STAR Winter 19-20

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This is what Christmas means to me…

Last month, in November, I gave a challenge that encouraged friends and family to read the book of Luke, one chapter at a time until Christmas Eve. It’s from this reading that I share my thoughts.

Luke 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) So they came to Jerusalem to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law, Then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.

And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary His mother, Behold, this Child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul also,) Luke 2:22-35 Isn’t that amazing? A gospel that is never mentioned at Christmas time or ever referred too. Yet, at this season we want to focus on the glory, and the light, and the blessing of the celestial visitation from heaven in the nativity, in the incarnation of the Son of God.

Did you catch what Simeon does? "And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary His mother." Simeon blessed them and there held in his arms this Child of God, that he would have said some glorious, heavenly thing like the angels said, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, this child, good will among men" Luke 2:14. No, Simeon blessed them and under the power and the revelation of the Holy Spirit of God said, "Behold, this Child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign" Luke 2:34 – what sign? The cross? Luke 2:35" Let me lay out my thoughts…first, the meaning of Christmas, the meaning of the birth of the Son of God to God our Father; then the meaning of that birth to Jesus the Son; then, the meaning of that birth to a lost world; and finally, the meaning of that birth to us, to you.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" John3:16: the meaning of Christmas, of the redemptive coming of Christ into the world, the meaning of the incarnation to God our Father, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." Second: the meaning of Christmas to Jesus; Our Lord, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery, thought it not a thing to be held onto, to be equal with God; But made Himself of no reputation, emptied Himself, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Philippians 2:6-8 The meaning of Christmas to the world: oh, what a change, what a new note, what a new song, what an incomparable gospel, what a marvelous celestial announcement, "And the angels said unto them, Fear not: behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people," not just to Israel, not just to Judah, not just to those in Palestine but to the ends of the earth, to the isles of the sea. Wherever a man will turn and listen, "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people, families and nations and tongues, all people. For, unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" Luke 2:10-11 To God the Father, suffering and hurt; to the Son of God, a body of death, of atonement; but to us, the announcement of the remission of our sins in Him, the saving of our souls in Him. "Fear not: behold, these great tidings of wonderful joy; for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ our Lord."

And that’s Christmas, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord"; joy and gladness for us. When the Word was made flesh that first Christmas, He came to His own, and they said, "No." But as many as will say yes; to them He gives them the right to become the children of God, even to them that trust in His name. And that’s what Christmas can mean to us, to anyone who’ll receive.

Merry Christmas from Jill & me!

We love you!

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Dear South Texas Assemblies of God Licensed Ministers, I want to thank each of you for working toward and obtaining the Assemblies of God license ministerial credential. In South Texas we have 217 licensed ministers. I would like to encourage you to step up to Ordination in 2020 / 2021. Some of you will have some Global / Berean ministerial courses to finish but some of you may be able to step up through General Council’s Life Experience. Please call or email my office to obtain an ordination application and when you send it back to my office please include any Bible course transcripts and a ministerial diary that will tell me what you’ve done in ministry and when. This will assist us in putting you on the right track. I would love to see all 217 licensed ministers step up to ordination.

As many of you know with the recent changes and updates to the Assemblies of God credentialing process there is no longer a written exam for Ordination. That’s correct, NO written Ordination Exam!!

There are still 2 interviews, one with your Sectional Presbytery Committee and one with the District Presbyters. And if you apply for ordination in 2020 (to be ordained at the District Council Spring 2021) we will waive all district fees associated with the ordination process. *Apply early *No written exam *No district fees for the ordination class of 2021 Ordination within the Assemblies of God is the highest approval for recognizing the call of God upon your life and affirming the proven ministry that God has given you. This process assists us in fulfilling the Biblical requirements for ordination. Please review the recent article by Gene Roncone, the newly elected Superintendent of the Rocky Mountain Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God.

Why I’m Concerned (8 Compelling Reasons for Ordination)

By Superintendent Gene Roncone

Rocky Mountain Ministry Network Something is really troubling me. At the time of this writing, 43 percent of our network ministers are NOT ordained. That’s a bit troubling to me, and I’m hoping you’ll give me a few minutes to explain why. This statistic begs the question: If God is the one who called you to the ministry, why is it important to be ordained by a manmade organization; or if you already have a ministerial license, why should you advance to ordination?

