Help us plan the 2011 General Convention

By Bishop Charles Scott
We would love your feedback on the following:

1. Would you favor a conference forum with breakout sessions?
   
   
2. What type of sessions would interest you?
   
   
3. Would you prefer outside speakers for the main services?
   
   
4. Would you prefer department led services per history?
   
   
5. What are the most important areas for you in relation to general convention, i.e. what do you expect from the meeting?
   
   
6. What would you most desire from general convention?
   
   
7. What would you like to say about general convention?

Agility

By Charles Scott
The word “agility” has become a buzz word in these times of economic challenge for America. Those who can think quickly and move with agility will be able to find and sustain success in spite of problematic situations. Lee Colan speaks on what he calls FS2:

Flexibility – The leader must stretch their mind and thinking patterns. The leader must define what subjects are rigid and which are flexible. The leader’s mind and thought process must be likened to a work-out gym: many tools that have an individual purpose to build the thinking capacity.

Strength – Colan writes, “Regardless of the whirlwind of changing circumstances around you, continue to strengthen yourself and your team.”

Speed – The best way to quicken your decision making skills is to get prepared spiritually through prayer, study and analysis. Generally speaking the 80/20 rule holds true for leaders in a decision making situation: the leader will in all likelihood not have all the facts. A good rule of thumb is that if you have 80% of the facts and you have prepared yourself through spiritual disciplines you can make a good decision. Colan states that there are four steps in this process:

1. Identify the top 5 pieces of information you need and decide which four of these are highest in priority;
2. Next, identify the outcomes from the alternatives placed before you;
3. Harness your advisory team and listen to their advice;
4. Make a decision!

Colan concludes by reminding leaders how necessary it is to build an agile team. A strong team sees no obstacle as too big. A strong team is able to see creative solutions to overcome big problems. We may face big problems but we have a bigger God!

Transformational Leaders

By Charles Scott
It has been stated that many scientists of Galileo’s time refused to look through the telescope rejecting the possibility that their belief system could be wrong. They opposed to accept anything outside their belief regardless of the evidence.

Leaders must deal with these type of people but more than deal with them; we must serve them. It is difficult to serve those who restrict the progression of the entire organization.

In the words of Phil Pringle, “Insecurity keeps us from serving people.” It is human nature to prefer to be seen as the important person rather than the less significant individual.

Jesus washed the feet of the disciples because He was/is secure in Himself. Leaders who are secure can willingly bow in service and know their service is in dignity. Insecure people cannot serve because they must have others make them feel better about themselves.

Jesus knew who He was, where He came from and where He was going. He knew what He had and He knew what He had to give. Knowledge produces security and security produces a servant’s heart.

Concepts on Serving:

1. The main area of service is to serve the Lord. There is a story told that Abraham Lincoln purchased a slave girl for the sole purpose of giving her freedom. He paid the price and handed her the papers for her freedom but she did not understand. He told her she was free and could go anywhere. She replied, “Then I will stay with you and serve you until I die.”
   
   
2. The next area of service for leaders is to serve other leaders. Timothy served Paul in the Gospel. Joshua served Moses and Elisha served Elijah. Leaders are called to assist other leaders in accomplishing their vision. We grow more by serving other leaders than by serving ourselves.
   
   
3. Leaders are called to serve the Body of Christ. It is critical that leaders model service to the Church. Ne person stated, “Serving people means solving their problems.” Regardless of the abilities a person may possess until they learn to truly serve they will fail to reach their God-given potential.
   
   
4. Leaders are also called to serve everyone, even those and perhaps especially those outside the Body of Christ. An interesting comment about service oriented businesses said, “Service focused companies go out of their way to hear customer complaints. The Church must change the method of “selling” Jesus through so-called spiritual marketing and began to serve people in a manner they will see Jesus. Francis of Assisi is known to say, “Preach the Gospel always and if necessary use words.”

What Defines Success?

By Ken Row
Darla Smith, lay minister at God's House in Lafayette, IN, recently asked her facebook peers to define ministry success. I felt it'd be good to hear what other PCG folk have to say on the matter, so, with her permission, I am posting her questions here for your discussion:

What defines success in your ministry?

Does how busy you are in your ministry say you are successful?

Does the feedback you gain from people define your success? (ex. people telling you that the sermon or lesson helped them, encouraged them, etc.)

Do the souls that are saved or people who have grown spiritually while sitting under your ministry define whether you are successful in what you do?

Is it quantity or quality?

Or is it "just doing what God has told you to do?"

Do you believe that God calls you to a ministry and then never places it on others to use you in that ministry? Or do we, as ministers, always have to create our own opportunity to minister?

Why Are English Interpretations in King James?

By Ken Row
Here's a topic for discussion (meaning I don't know the answer)...

Why is it that many prophecies and interpretations are given in King James English? E.g. "Thus saith the Lord, I am the God that healeth thee".

God doesn't use KJV when He talks to me directly. It's usually short bursts of contemporary English ("Sit down", "Look in the cabinet", "Pray for ____", "Tell him I heard his prayer").

I'm curious...

For those of you who have interpreted messages, do the messages "come in" as KJV, or do they come in as general concepts which you then speak as KJV?

If interpretations are always delivered verbatim (i.e. both received and delivered in KJV or in contemporary speech), have any of you ever seen God speak both ways -- that is, with KJV in some circumstances and contemporary English in others?

How Can You Count How Many Were Sanctified?

By Ken Row
While reading through Fire on the Earth: Eyewitness Reports from the Azusa Street Revival (Thanks, PCG, for giving these books to general convention registrants), I came across this small report:

In the City of Oakland, during the five weeks that the band from Los Angeles was there, Brother and Sister Evans and Sister Florence Crawford, 65 souls received the baptism with the Holy Ghost, 30 were sanctified, and 19 converted. [pg. 24]

I had always thought of sanctification as an ongoing work that begins with conversion, yet these early Pentecostals counted sanctifications separately from conversions. How could they do that?

If I could time-travel to these early Pentecostal meetings, I'd watch how the alter calls for sanctification were conducted. I'd like to see how the preachers knew who had received sanctification and who still needed to pray some more.

I wonder if any of you might know:

• What used to distinguish conversion from sanctification?


• How did old-time preachers know when sanctification had occurred?

Please comment.

Properly Using Power and Authority

By Daniel Davis
It was Sunday morning, and I was rushing around to finish getting ready for church. My wife had already gone ahead to help with the worship team. I was wrapping things up at home, trying to gather up our two preschool boys and get them into the car.

Evan, our four-year-old, had a toy in his hands and was trying to ask me a question.

“Put the toy away and come on, Evan,” I said.

“Daddy, I want to take my puppy with me.”

“No, son let’s go.” I kept gathering up my Bible and notes for the sermon that morning.

“Please Daddy.” I mumbled something in return and kept getting stuff together. Finally, when I was about to go, I ignored what he was saying and grabbed the stuffed animal from his hands and tossed it aside: “Let’s go.”

That’s when it hit me. The look on my son’s face was embarrassing. He was confused and a little hurt. He did not understand why I had acted that way.

In that moment I had given in to temptation. I was big; he was little. I wanted something; he wanted something else. I could take it from him; he could not stop me. I had the power; he did not.

I used my power at that moment to impose my will on him regardless of his personality and will. Of course, had the occasion been something that threatened his life, I would not have thought twice. But it wasn’t. I was merely inconvenienced and thus forced my way. In that moment, I depersonalized him and the look on his face told it all.

***
As spiritual leaders, we are, whether we realize it or not, accorded tremendous amounts of power. Scripture enjoins believers to obey leadership (e.g., Hebrews 13.17). In addition, many people give such heed to the words of spiritual leaders (for good or ill) that they live in fear of their disapproval. As if that wasn’t enough, we tend to spend a lot of time making sure that our churches know they should follow and honor us.

Though certainly a question worth examination, my focus here is not on the amount of power we have. My focus is on what we do with it. Nearly every day we are tempted as leaders to ignore the personhood of the people we lead and focus on our own desires and use power to gain those desires. We are constantly tempted to impose our will for the sake of speed or convenience and bring our will to pass. I suggest that when we yield to that temptation we no longer use power rightly. Instead, we have become no better than the nihilist who believes that the only purpose for existence is to “will to power.” Certainly this flies in the face of the One who took on weakness to destroy evil.

