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TEAMtalk Articles

2007

2006

2005

• December 2005
• November 2005
• October 2005
• September 2005
• August 2005
• July 2005
• June 2005
• May 2005
• April 2005
• March 2005
• February 2005
• January 2005

TEAMtalk - December 2005

Bishop Tim Harper
Regional Overseer

Michiana Pastors & Companions & Staff Christmas Banquet

Pastors and Staff, along with their companions recently gathered from across our Region in Middlebury, Indiana for our annual Christmas Banquet.  The day was marked by a rich time of worship as the Holy Spirit enveloped both the banquet hall and our spirits.  Banquet speaker, Pastor Sam Smith from New Albany, Indiana encouraged our hearts as he shared from his heart. 

The fellowship with one another was one of the highlights of the day.  It was great to watch the leadership of this Region laugh and cry together.  It was evident that we are indeed one in Christ! 

Karen and I thank you for your expressions of love to us and our children, not only at this holy season, but all through the year.  May the blessings of Christ rest upon your CHRISTmas and may we all together fan the flame for a greater 2006!

TEAMtalk - November 2005

Regional Overseer
Bishop Tim Harper

In the Harvest

Reports of growth and excitement continue to come into the Regional Office as Michiana continues to Fan the Flame of revival fires!  Victory Lighthouse in New Albany, IN, along with Harvest Worship Center in Taylor, MI have reported several new converts during the month of October.  Pastors are communicating that they have new people that will be taking membership with the church very soon.   As well, I am very excited that last month we were able to set in order a new Spanish mission in Indianapolis under the leadership of Pastor Armando Lopez.  Additionally, it looks like that in the near future we will begin a new mission in South Bend, Indiana.  We are well on our way to 2500 members by our Regional Convention in 2007!

The blessings of the Lord were certainly evident in our recent Leadership Summits/Minister’s Conventions.   It was wonderful to worship with our great people from around the Region.  Our Presbyters, David Bolton, James Holland, and Glendale Queener are to be commended for their leadership and preparation for the summits.

• Shirley Brittain - Adrian, MI

• David Morris - Gas City, IN

• Michael Orr - Harvest Worship Center, Taylor, MI

• Eric Waugh - Goshen, IN

• Jimmy Willford - Flint, MI

• Nanette Weesner -Portland, IN

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TEAMtalk - October 2005

Regional Overseer
Bishop Tim Harper

God’s Gift to the Church: The Pastor

The month of October has been designated as Clergy Appreciation Month. This is a great opportunity for the local church to express to Pastor their genuine gratitude for his/her leadership. This is a time to express a heartfelt thank you for those late night hospital visits, counseling sessions, baby dedications, funerals, prayers, sermons preached, and lessons taught.

Indeed, Scripture teaches us that Pastors are God’s gift of leadership to the Body of Christ. The Apostle Paul points out that when He [Jesus] ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men . . .and He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Eph. 4:8, 11-13, NKJV).

I want to encourage all of our local churches to make a special effort this month to love on your pastor and express your appreciation. Here are just some practical ways of expressing your appreciation this month to your pastor:

• Gift cards to Pastor’s favorite restaurants
• Have Pastor’s car washed and waxed on the outside and detailed on the inside
• Host an appreciation dinner at church in Pastor’s honor
• Give Pastor a weekend off with the blessings of the church. Send Pastor and family for an expense paid weekend getaway to enjoy some important family time.
• Honor your Pastor’s children still living at home
• Shower Pastor’s companion with nice gifts
• Have some of the ladies in the church take turns in baking desserts for Pastor and family, bringing them one or two desserts each week for the month of October.

Please don’t limit yourself to the above suggestions. Let the sky be the limit. I believe when we honor the man or woman of God, we bring glory to the Lord! We love and appreciate you Michiana. I’m looking forward to seeing you at our upcoming Leadership Summits!

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TEAMtalk - September, 2005

Regional Overseer
Bishop Tim Harper

Marching Toward 2500 Members

One of the vision goals that I introduced during our recent Regional Convention is that we will have 2,500 members in Michiana by Regional Convention 2007! I reported at the Regional Convention that we showed a total of 1,938 members. I challenged all of us to believe that 2,500 members was attainable. Several stood in a spirit of teamwork to say we will work and pray together in order to achieve this goal. I appreciate your taking this challenge so seriously. In the past few weeks we have made some significant advances in our march to 2500!