These are excellent questions that deserve a thoughtful response.

Ordination is an important process that has a biblical precedent and should be taken with the utmost seriousness. There are several reasons why it should be important to you, to the church, and to God’s people.

If you are reading this today and have not taken the next step to advance your credential, let me give you a few reasons why you should.

1. Ordination is a biblical model. Ordination can be defined as the public ceremony by which an ecclesiastical movement acknowledges the divine call, commission, and qualification of a person to serve in ministry.

In a sense, it is a formal authorization for a person to be a minister and do ministry. The tradition of ordination is found throughout the entire Bible. We see it symbolized through the act of the laying on of hands.

Those who were in spiritual leadership and authority laid hands upon and prayed for those who were acknowledged to be called, qualified, and ordained to ministry. Moses did this with Joshua in Deuteronomy 34:9. The church leaders did it with Barnabas and Saul in Acts 13:3. In most denominations, ordination is only available to men or women who meet the biblical qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1- 7 and Titus 1:5-9.

These are people who are fulfilling one of the types of equipping ministries described in Ephesians 4:11: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Ordination is important because it is biblically exemplified and commanded.

2. Ordination is different from licensing. There are some things that cannot and should not be rushed. The Apostle Paul taught us that ordination was one of those things when he said, Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure (1 Timothy 5:22, NIV). The New American Standard version states this admonition much more strongly when it says, Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others. Licensing recognizes the call of God on a person’s life. Its focus is on the individual, their character, call, and preparedness for ministry. A ministerial license is a symbol of our accountability structure recognizing the “call of God” upon a person’s life. After licensing, there is a time of “testing and watching” the fruits, patterns, and effectiveness of one’s ministry that flow from that call. While licensing focuses on the individual, ordination seeks to examine the ministry that flows from that person. The time in between licensing and ordination is the period where leadership fulfills their biblical obligation to observe your ministry, not just your calling. It gives leadership time to examine the fruits of your ministry and make an informed and Spirit-led decision about how effective that call works itself out in the context and pressures of ministry. Licensing is about your calling; ordination is a recognition of God’s blessing on your ministry.

An invention is not considered an innovation until it can prove itself effective outside the sterile and predictability of a laboratory. In the same way, a calling is not fully recognized unless it can prove itself spiritually effective in the real-life context of life and ministry. That is why ordination is important. It is a formal recognition of the maturity of your call.

3. Ordination is important for accountability. Ordination is the act of having a spiritual authority over you to recognize your authority to represent God and His word to His people, to the world, and to the church. You remain accountable to this spiritual authority in areas of

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moral wholesomeness, family health, doctrinal purity, ministerial ethics, corporate integrity, financial uprightness, and leadership standards. Even Paul, after receiving the call directly from God in a vision, submitted to baptism, the laying on of hands, and the leadership of the Jerusalem church. Ordination is important to those who seek and welcome biblical accountability.

4. Ordination is important for credibility. Full-time ministry in most churches involves the official endorsement of a reputable denomination or organization. These organizations fulfill the biblical pattern of an authority structure that confirms your call, qualifications, accountability, integrity, effectiveness, and readiness to minister. This confirmation is usually in the form of licensing, ordination, and recognition of your call from a church denomination. If it is a reputable organization, it will take this step seriously and use an extensive process of application, testing, interviews, and a solemn ordination service. This process will ensure: • The genuineness of your Christian experience.

• The sufficiency of your spiritual, moral, emotional, and societal maturity.

• The reality of your divine call.

• The correctness of your doctrine.

• The adequacy of your preparation and abilities.

• Your commitment to community and collaboration.

The important thing to remember is that if God has called you, your call will be evident to godly leaders who serve in authority over you. When you seek their confirmation, they will either say yes or no or wait. Whatever the answer may be, ordination is the most important public confirmation you can receive that you are credible and that your ministry and doctrine can be trusted.

5. Ordination is important for responsibility. Full-time employment in churches can usually be divided into two categories: ordained and nonordained ministry. Most churches have employees who are not ordained.

