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Team Talk - Pastor Appreciation Month (Part 1 of 2)
Regional Overseer
Bishop Harper
Every October we celebrate the parsonage family and give God thanks for His gift of pastoral leadership to the Church. The Apostle Paul pointed 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 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). In my travels across this great Region of ours, I tell congregations that if they have a pastor who loves the Lord and loves them (the congregation), they have a gift from God!
October, National Clergy Appreciation Month, is our opportunity to show appreciation for the gift given to us by the Lord. 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 conducted, prayers prayed, sermons preached, and lessons taught.
I want to encourage Pastor boosters, Deacons, and Staff Leaders to take the opportunity to organize a Pastor Appreciation Task Force that can brainstorm and implement ideas for appreciating the Pastor and family during the entire month of October. I have listed a few ways to show appreciation; however, these should just be ideas to help get the creative juices flowing - don’t be limited by them!
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 honor of the Pastoral family
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 Pastor’s children who are still living at home
Shower Pastor’s companion with nice gifts – give her/him a shopping spree
As we have done previously, we will highlight some of the unique ways that our churches have loved on their Pastor. Take pictures, write a summary and send in your news so that we can celebrate with you the gift of our Pastors.
TEAMtalk - Leaders Are Readers (part one)
Regional Overseer
Bishop Tim Harper
One of the most intriguing passages in the New Testament for me is found in what is commonly referred to as the Pastoral Epistles. As the Apostle Paul closes out his final remarks to his young mentoree, Timothy, Paul writes of his ministry and his resolve that he will soon see the Lord. He writes, “My life is being given as an offering to God, and the time has come for me to leave this life. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now, a crown is being held for me—a crown for being right with God. The Lord, the judge who judges rightly, will give the crown to me on that day—not only to me but to all those who have waited with love for him to come again” (2 Timothy 4:6-8, NCV).
The Apostle then gives these instructions which are laden with a personal touch. The aged Apostle is under arrest and facing certain martyrdom for the cause of Christ, and he writes, “Do your best to come to me as soon as you can . . . When I was in Troas, I left my coat there with Carpus. So when you come, bring it to me, along with my books, particularly the ones written on parchment” (2 Tim. 4:9, 13, NCV).
In his closing words he expresses once again the expediency of Timothy’s arrival. Paul instructs Timothy, “Try as hard as you can to come to me before winter” (2 Tim. 4:21, NCV).
There is no question that the Apostle was a life-long student, right up until the very end of his life. With winter approaching, not only with the seasons of the calendar year, but in Paul’s life and ministry, the Apostle was requesting that Timothy bring his coat and his books. He needed his coat because of the changing climate. He needed his books because of his realization that he had not yet finished changing himself, but was needing to learn more about His Lord and be transformed into that same image (2 Cor. 3:18).
On occasions, I meet young ministers who in their passion think that they have learned it all. Then, I visit with veteran ministers who realize that there is so much that they do not know, but they are avid students of the Lord and His Word. Thank God for passion; however, there must also be preparation.
The Apostle seems to be saying, “Timothy, bring my coat for the winter and my books for study. If, however, you can’t bring both, make sure you bring the books.” Right up to the end of his life, Paul was a student of his Lord (2 Tim. 2:15).
Recently, my parents joined my family on our annual family camping retreat at Harvest Worship Center. It was a great time with 96 people attending. I have so many memories of this week; however, one of the most vivid was I caught my father, a retired pastor of 42 years, reading the Bible on multiple occasions. While there, Dad hosted a campfire Bible discussion one evening on the rapture and spoke of a book he was re-reading. My father understands well this apostolic principle that Paul shared. We are never too experienced in ministry, nor advanced in years to say that we have arrived. We must all be students. Effective leaders are readers.
I have much more I want to say on this subject, so there will be a “part two” that will follow. However, in the meantime I want to introduce you to a new section that will appear in our monthly publication. It is a suggested book that I have recently read, or am presently reading. Once again, leaders are readers!
Vibrant, Visionary, Victorious
Regional Overseer
Bishop Tim Harper
It was my and Karen’s pleasure to recently visit a couple of our growing and exciting congregations in Michigan. One is an established church, the other a mission.