So what is power for? I propose it is for love. Indeed, I would even say that love is the power we wield. When we love, we will and act in the best interest of the object of that love. In the case of my son, acting in love would mean I would have stopped, listened, and respected his personhood. Of course, in the end it would have been unreasonable for him to take that particular toy to church. However, I could have accomplished the same end in a way that humbled myself and respected his personal dignity.

The same goes for the way we treat those that we lead in the church. Certainly we become frustrated at times. Nevertheless, we are still called upon to act in love. We are pressed by the Spirit to lay aside the power of imposed will – such is what the world uses – and take up the self-denying and self-giving love of the cross.

In the short term, such ways seem inefficient and fruitless. No doubt it appeared that way to the followers of Jesus when they saw him go to the cross. But in the end, I think, as we see in the death and resurrection of Jesus, that there is no power greater than love.

So how do we use our power? To what end do we wield it? What is the power that we use?

Whose Eyes?

By Ken Row
Just for fun, anyone want to guess whose eyes appear in the new pcgeye2eye.net backdrop?

Whoever first identifies the people belonging to the eyes will win a book of my choosing.

Rules:

1. You must post your guesses as a comment to this article.


2. You must list the names in the correct order (top-left, top-center, top-right, middle-left, ...).


3. Mikesha Row can't play (she already knows the answers).


4. You can post more than once if you wish, but the first correct answer will still be the winning answer.


5. Please ensure I have a way of contacting you -- anonymous postings won't win.

I haven't decided which book yet, but possibilities include the following:

   

Good Luck!
Ken Row

Team Dynamics

By Charles Scott
Leaders must build strong teams. The manner in which this is done will determine the success or failure of the organization and the leader.

Concepts about teams that are failing:

1. Those in leadership are shielded from the truth and the facts.
2. Fear rules the action.
3. Criticism is muffled.
4. Strong opinions are given without supporting data, evidence or solid facts.
5. Leaders avoid asking questions.
6. Unsupported opinions are allowed to control action.
7. Team members refuse to debate the issue as a team but rather talk about it after the fact.
8. Team members pledge support of the action but undermine it afterwards.

Concepts about teams moving forward:

1. Grim facts are openly discussed.
2. Leaders never criticize open debate and discussion.
3. Arguments are never based on opinion or emotion but facts.
4. The team leader uses a Socratic style.
5. Questions are used to push for deeper insight.
6. Team members unify behind the decision.
7. Team members give credit to others for the overall success of the team.
8. Team members are willing to debate in order to discover the best answers to support the organizational causes.
9. The team refuses to place blame but uses failures as opportunities to learn.
10. Team members are committed to excellence.

Managing a Stagnate Company/Church

By Charles Scott
A recent article in Business Week gave the reflections of two senior executives and the lessons they learned in managing companies who were stagnating. These comments have great insight for leaders, even leaders in the Church.

Daniel H. Mudd, CEO of Fannie Mae:
“I’ve learned to be more humble and try to distinguish problems that are fixable from those that are not.”

Some vital lessons from this quote:

• Leaders must constantly guard against pride.
• Success can become the worst enemy for leaders.
• Leaders have blind spots. Great leaders surround themselves with people who care enough about the mission to help leaders see these blind areas.
• Some things cannot be fixed or solved. Mature leaders accept this and put their energy where they can be the most effective.
• Leaders must learn to deal with failure. Failure is part of leadership.

“I regret the couple of cases where we started with the outcome we needed instead of starting with the principle.”

Some vital lessons from this quote:

• Leaders can focus so much on results they forget integrity.
• Leaders must identify the core principles before working on projects.
• If leaders do not understand the principle no one else will.
• The most important task for leaders is to keep the organization focused and operating on principles.

Gregory Q. Brown, Co-Chief Executive for Motorola:
“We thought we knew what was best for customers, as opposed to listening in an unfiltered and unemotional ways to what customers were telling us.” Some vital lessons from this quote:

• Leaders must not fall into the trap of believing they have all the answers.
• People will praise leaders when they are successful and this can provide a false sense of security.
• Emotions can be dangerous for leaders. Emotions can taint a leader’s view.
• Leaders must remain in contact with the true needs of the people.

“We have to be more vigilant about ensuring that there is a healthy level of candour and transparency throughout the organization.”

• A leaders’ work is never done.
• Free-flowing healthy communication is the most important asset for leaders.
• Communication must flow inward and outward, not in one dimension.
• Miscommunication is a form of communication.

Notes from the Family Research Council's Watchmen on the Wall Conference

By Charles Scott
This past week our family has been privileged to attend the Family Research Council conference in Washington D.C. While here we were also blessed to minister to our Eastern Division Hispanic churches under the leadership of Bishop Leo Tirado. Bishop Tirado also gave us the honor to minister to the local church he pastors in Hyattsville, Maryland. The spiritual health of PCG Hispanic churches in the East is strong and there is a great harvest field within the Hispanic community. Please join with our family and pray that the Lord will send workers into this area of ministry.

We took a day off to celebrate the 19th birthday of our daughter, Michelle and enjoyed the many tourist sites and opportunities in the area. Of course we also had to make time to take in a base-ball game and mark another park off the old bucket list!

The conference itself was a real time of hearing from the Holy Spirit. Being in DC increases the already heavy burden on my heart for our nation. We are in a battle for the very existence of our nation! The Church as a whole is absent from engaging in the war being fought in the culture for the soul of this nation.

A synopsis is provided below of the highlights of this conference and relevant speaking points to the PCG. The greatest explanation that can be given to the overall experience is found in this question, “What is it going to take to wake up Christians and mobilize the Church to be the salt and light for this generation?” Jesus said in Matthew 5:13 and 14 that we are the salt and the light. He also said that salt can become good for nothing and light can be hidden. It is time for the PCG to shake up, speak out and shine forth. We must choose to act now while we have the opportunity. It could be our last.

Family Research Council
Watchmen on the Wall
The following is a summary of the recent “Watchmen on the Wall” conference held in Washington DC May 20 – 22.

May 20:

Capital Tour – Janice and I experienced a wonderful evening at the Nation’s Capital with a tour that emphasized the Christian heritage of our founding fathers. It is breath-taking to stand in the Capital and reflect on the history and legacy of our nation. Our guide told of how that during Thomas Jefferson’ tenure as President, every Sunday there were three worship services occurring simultaneously in the Capital. Our founding fathers did not advocate the separation of Church and State as the media reports today; the founding fathers advocated that the government did not have the authority to control or restrict religious freedom in any manner whatsoever. This is a major difference from the interpretation of the Supreme Court and the modern education system teachings.

Family Research Council – We were treated to a tour of FRC’s headquarters which is located just a few blocks from the Capital.

May 21:

Prayer and Worship – The morning began early with prayer followed by the melodic voice of Charles Billingsley leading the conference in worship. Billingsley is the worship leader at Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Senator Jim Dement – The first speaker for the day was Dement, the Republican Senator from South Carolina. His remarks were brief and pointed toward the need for Christian involvement in government. He took a stand for his Christian values and cited how prayer guides his life.

Panel Discussion – A panel discussion followed which addressed the ethics in our society regarding family values and religion.

Dr. Ergun Caner – A seminary professor at Liberty Theological Seminary, Caner was a highlight of the conference. His remarks centered on how radical Islam uses threats to silence the Body of Christ. A converted Muslim, Caner displayed a passion for Jesus Christ and boldly challenged the pastors and leaders to refuse to cower to the intimidating threats of Islam. Caner also boldly compared the devotion of Muslims to the passive Christianity he sees in the United States.

Wellington Boone – Boone is a pastor from Norcross, Georgia. His presentation centered on the dire need for pastors to address the culture in their sermons. Boone spoke on the difference between instructors and fathers. He also said, “Until your money is spent for the cause of Christ, it has no redemptive value.”

Congressman Roy Blunt – Janice, Michelle and I had the privilege to meet Representative Roy Blunt from Missouri. Congressman Blunt is a devoted Christian leader and former president of Southwest Baptist University. He showed real interest in the PCG and treated us royally. He spoke to us on the urgency to activate Christians on the frontlines of the cultural issues in America. He said, “Make no mistake that our nation is at war and the war is a cultural war.”

Prayer Walk – The remainder of the afternoon was spent in a prayer walk as attendees were strategically placed around the city to pray for our nation, our leaders and an awakening in America.

