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There are certain words that just go better together: Salt & _______ Night & _______ Sweet & ________ Adam & _______ Bacon & _______ Bed & __________ Black & _______ Husband & ______ Jack & ________ Two of the words in the New Testament that are used to describe Jesus are - Grace and Truth “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 NIV “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.” ohn 1:17-18 NIV Truth is purchasing something from IKEA Grace is having someone help you put it together Grace is Relationship, Grace is Friendship, Grace is Assistance, Grace is something we cannot earn and that we don’t deserve. Truth is knowing and learning who we really are. Many times we are not very attractive. Learning how God sees us and responds to us is Grace. Someone worth loving and dying for. Someone worth assisting through life. Law (truth) without mercy and grace kills us. We can’t do it. We can’t live it. The law shames us! It teaches us that we need a Savior. Mercy and grace without truth also kills us. It promotes sloppy living with no clear direction. It approves everything we do. . . always an excuse. We need truth from those we respect and honor; our CPA, Attorney, Doctor and Teacher. We also need Grace. Someone who steps in to our life to help us, to assist us, and to work through the truth given. This grace is not deserved as it is an unmerited gift. “He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life.” 2 Corinthians 3:6 NLT Jesus is the embodiment of grace and truth. We need both. Christmas is about grace and truth. You are not in it alone. Truth yes. Grace yes. Both.That’s Jesus. We need both and they are both found in Jesus! I hope this Christmas you experience the fullness of His grace and truth! 6 South Texas Ministry Network
Ministers & Churches Changes and Updates
New Certified
Cooper Norris Jesus "Jesse" Castaneda
New License
Abigail Garza Quentin Garza
Upgrade to License Jose "Tony" Espinosa
Greg Gamez Jamie Jackson
Nathan Paredes
Brianna Garza Michal Lee Nicholas Skogg
Upgrade to Ordained Emelike Nwokocha Paul Lee
Reinstated
John McDuff Ashley Candelaria
Mark Akers Michael Vogal
Donald Rodgers
Transfers In Jared Owens – North Texas John Deisher– Oklahoma
Dean Johnson – Northern California-Nevada
Transfers Out Ruben Cuevas – Texas Louisiana Hispanic Larry McQuire – Wyoming
New Pastors Pastor Matthew Leighty – Calvary Temple Assembly of God – San Antonio, TX Pastor Ernesto Gomez – Lighthouse Family Assembly of God - Galveston, TX
General Council Affiliated First Assembly of God – Pearsall, TX (Lead Pastor: Sherri Davila)
Withdrawn from the Assemblies of God Gateway Fellowship Church Medina County – Natalia, TX (Lead Pastor: Brandon Smith) All Nations Worship Center – Conroe, TX (Lead Pastor: Brandon Morgan)
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As one year closes and another begins, it’s a fitting time for those in ministry to pause, reflect, and realign. The call of God is glorious, but the cost is real. Ministry brings seasons of joy and fruitfulness — and also seasons that test our strength, our faith, and our endurance. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Just as iron must stay honed to remain effective, so too must ministers remain spiritually sharp and healthy. To “keep your edge” in ministry means pursuing three vital areas: Health, Growth, and Development. Together, these form the foundation for a ministry that not only starts strong but finishes well. 1. HEALTH — Guarding the Vessel Before we can lead others well, we must care for the vessel God uses — our whole selves: spiritual, emotional, and physical. Spiritual Health Our first calling is not to preach, lead, or even study. It is to be with Jesus. Mark 3:14 says, “He appointed twelve that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach.” Notice the order — “with Him” comes before “sent out.” It’s easy to reverse that order in the busyness of ministry. Yet, spiritual health determines the health of our ministry. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Pray not only for ministry outcomes but for intimacy with God. Open the Word not just to prepare sermons but to refresh your own soul. Emotional Health - Many ministers suffer in silence, encouraging others while feeling depleted themselves. You are not weak for needing rest, and you are not unspiritual for needing help. Even Jesus withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16). After Elijah’s greatest victory, he collapsed in exhaustion and despair, and God’s response was not rebuke — but rest and nourishment. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap and eat a good meal. Physical Health - Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Stewarding them well is an act of worship. Regular exercise, healthy rest, and good nutrition are not distractions from ministry — they sustain it. Your body carries your calling. Protect it well, because healthy ministers build healthy ministries. 