Purpose, Mission and Vision Explained

By Ken Row

This is a bulldozer. Its purpose is to move dirt. It was designed to move dirt. It functions best when it is moving dirt. It doesn't spread concrete well at all.


Right now, the bulldozer's mission is to move this particular pile of dirt.


The vision is a new hotel.

Shepherd or Fisherman?

By Ken Row
Shepherds focus on the flock they have. They tend to it and oversee reproduction. Any increase comes from the members of the flock.

Fishermen focus on the catch they do not yet have. They vary their bait, fishing spots, and methods according to the type of fish they seek to catch. Any increase comes from the haul.

In the Old Testament, God focused on shepherding. Ps 23:1 sums it up: "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want."

In the New Testament, Christ mixed it up.

He said he was sent for the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matt 10:26, Matt 15:24), but he told Peter he'd make him a "fisher of men". He demonstrated knowledge of shepherding through the parable of the one lost sheep and the allegories like being the one door to the sheepfold and being the Great Shepherd whose sheep know his voice (John 10). But He also demonstrated fishing expertise through the two different times he helped Peter and company bring in super-huge hauls of fish.

Many churches today are strictly shepherding churches. Most growth comes either through members having kids who grow up to become members or through livestock trading (aka Church-hopping).

Some churches seem to be strictly fishing churches, gearing everything towards the seekers.

I wonder which busines Christ prefers us to be in -- shepherding, fishing, or both?

Comparing Purpose to Actions

By Ken Row
When I pastored, my church's purpose statement was "Reaching, Teaching, and Keeping People for the Kingdom of God."

Some of my mentors recommended keeping the purpose before the people, so I kept it as my lead powerpoint slide every worship service and mentioned it from time to time during preaching.

One thing I never did, though, was do a year-end evaluation of the church's actions against its purpose statement.

I never asked the question, if someone were to analyze the church finances and calendar, what would they deduce the church's purpose to be?

Looking back, I think they might have deduced the church mainly existed to worship together, listen to sermons, pray for each other, and occasionally have a pitch-in dinner.

With the new year approaching, it'd be a good time to take a hard look at your church's purpose statement.

Using my own purpose statement...

What do we need to do in 2009 to reach more people?
Are there different people we could target?
Are there new methods to implement?

What do we need to do to teach more people?
What should we change to keep from simply re-teaching the already-taught?
Can we do more on hands-on, experiential teaching and less lecture-driven, head-knowledge teaching?

Who do we need to do to keep more people?
Why do so many teens leave the church at adulthood?
Why do our young preachers head off to other denomination's schools?

Changing My Perspective

By Gabriel Espinoza
Reference: Prov 23:7a; Mt 12:36

The domino affect: our thoughts affect our words. Our words will affect our faith. Our faith will affect our actions. Our actions will affect our destiny. But it all starts with a simple thought!

#1 Our thoughts affect our lives.
We are what we think! Therefore, we greatly need to change our mindset to reflect the mind of Christ. Paul declares that we have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16), but he also says that we need to renew our minds (thoughts) to always align them according to God and be transformed (Rom. 12:2).

Can you imagine what God thinks? It’s more than what we can imagine! But we can have those thoughts in us, because we have the mind of Christ.

#2 From our thoughts, we speak.
Jesus says, “Those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart” (Matt 15:18). What we speak reflects our inner thoughts. The Spirit produces renewal in our words when our thoughts are being changed. Our thoughts change by the confrontation of His Word in us. We ask the sinner to change (repent), but have we changed? Have we aligned ourselves according to God’s thoughts? Why, then, have we stagnated and deviated from the purposes of God in us, in our ministries? Are we stuck or are we moving forward?

#3 Our words affect our faith.
When conquering the Promised Land, ten of the spies felt the land was a great land to live in, but didn’t have the courage to fight the giants. Their words of discouragement affected the people of God. The spirit of fear and unbelief was operating in their words.

Every day is a moment of opportunity to conquer our promise land and impact the lives of many! If our words affect the way we believe, what words are we speaking? Our own words or God's promises?

#4 Our faith affects our actions, and our actions our destiny.
As in the story of the Promised Land, God had taken the action to give them that land. It was a done deal. This land is a symbol of God’s plans and desires for us in the present. The way to this land is not easy though. There is a battle to fight and challenges to confront. The enemy will try to sow thoughts of fear and put up many obstacles, so we can then speak the words “this can’t be done”. Then our actions reflect our words, and finally, our destiny is altered from what God intended us to become.

Can you see what God sees? Imagine what He imagines? The Spirit wants to sow His dreams in us, so that our thoughts, faith, actions and destiny will be affected according to Him who called us. Does God see you staying where you are right now, or is He saying “there’s more!”?

Where does a great ministry start? In your thoughts!

Living A Passionate Life

A passionate life is more than a philosophy—more than a pie-in-the-sky wish for happiness painted in the imagination. It is not a problem-free, fairy tale existence, and it does not promise wealth or fame.

Rather, it is a lifestyle chosen deliberately, designed purposefully, and lived responsibly. It is raising the bar on what you intend to accomplish. It is moving through each storm of life without hesitation and arriving in the sunshine wiser and stronger. It is continuously learning, loving, and growing.

A passionate life is a fulfilling life. It allows you to say, "This is important. It is what God has given me to bring to the world, and I'm going to give it everything I've got!"

A passionate life means taking full responsibility for your choices, actions, and experiences. It means moving forward from this day without self-imposed limitations, complaints or regrets.

Living a passionate life is living an enthusiastic life. Combine action and passion, and you will get enthusiasm. It is easy to share enthusiasm because enthusiasm is contagious.

Share your enthusiasm for life with someone today—a friend, co-worker, family member, or someone you've never met before. A passionate life is an inspiring gift that can brighten the world for many generations.

© Copyright 2006 by Steve Brunkhorst.
All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

From Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration
http://www.AchieveEzine.com

Somethin's Cookin' in the Cave, part 4

By Charles Scott
In order to handle your cave, relationships must be connected – the study of Scripture is a study of relationships. It is not good for man to be alone. God and humans walked together in the cool of the day. You will come to a part of your Bible that features a bunch of genealogies – they are in the Bible to show you there is power in divine connections. The Word of God says that Mary wrapped Jesus in swaddling clothes. She laid Him in a feeding trough – that was where the animals ate, where the cows slobbered, where the donkeys spit out seeds, where the livestock came for dinner – but before she put Him there, she wrapped Him. She covered Him.

You must have people in your life who will cover you. You see, there are elements that contaminate, penetrate and destroy. The world is a place where the elements are animalistic and they are trying to prevent your destiny from being birthed. Mary knew her Son's destiny – He would save His people from their sins – she knew there was animal stuff that could hurt Him, hold Him, and hinder Him, and so she covered Him so He could grow into His destiny. She was so consumed with Him fulfilling His destiny that she covered Him. We too must protect our destiny. We must protect the future.

Remember that when God is with you, nothing can touch you! When God is with you, you will survive. You will have some tough times, but you will survive. You will be put in rough places, but you will survive. The world was against me, but He rocked me in the cradle of His arms – I will survive. There were times when I thought I would lose my mind, but He held me in the shelter of His everlasting grace – I will survive. There were times when my heart was broken, but He said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." We will survive.