Bishop Harry Jackson – Our spirits were enriched by the ministry of Bishop Jackson as he ministered on the thought, “The Church: United and Unstoppable.” His thought centered on the loss of the prophetic voice of the Church in this culture.

May 22:

Dr. Ken Ham – Perhaps the highlight of the conference was Dr. Ham as he pointed out that the Church has mistakenly focused its’ efforts on the symptoms of the cultural issues instead of the root cause. Ham explained that such things as same sex marriage, abortion, stem cell research and right-to-life issues are important; they are only symptoms of the problem and not the problem itself. Ham reminded us that the problem is the heart of man is wicked and must be regenerated and that is the role of the Church.

Robert Stearns – Robert has become a dear friend to our family and he touched the hearts of all present as he ministered on prayer. He related three stories from his life that exemplified how the Church is called by Jesus a “House of prayer.” The challenge was strongly declared that Church is not entertainment, not preaching, not worship: it is a House of Prayer.

Miles McPherson – McPherson is a former NFL player who pastors in the San Diego area. He testified of how his congregation has been active in the recent debate in California over same-sex marriage. His thesis was on the consideration of how the pastor impacts public policy through preaching. He mentioned Ezekiel spent a large number of days with the people before he began his ministry as did Nehemiah. He explained that much preaching is not relevant because the pastor has not spent enough time among the people to fully understand their needs and challenges.

Larry Stockstill – Stockstill taught on team building and processes surrounding teamwork. He stressed how strong churches must have leaders who can commit them-selves to building strong teams. His points were:

• Leaders must multiply themselves.
• Leaders should only select people who are pursuing them.
• Let them bring someone to the team with them.
• Leaders minister to their team.
• Look for deep inner character not necessarily a success track record.
• Leaders rely on the Holy Spirit for their team; a team is a miracle.

Anne Graham Lotz – The daughter of Billy Graham, Lotz spoke on “A Wake-up Call for Your Heart.” She asked, “How much longer is the American Church going to ignore the alarms?” She also emphasized that the results are not up to us but it is our duty to faithfully proclaim the truth regardless of popularity. She used the prophets as examples of those who were faithful to the truth even when Israel (or Judah) did not repent. She declared that America may not repent but the Church must speak the truth.

Henry Blackaby – I personally missed Blackaby due to an urgent matter but Janice’s notes showed that he closed the conference on issuing a commission that those present, “Be the shepherd and the spokesman of God to the people.” The message we share must focus on four points: The power of the Cross, The power of the Resurrection, The power of Pentecost and The power of Prayer.

We are very grateful for the privilege to represent you at this very important meeting.

What Do You Think About Discipleship Ministries?

By Charles Scott
For a number of years, our Discipleship Ministries department has had little to no significant impact on our districts and churches. It has mostly existed to produce Sunday School literature.

At the same time, the PCG has had no effective discipleship strategy.

It's time for a change.

I believe discipleship is not just a department. Discipleship is the Great Commission. It is every believer’s mission.

We must get back to the task of winning people to Jesus and making disciples.

This June, the Discipleship Ministries Board will be asked to develop a sound spiritual strategy for this vital mission that must be communicated and resourced throughout the PCG.

The Discipleship Ministries board and I would appreciate your thoughts and input. Please post comments to this blog article, and then check back from time to time to see what others are saying.

Here are some starter questions:

1. What should discipleship in the PCG look like?
   
   
2. What should be the role of the national office for discipleship?
   
   
3. How can the national office resource discipleship at both the district and local levels?
   
   
4. How can this board assist the local church to become a missional church?
   
   
5. How can this board serve the PCG to establish a mentoring and coaching network in the PCG?

Judging Prophecy

By Ken Row
Paul told the Corinthians to "Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. (1 Cor 14:29)," but I've always wondered how to do that.

How can one prophet judge another's prophecy without hurting their feelings or undermining their authority?

I gained insight through a story David Cartledge included in his book The Apostolic Revolution. Cartledge repeated a story originally told by Barney Coombs:

"I was sitting with a group of men in a council meeting. The evangelist with us brought a word of prophecy. The prophet turned to me and said, 'Barney, are we allowed to judge that prophecy?' Now we were like family around this table but you could have cut the atmosphere with a knife. I said, 'Be my guest.' He said, 'I don't think it was from God.' I turned to another man who is wise and also a prophet and said, 'John, what do you feel?' 'No,' he said, 'I don't think it was from God.' Then the man who was in charge of the business and also prophetic said, 'The prophecy we have heard is not from God, but the Spirit says that so and so did not share all he saw, and when he shares all he saw, it will be from God.' I felt goosebumps up and down my spine! I turned to the evangelist and said, 'Is that true?' And he said, 'Yes.' When he shared all that he had seen, all the men said, 'This is from God.' It changed everything."

We Need a Word From God

By Ken Row
In the early 80's, Andraé Crouch penned:

We need to hear from you.
We need a word from you.
If we don't hear from you what will we do?
Wanting you more each day,
Show us your perfect way.
There is no other way that we can live.

These words ring ever true today. We need to hear from heaven.

Our nation needs a word from God.
Our leaders need a word from God.
Our families need a word from God.
Our districts need a word from God.
Our churches need a word from God.
Our pastors need a word from God.
Our teachers need a word from God.
Our convention needs a word from God!

If we don't hear from God, what will we do?

Let us begin to pray and fast in earnest that God will speak to us, and that we will hear Him when He does.

Five Thoughts about Handling Tough Decisions

By Charles Scott
Leaders must make tough decisions. The basic principle is that decisions are not made because they are easy, not made because they are cheap; they are made because they are right.

When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.
- Roy Disney

#1 - Outcomes are not 100% predictable
We cannot predict perfectly the effect of any decision - regardless of how much care we take in making a choice. We change, our values may change, and circumstances change over a lifespan. Ultimately, we can only decide what is right today and the difference we can make now! When we don't get what we thought we wanted, we do get what God’s Wisdom knew we needed.

#2 - Decisions seem tougher with experience
Decisions appear to become tougher as we gain experience. We are asked to search a larger knowledge bank for difficult answers - to give back as we've been given so that we do not regress. Abraham Maslow wrote, "You will either step forward into growth or you will step back into safety." Wrong decisions of the past will often illuminate our way to the right decisions of tomorrow. Handling tough decisions - with courage - leads us to grow.

#3 - Some decisions can wait, others cannot.
Some decisions will require fast critical thinking and quick decisive action. Other, more personal decisions, will require more deliberation. Ask yourself: Could this action bring joy, does it support my deepest values, and could it benefit others as well as me? If so, how?

#4 - The Holy Ghost often has an opinion.
Always pay attention to any unshakable feeling that a particular decision is right, or that it is wrong, or that you need to allow some time to pass before making the decision. Check out the facts and do your due diligence on the matter, but don't ever neglect a persistent feeling from the Holy Spirit.

#5 - Decisions do not have to be made alone.
Many difficult decisions require a team effort. Entire teams often need to consult with other teams when needing the benefit of a particular expertise. Individuals, as well, can often turn tough decisions into informed decisions by simply asking for help. One phone call or letter to a friend or colleague might provide the necessary help.

20-Somethings 10% More Likely to Believe the Bible

By Charles Scott
According to a new study of 1,400 unchurched respondents conducted by LifeWay Research, 20-somethings are more likely than the 30-plus crowd to believe in the God of the Bible, the resurrection of Jesus and the uniqueness of the Christian God. They're also more interested than their older counterparts in hearing more about Christianity. The report found that 80 percent of unchurched 20-somethings believe in God (compared to 72 percent among those 30 and older), and 57 percent believe there is only one God, as described in the Bible (compared to 47 percent of older adults). That same 10 percent difference existed when both groups were asked if there was a difference between the God of the Bible and the gods of other religions-with the younger set more apt to affirm a biblical view of God.

• When it comes to Christianity's core principle-the resurrection of Jesus Christ-two-thirds of non-churchgoers in their 20s believe in the biblical account, while only 54 percent of those older and unchurched believe.
• Jason Hayes, a young adult ministry specialist at LifeWay, said the study's findings go against "much of what we've read, heard and even told ourselves" regarding a younger generation of nonbelievers. The truth, he said, is that "they are open to Christianity." But Hayes also recognizes a difference between the two groups in how each views the church. Although younger non-churchgoers may line up to more core Christian beliefs, 40 percent believe the church wouldn't approve of their lifestyle choices (compared to 30 percent among those older).
• "Churches wanting to connect with this [younger] generation need to be informed and prepared," Hayes said. "The world is watching, and young adults are looking to see a real and authentic faith from Christians. It's not enough for the church to simply believe the right things. Our actions must be connected to these convictions as well."