These people work in ministry without being ordained for ministry and usually serve in areas that support ministry functions. Paid administrative assistants, janitors, nursery directors, ministry directors, media personnel, and musicians are examples of non-ordained employment opportunities in a church. However, ordained ministry usually carries greater authority and responsibility to God’s people. In many denominations, ordination is so important that their churches require it for a person to serve on the pastoral staff, perform weddings, baptize converts, serve communion, or represent the church at denominational gatherings. As a matter of fact, the bylaws of most Assemblies of God churches require those who serve as a lead pastor be ordained. Why? Because even lay people, deacons, and pastoral search committees feel that ordination enables an individual to steward greater responsibility.

6. Ordination is important for the health of the local church.

Ordination ensures that the pastoral leadership within the local church is comprised of individuals who are proven, qualified, genuine, and divinely called. It also helps to maintain a higher level of doctrinal purity within the body of Christ as well as an accountability structure outside of a team or local context.

7. Ordination creates a partnership of trust. Ordination is the official recognition that you and your ministry have proven to be valuable, needed, and affirmed in the greater body of Christ. In a way, it is as though the entire Fellowship of the Assemblies of God is saying, “Not only do we acknowledge the call of God upon your life and your commitment to that call, but we also now express our willingness to put confidence in your ministry’s contribution and your leadership should God ever anoint you to lead us.” That is a powerful thing in and of itself.

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8. Ordination increases our capacity for leadership. As of October 3, 2019, the Rocky Mountain Network has 570 ministers. Of that number, 11 percent are certified, 32 percent are licensed, and 57 percent are ordained. That means 43 percent of our ministers are NOT ordained.

[South Texas Assemblies of God ministers breakdown: as of October 2019] Ordained - 585 58% Licensed - 217 22% Certified - 200 20% Total Credentialed - 1,003 That should concern all of us. Why? Because the kingdom of God and the leadership pool in our network is being limited. Our leadership pipeline will never exceed our level of ordination! According to our network bylaws, the highest levels of leadership in our network require ordination. For example, the district superintendent/network pastor, assistant superintendent, secretary treasurer, executive presbyters, every member of the presbytery, provisional presbyters, and those empowered to call a special meeting of the Network Council in the event of an emergency are all required to be ordained. That means the network’s source of leadership, vision, and potential will be limited to the pool of those who are ordained. In other words, ordination is the lid that determines our highest potential and capacity as a network. Anyone who believes in leadership succession should also be equally passionate about ordination. We owe it to ourselves and our future to maintain the highest percentage of ordained ministers within our network.

If you desire to serve in ministry, one of the decisions you will have to make is whether you want others to recognize and affirm your calling (licensing) or your ministry (ordination). And believe me, there is a big difference between the two. That is why I believe the Bible places such a significant emphasis upon ordination. It signifies a greater level of biblical obedience, ministry maturity, accountability, credibility, opportunity, responsibility, partnership, and health for the local church.

That is also why I am appealing to all in our network who are not ordained to contact our Secretary/Treasurer’s office this week and take your next step—whatever that may be. Why? Because the future needs you! I need you, the network needs you, our churches need you. More importantly, the kingdom needs you. *The podcast version of this article can be accessed at www.agspe.org/c55.mp3

I concur with Pastor Gene Roncone’s analysis and conclusion in regards to the importance of ordination. I would love to see our 217 licensed ministers take the next step and move up to ordained. If you want to take the next step in the credentialing process please contact Kauleen Granberry at our South Texas AG Ministries office and begin the process.

God bless each of you and thank you for your partnership in ministry!

713-455-1221 kauleen@stxag.org Appreciate Each of You! Pastor Don Wiehe

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Ministers & Churches Changes and Updates New Certified

Klimoun (Kevin) Azizpour Kathryn Frank Garrett Frazier Reese Hallmark Bradley Hammond

New License Eli Alfaro Luis Bonilla

Upgraded to License Jason Bone

Reinstate

Johnathon Eakin

Transfers in

Megan Jones Melissa King Rayven King Shawn Lauger Milton Lima Jr.