Somethin's Cookin' in the Cave, part 3

By Charles Scott
In order to handle your cave, you must be thankful you have somewhere to be. We are sensual beings living in a natural world, moved and motivated by feelings. Most of us are motivated by feelings more than facts. How many times do you hear, "Let me tell you how I feel"? "I FEEL" has become the anthem of society. The emphasis on feeling makes the issue bigger than it really is. Feelings magnify the minute into the enormous. Feelings will blind you to blessings. HEAR THIS: You can know something but not feel it.

Mary laid her Son in a manger because there was no room for Him anywhere else. There was no place for Him – He was rejected; he was a Man of sorrows, but there is no record of complaints, no record of grumbling, and no record of fussing! Someone is dreaming about being where you are while you complain about it because it is a cave – at least you have some place! Mary went to the inn because it had what she thought she needed. It had all the accommodations, all the linens, and all the right conditions to birth a baby. She was rejected – but know that rejection cannot stop your destiny! Your purpose is not controlled by circumstances and situations.

Somethin's Cookin' in the Cave, part 2

By Charles Scott
In order to handle your cave, you must know that the cave is where you get your start – God did great things in caves. David gathered a mighty army in a cave. Obadiah hid prophets in a cave. Elijah heard the still, small voice of God in a cave. Lazarus was laid to rest for four days in a cave before being raised from the dead by the Resurrection and the Life. It is important for you to grasp this point: "Where you are only counts if that is where you intend to end up!"

If where I am is final, then that place has full power over my life – it has power over my emotions, my thinking and my destiny. But when I recognize this is only a beginning – a starting place, a birthing room – then I know that when I am in the cave it only has power if I intend to stay. But if I intend to keep going, then where I am is only for a season. May I submit to you that when Jesus started, He was in a cave, but when the wise men found Him, He was in a house? He ended up somewhere bigger and better than where He started. If you can manage the cave, then you can move to something bigger and better!

Watch the storyline: Jesus starts in a cave; they find Him in a house. He prays in the desert; He heals in the synagogue. He is baptized in the river; He preaches on the mountaintop. He walks on the water; He casts out demons in the graveyard. He prays in the Garden; He is crucified on the cross. He is laid in the tomb, but He ascends to the throne of God!

Stephen looked up into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of the Father – if you can handle the cave, then God will take you to the throne! But if you can't handle where God calls you to begin, then you won't be able to handle the next season either. Hear this: handle what God gives you until He moves you!

Where you start does not have to be an indication or an indictment of where you will end up! Some of us have a testimony – through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning! When you know that the cave is not where you are headed, things will always look up! As a matter of fact, where you start hints at where you can go. If you start on the bottom, then there is only one direction to go – up!

Hear this: sometimes you will get into what you don't expect. Mary expected a room at the inn; she got a cave. Joseph too expected a bed; he got a cave. There will be times when you have to go through something you don't choose. You don't pick the cave – you don't go online to Expedia and choose to vacation at the cave. In a cave you can't see well; in a cave it is wet, cold and damp; in a cave you have limited vision, but allow me to say this: "If Jesus could handle the cave, then He can handle your condition."

Somethin's Cookin' in the Cave

By Charles Scott
One of the ignominies of history involves the improper pictures that have been given to us surrounding the birth of Jesus. We have church play concepts of Jesus being born in a barn, and our concept of a barn comes from "Hee Haw" or "Green Acres." Jesus was not born in a stable or a barn; the fact is, Jesus was born in a cave. The Bible Exposition Commentary says that most scholars believe Jesus was born in a cave where animals were kept, and not in a wooden shed as depicted in modern manger scenes.

We see these pictures of Jesus with permed, Paul Mitchell-treated hair, but those are improper pictures – we need to see the right picture. When Jesus was born He was hidden. He was born in a cave, this dichotomy of Deity, God and human in a body of bone and tissue wrapped in flesh. He was born to a middle-class family. His step-father was a carpenter, yet He could not be born in the hotel because there was no room for Him. He is the King of kings, yet there was no room – He is the Alpha and the Omega, yet there was no room – He is the Resurrection and the Life, yet there was no room – there has never been another like Him, yet there was no room. He is majestic, royal, divine, holy, perfect and transcendent, yet there was no room. His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Creator and Prince of Peace, yet there was no room. He is immortal, invincible, incredible, indescribable and irresistible, yet there was no room for Him at the inn.

Jesus is the regal Royalty of eternity, yet He could not be birthed in a palace; He had to be born in a cave. Why birth such dignity in obscurity? Why does God want us to pause and look in this cave? When I look in this cave I see Jesus in a way that I can relate to – I can relate to being in a cave. I can relate to there being no room for me. I can relate to the obscurity, the darkness, the shadows and the anonymity. When I look in the cave, I see why God would put the Light of the world in a cave. God would put the Bread of Life in a feeding trough. I look in the cave and see God in a position everyone can relate to, in a place everyone can understand. We talk often of the Christ of the Cross, but he did not being on the cross; He was birthed in a cave.

Tomorrow, I will post the first of three things you should know about your own cave.

Three Essential Elements to Bearing Fruit

By Charles Scott

Time
Everything in the Kingdom of God is based on process. God allows a process to take place in order to bear fruit. It takes time for a seed to die, a plant to grow, the root system become strong, the vine become nourished and the fruit to mature. We must be committed to the process if we will be fruitful.

Discipline
Growing fruit requires discipline. The farmer who ignores his field will grow weeds! The Christian life demands discipline. We are Christ’s disciples, and disciples live a disciplined life. We can preach vision, mission and inspiration but discipline makes it happen!

Order
The modern church has lost a sense of protocol and order. A house divided against itself cannot stand (Mark 3:25). Order protects from division. Order is essential for fruitfulness. The fruit does not come before the seed. Harvest does not precede planting. If we (PCG) are going to be fruitful, we must follow the order of God.

What is Bearing Fruit in our Pentecostal Churches?

By Charles Scott
I have just returned from a meeting with Pentecostal/Charismatic leaders this past week. One of the key focal areas of discussion in this meeting centered on the question, “What is bearing fruit in our Pentecostal churches?”

As most of you know, my position has been and is that this is one of the most vital leadership questions. Jesus said in John 15:2, “Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away (trims off takes away) and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit.” (Amplified Bible)

The question of what is bearing fruit weighs heavy on my spirit.

Do the meetings that we have on a regular basis bear fruit?

Do our pastors and church leaders share a deep level of commitment to bearing fruit?

How do we measure fruitfulness?

Blockheads and Parsons

By Daniel Davis
The following is an excerpt from John Wesley’s Address to the Clergy. In this address, he posits several things necessary of a minister and with razor sharp wit and insight confronts several issues of his regarding the ministry.

One of the problems faced in Wesley’s day was the concept that if the son of a family could not cut it at a variety of other occupations, he could always do well enough to be a clergy. Here is part of his response to that idea.