Pastoring in Today's Economy

By Charles Scott
LifeWay Research found that almost two-thirds of all pastors say they've seen an increase in people outside their church asking for help. In addition, 31 percent of pastors have experienced a similar surge among those within their congregations.

Among the study’s other notable findings:

• 35 percent of pastors say their church staff is more cautious about trying new things that cost money.
• 40 percent of churches say they've had an unusually high number of congregants lose their jobs.
• Among pastors whose salaries dipped from last year due to the economy, 55 percent still paid for ministry items out of their own pocket.
• Only 1 percent of all pastors have seriously considered leaving the ministry as a result of the current financial crunch.
• The study found that the average church saw giving increase 4 percent in 2008, while more than a quarter of churches are currently receiving at least 10 percent more than they'd budgeted for. Overall, 71 percent of churches are either meeting or exceeding their budgets.

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Survey

Please share this information with your congregations!

Executive Summary - 2008 - NationalChristianPoll.com
Conducted by: Christianity Today International, Market Research Department

BACKGROUND
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of the study is to understand more about Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Programs, if any, in U.S. churches among church leaders on NationalChristianPoll.com.

POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND PLANS
Thinking about specific procedures in protecting the children of your church from sexual abuse, please check how often each is followed.

Seven in ten or more of churches represented do the following always:

• make sure there is an adequate number of adults supervising children or teens
• all play areas are fully visible
• require individuals or groups to obtain permission from an authorized
  person before sponsoring an activity
• have a system in place to control the use of facility keys

Procedure/Policy	Always	Sometimes	Never	Don't know
We make sure there is an adequate number of adults supervising children or teens.	80%	18%	1%	1
All play areas are fully visible.	79%	17%	3%	2%
We require individuals or groups to obtain permission from an authorized person before sponsoring an activity.	73%	14%	3%	10%
We have a system in place to control the use of facility keys.	72%	16%	7%	5%
Two or more unrelated workers are present.	54%	36%	3%	6%
We have a check-in process in place.	54%	23%	17%	6%
We have a designated person(s) to secure rooms.	52%	24%	12%	12%
We require volunteers to be part of our ministry for a designated period of time before allowing them to be involved with children.	41%	27%	14%	18%
We conduct frequent, random checks during program and activity times.	33%	37%	13%	17%
We have a monitor(s) to periodically check classrooms and restrooms.	32%	29%	22%	17%

THE FOLLOWING ARE PRIMARY ISSUES FOR LOCAL CHURCHES:

Do you have a written policy on preventing child sexual abuse?

Do you have a written policy on handling allegations of child sexual abuse?

Which of the following apply in your child sexual abuse prevention program?

• We take our policies to prevent sexual abuse seriously and see that they are enforced consistently.
• We have adequate insurance coverage if a claim should occur.
• Our workers understand state laws concerning child abuse reporting obligations.
• We have a clearly defined reporting procedure for a suspected incidence of abuse.
• We have a specific response strategy to use if an allegation of sexual abuse is made against our ministry.
• We are prepared to respond to media inquiries if an incident of abuse should occur.
• At your church, is there a clearly designated or identified person to whom children, staff, and volunteers need to report suspicions or outcries of abuse?

When there is an allegation of sexual abuse or a suspicion of sexual abuse, many churches have a process for handling such a situation.

In your church, is there a particular plan as to how to handle an allegation of abuse?

If your church has a response plan, does it include reporting the allegation internally?

If your church has a response plan that includes reporting the allegation internally, to whom should the allegation be reported to?

BACKGROUND CHECKS
Does your church screen workers who interact with or have access to minors?

When does your church require that this screening be completed?

How often is the background check renewed or refreshed? (Should be annually.)

Do you conduct the same level of background check on staff and volunteers?

Does the person receiving the background check report receive any training as to what offenses may be “red flags”?

EXCUSES
If a lack of support exists for creating and maintaining a child sexual abuse prevention program, what would you say is the reason?

A sampling of responses received:

• "That can't happen here!"
• "Too much paperwork to keep up with," and "Would never happen to us."
• A feeling that everyone knows everyone and it couldn't happen here.
• Adequate staff commitment.
• Background checks vs. protection of privacy of volunteers.
• Everybody is basically supportive, but it's a lot of extra hoops to jump through for volunteers.
• I would say it's a difficult issue that people think really won't happen in church and no one is really sure how to go about implementing it.
• Inconsistent enforcement of policies!!
• Ironically, parents don't seem too concerned.
• It is hard to get people to (volunteer) for youth and children’s programs, and we take what we can get. We aren't a terribly large church and we generally know everyone.
• Just have not gotten around to doing it yet.
• Lack of knowledge on how to create and maintain a prevention program.
• No effort has ever been made to demonstrate the need and the practical implications of not acting to put policies and practices in place.
• Not expecting it would ever happen to us.
• Our congregation is not large enough to warrant having a prevention program.
• Our leaders are incapable of doing such things. This could never happen at our church.
• Seems too formal to some people who would rather have a family atmosphere.
• Some church workers do not want to be investigated because they feel like their Christian walk should be evidence enough that they would never harm or endanger any child/teen.
• The overall (hassle) of it.
• Too much red tape and difficulty adhering to all of the safeguards.
• Volunteers feel they are not trusted. Volunteers do not want to fill out a form that asks about abuse in their past.
• We have a small (40 avg. Sunday) church, and everyone knows everyone else very well. There is no energy to increase vigilance when so many other issues are consuming our few resources.
• We started out as a small church and at that time no one felt the need for it. Since then we have grown considerably, but not all people seem to realize the importance of this.

TRAINING
Do you have a child sexual abuse training program for church staff or volunteers who are involved in your church activities and programs?

Which of the following types of training resources do you use to protect children from sexual abuse in your church?

• Conferences
• Seminars
• Online
• Video
• DVDs
• Printed
• Materials

PERSONNEL
Does your church have a person who is responsible for protecting the children from sexual abuse at your church?

Does your church have a committee responsible for protecting the children from sexual abuse at your church?

INSURANCE
Does your church have liability insurance that covers child sexual abuse?

What level of liability coverage does your church have for this coverage?

STATE ISSUES
Most states have statutes that require reports of abuse and suspicions of abuse. Some state statutes clearly identify particular people as mandatory reporters.

Are you familiar with the reporting statutes in your state?

In your state, are you a mandatory reporter?

In your state, are there any exemptions for reporting abuse or suspicions of abuse (i.e. clergy privilege, attorney-client privilege)?

NOTES
How the Data Was Gathered
Interviews were conducted among Active Christians panel members on NationalChristianPoll.com identified as church leaders, holding specific responsibilities at church.

Sample Definitions
*Church Leaders are identified as those who hold the following positions of responsibility: Children's ministry leader/volunteer, Choir/worship team/musician/volunteer, Christian Education director/teacher/leader/volunteer, Church business administrator, Church secretary/office staff, Committee leader/member, Community outreach leader/volunteer, Elder/deacon/ trustee/board member, Media/Communications director/member/volunteer, Ministry leader/coordinator/volunteer, Music director/worship leader/volunteer, Pastor/minister/ priest/clergy, Small group/Bible study leader, Sunday school teacher/volunteer, Treasurer, Vacation Bible School teacher/leader/volunteer, Youth director/leader/ volunteer, and other positions of responsibility.
* A qualified panelist is an Active Christian Church Leader who responded to screener questions that he/she is able to comment on what measures their church has taken to prevent child sexual abuse from occurring within their ministry.

Limitations
With a total sample of 704 completed questionnaires, the maximum margin of error is +3.7 percentage 95% of the time. With a sample less than 704, the margin of error is greater than +3.7 percent 95% of the time.

Report Notes
Responses that do not total 100%: due to multiple responses, rounding of numbers, or refusals.
For purposes of this report, qualified panelists are referred to as Total Respondents.

Charting the Course: Anger

By Charles Scott
The emotion that most Americans are expressing currently is rage. People are angry about bank bailouts. People are angry about corporate takeovers in one industry while others are left alone. People are really angry about AIG. I have learned that anger breeds anger.