Charity Lindsey Elizabeth Molina Mia Robledo Brandon Shirley

Darla Snavely

Jeremy Teague

Daniel Van Hook Lisa Lamey

Heather Armstrong – Arkansas District James Armstrong – Arkansas District Allen Chapin – Louisiana District David Crowley – Rocky Mountain District Emily Hill – Northern California and Nevada District

Transfers Out

Aaron Flynn – West Texas District Philip Geesey – North Texas District Kevin Guthrie – West Texas District Nicholas Hanson – New York District Stephanie Hanson – New York District

Shawn Monclova – New York Samuel Reynolds – North Texas District Anna Thoreson – Iowa District Robert Thoreson – Iowa District Jeremy Vanderburg – Mississippi District Vanessa Holland – Indiana District Scott Matta – Michigan District Emily Schuetz – North Texas District Krystopher Scroggins – North Texas District

New Pastors James & Heather Armstrong – Mauriceville Assembly of God, Mauriceville Allen & Angela Chapin – First Assembly of God, Bridge City William & Deborah McNeil – First Assembly of God, Ingleside Shawn & Christina Monclova – First Assembly of God, Kirbyville Samuel & Briana Reynolds – Glad Tidings, Houston

New PAC Churches New Beginnings Fellowship, Atascocita – Parent Church: New Life Church on North Park, Kingwood Westover Hills – Medina Valley – Espanol, Castroville – Parent Church: Westover Hills, San Antonio Grace Bible Church, Lytle – Parent Church: Westover Hills, San Antonio 10

2020 Schedule Date

Level 1 Courses (Certified) Level 2 Courses (License)

Level 3 Courses (Ordained)

January 4

THE114 Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine

BIB212 New Testament Survey

BIB322 Poetic Books

February 1

BIB117 Prison Epistles

BIB215 Romans

BIB318 Pentateuch

March 7

BIB115 Acts: The Holy Spirit at Work in the Believers

9:30AM - 12:00PM BIB214 Old Testament Survey 1:30PM - 3:30PM MIN261 Introduction to A/G Missions

April 4

BIB121 MIN223 Introduction to Hermeneutics: Introduction Homiletics How to Study the Bible

MIN325 Preaching in the Contemporary World

June 6

MIN123 The Local Church in Evangelism

THE245 Eschatology: A Study of Things to Come

MIN327 Church Administration, Finance & Law

June 6

MIN191 Beginning Internship

MIN291 Intermediate Internship

MIN391 Advanced Internship

9:30AM - 12:00PM THE142 AG History, Missions & Governance

MIN251 Effective Leadership

THE311 Prayer & Worship

MIN281 Conflict Management for Church Leaders

MIN381 Pastoral Ministry

Classes not taught on site, students study with their Mentor

September 12

1:30PM - 3:30PM MIN171 Spirit Empowered Church October 3

MIN181 Relationships & Ethics in Ministry

November 7

BIB114 THE211 Christ in the Synoptic Gospels Introduction to Theology

BIB313 Corinthian Correspondence

I want to thank Dr. Gary Piercy and the New Life Church family for hosting our DSOM (District School of Ministry) classes over the past 2 years. In the (literal) wake of Hurricane Harvey they have been so gracious to host our monthly classes at New Life Church Kingwood. As we plan to soon break ground on our new district offices we will be moving our DSOM classes back to our temporary district office @ Crossroads Fellowship (12110 East Sam Houston Pkwy N Houston, TX ¡ 77044) as of this coming January 4, 2020. A reminder that there are no December DSOM classes.

-Don Wiehe

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I would like to thank those who attended our District's Abuse Awareness Conference on October 19. Each of our speakers did such a wonderful job bringing awareness and vital information to this most important issue. A special thanks to Pastor Milton Pool and the Humble First team for hosting this event with excellence! What an incredible blessing they are! The sessions at the Awareness conference are now available on our South Texas District website ( stxag.org/resources/events/abuse-awareness-2019 ) along with the conference handouts for you to use as a resource for you and your church workers. Please take a moment to review Attorney Richard Hammar's article, "Addressing Child Abuse". (Page 28) Attorney Hammar gives us 12 steps for our churches to take to help reduce the risk of child abuse on our church premises and during our church events. Please never hesitate to call if you have any questions. God bless each of you and thank you so much for all you do to care for the people under your care.