It is easy to perceive, I do not speak this for their sake; (for they are incorrigible;) but for the sake of parents, that they may open their eyes and see, a blockhead can never ‘do well enough for a Parson.’ He may do well enough for a tradesman; so well as to gain fifty or an hundred thousand pounds. He may do well enough for a soldier; nay, (if you pay well for it,) for a very well-dressed and well-mounted officer. He may do well enough for a sailor, and may shine on the quarter-deck of a man-of-war. He may do so well, in the capacity of a lawyer or a physician, as to ride in his gilt chariot. But O! Think not of his being a Minister, unless you would bring a blot upon your family, a scandal upon our Church, and a reproach on the gospel, which he may murder, but cannot teach.

Though we may read his words with a chuckle, he does touch on a vital issue: what is necessary to be a spiritual leader? Of course, we would say that God calls and chooses, not we ourselves. Wesley would agree. Yet we must ask, could not aptitude itself be an indicator of the presence or absence of God’s calling? If so, what aptitudes are necessary? How do we discern them? How does our ideal compare with our practice?

At what point do we say, “do well enough” doesn’t do?

Will We be Pentecostal Tomorrow?

I have taken a strong position that we (PCG) must be a Pentecostal church. By this I simply mean that we are a Holy Spirit empowered, a Holy Spirit led, and a Holy Spirit filled organization. We exercise the gifts of the Spirit (we are not a cessation church.) We manifest the fruit of the Spirit (we live in righteousness). We allow for true Divine manifestations of the Holy Spirit. We see holistic Spiritual living – we see Holy Spirit empowered leaders – we see Holy Spirit miracles. We believe the evidence of the Baptism is speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance.

My concerns begin with, “How do we define “Holy Spirit/Ghost empowered living?” And, “How deeply if any, are we divided over spiritual issues?” Are we (PCG) seeing the next generation experiencing true fullness of the Holy Spirit? I am deeply troubled over our youth having a real deep encounter with the Holy Spirit.

Some of my questions are:

1. What is producing fruit and what is not producing fruit?


2. What trends/fads are affecting the next generation as they relate to the Holy Spirit?


3. How do we engage in the process for the next generation to experience the Holy Spirit? (I agree Jesus first - I know salvation is the main thing - but on this topic how?)


4. If we were at our best what would we be doing now?


5. How do we lead the next generation to embrace Holy Spirit empowered living for maximum evangelistic harvest?

Thanks for responding. I look forward to hearing from each of you.

C Scott

Seven Things Leaders Must Have to Be Effective

By Pastor Eddie Jones

#1 - We Have Got To Be Willing To Serve - John 13:1-5
There are times when we are called out of our comfort zone – and our gift zone – to serve people in a way we’ve never served them before.

80% of your time is used to serve God with passion in your talent & gifting.
20% of your time is used to serve to fulfill your role and advance the ministry of your church.

If anything is “beneath” us, then we truly are not beneath Christ!

#2 - We Must Be Willing To Love - John 13:34-35
Christians fight too much – period!

Jesus said that the world will know we are His by the love we have for one another.

When someone doesn’t believe the particular brand of theology we embrace, we need to love them anyway. I am begging God to raise up a generation of leaders who do not feel that everyone needs to be the same... and who are secure enough to learn from people who do not believe exactly like them.

We must be willing to love people regardless of social or economic class without regard to race or reputation.

#3 - We’ve Got To Be Willing To Trust - John 14:1
We live in a world that is completely out of control, and because of that, we often make the mistake of thinking that God has lost control.

But reality is this (if you are in ministry) - God wants your church to grow more than you want it to! God wants your life to be abundant way more than you do.

One of the mistakes we make is that we think if we don’t get it done, then it can’t be done. The fact is that without trusting God to do the impossible, our efforts mean absolutely nothing. There needs to come a point where we desperately trust Him, even though we may not be able to see Him!

The world needs way less of me and WAY more of Him! (John 3:30)

#4 - We’ve Got To Dream Big - John 14:12
However, I believe what Jesus said here is true... and one of the things I always want to be accused of is dreaming big.

How about you? For some reason the children of the King are the smallest dreamers on the planet. In church we have let Vegas and Hollywood outdo us–UNACCEPTABLE!

Personally, I’ve seen way too many people live for lesser dreams when God has an Ephesians 3:20 life that is merely a prayer away!

I believe that the church ought to be the most creative and innovative place on the planet.

#5 - We’ve Got To Be Willing To Stay Connected - John 14:15, John 14:21
Jesus said if we love Him that we will obey Him... but the only way to do this is by staying connected with Him on a consistent basis.

I believe that Satan doesn’t necessarily want to make us sin - he just wants to get us so busy that we don’t have time to consistently connect with Christ.

John 15:5 gives us a good demonstration of the power that we need to stay connected.

The enemy can make us so busy that we don’t necessarily sin - we just don’t have the time to live our lives in complete obedience!

#6 - We’ve Got To Be Willing To Play Hurt - John 15:18
Life hurts. Pastors and leaders often carry wounds with them. Don’t give up!

Jesus went to a cross... and took a beating before He went. The least we can do is endure receiving a little criticism and being kicked out of the social club at work.

Leaders, if you are leading, then you will be condemned and criticized. Move on, play hurt, and talk to God a lot about it. David, a man after God’s own heart, did it in Psalm.

#7 - We’ve Got To Be Willing To Be Spirit-Led - John 16:12-14
One of the most awesome privileges of following Christ is having Jesus with me every single day through the presence of His Holy Spirit.

I am NEVER alone, and I do not have to figure life out all by myself.

As leaders we must take some time to pray, and then LISTEN. I believe that God is ALWAYS speaking, but many times we aren’t listening, and so we miss Him at times.

What's the Big Deal about Christmas?

By Charles Scott
The wise sage and noted philosopher Charlie Brown once stated to his faithful sidekick Linus, "I just don't get it. I don't feel any Christmas spirit. What's the big deal about Christmas?"

Christmas is about walking in a winter wonderland, searching for that perfect family Christmas tree, and when that tree is found, spending quality family time together bringing the tree home. Then the family trims the tree and spends those cherished moments putting up lights and decorations for Christmas. It about those special moments of Christmas; those moments that are spent sacrificing personal time, laboring for the sake of the season, risking life and limb so the family can enjoy the festive celebrations of Christmas.

Yes, these are the moments that bring special cheer to every soul at this time of the year. At these times our only thought is on the joy and peace our hard work and effort will bring to others. What's it all about? It's about the special cheer we can spread to everyone during the Christmas holidays. And no matter the effort required, we will work as hard as we must to kindle the Christmas spirit and go to whatever length required just to brighten someone else's Christmas and make their holiday even better.

Christmas is about merry days and beautiful nights. And even if we lose that Christmas spirit once in a while, we plug back in to the hope, peace and love that make Christmas that happy time of the year. For Christmas is a happy time, a time around the table with loved ones, enjoying a festive meal with those we love so dear. Anything else would be a blue, blue, blue Christmas.

