kids Camp this year or came and worked as support

staff. It was, hands down, the best year of camp that we have ever had. From start to finish it was not only one of our smoothest ever, but as you can see by our results, one of the most spiritually saturated also. God did some incredible things in the kids across our state.

Joy and I do realize that we could not have done this without the incredible people that God has surrounded us with. Thanks to our Kids Camp Leadership Staff, Camp Interns, Executive Staff, Support Staff, Coaches, and Campers.

We can’t wait until next year! I hear there is snow in the forecast!

Little Radicals Attendance 292 Saved 17 Rededicated 50 Baptized in the Holy Spirit 2 Called to Ministry 11

Kids Camp #1 285 24 64 12 37

Kids Camp #2 807 33 209 83 71

Kids Camp #3 749 66 288 393 140

Kids Camp #4 653 71 280 233 127

Totals 2,786 211 891 723 386

DEAN GUTHRIE CHIL DR E N’ S DIR E CTO R DE AN. G UTHR IE @O K AG . O R G @O CMDE AN

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OKLAHOMA

DISTRICT NEWS PRAYER REQUESTS Clint Gray - healing for Deanna Murray, provision for new building and youth leader.

Fred and Jan Ticeahkie - Jan’s immune system, Fred’s healing, family, and finances.

Joe Bartlett - healing from shingles.

David Caley - healing for kidneys.

INFORMATION Help for Pastors call (918) 758-4147 or visit www.pastoralcareinc.com.

CONGRATULATIONS Rebecca Morphew on the publication of her new book! Let’s pray it touches lives.

Congratulations to Pastor Charley Hudspeth on 10 years as Pastor of Newkirk AG! The church had a celebration with a wonderful concert/service featuring Ric Gordon.

NEEDED Part-Time Children’s Pastor position open at Minco First AG. They have approximately 25-30 children. Call (580) 706-0212 www.mincoassembly.com minco1ag@yahoo.com.

PASTORS’ REPORTS Shawn Deese, Pond Creek, reports three filled with the Holy Ghost in children’s service.

Raymond Frizzelle, Miami, reports one adult saved in regular service, 14 saved in jail ministry and three baptized.

Clint Gray, Arpelar, reports 12 saved, 15 rededicated at VBS, and electricity installed at new property.

Charley Hudspeth, Newkirk, reports five rededicated, one refilled, two adults, and two teens were saved.

Don Ramsey, Seminole, reports youth from Texarkana Lighthouse AG sponsored five nights of VBS at NRC Church and several saved in July.

Richard Ridley, Hollis, reports one saved and three baptized in July.

C. Lynn Bullard, Wilburton, reports one water baptism.

EVANGELISTS’ REPORTS Peggy Chase reports one saved at Camp.

Tonya Ryals reports guest speaker was filled with the Holy Ghost while preaching. Five men were rededicated that same morning.

Alex Hanna reports 86 Arabs and Muslims were saved or delivered from demons, cancers, and other diseases through worldwide Satellite TV. They received 1685 prayer requests.

Others were healed from depression and suicidal attempts due to terrorist attacks.

Rebecca Morphew reports one saved in regular service.

Dale Floyd reports 54 men and women saved in June.

Amani Fam reports she ministered to thousands on missions trip to Egypt. Many were healed and filled with the Holy Ghost.

TRANSFERS

MINISTER’S SPOUSES Loy M. Brown Spouse of the late Everett Brown

1/28/1935 – 8/2/2016

Carol J. Searcy Spouse of Herman Searcy

7/02/1935 – 8/18/2016

Dorothy L. Kirkendall

Pearle L. Wray

Spouse of the D. R. Kirkendall

Spouse of the late Kenneth Wray

3/12/1929 – 7/10/2016 Edna F. Clenney Spouse of Doyle Clenney

9/06/1931 – 7/11/2016

4/18/1923 – 10/17/2015

Welcome Dewayne Bardwell Farewell Stephen Breitling Mike & Linda Franklin Lloyd Keeler Joe Martinez III Barry Nall Brent Nelson Ashton Peters

From New Mexico

To Southern Missouri Minnesota Indiana Arkansas Arkansas South Texas Illinois

NEW PASTORS 10 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK

Ada Faith Allen New Life

Charles Tennison Elgin Rich, Jr.

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 11

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