Your Fellow Servant, Don K. Wiehe

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AGED MINISTERS ASSISTANCE For our “Pioneers of the Faith” who gave sacrificially to build this Fellowship and the kingdom of God and now need our help.

STRUGGLING? “AMA is the difference between not enough and just enough.”

FORGOTTEN? “To know that I have not been forgotten … I am still being remembered.”

NEED HELP? “Never dreamed in all the 55 years we pastored that I would one day be a recipient.”

AMA is an emergency fund designed to help provide the daily needs of food, medicine and housing for aged ministers and their spouses with substandard incomes. Emergency medical assistance is also available.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR AMA • Ministry — Official Assemblies of God ministers with 10 years of active ministry prior to retirement or disability, and their spouses or widows.

• Age — Ministers licensed or ordained by the U.S.A.G. for a minimum of 10 years prior to his or her normal retirement age as determined by the Social Security Administration. Widows, minimum age 60 whose spouses met the above requirements.

• Disability — Totally disabled ministers under 65 may apply for assistance.

• Income — Total monthly income less than $1,500 (couple) or $1000 (single). AMA provides the difference between current income and the AMA monthly maximum.

• Emergency — If a minister is confronted with insurmountable medical bills or other unusual expenses not covered by Medicare or supplemental insurance, he or she may apply for an emergency grant.

• HOW TO APPLY – Visit our website: www.ama.ag.org to download an application.

HOW TO HELP OUR “PIONEERS OF THE FAITH” AMA is not a pension, but a fund underwritten solely by contributions from concerned churches and individuals. A onetime or monthly gift of any size is greatly appreciated, and joined with other gifts makes possible this ministry to our beloved aged ministers, their spouses and widows.

Donate online at www.ama.ag.org or send in the coupon below with your check to: Aged Ministers Assistance, 1445 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield MO 65802.

YES! I want to help AG Aged Ministers in need! My check/money order is enclosed 872-001 SC 32 Please charge my credit card: MasterCard VISA Discover American Express $ ____________ # _____ - _____ - _____ -_____ Exp. ___/___ Name: _______________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________________ ST: _________ ZIP: ____________ Church to credit: ________________________________ City: ______________________ _ AMA, 1445 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO 65802 phone: 417-862-2781, ext. 2184 • email: ama@ag.org • website: ama.ag.org

Seniors are a very interesting demographic. As the later years of life approach, it’s intriguing to see how differently people react to their age. Some even refuse to order off the Sr menu! Some avoid groups that exist for their age. “I’m not old” is the denial.

Despite any personal rebellion to the reality of the number of years we’ve been breathing on earth, this is a stage through which we all pass. Denying it will not remove any years from life!

For Christians, every stage of life should be embraced and celebrated. Believers, should likewise use their gifts and wisdom of experience to serve others no matter their age.

There is always ministry in which we can engage!

However, getting older is not for wimps. It takes a special strength and genuine courage.

Despite the issues of aging, Seniors are an amazing and importantto-the-Church group of people. They are a valuable resource and possess qualities that following generations do not have.... yet! These qualities come through decades of experience and living a Christian life. They possess a greater-than-knowledge wisdom that comes through faithfulness and proving God’s Word.

Whether a person is in their 50’s or later, for Seniors, there is so much life to live with perhaps the most to give and share, investing in others.

Faithfully and creatively, we must remain strategically engaged in our families and church. It’s Biblical. Paul uses the word “all” referring to the entire church he is writing to in every one of his letters, even to Timmothy and Titus. There is no age qualification or disqualification in his use of “all”.

Get into the game and stay in the game! “No Coasting to the Finish Line!”

If you condense the Mission of SWP to a few statements, here is how it will look: 1. SWP exists to serve and resource local churches to assist their ministry by and to Seniors.

2. SWP wants to celebrate the AG “Cooperative Fellowship” by providing great events and ministry on the Sectional, District and National levels.

3. SWP wants to expand the number of churches with Seniors Ministries.

We are looking to launch an online resource center during the Senior Summit in February 2020!