• Spencer, IN has received 8 members
• Salem, IN has received 10 members
• Safe Harbor ( Sodus, MI) received 14 members
• Royal Oak, MI received 2 members
• Battle Creek, MI baptized 12 in water
• Noblesville, IN has had 10 new converts

Since the convention, we have made contact with a new Spanish Mission in Detroit, MI. It was my privilege to worship with them just days ago. What a great time of worship and fellowship we shared. There are approximately 20 people who worship at the Detroit Spanish Mission. It looks very promising for a new church in Detroit!

Also, Pastor Charles Pentecost has contact with a group of Arabic Christians who are very interested in the Church of God of Prophecy. Additionally, Pastor Asvaldo Arredondo has contacts to potentially open a new mission in South Bend, Indiana. Indeed, God is moving throughout Michiana! Revival fires are burning. We must continue to Fan the Flame!

Recently, my family and I visited several churches in Indiana. There is a lot of excitement throughout our region as Pastors share of new members that will potentially be joining the church in the next few weeks. We must believe God for new growth. He will bring the people. Are we ready to receive them into our fellowship? I believe we are. Michiana, let’s continue to march towards 2500!

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TEAMtalk - August, 2005

Regional Overseer
Bishop Tim Harper

Convention Highlights

Around 800 people gathered at the Grand Wayne Convention & Hilton Hotel Center to Fan the Flame at our first ever Regional Convention. There can be no question that the flames of Pentecost were fanned during this convention! It was not uncommon to witness both the very young and our senior saints dancing in the presence of the Lord at the same time. Wave after wave of the presence of the Holy Spirit engulfed the convention center and our hearts! It seemed as if God was placing both His approval and anointing upon our working together as one Region.

It was evident that our worship teams, speakers, workshop leaders, drama and dance teams, choirs, and vocalists had taken seriously their time on program. Those who spoke or led in worship were anointed by the Holy Spirit. Our Campmeeting speaker, Bishop Sam Clements, General Presbyter of North America, preached timely sermons each evening under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Additionally, our guest minister, Dr. Ron Martin, Administrative Bishop of the Church of God in Indiana, encouraged and fed our souls with his sermon on the faithfulness of God during the storms of our lives.

Eternity has recorded our time together in Fort Wayne as we left on fire for God. We are now marching toward our goal of 2,500 members by the 2007 Regional Convention. The Safe Harbor church in Sodus, MI is leading the way. Pastor Don Parton, after returning home from the convention, received 14 new members on July31! May we all fan the flame that God is igniting across Michiana.

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TEAMtalk - July 2005

Regional Overseer
Bishop Tim Harper

Equipping Workshops

Several new ministries will be offered this year at our Regional Convention. I encourage you to look through this issue of The Michiana News to familiarize yourself with the ministry opportunities that will be available. Our Children’s Convention, under the direction of Nan Weesner promises to be a great time. Of special interest will be the visit to the Botanical Gardens which is adjacent to the Hilton Hotel. Also, our Youth Lock-In at the YMCA co-directed by Tammy Lowe and Dawnette Dobson will be a great time of fellowship, fun, and faith for our teens.

As well, I believe that our Equipping Workshops will be a highlight of this year’s convention. One of the biblical roles of leadership is to equip members to do the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:11 -14). We want to partner with the local pastor by providing equipping opportunities for your membership and local church staff. Several great workshops will be offered on Friday afternoon of the convention. I encourage you to load up your staff, local leadership, and all the interested members you can find and allow our Workshop Leadership Team to spend an afternoon with your local leadership equipping them for excellence.

The following is a short synopsis of the equipping opportunities that will be available:

• Pastor Chris Weathers will be teaching a two session workshop on The Anointing of God’s Armor Bearer. This is a workshop for people like Aaron and Hur in the Old Testament who will come alongside of their pastor and be his/her Armor Bearer.

• Joy Nicholson will be teaching a workshop entitled Teaching the Teacher. Sis. Nicholson will be equipping teachers in sharing the Good News effectively.

• Tom Burbrink, a Tax Professional, former Business Manager for Kentucky Christian University , and a minister himself, will teach a powerful and enlightening Tax Seminar for all pastors and local treasurers. Tom’s ability to answer your questions regarding payroll, IRS regulations, W-2s and other pertinent tax issues will be informative.

• Connie Cavender and Russ Cavender will be teaching a workshop entitled Media Ministries. This will be an exciting workshop on how to incorporate power point, videos and other media ministry into your local church.

• Pastor Jack Anderson, Jr., who will also be a part-time instructor at Anderson University this Fall, will be teaching a workshop on Developing Effective Study Skills for the Study of the Bible. Pastor Anderson will impart helpful hints on both study skills and study tools.