Unfortunately, some do have a blue Christmas. Their bells don't jingle, their one horse has no sleigh and their chestnuts won't roast. Have you ever had to deal with the 12 Blues of Christmas? You know what I mean:

One the 12th day of Christmas my blue Christmas gave to me:
12 days of bowl games
11 bad movies
10 strings of lights
9 broken bulbs
8 in-laws visiting
7 kids a screaming
6 broken toys
5 credit cards overdrawn…
4 trips for batteries
3 days in the mall
2 kids out of school and
An empty bottle of Tylenol

What is Christmas all about? It's about an angel's song, a barnyard birth, Christ's arrival and demon's demise. It's about glad tidings to all men, Herod's fear and Immanuel – God with us. It's about joy to the world, kindness to one another and love lifting all. It's about a manger crib, a night's celebration, an omnipotent moment, peace on earth, quickening spirits, reverent occasions and shepherds' bowing. It's about the tabernacle of God on earth, salvation, victory over death, worship in the Spirit, and the excellence of God, Yahweh, Zion's eternal King.

I know what Christmas is about: Christmas is about Jesus. He was born in a cave so He could die on a cross so I could wear a crown. Christmas is about angels singing, wise men bringing, heralds ringing and shepherds clinging. It's about Heaven's conception, earth's reception, the devil's deception, God's reflection and man's perception.

On that first Christmas night, Mary's heart sang with gladness. She had everything a young lady could desire – a loving, devoted husband, a healthy baby boy and a God that favored and blessed her. She only vaguely understood that she was the mother of the King of kings. She lived and held within her the greatest secret of history: God's Son was birthed from her womb. Joseph must have felt that he had failed her in this hour: he could not locate a room for her to give birth to her baby; he hadn't even found a midwife. Mary probably smiled at him as she laid Jesus in the feeding trough of the stable and said, "It must be God's will for His Son to be born in a place like this." It was God's will for His Son to be born in a place like that, because every sacrifice was birthed in a barn, and Jesus is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world, so we could see Him eye to eye.

Charting the Course: People's Sense of Urgency

By Charles Scott
John Kotter writes that most organizations are divided into four groups. This knowledge is especially helpful when vision casting or working to present new ideas. The task of the leader is to produce inspirational goals and knowing these groups can make a vital difference.

The groups that Kotter identifies are:

1. People who sense urgency
   These people want to be a part of determined, focused leadership that is addressing the real issues in truth. Most people are in this group. Their desire is to contribute something meaningful to the organization, not self.
   
2. People who have no sense of urgency
   These people do not want anything to change. Period.
   
3. People who create their own sense of urgency to deflect attention from the true urgent issues
   These people are smart. They know how to use emotion and words to gain support for their purposes and get attention off the main areas that really require attention.
   
4. People who respond to the urgent with their ideas of action
   These people come on the scene with the Savior mentality – you are in trouble and I am your answer. They use cute words and expressions that convey all is well because they are here.

It is very important for leaders to discern which of these four groups a person is a part of and where their actions are leading. The leader cannot get in a hurry. A big hurry = bigger mistakes.

The Power of Persuasion: 4 Basic Persuasion Skills

By Charles Scott
We are working in the field of communication. Most preachers and leaders fully comprehend the power of persuasion and the necessity of improving our communication skills. Jay Conger wrote in the Harvard Business Review, “Persuasion skills exert far greater influence over behavior than formal power structures.” If this is true then we must rely more on the ability to persuade than the power structure to lead those God has called us to serve.

Here are four basic persuasion skills:

1. People will listen to you if they like you.
   The best example of this is Tupperware. Tupperware products are sold by people who host parties in their homes and research shows that fondness for the hostess played a major role in purchase decisions. If you truly influence people two main roles play into the consideration: similarity and praise. Similarity draws people together and praise holds them together. Good leaders find areas of similarity to bond themselves to others. Then, good leaders praise and reward people for their dedicated service.
   
2. People will listen to you if you listen to them.
   The eternal truth is, “What you sow you will reap.” An amazing number of leaders believe that everyone should listen to them but they do not take time to listen to others.
   
3. People will listen to their peers more than they listen to you.
   The simple truth is that influence is stronger from the horizontal relationship and not the vertical relationship.
   
4. People will listen if they are convinced you are committed.
   People need to know that you are totally committed to the project you are asking for their commitment. Research shows that once people make a commitment they seldom change. This was true in the recent presidential election – most people made up their mind early and were not influenced by the campaign process. There is a vast difference between a commitment and an unwelcome burden.

Vision Vitamins

Compiled by Charles Scott
Millions of people who long for eternity do not know what do with themselves on a rainy Saturday afternoon.
- Susan Ertz

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There are two basic choices in life: to accept conditions as they are or accept the responsibility for changing them.
- Denis Waitley

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A man can get discouraged many times but he is not a failure until he begins to blame somebody else and stops trying.
- John Burroughs

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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR DAY! by Paul J. Meyer

When was the last time you complained that you had too much time on your hands? You probably cannot remember that far back. The truth is that most of us cannot squeeze into a 24-hour period all the items written on our daily planners. A common mistake most people make is to attempt to find time instead of make time!
How do you MAKE time?

FIRST, define your most important goals:

A burning desire to reach a specific goal motivates you to make time to take the required actions.

Write down specifically how you will use extra time. Will you spend it making personal calls, three-way calls, attending training meetings, making new contacts?

SECOND, chart your time:

Note how you spend each hour. Most time is wasted, not in hours, but in minutes. A bucket with a small hole in the bottom becomes just as empty as the one that is deliberately kicked over.

THIRD, organize your time to plug the time leaks:

Assume the attitude that every minute that does not work for you, works against you.

To make the most of your time, try these proven time savers:

• Examine the usual daily interruptions. See how many you can eliminate immediately, screen out, or delegate. Set aside a specific time for phoning people on your prospect list, making presentations, keeping up with the detail part of the job, attending training meetings, reading and sending emails and phone calls. These designated time blocks do not always work; emergencies occur, demanding flexibility in scheduling. But when you have a plan for organizing and investing your time, that extra hour of time each day will be available.
  
• Analyze your energy cycle. Determine when you tend to be at your best physically and mentally. Schedule challenging tasks during those times of peak performance and you will accomplish more in less time. I have more energy in the morning hours than I do in the afternoon hours, so I have always made the majority of my phone calls for sales appointments first thing in the morning. For some people it is just the opposite. They are evening people and work better in the evenings.
  
• Think about time the way you think about money. The more wisely you invest time, the greater the yield. Before you invest time in a given activity, ask yourself, "Is there something more profitable I could be doing?" And remember, making face-to-face contacts and presentations will ALWAYS be the most profitable thing you can do!!

Make the most of your life by making the most of every minute, every hour and every day!!

You can receive more information about Paul J. Meyer, as well save 20% on his audio tapes/CDs, including The Paul Meyer Collection and The Grandmasters of Success - visit www.yoursuccessstore.com.
Paul J. Meyer Copyright ® 1999 Paul J. Meyer ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

How Do You Measure Success?

By Charles Scott
The book UnChristian is gaining much attention. The author states on page 83, "We should measure success not merely by the size of our church or the number of baptisms or decisions, but also by the depth and quality of spiritual growth in people's lives."

While the author makes a strong point, is this a Scriptural truth? The Book of Acts measures decisions. The Early Church measured the number of baptisms. Also, how do your measure the depth and quality of spiritual growth in people's lives?

This is an issue I am struggling with. For years the PCG has measured the number of ministers and the number of churches as indicators of organizational health. Are these the proper measures? If not, what are the correct benchmarks to measure organizational health?