We just completed our first yearly STX Senior fun trip, a cruise to Cozumel, Nov 30- Dec 5. 54 Seniors joined us, and we had a blast!

We had a service aboard ship on our two days at sea. The Cruise line set us up to use “Sam’s Piano Bar”! So we sanctified the place!

Our next major event is the Senior Summit, Feb 18-20. Registration is available online at.

Make plans now to join us. There are a few cabins and dorms for singles (one for men and another for women) that are available at no charge other than registration.

Judy and I so enjoy serving with our South Texas Ministry Resource Center Team. But especially serving our Seniors.

Wayne and Judy Clark

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MISSIONS WALK Saturday, Februar y 22 Houston, San Antonio, and T he Valley Girls Ministries/Coins for Kids is partnering with Missionaries Nathan and Jennifer Thomas, to build a school for the children of the village.

Make your mark

on missions

Join us in our endeavor! Together we can make a difference.

Contact Melissa LeClare to join us. mleclare@stxg.org or 713-455-1221

Girls Ministries Leadership Retreat

Coordinators, Teachers & Helpers The Journey — Road Trip!

March 27-28, 2020

Contact Melissa LeClare mleclare@stxg.org or 713-455-1221 21

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South Texas Women are honored to financially partner with “OUR” missionaries and other ministries across our district. The Heart Fund provides household furnishings for full-time World missionaries and other missions projects. Together, we come alongside our missionaries to reach the world! All Fun Run Funds go to Heart Fund!

Saturday, February 8, 2020

There will be ten locations • 10 sections hosting simultaneously • Each section leader will host this Fun Run locally.

• You (or someone you appoint) will be the point person at your location.

The registration is already open on stxagwm.org.

• $30/adult and a $10/child (up to 18) fee to participate.

• The participants do not have to raise funds outside of their entry fee.

• STX Women’s office will managing that side of the Fun Run. • There is a drop-down area where the ladies can select their section.

• The District office will be in contact with you as these numbers come in.

There will is a drop-down menu where registrants will select their shirt size.

• The district office will have these made.

• Once registration closes, and shirts are made, they will send the t-shirts to you to have ready when the ladies check in on race day.

The District Women’s office will be working diligently to secure outside sponsors, our major source of funds. If you have ideas of sponsors or contacts, please send them Jordon Williams.

We are excited about this unique but fun and healthy way of raising funds as well as awareness about the Heart Fund!! Thanks for all that you are doing and thank you for supporting our missionaries through Heart Fund!"

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E3 TOUR Encourage Empower Equip

Jill Barker

Jordin Williams

Melissa LeClare

Locations Feb. 21 6 PM Beaumont/Neches Valley (New Covenant Assembly, Silsbee) Feb 28 6 PM San Antonio/Victoria (Real Life Community Church, New Braunfels)

Feb 29 9 AM San Jacinto/Gulf Coast (Crossroads Fellowship, Houston) Feb 29 6 PM Houston/North Houston (Family Life AG, Katy)

April 18 9 AM Rio Grande/Corpus Christi (McAllen First, McAllen)

Register at www.stxagwm.org 26

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Addressing the Risk of Child Abuse

by Richard Hammar, J.D., LL.M., CPA Legal Counsel, The General Council of the Assemblies of God In February the Houston Chronicle published the dramatic results of an investigative report documenting 380 credible incidents of sexual misconduct by ministers and volunteers in Baptist churches since 1998. Many involved incidents of sexual abuse of a minor. The report demonstrates that sexual misconduct is not restricted to Catholic priests but affects all religious groups.

The public revulsion at accounts of sexual misconduct by clergy and lay volunteers has reached a new and increasingly palpable level. The public is increasingly intolerant of the inadequate response by churches to incidents of sexual abuse. Church leaders need to review current policies and be prepared to take additional steps to protect minors.

There are many steps that churches can take to reduce the risk of child abuse on church premises and during church programs and activities. Here are twelve of them based on a comprehensive examination of recent court rulings. Note that these address the risk of child abuse. The sexual abuse of adults by clergy will be addressed in a subsequent article.

1. Interview. Interview all applicants for youth or children’s ministry. This applies to both paid employee and unpaid volunteer positions. Interviews provide the church with an opportunity to inquire into each applicant’s background and make a determination as to each person’s suitability for the position under consideration.