• Keith Bannister, a consultant for ChurchSoft, will be teaching a workshop on Using Technology for Better Church Management. Keith will be introducing software that will assist a pastor and local leaders to track visitation, addresses, financial giving, etc.

• Pastors Don & Debbie Parton will be equipping local worship teams (vocalists and musicians) on the importance of Planning for Excellence in Worship . This workshop is a two session workshop and is a must for local worship teams.

• Karen Harper will be teaching a workshop on the Ministry of Hospitality. This workshop will address how to organize a welcome team for your local church with greeters, hosts, and hostesses. Sister Harper will offer helpful insights not only on greeting your guests, but also on assimilating them into your local congregation.

I encourage you to be a part of this equipping afternoon, where together we will Fan the Flame!

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TEAMtalk - June 2005

Regional Overseer
Bishop Tim Harper

FAN THE FLAME

In just a few short days now, July 21-24, the first ever Michiana Regional Convention will convene at the Grand Wayne Convention Center & Hilton Hotel in Fort Wayne , Indiana ! Historically, the conventions have occurred in each state; however, a great deal of excitement and anticipation are being generated throughout the region due to this first Regional Convention. As we travel the region we are hearing that our people are so happy to see the state lines being removed. We are also hearing that people are coming from Southern Indiana to Northern Michigan (and every place in between) for this great time of celebration!

Our theme for the convention is Fan the Flame. The Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy , I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, (2 Timothy 1:6, NIV). I believe that God wants to ignite this church in Pentecostal fire that will spread throughout every hamlet, village, countryside, and city in Michiana! I believe that God desires for the fire of the Holy Spirit to energize every local church. I believe, as the writer of Hebrews indicated, that God longs to make everyone of His ministers a flame of fire (Hebrews 1:7, KJV).

You will not want to miss this grand time of fellowship, worship, equipping, educating, and ministry of the Word. I invite you to consult the back of this issue of The Michiana News to preview some of the convention highlights.

Our Camp Meeting speaker will be Bishop Sam Clements, General Presbyter of North America . The guest speaker will be Dr. Ron Martin, Administrative Bishop of the Indiana Church of God. There will also be several opportunities for equipping leaders during the Friday afternoon workshop times. As well, there will be special activities for children and youth.

The Hilton Hotel has informed us that many of the rooms blocked for the convention have already been reserved. All remaining rooms that have been blocked for convention delegates will be released to the general public on June 21. Should you be able to secure a room after that date, we are told it will be at the prevailing rates of $119-159.00, instead of the current convention special rate of $89.00. There are other hotels and motels in the greater Fort Wayne area, should you decide to stay elsewhere.

Our convention prayer day is July 10. I am asking each pastor to organize a special prayer effort on Sunday, July 10, for our convention. Karen and I are looking forward to seeing you at the convention, fanning the flame!

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TEAMtalk - May 2005

Regional Overseer
Bishop Tim Harper

In the Zone

How are you embracing your potential as a believer in Jesus Christ? What are you doing to build the Kingdom of God and pull down the strongholds of Satan in the Kingdom of Darkness ? Are you farther along in your discipleship development than you were in the Spring of 2004? These are questions that all of us need to ask ourselves occasionally as we do a spiritual inventory of our lives. The Apostle Paul instructed believers to, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” (2 Corinthians 13:5, NASB

You are full of potential for the Kingdom of God . The Apostle Peter encourages us to all be active ministers within the Body of Christ. We are to be team players. Peter admonishes, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10, KJV) Occasionally, I should ask myself “Am I offering my gifts in service to God in the ministry of my local church?”

Additionally, local churches should ask themselves the question, “Are we being a vibrant local body of believers making a positive impact upon our community?” Our churches -- our people are full of potential, possibilities, and promise! Take a moment and examine yourself and your church to see which zone is the best description of your present involvement in ministry.

The coasting zone:
People in the coasting zone enjoy reminiscing on their achievements of the past. They fondly recall the good old days, but do very little in the present. In fact, when it comes to ministry and sharing the work load, they tend to keep a low-profile. Those coasting, just like to go along for the ride, but don’t want to exert any effort or hear about their potential in helping to pedal the hill just up ahead. The language of the coasting zone is “I don’t think we should.”

