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 |
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.
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
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