E2E Article: Those Were the Days

I hate to admit it. I am having difficulty facing it. I am trying to deny it. I don't like it. I can't do anything about it. I'm getting old. I am staring at a new decade and it is having a drastic impact on my face. There's just something about living; you don't get any younger – you just get older. I'm even starting a "bucket list." (Hey Jon, just 19 more baseball stadiums to go!)

Something about getting more mature; the older we get the better we was. As a matter of fact, as we age, the better everything was. Now I realize I'm not old yet; I mean, Pat Wilson and dirt still have a few years on me. But I find myself looking back a bit more. Thinking about how things were and recollecting about those good ol' days.

One of my fond memories is the time right after I graduated high school. I had a dramatic conversion experience to Jesus just prior to my senior year. After graduation I had another dramatic experience: the baptism of the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in other tongues. I had been raised in a Southern Baptist church under the pastoral leadership of one of the greatest pastors ever, Dr. William Bennett. I had a zealous passion for Jesus, which lead me to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. That passion also lead me to a Spirit-filled church, an Assembly of God (Can I put that in The Messenger?) church in Fort Smith, AR.

A precious couple in their late 70s attended that church, Brother and Sister Craig. I soon developed a friendship with these wonderful people. I worked in a department store in the mall and their home was in short driving distance. They invited me to come to their house for lunch, and on multiple occasions I was privileged to dine on cornbread, fresh delectables from Brother Craig's garden, and sweet potato pie made only as Sister Craig was anointed to make. The real treat was sitting and listening to Sister Craig recall the weeks her family spent in Hot Springs, AR at a camp meeting that was known as a genesis for the Assemblies of God. (I did it again. Can I get by with that twice?)

Sister Craig had reached that point in life where she could remember 50 years ago better than 50 minutes ago. She recalled with explicit detail the singing, the preaching, the signs, the miracles and the lives changed by the power of God. She would re-enact for her audience of two (two physical but a cloud of unseen witnesses) the mighty move of God, describing people falling out under the power, shouting, dancing, speaking in tongues, gifts of the Spirit in operation, healings, and, most of all, men, women, boys and girls being born again and delivered from sin by the grace of God.

I would stay as long as I could. I could not get enough. I would beg her to tell me the same stories over and over. She would slightly protest but eagerly repeat the recitation. She would at times get so caught up in the moment that she would lift her hands and begin to praise the Lord until she would start speaking in tongues in ecstasy. I would drink it all in. More than 50 years separated us. Background, tastes and preferences separated us. One thing united us: a passion for Jesus.

By now you are wondering what all this has to do with an issue dedicated to prayer and worship. I know one of my weaknesses is to over-simplify, but isn't worship just an expression of the soul's passion for Jesus? Whether it was a century ago at Azusa Street or last week at church, whether it was a hymn from a songbook or a track from Israel Houghton, isn't worship a passion for Jesus? And doesn't a heartfelt passion for Jesus always receive a manifestation of the presence of God?

So I'm adding new items to my bucket list. (Just how high is Mt. Rainer, Dwayne?) Someday when my hair is gray (OK, completely gray) and I have time to piddle in my garden, I cannot think of anything better than a group of teenagers coming to the house, and Janice cooking up some fried potatoes with onions, beans 'n' cornbread and banana pudding (some things must be passed to the next generation). One of those young bright faces will shine with anticipation as they ask, "Tell us about the good ol' days. Tell us about when God visited the PCG with a revival that transformed every community in America. Tell us about when the anointing was so strong in the PCG that missionaries were sent around the world. Tell us about divine demonstrations that caused people to give their hearts to Jesus. Tell us about when the passion for Jesus was so strong in the PCG that there was no division over bylaws, no politics or power struggles, no strife over methods, just a cry for Him." I can't wait to see them eye to eye.

E2E Article: It's Hard to Believe

By Charles Scott
It was hard to believe. Looking across the landscape and viewing the Washington Monument, reading the names listed on the Vietnam Memorial, and putting my hand on the inscription for the heroes from World War II were each indescribable, emotional experiences. Actually standing on the stairs of the Lincoln Memorial and reading the Gettysburg Address and President Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address were euphoric. It was hard to believe my feet were on the actual spot where, on August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke to posterity with the resounding thunder of inspiration based on a dream. Extending above it all, the sheen of the Capitol Dome reminded me of my feeble beginnings, my modest upbringing, the prices paid for my freedom, and the debt owed for the privilege to be an American.

It is hard to believe that the America founded on ideals so noble that its founders laid down their lives would in 1973 find a Supreme Court ruling in the Roe v. Wade decision that women, in consultation with their physician, have a constitutionally-protected right to have an abortion in the early stages of pregnancy – that is, before viability – free from government interference. It is hard to believe that since 1973, 48,589,993 abortions have been performed in the land of the free and the home of the brave (source: Guttmacher Institute, http://www.guttmacher.org/).

It was hard to believe the inhumanities. As our family silent visited the Holocaust Museum paying homage to the six million Jews martyred by racial prejudice and demonic hate, we were incredulous that such odium could reside in a human heart. It was the piles and piles of shoes that broke my spirit. After viewing all the atrocities of violence, my emotions could not handle any more when looking at untold thousands of infant-sized shoes and thinking of the tiny feet once bound inside their laces. They were murdered because of their ethnicity, despised because of the heritage of their family, castigated because they lacked a baptism certificate – dead because someone played God and said they had no right to live.

It is hard to believe that political conventions are determined by Golden Circle Clubs with $10,000-per-plate dinners, while the average voter pays $80 to fill a gas tank. It's hard to believe UPS or FedEx an track a package as it moves around the world but our government cannot locate an illegal immigrant who has lived here for years. It is hard to believe that 88 percent of Americans approve of the reference to "one nation under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance (http://www.americansolutions.com/), but our Congress considers its removal. It is hard to believe that anyone would disagree with the statement that most of the problems America is facing are due to her backslidden condition.

We must believe that the Pentecostal Church of God should and can make a difference. We must believe that the Holy Spirit will guide our strategies to ensure that each local PCG congregation is healthy and transforming its community. We must believe that the heart of the Lord of the harvest is to commission the planting, mothering and birthing of new, healthy congregations committed to transforming additional communities. We must believe that the PCG is endowed by its Creator to be an organized fellowship holding the hands of all colors to exalt Jesus, evangelize the world and edify the Church. We must believe that our congregations exist to nourish the unfed, clothe the unprotected, educate the unlearned, serve the underprivileged, defend the unborn, rebuke the untruthful, embrace the unwanted, perform the unbelievable, invite the unchurched, defend the unfortunate, renounce the unforgiving, refuse the unorganized and proclaim the unchanging, unbeatable, unequivocal gospel of Jesus Christ.

It's hard to believe we can't see that eye to eye.

Charting the Course: Questions

By Charles Scott
I like questions.
Questions invoke thought.
Thought leads to ideas.
Ideas lead to innovation.
Innovation brings change.
Change should mean progress.
Progress escorts growth.
Growth is success.
(Unless of course it is around our waistline!)

I am 100% committed to the success of the Pentecostal Church of God! That means I am 100% committed to your success, our pastors and ministers, churches, ministries and missions – I pray John 15:8 for each of you and every ministry effort in the PCG!