Jack Welch wrote recently about rage, “Rage isn’t healing. It’s polarizing.” Welch goes to cite a few rage-busters: Tiger Woods is back on the golf course, precious family members will be graduating from high school or college in a few weeks, and, of course, baseball is back!

God created us with the emotion of anger, and on many occasions the Bible records that God was angry. Psalm 7:11 states that He is angry with the wicked every day. We have to agree that anger is not evil in and of itself. Anger is an emotion of conception. It will either birth a righteous action (Christ becoming our salvation) or it will birth offense to the nature and character of God. God’s anger is birthed from the nature of purity, holiness and displeasure with sin. But what makes us angry?

It is usually a feeling resulting from some type of injury either done or perceived, and if perceived, that is just as real as if actually done. It is almost always the case that when anger arises then the mouth starts in motion. Proverbs 22:24 warns us, “Make no friendship with an angry man.” Jesus said in Matthew 5:22 that anger without cause warrants judgment. Paul gives the qualities of leadership in Titus 1:7 as one who is not soon angry. And we are given the charge to not allow the sun to set on our wrath. (Ephesians 4:26)

How we handle our emotions will define us as leaders in the Kingdom; the most dangerous is anger and the most definitive.

Easter's Over, Now What?

By Ken Row
The weeks (or months) of Easter planning have played out.

The worship leaders led.
The choirs sang.
The preachers delivered the Word.

Now most church workers are resting for a day or two.

Some are resting with a smile of satisfaction -- they saw the results they'd hoped to see.

Others are simply resting.

Either way, these next few days are critical.

Yes, you should take a rest.
Even Jesus needed time away from the crowds.

No, you should not resign.
Your exhausted mental and spiritual state makes you vulnerable to nonsense. Make it your policy to never make permanent decisions right after victories or defeats.

Yes, you should reflect.
My friend, Rick Clendenen, recently gave me three questions to ask after church events and services:

1. What's the best thing that happened?
2. What's the worst thing that happened?
3. What can we do better next time?

No, you should not resign.
Are you paying attention? Expect that the devil will do anything he can to depress you. He knows you're vulnerable right now. Even if resigning seems perfectly sensible (enticing even), determine to not even think about thinking about it until two weeks are up.

Yes, you should be wary.
If you're going to rest, do it like Gideon's 300 -- the ones who drank their water by raising their hand to their mouth. Get refreshed, but keep your chin up and your eyes on the horizon, because the enemy is still out there.

No, you should not resign.
Enough said.

Keeping Focus While Emotions Run Amok

By Charles Scott
Edwin Friedman wrote in “A Failure of Nerve” that most organizations adapt toward weakness rather than strength. His thesis is that the leveraging power of the unmotivated lessens the influence of the visionary. A Biblical example is found in Numbers 13 – two men of vision return with a positive report of the Promised Land and the faith to state, “Let us go up at once and possess it, we are well able to overcome it.” In the terms of Friedman, those without vision or the “recalcitrant” won the debate, and with a grasshopper view, the people of God were limited from the possession of a land flowing with milk and honey.

Friedman takes the position that leadership is essentially an “emotional process” instead of being a “cognitive phenomenon.” It is easy to provide examples of how emotions rule over an organization rather than logic and truth.

Friedman proposes that the leader is the answer. His first concept is that the leader must have clarity about their personal goals. According to Friedman this clarity allows the leader to remain focused while others are lost in the swirl of emotional anxiety. At this point the leader becomes able to withstand the emotional roller coaster rides of people in general and an organization as a whole. The leader cannot become subject to the nature of human emotional processes.

Again we see Jesus as the perfect example of this type of leadership. When Peter receives a heavenly revelation, Jesus pronounces Peter as “blessed” yet when Peter rebukes the mention of death and resurrection, Jesus tells Peter that he is an “offense.” (Matthew 16:13-28) Leaders must never allow emotions to rule over truth. The truth will make us free. (John 8:32)

State of the Organization

By Charles Scott
Greetings from the Office of the General Bishop; we are happy because Jesus gives us victory!

The wise King of Israel stated, “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds” (Proverbs 27:23). In an effort to provide communication and full disclosure to the constituency of the Pentecostal Church of God, the following report is provided. This document is divided into three categories: first, the stewardship position, second the strategic direction and lastly, the spiritual condition. All financial numbers provided herein are audited numbers except for post March 31, 2008 as the fiscal year for the Pentecostal Church of God ends on March 31. The full and complete audited numbers will be provided to the General Convention in June 2009. There is no effort here to demean the past, but it is necessary to revisit the past in order to fully comprehend the present and prepare for the future.

A sign hung in the office of Albert Einstein at Princeton that read, “Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.” Beyond any shadow of doubt, there are vital components of the Pentecostal Church of God that are not counted in this statement. Beyond any doubt, there will be criticism of providing such a document and the contents it holds. Beyond any doubt, there will be some annoyed by such a document. Beyond any doubt, adversaries will find many ways to attack from this document. Beyond any doubt, this is the right thing to do, and in spite of analysis, attack or annoyance, the truth must always be told. The Word of God is clear, “Provide things honest in the sight of all men” (Romans 12:17).

One of the deepest frustrations in serving in this capacity is the amount of misinformation that circulates. One of my business professors used Ford Motor Company as an example of a corporation that fought rumors by releasing a weekly status report. One of the goals of this presentation is the optimism that it will alleviate some of the rumors, falsehoods and incorrect statements being made within our ranks. One can only hope.

The Stewardship Position

The General Office

At the end of December 2008, the financial position of the General Office was weakened due to over $208,000 owed by Messenger College and $75,000 owed to the General Office by other departments. The cash position was fair at $160,000 with accounts payable at $75,800. The corpus from the sale of Messenger Towers remained in a Certificate of Deposit earning 3.5% interest. (By the time this document is received, this investment will be renegotiated.) The Pentecostal Church of God does not have any monies invested in speculative accounts. All indicators are that if this had been the case, the Pentecostal Church of God would have lost an estimated 30% to 40% of invested funds. Instead, the Pentecostal Church of God must continue to follow the Word of God with stewardship principles based on Proverbs 3: 5–10. All bills were current and restricted monies remain covered by Money Market accounts.

The changing economy is forcing modifications with investment strategies due to declining interest rates. The best strategy for the Pentecostal Church of God is to be its own banker and lender and get out of debt to outside entities. (Proverbs 22:7 “. . . and the borrower is servant to the lender.”) The General Bishop is aggressively pursuing this strategy through the approval of the finance committee.

As chief executive officer of this corporation and Church, fiduciary due diligence and Biblical stewardship remain a priority. As a result, these actions are priorities:

• Internal controls are evaluated by outside entities to ensure proper accountability of receipts and disbursements.
• Budgetary oversight is given top priority for proper stewardship of Kingdom resources.
• Funds will not be spent where funds do not exist.
• Budget cuts will be made according to the financial health of the General Office.
• Insure compliance with federal regulations for 501 C (3) corporations on all levels.

Messenger College

At the end of December 2008 all external bills for Messenger College were paid and current with $935.07 in the checking account. The deficit for the college was been reduced to $7,047.23 from a projection of over $27,000. Student enrollment and on-line enrollment is detailed in the chart below. This does not include Summer 2009 hours, which will add to the current budget.

Semester	A	B	C	D	E
Fall 2008	74	52	22	877	73.08
Spring 2009	63	38	25	874	72.83

A = Number of Students taking at least one class (on-line and on-campus)
B = Number of Students taking at least one On-Campus class
C = Number of Students taking at least one On-Line class only
D = Total number of On-Campus and On-Line hours taught
E = Full Time Equivalency (D total/12)

Messenger College continues to struggle with the restoration of deficit endowment funds. The total amount lost over the past seven years in the endowment funds has been reduced to $232,206. This deficit dates from an egregious internal management issue from 2002 concerning the oversight of scholarship funds. Since this office has assumed oversight of Messenger College, a policy has been established that anyone using restricted or designated monies for any other purpose than the donor’s intent will be immediately dismissed from Messenger College. In the same period, it was discovered that in 2002 Internal Revenue Service requirements for Form 941 were not filed and paid. The Messenger College Board of Regents raised the necessary funds (approximately $51,000), and this situation has been rectified. Internal controls are now in place to oversee these procedures.

Messenger College faces severe challenges. Our college is lacking students, funds and overall organizational support. There are glaring incorrect and damaging rumors that must be addressed. These rumors have affected student enrollment, student morale and student life.