2. A written application. Every applicant for youth and children’s ministry (volunteer or compensated) should complete a “screening application.” At a minimum, the application should ask for the applicant’s name and address, the names of other youth-serving organizations in which the applicant has worked as an employee or volunteer, a full explanation of any prior criminal convictions, and the names of two or more personal references.

3. “Institutional references.” The best reference is an institutional reference. This is a reference from another institution or organization in which the applicant has worked with minors either as a paid employee or an unpaid volunteer. The key question to ask is whether the institution is aware of any information indicating that the applicant poses a risk of harm to minors or is in any other respect not suitable for youth or children’s ministry.

Obviously, obtaining a positive reference from one or more other institutions that have actually observed the applicant interact with minors is the gold standard in screening prospective youth and children’s workers. Some applicants have not worked with other youth-serving institutions in the past, and so no institutional reference is available. In such cases, a church’s only option is to obtain personal references. However, risk can be reduced by limiting personal references to members of the church.

For pastoral applicants, the best reference will be from a denominational office with which the church is affiliated. If the church is not affiliated with a denomination, then the best reference will be from board members in other churches in which the applicant has served.

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Executive Presbytery Report to the General Presbytery Page 2 of 4 April 11, 2019

For non-minister employees and volunteers, the best references will be from other churches or charities in which the applicant has worked with minors. Examples include Boy/Girl Scouts, Big Brothers/Sisters, Boys/Girls Clubs, YMCA, Little League, Catholic Charities, public or private schools, youth sports, or other churches or religious organizations. Seek a reference from every such organization in which the applicant has served. Your application form should ask applicants to list all such organizations, including contact information.

Having current or prospective employees and volunteers complete an application form does not significantly reduce a church’s risk of negligent selection. Significant risk reduction occurs only if the church contacts each person and organization listed as a reference in the application and requests a written reference. If you do not receive back the written reference forms, then contact the references by telephone and prepare a written memorandum noting the questions asked and the reference’s responses. Show the date and method of the contact, the person making the contact, the reference’s identity, and a summary of the reference’s remarks. Such forms, when completed, should be kept with an applicant’s original application. They should be kept permanently.

Caution. Be sure you are aware of any additional legal requirements that apply in your state. For example, a number of states have passed laws requiring church-operated child-care facilities to check with the state before hiring any applicant for employment to ensure that each applicant does not have a criminal record involving certain types of crimes. You will need to check with an attorney for guidance.

4. A six-month rule. Churches can reduce the risk of sexual molestation of minors by adopting a policy restricting eligibility for any volunteer position involving the custody or supervision of minors to those persons who have been members in good standing of the church for a minimum period of time, such as six months. Such a policy gives the church an additional opportunity to evaluate applicants and will help to repel persons seeking immediate access to potential victims.

5. “Benchmark” church policies by comparing them with the policies of other charities and the public schools. Check with other churches and youth-serving charities (i.e., YMCA, Boy/Girl Scouts, Big Brothers/Sisters) to see how your procedures compare. Most importantly, check with your public school district. Public schools are agencies of the state, and therefore by aligning your procedures to those of public schools you are going a long way in demonstrating that your procedures are reasonable and not negligent.

6. Periodic review of your policies by legal counsel. Like benchmarking, having an attorney periodically review your worker selection procedures will help to establish the exercise of reasonable care which will reduce the risk of both harm and a finding of negligence.

7. Adopt a two-adult policy prohibiting a child from being alone with an unrelated adult. Consider adopting a “two-adult” policy. Such a policy simply says that no minor is ever allowed to be alone with an adult during any church activity. This rule reduces the risk of child molestation, and also reduces the risk of false accusations of molestation.

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Example. A church has a policy requiring two adults to work in the nursery. However, the policy does not prohibit children from being in the custody of less than two adults. On a Sunday morning during worship services, one adult temporarily leaves the nursery for ten minutes to speak with another church member. A few days later the parents of one of the infants in the nursery suspect that their child has been molested. Suspicion is focused on the church nursery. Since the two

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nursery workers cannot prove that they both were present with the child throughout the entire worship service, they cannot “prove their innocence.” The worker who was present in the nursery while the other worker was temporarily absent is suspected of wrongdoing, even though she is completely innocent.