The comfort zone:
The person/church in his comfort zone may indeed be busy and work hard, but they never grow beyond where they are. Change is resisted. Comfort zoners want to stick with what they know because they feel it is safe. They lack flexibility. Consequently, those who refuse to stretch themselves beyond themselves, out of their comfort zone, never seem to realize their potential. The language of the comfort zone is, “Let’s stay right here cause this feels so good.”

The challenge zone:
The individual/church in the challenge zone is always striving to achieve and reach her potential. The challenge zoner is grateful for yesterday’s accomplishments, but refuses to live in the shadow of yesterday’s victories. She is constantly learning and developing in order to climb the next mountain, realizing something fresh and achieve new growth. The language of the challenge zone is, “We can do it!”

The construction zone:
Churches and people in the construction zone are attuned to the needs of the present, but building for the possibilities of the future! There will always be those who want to throw a “monkey wrench” into the process and sidetrack those who are on a mission for God. Nehemiah, while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, refused to come down off the wall and discuss their options with detractors who wanted to circumvent and stall the progress. The opposition’s request was not for genuine discussion to occur. They simply wanted to stall the work of God and get Nehemiah running down old rabbit trails. The language of the construction zone is Nehemiah’s answer to his detractors, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:3, NIV)

Why not take a moment and examine your motivation? In which zone do you find yourself and your church?

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TEAMtalk - April 2005

Regional Overseer
Bishop Tim Harper

Convention Zeal!

Our recent Area Conventions (March 9-11) were packed with the power of the Holy Spirit! The Area Presbyters, Glen Dale Queener of Indiana, and James Holland of Michigan, are to be commended for their planning and moderating these conventions. Worshipers came from all across the Region to six different locations for a wonderful time of fellowship and faith. Karen and I were privileged to attend the conventions in Portage and Indianapolis, Indiana; and in Taylor, Michigan. We felt the welcome of the people and the assurance of the Holy Spirit in each of these meetings.

Our Regional Staff are also to be commended for their participation. Many of them were on program to boost their ministry area or to preach. They did a wonderful job in sharing their heart with the Michiana Region. Several encouraging comments have come into the Regional Office about the Area Conventions. Our people seemed to enjoy this time of fellowship and ministry focus.

Also, momentum is building about our Regional Convention, July 21-24, 2005 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center and Hilton Hotel in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Several have already called and made reservations for the rooms that have been blocked at the Hilton. If you have not already called, you will want to do so soon! The number for reservations is 260-420-1100. The reservation code is “ CHU”. You may also want to ask for “Angie.”

Our campmeeting speaker for the convention will be Bishop Sam Clements, General Presbyter of North America. Also, our special guest speaker will be Bishop Ron Martin, Indiana Administrative Bishop for the Church of God. Other exciting events will be occurring as well, such as a Kid’s Konvention, Youth Explosion at the YMCA, and Equipping Workshops. Our theme for the convention is Fan The Flame!

I invite you to come and be a part of this historic and empowering convention. Together, let’s Fan The Flame of the Spirit of God to be all that He has called this church to be! Looking forward to seeing you in Fort Wayne

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TEAMtalk - March 2005

Regional Overseer
Bishop Tim Harper

Healthy Church Conference

It has been said that every week seven (7) Christian churches in North America close, never to open their doors again. At some point, these churches became dysfunctional and diseased. What causes a church to become diseased, declining, and dying? What causes a church to be healthy, growing, and vibrant?

Our recent Indianapolis Area Healthy Church Conference attempted to answer some of those questions. The conference could not address all aspects of a healthy church. We did, however, discover that:

• Healthy Churches Believe and Practice the Bible as the Word of God
• Healthy Churches Engage the Empowering Presence of God
• Healthy Churches are Stewardship Churches
• Healthy Churches Partner With God and Make Adjustments

Eleven (11) of the Indianapolis area churches participated. The conference began on Monday, February 21 and concluded on Thursday, February 24, 2005 . Host churches and pastors include Anderson, Pastor Duane Kurz; Christ Tabernacle, Sheridan, Pastor Rich Barker; Jamestown , Pastor Roger Popplewell; and Connersville , Pastor Willie Floyd. Each of our host pastors are to be commended for their gracious spirit and genuine hospitality.

Karen and I enjoyed visiting with our wonderful people throughout the Indianapolis area. Most of all, we enjoyed the ministry of the Holy Spirit as He visited with us each evening. The final night at Connersville was power-packed as a spirit of dancing swept over the congregation. Indeed, we danced like David danced!