• Messenger College is soon to close – This is not true. In February 2009 the Board of Regents raised $20,000 for Messenger College. If the notion of closing our school was a consideration, this action would not have taken place.
• Messenger College is soon to lose its accreditation – This is not true. According to sources advising the interim president, the accredited educational program of Messenger College has an organizational investment of approximately $400,000. No one thinking logically would endeavor to see this asset lost.
• Messenger College has no value to the Pentecostal Church of God – The value of a fully accredited college to the Pentecostal Church of God is approximately $4 million. The college is of immense value far beyond even the monetary significance.
• Messenger College will close if the headquarters relocates – This is not true.

More about the college is discussed under Strategic Direction.

Home Missions

In 2004 - 2005 the National Home Missions Department suffered tremendous financial setback. Outside vendor loans had to be secured totaling $595,000 to cover the losses within the department. This does not include the General Office and other debt totaling over $130,000. Since that time, the debt of the Home Missions Department has been reduced to approximately $439,000. Deficit funding of construction projects and church plants left the department unable to support a full-time director, and Dr. H. O. “Pat” Wilson has served this constituency admirably under the most adverse of circumstances. The following chart depicts the department’s financial activity:

Fiscal  Year	General Fund   Income/Deficit	Restricted Fund   Income/Deficit	Construction Fund   Income/Deficit	Total   Income/Deficit	Debt Relief   Offerings
2004	-$34,834	$2,085	-$32,543	-$65,292
2005	-$89,436	-$39,048	-$355,062	-$483,546
2006	$78,164	-$39,783	-$180,421	-$142,040	$197,605
2007	$118,500	$11,606	-$57,271	$72,835	$47,714
2008	$132,303	$3,451	-$90,527	$45,227	$99,877

There will be consideration presented to the 2009 General Convention for a restructuring of the Home Missions Department. This is necessary due to the liability of debt and the inability of the department to fund a full-time director. These proposals will be posted to the Pentecostal Church of God website within the next few weeks.

Benevolence Fund

In June 2007 the General Convention voted to remove any death benefits for Pentecostal Church of God credentialed ministers except for those on gratis at the end of 2007 (General Bylaws page 52). The total number of ministers who still have the benefits of the benevolence fund is 334. This amounts to a total liability of $1,336,000 to the Pentecostal Church of God. This total of over $1.3 million will be and must be paid over the course of the next seven to ten years as this group of ministers pass; it is a major financial apprehension. The purpose for each minister remitting $25 a month on their credential fees is to designate $5 of this fee for these ministers who are 70 years old or older and provide them a great thank you for their years of service and contribution to the Pentecostal Church of God.

In December 2008 the total amount funded to the deficit in the benevolence fund was $121,900. This is funded by the General Office.

First Fruits

At December, 2008 there were 346 churches out of 1187 supporting the First Fruits initiative, or 29% of all congregations. Since the inception of the plan, there has been an approximate decline of 23% in First Fruits participation.

The tithe is God’s plan for the financial provision of His House. The tithe is the Lord’s (Leviticus 27:30). Tithing is an issue of faith; do we believe God’s Word? “Bring ye all the tithes into the store¬house, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 3:10).

There are misperceptions and misunderstandings surrounding the First Fruits plan:

• The First Fruits plan did not replace assessments for General Convention or Messenger College (General Board action for General Convention budget and General Bylaws page 33 and 53).
• First Fruits can be designated toward particular missions or ministries. The First Fruits plan replaced the preceding 5% plan, which was created for the funding of the General Office. First Fruits should first be sent to the District Office and then forwarded to the General Office (General Bylaws page 39). The General Office remits a tithe to each ministry department from the First Fruits contributions in the form of reducing participation charges thus lowering departmental expenses.

The following is a summary of First Fruits giving from 2004 to 2008. The column marked 1st Fruits/5% is inclusive of First Fruits, 5% and district giving.

Fiscal Year	1st Fruits/5%	Percent Change	1st Fruits	Percent Change
2004	$173,506		$68,876
2005	$280,815	61.8%	$250,930	264.3%
2006	$304,354	8.4%	$280,305	11.7%
2007	$298,347	-2.0%	$283,396	1.1%
2008	$243,858	-18.3%	$234,215	-17.4%
Totals	$1,300,880		$1,117,722

The Letter Shop

In June of 2008 the General Board appointed a committee to oversee the details and provide approval for the purchase of a local business that serves the Four-State area by providing mailing and shipping expertise. This business, The Letter Shop, was named the number one small business in Joplin by the Chamber of Commerce in 2008. In October the Pentecostal Church of God purchased this business for $53,600 under the corporate name MPH, LLC. The Letter Shop has a staff of three full-time and two part-time employees. As a result of purchasing The Letter Shop, the General Office has reduced one full-time position to part-time. The total revenue over expenses for the first quarter (October 1 to December 31, 2008) was just over $12,000. The Letter Shop has cut mailing and shipping costs for the General Office and ministry departments by nearly $3,000.


The Pentecostal Church of God Extension Fund

During the last year, as President of PCGEF, a measure was instituted that allows congregations borrowing from the Extension Fund to add to their loan portfolio additional funds for the planting of churches through the World Missions Department. The Extension Fund will match these church plants through the assets generated by loan servicing. To date four (4) churches have been planted: three (3) in the Philippines and one (1) in Mexico. This will equate to at least eight (8) churches being planted by the efforts of the Extension Fund.

The PCGEF was birthed by the efforts of General Secretary Ronald R. Minor in 2000. In 2001 the fund was granted $10,000 by the General Office. When this fiscal year ends the Extension Fund will have over $3 million in assets and over $250,000 in unrestricted net assets.

The Pentecostal Church of God Extension Fund exists within the Pentecostal Church of God economy to serve as a lending vehicle and a sound investment instrument for long term security to Pentecostal Church of God adherents. At the time of this writing the Extension Fund offers a three year investment bond at 3.64% and a five year investment bond at 4.64%. Loan rates begin at 5%. These rates are subject to change and for more information call 877.754.3892.

The 2009 General Convention

General Convention will be held in Joplin and hosted by Joplin Family Worship Center. Special thanks are sent in advance to Pastor Daniel Wermuth and the congregation of JFWC for agreeing to host the 90th Anniversary celebration of the Pentecostal Church of God.

On Sunday morning, June 28, the General Bishop will address the constituency on the consideration of “Where We Came From, Where We Are, and Where We are Going.” On Tuesday night, June 30, a special convention service will be held with Rev. Billy Wilson ministering on the challenge of “A Pentecostal Awakening for America.”

The Strategic Direction and the Spiritual Condition

A few days ago a letter crossed my desk from one of our pastors asking this question, “What direction are we going?” He also asked, “What is happening to us?” It is frustrating to acknowledge that communication efforts between the vision of the General Office and the local church become severed. Over the course of the next two sections, as General Bishop of the Pentecostal Church of God this is offered and laid before you to continue to present the exact course we are endeavoring to pursue and the spiritual condition (from this perspective) of our Church body.

The Strategic Direction

Spiritual Emphasis

Fasting and prayer – Beginning May 15, 2009 this office is asking the entire constituency to join together for 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting leading to the 90th Anniversary celebration at General Convention.

“Impacting Eternity” can make a significant difference in the spiritual health of the Pentecostal Church of God. This one day of fasting, praying and sowing can change the eternal destiny of millions as we unite our efforts for the Kingdom of God.

Relocation

This particular area would be humorous if it were not so sad. The rumor mill has it that we are moving to Dallas. Here is the truth:

• During the early Fall of 2008 the General Bishop was approached by a real estate capital investor who expressed a desire to purchase the current property in Joplin, Missouri.
• In November 2008 the General Bishop requested of the General Board and was granted to form an ad hoc group of adequate individuals to put together a feasibility study for relocation. This is being done and moving forward to the best of our ability.
• The goal is to have a package for consideration this June 2009. This may be far too aggressive and, truthfully, my health issues have limited this effort.
• The study will show how this would benefit the Pentecostal Church of God in the long range.
• The study will explain the methodology of the relocation to the best of our ability. We have several unanswered issues at this point.
• This officer is committed to pursue relocation, being convinced that in the long run it is the best for the Pentecostal Church of God and Messenger College.
• If you as a constituency (General Convention) choose against relocation, that is your right, privilege and empowerment and your decision will be followed.
• If there is no formal proposal for consideration by the 2009 General Convention, the General Bishop will request the Convention to empower the General Board to move on any and all opportunities for relocation.