On June 18, we visited the growing church in Flint, Michigan. When I first became Overseer, Flint was a small church, with mostly women and children attending. Over the past several years, under the leadership of Pastor Gail Allen, a concerted ministerial effort has been targeted towards attracting men to this church. What a thrill it was to watch as a worship team of three (3) men and three (3) women lead us to the throne of God. Just a few years ago, this church had no musicians. All of their worship was ministered a cappella. However, they now have three male musicians, a keyboardist, a guitarist, and a drummer. The worship was powerful and sincere. It was truly a great night of service to our Lord. Flint is on the move!
On Saturday, June 21, it was our privilege to attend the first year anniversary of our Spanish mission in Detroit, Centro de Transformacion. Pastor Imolyn Dobson is to be commended for her vision for a vibrant, visionary, and victorious Spanish congregation in Detroit. Mission Minister Luis and Maria Cintron have provided the leadership that has transformed Pastor Dobson’s vision into a reality. The mission has grown from seven (7) to approximately forty (40). Hopefully, we will be organizing this mission into a church in the near future. Minister and Sister Cintron prepared and directed an excellent anniversary program. The attendance was impressive and the moving of the Spirit was tremendous. Worshipers danced and shouted under the power of the Holy Spirit! The Cintrons are reaching out and ministering to many who have been forgotten. Indeed, this is a Center of Transformation!
Make no mistake Michiana, God desires to raise up vibrant, visionary, and victorious leaders and congregations in this region. May we all be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit as we continue to go forward... In the Power of the Spirit!
TEAMtalk Awake to the 95th International General Assembly
Regional Overseer
Bishop Tim Harper
In just a few weeks, our bi-annual General Assembly will convene in Nashville, Tennessee. Delegates from around the world will converge on the Sommet Center, August 12-17, 2008 for this special time of worship, workshops, fellowship, preaching, and to conduct church business.
Several exciting events are being planned during the Assembly. Our General Overseer, Bishop Randall Howard recently sent a letter to all of our pastors regarding our upcoming Assembly. In his letter, Bishop Howard pointed out that in this Assembly we will . . .
Awake — our theme — praying for an Awakening from God among us all Prayer
Awakening — with Kay Horner leading the Assembly in intensive prayer each morning
Awake to Vision — with the General Overseer — sharing the International Offices vision on Tuesday morning
Awake to Our Call — with the General Presbyter of Europe/CIS/Middle East, Bishop Clayton Endecott on Tuesday evening
Awake to the World Harvest — with the General Presbyter of Africa, Bishop Sherman Allen, on Thursday evening
Leadership Awakening — with our special guest, Dr. J. Doug Stringer, of Turning Point Ministries International, speaking to leaders on Thursday and Friday morning
Awake to the Spirit — with our special guest, Bishop Jerry Macklin, Second Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ and Pastor of Glad Tidings Church of God in Christ in Hayward, California on Friday evening
Awake to the Young Harvest — with Palma Hutchinson and Kathy Creasy, Youth and Children’s Ministries Directors on Saturday evening
Awakening Challenge — with the General Presbyter of the Caribbean, Bishop Brice Thompson on Sunday morning
The Assembly in 2010 will be a further drive for all of us in Michiana. The 2010 Assembly is scheduled for July 27 - August 1 at the Greensboro Coliseum and Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. I encourage you to be a part of this 2008 Awakening. Meet me in Nashville for a spiritual feast!
TEAMtalk Summer Ministries 2008
Regional Overseer
Bishop Tim Harper
The snow is melted, the birds are singing, flowers are blooming, the grass is growing, and leaves are budding on the trees. Indeed, Spring is here and Summer is on the way!
By the time you receive this issue of The Michiana News our annual Ladies’ Conference will be ended. This is a wonderful time of ministry for our ladies all across this great Region. Director, Tammy Lowe, and her capable staff are commended for a job well done.