2. GROWTH — Deepening the Roots If health keeps the vessel strong, growth keeps the roots deep. Growth doesn’t happen by accident; it’s intentional, consistent, and sometimes uncomfortable. The Growth Mindset - Paul wrote in Philippians 3:12, “Not that I have already obtained all this… but I press on.” Growth requires pressing forward — always learning, always surrendering, always open to what God is doing next. In ministry, it’s easy to rely on what once worked — old sermons, familiar methods, past inspiration. But the Spirit continually brings renewal. “See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:19). Staying open to correction, innovation, and the Spirit’s leading keeps us growing. Intellectual and Theological Growth - Your calling deserves your best mind. Study deeply and read widely. Don’t fear academic pursuit — knowledge and anointing are not enemies. The better we understand God’s Word, the more confidently and clearly we can proclaim it. As 2 Timothy 2:15 reminds us, “Study to show yourself approved unto God.” The church today needs ministers who can both preach with fire and think with depth — blending conviction with clarity. Character Growth - No gift or talent can compensate for a lack of integrity. Character is the soil in which the fruit of the Spirit grows. If your gift takes you where your character cannot sustain you, your ministry will falter. Growth is not just about knowing more; it’s about becoming more like Jesus. Every act of humility, patience, and forgiveness deepens the roots of your spiritual maturity. 3. DEVELOPMENT — Sharpening the Tools Health keeps us standing. Growth keeps us rooted. Development equips us to serve effectively. God’s calling is not just a moment of anointing but a lifelong process of shaping. Skill Development - David was anointed king long before he sat on the throne. In the meantime, he learned to shepherd, lead, and worship. Each sermon, counseling session, and prayer shapes us for future service. Keep refining your preaching, leadership, and communication skills. Seek feedback. Learn new tools. You don’t have to be perfect, but you must remain teachable. Relational Development - No minister thrives alone. Ministry is a team calling. Paul had Barnabas to encourage him and Timothy to mentor. Who sharpens you — and who are you sharpening? Building a circle of mentors, peers, and emerging leaders strengthens your endurance and guards your heart against isolation and burnout. Spiritual Development - Finally, never let your gifting outpace your devotion. The Holy Spirit is not a one-time experience but a lifelong companion. Keep seeking His presence, guidance, and power. As Zechariah 4:6 declares, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord.” Every form of development — practical, relational, intellectual — must flow from that dependence on Him. Finishing Well - Ministry is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. And marathons are not won by the fastest, but by the faithful. Guard your health. Pursue growth. Commit to ongoing development. Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4:7 remain our goal: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” As we step into a new year, may we not only begin with fire but finish with faith — strong, healthy, and full of the Spirit who called us. My Prayer for You - Lord, thank You for Your faithful servants. Renew their strength, refresh their hearts, and reignite their passion. Help them guard their health, deepen their growth, and continue their development — for Your glory and the good of Your Church. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Did you know that 3.65 million Christians are facing persecution? That equals to 1 in 7 worldwide! That’s the highest level in modern history! But God is still on the Throne, because those who are persecuted remain faithful to the One who is faithful, as they know that they are not alone but are empowered by the Holy Spirit! Their suffering is a privilege and not something to be feared. During times of trials and persecution, it’s often an excellent opportunity to share the Gospel around the world, as were the times after Christ’s crucifixion and after Stephen’s death. Acts 8:4 states, “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.” Acts 11:19-20 says, “After being scattered, some of the believers proclaimed the Lord Jesus to the Greeks as well.” This shows how the persecution led to the expansion of the Gospel to new people groups. But we have a part to play in this! Our part is to pray for them and to continue sharing the Gospel, no matter the cost. God’s Word says in Revelation 2:10 “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer…Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown!” Now more than ever, followers of Christ have a responsibility to pray and advocate for our fellow believers worldwide. Prayer is our strongest weapon against the enemy, our direct line of appeal, and our primary source of worship. And today, persecution comes in many forms. However, the knowledge that we are aware of their sufferings and are praying for them is a vital comfort to them in their extremely trying circumstances. Let’s do our part and pray for the persecuted church, all the while keeping our missionaries in the US and around the world in your prayers as well. It’s our responsibility; let’s do it to the best of our ability!