Misperceptions –

• It is a misperception that Messenger College will close if we relocate. No effort is given, considered or discussed to close Messenger College to the knowledge of this officer.
• It is a misperception that MPH will close if we relocate. This makes no sense at all.
• It is a misperception that ministry directors (full-time) will not be included in the International Headquarters. No one has even purported such a thing.
• It is a misperception that the purpose for relocation is that hopefully Messenger College can grow. While this makes some sense and history proves that Southern Bible College was more successful in the number of students (close to 400) located in Houston, Texas than Messenger College in Joplin, Missouri, this is not a lone argument for relocation and should not be an item of contention or debate.
• It is a misperception that there is an offer to buy the existing property. There is an interested party in purchasing part of the existing property, but no formal offer exists.

Messenger College

In order to stress the truth and hopefully continue to correct the misinformation and fabrications that are circulating, please understand:

• No conversation has been held by any General Official of closing Messenger College.
• No thought of closing Messenger College has been entertained by the General Bishop.
• No motion, no discussion nor any conversation of closing Messenger College has ever surfaced in any board or committee meeting of Messenger College.

It cannot be known for certain when and where these rumors originated, nor the agenda of those who perpetrate such fabrications, but those responsible for such irresponsible action should repent, recant and refrain from such behavior. One comment was made in passing in the November General Board meeting with very limited conversation and no consideration. Prayerfully, our spiritual eyes will be opened to follow the counsel of Paul in Romans 16:17: “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”

As stated earlier, Messenger College is facing severe challenges, and this type of behavior does not help matters. However, in spite of all that the enemy and carnality is doing to oppose our school, Messenger College is making progress. Our school is experiencing renewal! Our school is being transformed, transitioned and transcended to be the very best institution for the Pentecostal Church of God. Here are measures enacted over the course of the past year:

• The personnel of Messenger College continue to be right-sized to fit an institution of this capacity.
• The budget of Messenger College continues to be adjusted to fit the income stream of the institution.
• The School of Ministry has been established and continues to be developed. This is an effort to provide fast-track training for ministry within the Pentecostal Church of God and reach out to others seeking the same, which is fully accredited with financial aid available and accessible online. At the same time, Messenger College continues to serve and should offer a broader scope of educational opportunities.
• Ministry Placement – Efforts are being made to create a ministry placement program within the Pentecostal Church of God for Messenger College students. This will take time; please be patient, but the concept is important.
• Spiritual Life – This semester opened with a four-day revival, and a Spring revival was held from March 3 to 6. Student-led prayer is occurring in the dorms, and this current leadership is focusing on Pentecostal experience and distinctive comprehension among the student body.
• Students in Ministry – The interim president is endeavoring to visit churches within driving distance with students, ministering in music, testimony, preaching and altar ministry, plus recruiting potential students.
• This current leadership is focused on developing academic curriculum relevant to the issues facing ministry today.
• Training Sites – The Messenger Board of Regents approved an off-campus training site in Kentucky, and the proper approval process for accreditation has begun. This is a major positive step forward for Messenger College, again proving that there is no consideration for closing Messenger College. (The accreditation association has approved this proposal as of March 5, 2009.)
• This current leadership has created and instituted a mentoring agenda to serve as a prototype/template that will allow each Messenger College student to have the benefits of spiritual mentors.
• The constituency of the Pentecostal Church of God must consider the Messenger College Support Plan. The General Bylaws call for district budgets based on $25 per church per year and local churches for a minimum of $10 per month. At the time of this writing, district support was at 66% and local church support was at 20%. Districts that are not current with their assessment forfeit their voice on the Board of Regents (General Bylaws page 53). The support plan for Messenger College would provide additional funding of over $100,000 annually if every church would contribute $10 a month (900 churches x $120 = $108,000).

The following table depicts the support for Messenger College since 2004:

Academic   Year	Church   Number	Church   Percentage	Church   Amount	District   Number	District   Percentage	District   Amount
2004-2005	238	22.33	$47,877.72	22	62.86	$27,801.01
2005-2006	275	25.8	$65,857.13	23	65.71	$42,780.17
2006-2007	327	30.68	$88,612.27	29	68.57	$59,573.23
2007-2008	338	31.62	$62,406.89	24	64.86	$29,668.46
2008-2009 (8 Mo)	214	20.08	$26,877.72	23	65.71	$20,975.64

The Spiritual Condition

In each district visited over the course of the past eighteen months, a request has been made of the district leadership to provide an opportunity to sit down and visit with you one on one in what we label “Eye 2 Eye.” These meetings have been productive, fun and enlightening as you are able to share your heart and connect with the General Office in these town hall environments. Thank you to each district bishop and each minister, pastor and friend who shared your time, heart and effort in these meetings! In one meeting the question was asked, “How would you evaluate the health of the Pentecostal Church of God?” At that moment emotions ran crossways – there was elation that someone understood that this is the most vitally important question we face – and concern about our maturity level to face the facts. In spite of any personal cost that may be extracted, the fact is clear: the Pentecostal Church of God will experience either a deep spiritual change or a painful demise as a Pentecostal voice in our world. Here is a simple Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats analysis from this position of our Church:

Strengths (Internal):

• Heritage – We have a great spiritual legacy. We have a great cloud of witnesses who served us as spiritual fathers and mothers and gave us a Spirit-filled heritage.
• Passion – From coast to coast the perception is that there is a spiritual hunger as a corporate body for a genuine move of the Holy Spirit.
• Next Generational – While financial support for Youth Ministries continues to be a major concern, the Pentecostal Church of God is passionate and effective in ministry to the next generation.
• Prayer – Everywhere this individual goes there is evidence of people who openly call on the name of the Lord. While some are lamenting empty altars in their church organizations, this is not the case in the Pentecostal Church of God. Our churches still give altar calls, still pray for the sick, still have prayer meetings, and still believe that the “effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).
• Worship – From small rural churches to our largest congregations, the Pentecostal Church of God knows how to worship! From the traditional hymns to the latest praise and worship, our styles may have different flavors but our zeal for the presence of the Lord is the same. Overall, our churches are not spiritually dead or on life support – we are a worshiping church!
• Preaching – The Pentecostal Church of God is endowed with great ministers. We will continue to elevate the standards of excellence in ministry with a focus on continuing educational requirements.
• Doctrine – The Pentecostal Church of God has a strong Biblical doctrine that serves as the bedrock for this great Church. We will always endeavor to remain doctrinally sound, spiritually pure and eternity-driven. We will not allow the doctrinal truths of the Pentecostal Church of God to be lost in the waters of apathy, waves of agreement and winds of apostasy.

Weaknesses (Internal):