Example. A church sponsors a campout for young boys. Some of the boys are accompanied by their fathers, but several are not. One tent is occupied by an adult volunteer worker and one boy.

This arrangement violates the two-adult rule.

Example. A youth pastor takes home a group of five teenagers following an activity at church.

After taking four of the teenagers to their homes, he is left in his car with a 15-year-old female.

This arrangement violates the two-adult rule.

8. A criminal background check consisting of a nationwide search of sex offender registries, and a national criminal file search. Criminal records checks are inexpensive and convenient, and they are an essential component of risk management. Preferential pricing often is available from your insurance company, or a denominational office. Never hire anyone in a youth or children’s ministry position, as either an employee or volunteer, who was or is on a sex offender registry in any state. Other crimes are disqualifying as well if they suggest that a person poses a risk of harm to minors. If in doubt about the relevance of a particular crime, a good practice is to bar persons from youth or children’s ministry who would not be eligible to work as a public school employee. Your local public school district offices should be able to answer this question.

The need to conduct criminal records checks is underscored by a recent ruling by a California court finding that a youth-serving charity (Youth Soccer) had a legal duty to perform criminal background checks on employees and volunteers and could be liable for the sexual molestation of minors by unscreened workers. The court’s ruling is historic because it represents the first reported case in which a court unequivocally reached this conclusion in a case involving a youthserving organization. The court concluded that “defendants had a duty to require and conduct criminal background checks of their employees and volunteers who had contact with children in their programs.”

9. Prompt reporting of child abuse (known and suspected). It is imperative for church leaders to comply with their state’s child abuse reporting law. Promptly report all known and reasonably suspected cases of child sexual abuse to the designated state agency. In some states a report must be filed within 24 hours. Know the reporting requirement in your state. Be sure to make a telephone memorandum of your call, and ideally have a second person listening in on the conversation who can sign the memorandum as a witness.

Resolve any and all doubts in favor or reporting. Prompt reporting has several advantages: • • • • • • •

It is required by law (for mandatory reporters).

You avoid misdemeanor liability for failure to report.

You avoid civil liability in many states for not reporting.

Reporters are given immunity from liability in every state (except for malicious behavior).

You protect the current victim from further harm.

You are placing the abuser’s identity in the criminal justice system, making it more likely that this will be flagged to other churches and youth-serving charities seeking a reference.

You minimize the risk of public outrage that can be unleashed if your church failed to report the abuse to the state.

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10. Promptly address and halt high-risk behaviors. Often, those who molest minors in churches or church activities have openly engaged in high-risk behaviors, including: • • • • • • • •

Minors spending the night in a leader’s home.

An adult leader drives a vehicle with one or more unrelated minors on board, and no other adults.

An adult goes on day trips with an unrelated minor.

An adult goes on overnight trips with an unrelated minor.

A leader spends the night in a hotel with one or more unrelated minors.

A leader meets one or more minors in malls or other places where minors congregate.

An adult leader sleeps in a tent with an unrelated minor during a campout.

Using any form of direct or private messaging to communicate with unrelated minors.

These, and similar, “grooming” behaviors are associated with many incidents of child molestation involving youth and children’s ministry leaders and volunteers in churches and must be promptly confronted and stopped.

11. Video technology. The installation of video cameras in strategic locations can serve as a powerful deterrent to child molesters and can reduce a church’s risk of negligent supervision. Video technology has become affordable for most churches and should be considered by all churches as both a powerful deterrent and a means of proving or disproving alleged misconduct.

12. Training. Churches should conduct periodic training of employees and volunteers on recognizing and reporting child abuse, the identification of abused minors, and the importance of familiarity with the 12 recommendations summarized above. It is helpful for the training to include presentations by a police officer, a prosecutor, and one or more employees of the child abuse hotline agency.

Key point. Look at these 12 steps as ways to protect children rather than as a risk management tool. If your goal is risk reduction, compliance is likely to suffer. Compliance is higher and of longer duration when leaders are motivated primarily by a desire to protect minors.

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