To The Nations! Roger & Debbi Audorff, Missions Directors raudorff.stxag@gmail.com
EXPLORING THE CALL ANOTHER FROM A SERIES OF REAL-TIME STORIES FROM OUR STMN GLOBAL WORKERS ON THE FIELD. The military life is one of transition. When individuals and families arrive in Misawa, they face many struggles while trying to adapt to a very different culture. While Misawa is a remote location and feels isolated, God uses that isolation to bring people to salvation and growth in Him. Over the last three years, we have seen an increase in people coming to salvation in Jesus for the first time or through rededication, and recently, many have felt God’s call upon their lives towards full-time ministry. These three couples in the picture below are a part of those sensing and responding to that call. Through our Neighborhood School of Ministry, they are learning to study the Bible, teach Bible studies, preach, serve communion, Biblically resolve conflict, and more. One of the individuals recently enrolled at an AG university to pursue their ministry degree, with two others are following behind. God is faithfully answering our prayers and commitment to reach, teach, and train to maturity the family of Misawa. Elizabeth & Wilman Muñoz, Lead Pastors
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Succession is one of the most significant leadership seasons any church will navigate, yet many leaders walk into it feeling unsure, unprepared, or alone. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Generis and the Art of Leadership Academy to create The Succession Gathering, a two-day experience designed specifically for pastors, elder boards, and ministry leaders who want to pursue a healthy and strategic transition. At this gathering, you and your team will learn what works, what doesn’t, and the practical frameworks that help churches thrive long after the baton is passed. You’ll also hear from leaders who have lived succession firsthand.
This event is for you if: You’re beginning to think about succession (within the next 5 years) You’re an incoming or outgoing senior pastor (spouses are also encouraged to join) You’re an exec. pastor, board member, or part of a succession team Succession is more than an administrative process. It’s discipleship, stewardship, and pastoral care. When handled well, it blesses the church for generations. Get Early Bird pricing now through Jan 23. We have limited spots available, so DON’T wait to register your team. https://theascentleader.org/the-succession-gathering/
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DIVINE HEALING POSITION PAPER (ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL PRESBYTERY IN SESSION AUGUST 9-11, 2010) From its inception the General Council of the Assemblies of God has recognized divine healing for the whole person as an important part of the gospel, the good news, which Jesus commissioned His disciples to proclaim. The Assemblies of God constitution in its Statement of Fundamental Truths, section 12, states, “Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the Atonement, and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:16,17; James 5:14–16).”1 Though it is impossible in a brief paper to cover all the implications of this statement or answer all the questions that are raised concerning it, we shall attempt to show that the statement is scripturally sound. I. Divine Healing Is an Integral Part of the Gospel The ministry of both Jesus and the apostles gives evidence that divine healing was integral to the proclamation of the gospel message. It was an important witness to Jesus as the revelation of the Father, the promised Messiah, and the Savior from sin (see John 10:37,38). The Bible shows a close connection between the healing ministry of Jesus and His saving, forgiving ministry. His power to heal was actually a witness to His authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:5–12). Frequently the gospel writers testify that His healing miracles parallel His preaching of the gospel, both being the purpose of His ministry (Matthew 4:23; 9:35,36). People came from all directions both to hear Him and to be healed (Luke 5:15; 6:17,18). He never turned any away but healed all varieties of sicknesses, diseases, deformities, defects, and injuries (Matthew 15:30,31; 21:14). He also delivered people from demons