• Fragmented – We are too isolated. We grew the most when we were a strong fellowship. We are now too independent of one another and do not draw strength from each other. In the words of Hezekiah Walker’s spiritual song, “I need you, you need me, we’re all a part of God’s Body.” If we do not repent and change of this isolationism mentality (I will go home and do my own thing; I do not need the district or the general offices), we will suffer immensely and perhaps irreparably.
• Political – Every organization has politics. When voting is done, it is political. However, while we have a political process, it must be and can be a sanctified process. Far too much emphasis is placed on title and position, and bitterness is the result. This root springs up and many are defiled by it (Hebrews 12:15). There is only one job opening in the Kingdom – servant. A title or position is not necessary to serve. Bylaws are necessary to an organization, but far too many times bylaws rule where Scripture should be the final authority. This causes spiritual death.
• Lack of Educational Emphasis – As a body we do not place enough emphasis on higher education. In order to be effective our preachers and pastors must continually pursue educational improvement. Education does not replace anointing, however, anointing and education form a powerful combination.
• Fictional Opinions – The Pentecostal Church of God constituency is plagued with stereotypical thinking. Recently a minister was heard to say, “The progressive church on the West Coast or the conservative church in the South.” This statement exemplifies much of our thinking and divides us as a Body. The Pentecostal Church of God has diversity, but it is not always West Coast or South or North or East. This opinionated, incorrect thinking hinders our progression. Too many people have the anointing to share their opinion before they know the facts. We desperately need repentance and transformation in this area of maturity. No apologies are offered; this is the truth. (Some will incorrectly misinterpret these words as an effort to keep any dissenting opinions from being offered or desiring that everyone agree with this person’s personal views. This is not the case. But there is a vast difference between an opinion and an educated opinion. Please know the facts and the truth before forming opinions and sharing those opinions with others.
• Discipleship – A deep personal concern is the depth of spiritual growth within the Pentecostal Church of God. As Pentecostals we excel in the aspects of prayer and worship and minor in the pursuit of deeper things. We must have an effective model of discipleship for the Pentecostal Church of God.
• The Rumor Mill – Please stop spreading rumors. There are people who call departments in the General Headquarters to try and find out what is going on in other offices or departments – yes we know; we talk to each other. This is extremely unhealthy and sad. If you want to know something, please call the proper department, office or person. And in the name of Jesus, stop spreading rumors on the phone, on Face Book, on MySpace or wherever you are. You are hurting not helping. This is a spiritual issue. Proverbs 6:16 – 19 and Matthew 12:36.
• Stewardship Accountability – A major concern to this office is the lack of proper accounting performed throughout the various levels (district and local) of our Church. This office is providing educational and informational tools to the district level (as was done by previous officers) with the hope that this effort is taken seriously and followed through. If it is not, many dangers lie at the door that will be threatening to the entire well-being of the Pentecostal Church of God. Every district and every local church must come into compliance with governmental standards for 501 C (3) corporations – no exemptions.
• Youth Ministries Support Plan – The Pentecostal Church of God has not developed a strong financial plan of support for Youth Ministries. In order to have a viable Pentecostal Church for the next generation, this concern must be addressed and appropriate action followed. The Youth Ministries budget plan remains tied to an antiquated system. Serious consideration must be given to an improved methodology in order to assure future generations that carry the Pentecostal mantle.

Opportunities (External):

• Evangelism – Our greatest opportunity lies in the potential to reach the lost with the Gospel. At home or abroad the Pentecostal Church of God must become more focused on personal evangelism. Whatever programs that are not bringing people to Christ should be evaluated and possibly removed for a focal effort on the Great Commission. Nothing is closer to the heart of God than effectively reaching the lost with the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8).
• Pentecostal Voice – The Pentecostal Church of God has a tremendous opportunity to change the eternal destiny of millions of people by remaining true to our core values as a Pentecostal Church. Style and flavor may differ but each of our churches has the prospect to impact its community with the powerful message of a risen Savior, a Paraclete in the Person of the Holy Spirit, and a promise of the return of Jesus Christ. The fads and trends of the Church World built on shallow, cotton candy, feel good, seeker sensitive philosophies will fade and the churches that hold fast to the truth, preach the truth, model the truth, genuinely love the truth and aggressively love people will have greater opportunity to connect the lost to Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Next Generation – Our greatest opportunity will be found in the Next Generation. The youth culture is ripe for an evangelism explosion. An Ethnographic Media survey reports that 68% of 18 to 24 year olds have no doubt about the presence of a living God, yet only one-third visits a church every month. This is a harvest field!
• Children’s Ministries – A recent report in USA Today shows that 15% of Americans have no religious identity. Of this group, 40% said they had no childhood religious experience. Children’s ministry is the greatest harvest field in America.
• Multi-cultural – The Pentecostal Church of God has a tremendous opportunity in the harvest fields of multiple cultures. The world is now at America’s doorstep and the Pentecostal Church of God must be ready to reach the unsaved in these people groups.
• Senior Adult Ministry – The Pentecostal Church of God is uniquely positioned to minister to this growing demographic. A “Senior Surge” is happening in America, and it is forecast that by 2025 there will be twice as many people 65 or older than those under the age of 18. The Pentecostal Church of God must have a strategic ministry in place for senior adults.

Threats (External):
Studies on religious life in America show that more Americans say they have no religion (Source: Associated Press, March 9, 2009). The research states, “In 2008 Christians comprised 76 percent of U.S. adults, compared to about 77 percent in 2001 and about 86 percent in 1990” (Ibid). While these trends are threats from the external environment, they must be and should be also considered opportunities for evangelism and local church growth. Other findings that are significant include:

• Traditional organized religion plays less of a role in many lives. Thirty percent of married couples did not have a religious wedding ceremony and 27% of respondents said they did not want a religious funeral.
• About 12% of Americans believe in a higher power but not the personal God at the core of monotheistic faiths. And, since 1990, a slightly greater share of respondents - 1.2% - said they were part of new religious movements, including Scientology, Wicca and Santeria.
• The study also found signs of a growing influence of churches that either don't belong to a denomination or play down their membership in a religious group.
• Respondents who called themselves "non-denominational Christian" grew from 0.1% in 1990 to 3.5% last year. Researchers found a small increase in those who prefer being called evangelical or born-again, rather than claim membership in a denomination.
• Evangelical or born-again Americans make up 34% of all American adults and 45% of all Christians and Catholics, the study found. Researchers found that 18% of Catholics consider themselves born-again or evangelical, and nearly 39% of mainline Protestants prefer those labels.
• The percentage of Pentecostals remained mostly steady since 1990 at 3.5%, a surprising finding considering the dramatic spread of the tradition worldwide (the study’s word, not this author’s).
• The percentage of people who call themselves “Christian” has dropped more than 11% in a generation (Source: USA Today, American Religious Identification Survey)
• Those claiming no religion at all now outrank every other major religious group in America (Source: ARIS).
• Alignment with organized churches or denominations is shrinking.

The Call:

At the recent Bishop’s Conference a call to action was made and responded to by those present. A special thanks to each district for sending your district leader to this vital event. This annual convocation is extremely imperative for the future spiritual health of the Pentecostal Church of God. The following covenant statement was created at the 2009 Bishop’s Conference as a scope statement for organizational health for Pentecostal Church of God ministers and churches:

In order to strengthen relational vitality in the Pentecostal Church of God by establishing and affirming covenants of accountability, resourcing and networking connections devoted to ministerial and congregational health, the following covenant is presented:

Code of Conduct

• We will value relationships and “talk to you and not about you.”
• We will maintain trust and confidentiality with transparency and honesty.
• We will provide a spiritual mentoring network for spiritual growth.

Code of Contribution

• We will provide opportunity to extend ministry.
• We will provide resources and materials.
• We will provide evaluation and assessment tools.

Code of Communication

• We will provide constant contact.
• We will utilize relevant means of communication.
• We will cross generational barriers by team-building efforts.

Code of Conflict Resolution

• We will seek deeper understanding through Godly mediation.
• We will seek spiritual reconciliation by building bridges.
• We will seek transformational progression through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Code of Commission Partnership

• We will provide stewardship investment for Kingdom extension.
• We will provide training and equipping for Kingdom expansion.
• We will provide a prayer covering for Kingdom expression.

From this office a call is being made to the entire Pentecostal Church of God:

• Repent – Let us cry out to God for truth over popularity, substance over style, and Biblical experience over fads and trends.
• Proclaim – Preach the atonement of Jesus Christ through His blood shed at the Cross.
• Live – Live a life of humility, prayer, integrity and honor.
• Focus – The focal point must be mentoring and training next generational leaders.
• Enlarge – Let us grow our faith and believe God for a greater outpouring of His presence, power and provision than has ever been witnessed in our 90-year history.

The Conclusion of the Matter

Thank you for your time to consider this manuscript; much time, prayer and effort has gone into this work by many people. Thanks to those who edited this for grammatical excellence. Thanks to those who pored over the many numbers and statistical facts contained herein. Thanks to those who corrected the author when frustration was far too apparent. Thanks to those who pray for this great Church and love it and the Kingdom of God so much that you devote your life for its health and progression in continuing excellence. Thanks to those who sacrifice continually for the furtherance of the Gospel.

In order to be transparent, it is with a sincere heart that your prayerful support is requested. Over the course of the past few months, several health concerns have arisen for our family. However, we are confident that Jesus Christ is our Healer and He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Please pray for those who serve you that our Father will provide favor, grace, wisdom, strength and anointing to perform those duties that will enhance this wonderful Church and promote the Kingdom of God.

This servant does not pretend to have all the answers. This servant does not pretend to act without flaw. This servant does not cease to seek wisdom from above, counsel from the wise and knowledge from the experienced. This servant does not stop giving you, the Pentecostal Church of God, his entire effort, body, soul and spirit. This servant does not and will not ever stop loving you and serving you, the PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF GOD.

Serving You for Him,

Charles G. Scott
General Bishop