Our assignment is the success of the Pentecostal Church of God. Not just one district, office, church or department but the PCG in its absolute entirety. If one area is not successful we have to ask if the whole is successful in God’s eyes.

Here are some important questions to consider and answer that assist us on the pathway to success:

1. Who am I around?
2. What are they doing to me?
3. What do they have me saying?
4. What do they have me reading?
5. Where do they have me going?
6. What do they have me thinking?
7. What do they have me becoming?
8. And this is the question that is the most important – Is that pleasing to God?

We are looking forward to seeing our district leaders at the General Board meeting in November. The days ahead will be busy as usual with conventions in Ohio (where we are headed at the time of this writing), Central, Oklahoma and Arizona Districts. Please keep us in your prayers as we pray for you daily.

Defining Leadership = Success

By Charles Scott
The PCG cannot afford mediocre leaders. Each of us must be committed to become the servants that God has ordained that we develop into. Here are some key areas for evaluation of ourselves and others, and teaching for the leaders of the next generation:

1. Adaptability – Leaders must quickly adjust to change. Leaders are the ones in charge of implementation. Adaptable leaders are willing to embrace a change operationally even if they are not yet ready to do so emotionally.
2. Discernment – Leaders understand the real issues. Good leaders cut through the clutter to see the real issues. A smart person believes only half of what he hears, but a truly smart leader knows which half to believe!
3. Security – Leaders find identity in Jesus Christ, not a position or title. John Maxwell wrote in 360 Degree Leaders, “Effective 360º leaders are secure enough in who they are to not worry about where they are. Instead of focusing on reaching a position, they focus on reaching their potential.”
4. Service – Leaders (Godly leaders) gain fulfillment in serving everyone. A servant leader serves the mission and leads by serving those on mission with him or her. It has been well said, “The true measure of leaders is not the number of people who serve them but the number of people they serve.”
5. Maturity – Leaders put the team before self. A mature leader sees beyond his or her personal vantage point and has the courage to make sacrifices which advance the team.
6. Communication – Leaders link communication to all levels of the organization.
7. Resourcefulness – Leaders find creative ways to make things happen. We seldom, if ever, have all the answers, but leaders should always have the imagination to create solutions to whatever problems we may be facing.

Vision Vitamins

By Charles Scott
Don't spend most of your time on the voices that don't count. Tune out the shallow voices so that you will have more time to tune in the valuable ones.
- Jim Rohn

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Everything depends upon execution; having just a vision is no solution.
- Stephen Sondheim

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There is nothing so fatal to character as half finished tasks.
- David Lloyd George

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News and Trends from Mission America:

Church Affilitations
Baylor University researchers found that only 10.8% of Americans have no ties to a congregation, denomination or faith group. Previous surveys had put that figure at 14%, overlooking about 10 million people involved in some form of organized religion. Other surveys have also overlooked millions of evangelicals, because respondents who belonged to nondenominational groups or
mega-churches often report they had no denomination and were wrongly counted as unaffiliated. 33% of Americans are evangelical Protestant, just under 25% are mainline Protestant, 20% are Roman Catholic and 5% are black Protestant. 2.5% are Jewish and 5% belong to other faiths. The rest, though not involved in religious groups, are not fully secular. 60% of the unaffiliated believe in God or a higher power, and 33% pray at least occasionally. 11% believe Jesus is the Son of God. (The Globe and Mail 9/11/06)

Hispanics
There are now 44 million U.S. Hispanics (15% of the population) with an estimated spending power of $1.2 trillion. Nearly 4 million have annual incomes of $75,000 or above, per the U.S. Census Bureau. (Brandweek 7/14/08)

• People now give less than 2-3% of their income to charitable causes. It was 3% during Great Depression.
• The most recent Barna research shows only 5% of Christians are tithing.
• Megachurches make up less than 1% of the total number of U.S. congregations.

Charting the Course: Awaken America

By Charles Scott
September 11, 2001 is this generation’s JFK moment. Most of us can recall vividly where we were and what we were doing at the exact moments of the attacks. This week Janice and I were honored and privileged to attend a prayer summit in New York City at Ground Zero.

On Wednesday, 9/10 a solemn assembly was held at the Crenshaw Christian Center. This was broadcast on God TV. The event was attended by some 400 prayer warriors. It was originally planned for the TBN studios in Manhattan but that venue was not prepared to handle the size of the crowd.

On 9/11 we gathered at Ground Zero for a few moments then ascended to the 55th floor of the Millennium Hotel across Fulton Street from where the Twin Towers once stood. This location was very strategic as we could look right down upon the families and loved ones of those who died in the attacks. We were able to pray while McCain and Obama were at the site.

After 4 hours of prayer, we met a group of intercessors from the United Nations on a tour vessel and boated around Manhattan Island. We went north up the Hudson, across Harlem River and south down East River. Intercession was made for the City and each state of the Union. Most of those in the prayer group fasted from sunup to sundown for revival in America.

As we came into the harbor, we approached the Statue of Liberty and were partaking of communion as the sun set. This was a moment beyond description! It was truly a highlight for both of us.

America must have a new move of the Holy Spirit. I wish I could find the words to describe the spiritual darkness that we encountered on this journey. There is such a dark desolation over this great city. God has touched my heart and placed such a heavy burden for the cities of America, especially New York City. The cities are the gatekeepers of the nation! It is strange for me to feel so strongly this because I am a country boy from a mid-size city of 75,000 but my heart is crying out for God to move in the major cities of America. Please join with me for the PCG to increase our voice in these key spiritual arenas.

Billy Wilson who is the head of the Awakening America Alliance, shared that since 9/11/01, New York City has seen an increase in church attendance of 20%. While this is reason to rejoice, alcohol use is increased 30%, drug use increased 30%, and other degenerate behaviors have increased more than church attendance.

There were some interesting developments from the 9/11 prayer efforts at county courthouses across America:

• First, the PCG had more hits on the Cry Out America web site than any other organization! When Ashley Wilson shared this with me I just shouted, “PRAISE THE LORD!!” The PCG was a major leader in this mobilized effort of prayer.
• Second, every county in America had a prayer coordinator.
• Third, states in New England (where the prayer coalition met in April of this year) had 100% representation. This means that in the most liberal part of our nation there was a united effort for prayer and a cry out to God for America!

Please help us promote and participate in the Awakening America prayer and fasting consecration for the first 21 days of 2009. From January 1 to 21 the PCG can and should be a leading voice in this effort! Please go the web site at www.awakeningamerica.us for complete details. PCG District Leaders were given a CD in June at the General Board meeting to share with their districts and churches.

At the time of this writing, we are on our way back to Missouri and praying for the situation surrounding Hurricane Ike. Millions are without electricity and many of our own are in the path of this storm.

Vision Vitamins

Compiled by Charles Scott
Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike.
- Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919)

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What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

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Conduct is what we do; character is what we are.
Conduct is the outward life; character is the life unseen, hidden within, yet evidenced by that which is seen.

Conduct is external, seen from without; character is internal--operating within. Character is the state of the heart; conduct is its outward expression.
Character is the root of the tree; conduct is the fruit it bears.
- E. M. Bounds

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Here are a ten ways that will help to build a strong character...