The conference was a great time of fellowship and worship. On Thursday of the conference, we enjoyed a Pastor’s and Companion’s luncheon at an area restaurant. What a blessing it was to see our pastors and their spouses enjoy visiting with one another as we shared in table fellowship

BECOME A VIBRANT CHURCH

Excerpt from Turning to the Harvest with Vibrant Local Churches
Become a Vibrant Local Church Through Praying and Listening

God has a ministry for each local church. Revelation 2:7 speaks of the local churches: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Your local church must be attentive to the Spirit’s direction. An essential step in becomig a VIBRANT LOCAL CHURCH is to become a praying, listening people to hear what the Lord is saying to you.

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TEAMtalk - February 2005

Regional Overseer
Bishop Tim Harper

Leading with Excellence

Our recent Emerging Leaders Conference ( Feb. 6-7, 2005 ) and Pastor's/Staff & Companion's Conference (Feb. 7-9) at the Farmstead Inn in Shiphsewana, Indiana was a great success. Our theme was Leading With Excellence . Over 100 leaders converged on this sleepy hamlet in the middle of Amish country for this time of fellowship, instruction, and renewal; and how the Holy Spirit did renew us!

We were blessed to have our General Overseer, Bishop Fred S. Fisher, Sr., as well as John and Cathy Payne, from the Women's Ministries Department at International Offices. Bishop Fisher challenged our hearts to catch the vision and share it with those whom we are leading. Bro. Payne did an excellent job in sharing from his heart to our Pastor's husbands. This conference provided the first ever workshops for the unique calling upon husbands who serve alongside their Pastor, who is their wife. As well, Sis. Payne did an outstanding job in presenting the "Qualities of an Excellent Leader."

More information about other workshops that were taught will be forthcoming in the April issue. Most importantly, however, was the great spirit of teamwork, unity, and togetherness that was experienced by all present. On more than one occasion people remarked that the border lines between Indiana and Michigan had been dissolved. Even our General Overseer stated that he could see no difference between Michigan and Indiana . He stated, "You can't tell them apart." He went on to say that it is apparent that Michiana is on the move! We give God the glory.

It was great to witness the passion and excitement of thirty emerging leaders as they gathered to learn and be equipped to be leaders in the Church of God of Prophecy. It was so uplifting to see that God is calling young men and women who will take the mantle of leadership and run with it today.

I appreciate all of the hard work contributed by our staff who assisted in these conferences. It was a great show of teamwork!

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TEAMtalk - January 2005

Regional Overseer
Bishop Tim Harper

Leading with Excellence

In just a few weeks, February 7-9, 2005 , Pastors, Staff, and Companions will converge on the sleepy, little hamlet of Shipshewana , Indiana for our annual Pastor/Staff & Companion's Conference. Karen and I are excited and anticipating a wonderful time of fellowship, faith, and fun with team-players from all across the Michiana Region.

It seems to me that many who have attempted to exegete this passage in John 2:1-11, have missed the true theme of the passage. Jesus never meant for this passage to be used as a prooftext in an attempt of legitimizing social drinking. The focus of the miracle is about excellence, not fermentation. In fact, a credible and convincing position can be proffered against social drinking in a thorough search of Scripture, allowing the clearer passages to interpret the more obscure ones, which is a basic principle of hermeneutics.

John includes this miracle of Jesus as one of the seven (7) signs in his Gospel writing to point out that Jesus rose to the occasion to meet a need, even when His hour had not yet come (Jn. 2:4). John stipulates that Jesus met the need with excellence. The observation from the governor of the feast was Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now (Jn. 2:10 , NKJV). The miracle illustrates that Jesus does all things with excellence. When that which is inferior in quality has been totally consumed, our Lord created a beverage out of water that was more excellent than what they had.

The church should approach ministry with this same attitude of excellence. People are full of what the world has to offer. When they come to our churches, they come thirsty for Living Water. We should offer that Water to them with excellence! Our preaching, teaching, worshiping, and fellowship should all be done within the context of excellence. Some people have excused their being ill prepared because it is for the church and God will accept anything. However, a careful examination of Scripture reveals that God is a God of excellence and we should respond to Him in service with excellence!

I encourage you, Pastor and Companion, to be a part of this conference in February. I believe it will inspire all of us to do ministry with excellence. Our General Overseer, Fred S. Fisher, Sr., and his wife Betty, along with John Payne will be our guests from our International Offices in Cleveland , TN.

We have wonderful, excellent leaders and pastors in the Michiana Region. I believe that the week will be refreshing and inspirational for us as we strive to be even better leaders. I look forward to seeing you there as the team pursues excellence together.

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