and the problems they caused (Matthew 4:24). Jesus recognized that sickness is ultimately the result of the fall of humans into sin, and in some instances may be linked to specific sin (John 5:14) or to the activity of Satan (Luke 13:16). He recognized also, however, that sickness is not always the direct result of specific sin (John 9:2,3). There were times when it was rather an opportunity for God to be glorified (Mark 2:12). Miracles of healing were an important part of the works God sent Jesus to do (John 9:3,4). This is in line with the Old Testament revelation of God as the Great Physician, the Lord who heals (Exodus 15:26; Psalm 103:3, where the Hebrew participles used in both cases indicate it is God’s nature to heal). Jesus’ ministry showed that divine healing is still a vital part of God’s nature and plan. Healings also helped to identify Jesus as the promised Messiah and Savior. Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 53:4: “Surely he took up [lifted and took away] our infirmities and carried [as a heavy load] our sorrows.” (“Infirmities,” choli, is the same word used of physical sickness and disease in Deuteronomy 28:59,61; 2 Chronicles 16:12; 21:15,18,19; Isaiah 38:9. “Sorrows,” makob, is the same word used of physical pain in Job 33:19.) Matthew, in the account of Jesus’ healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, sees this Isaiah passage fulfilled in the healing ministry of Jesus: “This was to fulfill
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what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases’ ” (Matthew 8:17).2 Isaiah also ties the sufferings of the Servant to the provision of salvation, a ministry fulfilled by Jesus (Isaiah 53:5,6). His sufferings were for our sins and lead to our peace with God: “And by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). The Isaiah context and the reference to it in 1 Peter 2:24,25 emphasize especially the healing or restoration from sin. However, in view of the emphasis on physical sickness in Isaiah 53:4, it is clear that these passages teach that the gospel to be introduced by the Suffering Servant, Jesus, includes healing from both the spiritual and physical effects of the fall of the human race into sin recorded in Genesis 3. When John the Baptist was imprisoned, he questioned whether Jesus was actually the promised Messiah or just another forerunner like himself. Jesus responded by calling attention to His messianic works that linked miracles and the preaching of the gospel to the poor (Matthew 11:4,5). Again, healing was an important witness, an integral part of the gospel (Isaiah 61:1,2; Luke 4:18; 7:19–23). Divine healing continued to be an integral part of the gospel through the ministry of the apostles and the Early Church. Jesus sent out the Twelve and the Seventy-two to preach and to heal the sick (Luke 9:2; 10:9). After Pentecost “many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles” (Acts 2:43). Luke wrote the Book of Acts as an extension of the story of what Jesus did and taught, not only through the apostles but through a Church filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:1,8; 2:4). The working of miracles, including divine healing, was not limited to the apostles. The promise of Jesus was to all believers (John 14:12–14) who would ask in His name (that is, those who recognize His authority and conform themselves to His nature and purposes). God used deacons such as Philip to preach and heal (Acts 8:5–7) and an otherwise unknown disciple, Ananias, to bring healing to Saul (Paul) (Acts 9:12–18). The gospel message includes the provision of spiritual gifts through the Holy Spirit to the Church, among which are the gifts of healings (1 Corinthians 12:7). All of these gifts, including that of healing, continue to edify or build up the Church and offer hope to every believer. Moreover, James asserts that healing is a normal aspect of the regular meetings of the Church. Whenever the community of faith is gathered, anyone who is sick may request prayer for healing (5:14). We are assured that divine healing is an ongoing manifestation of the gospel in the current day, and will continue until the return of Jesus. For More on Divine Healing, Visit https://ag.org/Beliefs/Position-Papers/Divine-Healing
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