1. Practice patience when those around you are hurried.
2. Act with faith and diligence when others show mistrust or lack of commitment.
3. Be gentle when you meet with cruelty and harsh temperament.
4. Be courteous, even when others do not show courtesy.
5. Give generously to those who have nothing to give.
6. Communicate peace to those who are saddened or anxious.
7. Express gratitude for every experience and person you have known.
8. Act with self-control when dealing with those who are out of control.
9. Be encouraging to those who are discouraged.
10. Act with self-discipline, even when it is difficult to take correct actions.

E2E Article: "I Dont Know How to Arrive, but I Know How to Keep Going"

By Charles Scott
I was discouraged. I was tired. I was frustrated. I was ready to quit. I will never forget that time in my life. I needed a word from the Lord. The church was not growing. The services were stale. Our efforts were not succeeding. I felt like a total failure. I needed something that I could not even express.

I received great value in one simple statement: "I don't know how to arrive, but I know how to keep going." I wish it was original; it is not. I wish it had come to me in some burning-bush experience; it did not. I would like to say it came while I was on a prolonged fast, and God sent angels with these words on a stone imprinted by the hand of god; I cannot. But it came, and these words have changed my life.

It occurred at an unexpected time from an unexpected source. It was like sunshine on a cloudy day when I heard it. It was a moment forever etched in my mind, spirit and soul. I was desperate to hear God; I had to hear God; I did hear God. And those simple words re-energized my passion and have done so multiple times since.

Somewhere I got it in my mind I was supposed to "arrive" at some abstract apex of spirituality, although the Bible is clear that we are running a race. There is no arrival point here. I did not arrive when I got credentials with the PCG. I did not arrive when I got voted in to pastor a church. I did not arrive by being chosen to serve on the district board. I did not arrive when the district chose me as a youth ministries leader. I did not arrive when I got a position at the general office. I did not arrive when I got chosen to serve as general secretary or general bishop. I have not arrived.

But I am still going. I have been misunderstood; but I am still going. I have been falsely accused; but I am still going. I have been wrong; but I am still going. I have made mistakes; but I am still going. I have been mistreated; but I am still going. I haven't heard the trumpet so I am still going.

In 2009 the Pentecostal Church of God will celebrate a 90-year legacy of "Proclaiming Bible truth in Pentecostal power". We have not arrived, but we are still going. We will keep going until:

• We achieve a new level of organizational effectiveness in congregational transformation,
  
• We effectively develop servant-leaders with a trickle-down anointing,
  
• We focus on congregational reproduction and not congregational maintenance,
  
• We are a mission- and value-driven partnership,
  
• We understand the difference in being committed to grow grass rather than pull weeds,
  
• We comprehend that it is more important to be fruitful than it is to be faithful,
  
• We birth leaders of influence rather than shepherds of stagnation,
  
• We see that every minister has a mentor and a coach,
  
• We determine every activity by strategy and mission rather than tradition or bylaw, and
  
• We team with the Holy Spirit – the Church Administrator – to be an effective sending agency of five-fold ministry around the world.

We must keep going until America experiences a renewed Christian awakening. In order to do our part, the PCG will designate the first 21 days of January 2009 for fasting and prayer for Holy Ghost revival in our nation.

We must keep going until we can "impact eternity." Impacting Eternity will be observed on February 6, 2009. This is a day of fasting and prayer for the Pentecostal Church of God Missions and Ministries around the world, and worshipers are invited on this day to fast and pray and offer the cost of three regular meals to their church, district, and general ministries.

We must keep going for a refreshing, re-energizing and restoring General Convention in 2009. We will keep going through 40 days of prayer and fasting from May 18 to June 26, 2009 for the presence of the Lord to minister to our hearts and lives, and to prepare us to come together at the end of June.

We must keep going for one another. Some of you reading this today have stopped going. You know you have not arrived, but you are not going forward. Some stuff has happened and you quit. You haven't quit going to church, praying or worshiping; but inside your spirit you have stopped. You have stopped hoping, dreaming, trusting, believing and caring. You have excuses but you know deep inside it's up to you to keep going. You've been hurt, let down, disappointed... and the list goes on. But you are not going on.

Regardless of those who won't believe this, the Holy Spirit is speaking to you right now. I sent this page to the editorial staff for printing and called them at 4:30 a.m. on my way to an airport to tell them to stop – I needed to make some changes. That same day my assistant, Gabriel Espinoza, wrote me these words in an email:

Every night, Bro. Scott, I go home now asking myself, wondering why this feeling of loneliness is within many ministers. It may be a lack of Christian character and maturity; or is it that God is trying to tell me I need to work in this area of being more relational, or maybe even the PCG as a whole organization? I know that part of the process of the formation of Christian character and the price of leadership is sometimes to walk alone and feel alone. But I also know what John 13:34, 35 says: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (NIV). Speaking in general, maybe we have just lost a simple basic thing: loving one another. Have we tried to make things too technical and fancy, in a sense, and ruled out this basic principle of discipleship, fellowship? As I write to you these words, I weep, because it hurts to see that we have lost this true fellowship that Jesus described here and that the Bible describes in Acts chapter 2. I have been praying to God asking for forgiveness. Bro. Scott, I want to be more committed in serving God with all my heart and serving others as Jesus describes.

We have to keep going until the Father says we have arrived. And we see Him eye to eye.

Charting the Course: Action

By Charles Scott
We love action. Action movies, action shows, action novels… we are wired for action. Some of us have stayed up in the late hours of the night to catch the action of the Summer Olympics. What exciting action to watch Phelps garner eight gold medals – go USA!

A paraphrase of James 2:17 says, “Faith without action serves no useful purpose.” How often do we hear this answer when inquiring about a problem in a local church, “We are trusting God.”? Or, when financial concerns are expressed, “Brother, we are praying about it.” Ever ask a pastor to provide you his strategy for the local church and get this answer, “Well, we are believing God to fill the church.”? I must be the only who missed this verse; I thought we were assigned to “compel them to come in.” Why do we love action except when it comes to growth strategies for the local church?

I know I have a tendency to oversimplify, but how you can make progress without taking action?

Together we must take action toward three major areas:

1. The revitalization of every local church;
2. The birthing/planting and starting of new churches; and
3. Reaching the unreached ethnic groups of America.

These three focal points will be our key strategic considerations during the upcoming General Council and General Board meetings. Please let me hear from you on these areas. Your ideas and thoughts are important! Together – we will fulfill our God given potential and obtain our destiny in the Kingdom of God.

Vision Vitamins

By Charles Scott
Vision is the desire to make the world a better place one day at a time.

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Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
- Mark Twain (1835-1910)

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Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.
- Ambrose Redmoon

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Hold on to trust; it is at the core of fruitful relationships that are secure and content.
Hold on to love; it is God’s greatest gift of all, for it shares, cares, and gives meaning to life.
Hold on to all that you are and all that you have learned, for these things are what make you unique.
Hold on to what you know and what believe is right and important; the heart speaks louder than words.

Charting the Course: Cry for the Power and Glory of God

By Charles Scott
My recent prayer times have focused on calling out to God for a renewal of the power and glory of God upon the PCG. It is my sincere interpretation of Scripture that experiencing the power and the glory of God are results of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus points to the power of God giving these specific directions to the disciples, “But tarry in Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49) In John 16:14, Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would glorify Him, “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.”

I see three main areas where we must lead the PCG in the work of the Holy Spirit:

1. Every believer should experience the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
2. Every aspect of the ministry life of each PCG congregation should be led by the Holy Spirit.
3. Every area of life of every credentialed PCG minister should be anointed with the Spirit.

I ask that you join with me in prayer for eight specific results of the power and glory of God through the work of the Holy Spirit in the Pentecostal Church of God:

1. Power to witness
2. Glorification of Christ
3. Supernatural evidence
4. Spirit-led prayer
5. Biblical understanding
6. Divine guidance
7. Physical health
8. Expressions of God’s love

These areas and positions will be the focal points of my pulpit ministry over the course of the next few weeks. The Day of Pentecost changed everything – and a renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit will change us today.

Vision Vitamins

By Charles Scott
Writing is the gold standard of communication. Learn to do it well and see more gold.
- Chris Widener

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I've traveled the world to the seven seas.
I've been up at the top and down on my knees.
I've been blessed with abundance and plenty of weeds.
But I've never stopped caring about others' needs.
- Denis Waitley

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For effective communication, use brevity. Jesus said, 'Follow me.' Now that's brief! He could be brief because of all that he was that he didn't have to say.
- Jim Rohn

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Success is dependent on the glands – the sweat glands.
- Zig Ziglar

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Before beginning a hunt, it is wise to ask someone what you are looking for before you begin looking for it.
– Winnie the Pooh

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The organization that can't communicate can't change, and the corporation that can't change is dead.
- Nido Qubein

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Barna Research revealed that in 2007 only 5 percent of adults in the U.S. tithed. Those most likely to tithe were evangelicals (24%) conservatives (12%); people who had prayed, read the Bible and attended a church service during the last week (12%); charismatic or Pentecostal Christians (11%); and registered Republicans (10 percent). The lowest rates of tithing were among people under the age of 25.
- barna.org, 4/14/08

E2E Article: Balance

By Charles Scott

P1050193, originally uploaded by rkimpeljr.

It is unknown to most people. It is not difficult to locate. It is very accessible. It is impressive. It is inspirational. It is one of the most beautiful sites in the world.

It is the Colorado National Monument. Rising from the floor of the desert and reaching above the plateau, this small area of rocks forms a scenic illustration of the power of perseverance and the handiwork of God. Capturing the imagination of the viewer is the largest free-standing rock formation in the park, Independence Monument. Rising 450 feet, the massive rock spires depict the handiwork of the Master Sculptor. The forces of wind, water, frost and time have carved distinctions into the sandstone and left an unexplainable work of art – the protective cap-rock of a perfectly balanced rock.

It should not stand. It should not exist. It cannot be explained. But it is there. It cannot be produced by man. It is a God-thing.

Balance depicts a change in spirit. Balance results from a movement from extremism toward equality. Balance is a willingness to put the common interest above personal glory. Balance is looking for the benefit of the future and not short-term expediency.

The Pentecostal Church of God must be balanced. The PCG cannot be entombed in nostalgia nor infatuated with the future. The PCG must be balanced in the now, holding the past and reaching for the future. The PCG cannot be a commemorative movement or a wistful fellowship. The PCG must be a balanced Church, appreciating the legacy and working for the future. The PCG cannot be a white church, a black church, a Hispanic church, etc. The PCG must just be Christ's Church – gender-equal, racially-balanced, and culturally, generationally and ethnically relevant.

The PCG cannot relieve itself of the responsibility of balance. We cannot envision the kind of Church we can be without looking squarely in the mirror of what we are. While equilibrium exists in some areas, we are not yet properly balanced, not yet equal. We do not promote leaders based on their gifting and calling regardless of gender, age and race. Prejudice exists within our ranks toward gender, age, race and culture. It is our responsibility to achieve biblical balance; it is righteous.

Recently our General Council visited the Glad Tidings church of God in Christ congregation in Hayward, CA. Bishop J. W. Macklin and his staff shared their vision, poured out their hospitality, and gave us the privilege to worship with their congregation. The Pentecostal church of God and the Church of God in Christ – in balance – it was a monumental moment. The keynote speaker of our inaugural Bishop's Conference was Baptist. It was commented that 50 years ago a Baptist speaker would not be allowed in a PCG meeting. Pentecostal Church of God and Baptist – in balance – it was a monumental moment.

Balanced monuments are beautiful. They will be difficult to obtain. They will take time. They will take multiple forces. They will be inspirational. They will be the work of God.

About Rhonda Davis

Rhonda Davis and her husband, Daniel, serve as lead pastors of CrossPoint Community Church in Covington, Washington, a Seattle suburb.

She is a graduate of Messenger College, and is completing her Master of Divinity at Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.

She is the mother of two boys, and is passionate about women's ministry in the local church and around the world.

View Rhonda's blog at Polka Dots & Aprons.

About Gabriel Espinoza

Gabriel has been married for four years to his lovely wife Ana. They have two beautiful daughters, Anagabriella and April.

Gabriel and Ana greatly desire to help others rise to the next level of their God-given calling. At a young age, Gabriel dreamt of God using him in a mighty way, and he has seen his dreams start to become reality.

Gabriel and Ana are both credentialed ministers with the Pentecostal Church of God (PCG). They currently pastor two Hispanic churches in the Wichita KS area. Both churches are restarts.

Gabriel is also the assistant to the General Bishop of the PCG.

About Aaron Jayne

I am a former student of Messenger College (only 1 Semester. Yeah, Yeah, I know, get off my case!). Although I didn't finish college, I have been in full time ministry since a year after I left Messenger.

The love I had for my fiance far outweighed my desire to attend college at that time in my life, and I have now been married to the love of my life, Bobbie, for sixteen years. I wouldn't change anything. My wife and I have had three children and have adopted three more. So that is seven in all (just checking to see if anybody even reads these things, Ha!)

Occasionally I have questioned myself, wondering if I were ministry material, especially when it came time that I would have graduated. A reality check for me was that although I didn't have the classroom experience, I had extreme hands-on training.

In my fifteen years of ministry at Coastal Bend Family Worship Center, I have done everything in the church from toilet flushing to bus driving, and everything in between, except senior pastoring. Early in ministerial training as an associate, I was always told to function as I would want an associate to function when I'm senior pastor. It hasn't been easy since I work for the toughest Pastor in all of south Texas, aka, my dad. Although it has been difficult at times, I have learned things that even college couldn't have prepared me for.

Currently, my wife and I are the youth pastors of Turning Point Youth Outreach in Aransas Pass, Texas (near Corpus Christi). We have seen literally over a thousand students come through our doors. Although they come and go, we always operate as Jesus did in Matthew 9. We aren't here to pacify the church kids, we're here to reach the cutters, drug-pushers, gang members, the ones that all the other churches have rejected. So we range anywhere from 120 to 250 hardcore teens every week and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Aaron Jayne
Assoc. Pastor, Coastal Bend Family Worship Center
Youth Pastor, Turning Point Youth Otreach
Aransas Pass, TX