The Ladies’ Conference, however, is our last regional event for the next few weeks. Our next major event, our annual youth camps, will convene August 2-6, at Quaker Haven Campground in Syracuse, Indiana. Having no large events scheduled for the summer does not mean that there is a lull in our ministry efforts. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. The reason we typically do not schedule major events during the summer, except for the bi-annual Regional Convention and Youth Camps, is to give our local churches time to make a concerted ministry thrust into their respective communities.
The primacy of the local church cannot be overstated. The Church of God of Prophecy moves upon the strength of our more than 10,000 local congregations in 130 nations around the world.
Summer is the opportune time for local churches to shine. Local churches throughout our region are planning week-long Vacation Bible Schools. Other ministry events include youth group camp-outs, street services, Sunday School picnics, special family events, Father’s Day golf outings, Revival services, intensive community visitation efforts, youth sponsored car washes, and the list goes on and on. Other admirable church activities include, painting the Sunday School classes, landscaping the church lawn, taking care of those needed repairs on the church parsonage.
I encourage our churches to be community minded. Let’s show our communities that the Church of God of Prophecy is alive and well this summer by getting involved. Above all, let us all continue to minister each week to those in need . . . In the Power of the Spirit.
TEAMtalk April 2008
Regional Overseer
Bishop Tim Harper
Pastor’s/Staff and Companion’s Conference
Our annual Pastor’s Conference was a huge success! Pastor’s, Staff, and their companions came from across Michiana for our Leading With Excellence conference. It was our pleasure to have Bishop Randall E. Howard and his wife, Bess with us. Also, guest speakers included Minister Tom & Nancy Burbrink, tax specialist, and our Conference Pastor, Bishop Arnold and Marjorie Harper. All of our guests were a tremendous blessing to our conference.
Area Conventions
It’s Spring and that means that it is time for our annual Area Conventions! This is an opportunity for our churches to gather in their presbytery areas for a great time of fellowship, worship, preaching, and instruction. Our Area Presbyters have been praying and organizing for a power-packed convention. The conventions and locations are listed below. I encourage all of Michiana to make plans to be in your respective convention. I look forward to seeing you there!
- Central & Southern Indiana
April 3-4
Presbyter Roger Popplewell
Hoyt Ave & New Salisbury
- Northern Indiana
April 3-4
Presbyter Melvin Lawson
Fort Wayne
- Western & Central Michigan
April 10-11
Presbyster David Bolton
Battle Creek & Safe Harbor
- Eastern Michigan
April 10-11
Presbyter James Holland
Harvest Worship Center
Deacon Ordination–Ministers of Mercy
Regional Overseer
Bishop Tim Harper
It was my and Karen’s happy privilege to be with the Kokomo, Indiana church recently as Pastor Pearson and I ordained two Deacons into the New Testament Diaconate. What a thrill it was to see the house almost completely full. Pastor and Sister Pearson are providing great leadership to the Kokomo church. This is evidenced by his training and equipping these two new Deacons, James R. Denney and Victor E. Nahodil as Deacons, Ministers of Mercy. It was also my privilege during the month of February to confirm Harold Hamilton, Jr., as a Trial-Deacon at Harvest Worship Center, in Taylor, Michigan. It seems that February was Deacon month!
To be sure, the prototype for Deacons is clearly found in Acts 6, where a dispute arose between the Hebraic and Hellenists Jews. The Hellenists charged that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. Realizing the significance of this problem to create a divisive conflict among the church and separate the members into warring factions, the Apostles wisely moved to have servants, waiters of tables, implemented in order to see to all the practical needs of the Jerusalem congregation. A potential fracture in the church was averted, the pastoral
and practical needs of the congregation were met, and the ministry of Deacons, (servants–ministers of mercy as called by Alexander Strauch in his book, The New Testament Deacon) was begun.
The Apostles did not feel that waiting on tables was beneath them. Not at all! However, to leave what was important to give time to the urgent would have resulted in getting them and the church off their central message. That is–Jesus saves! The Apostles declared, we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word (Acts 4:4, KJV).
The Deacons were to care for the widows, the practical needs of the church, and allow the Apostles to lead, preach and provide vision for the future of the church. A great Old Testament picture of this teamwork is apparent when Moses, the leader, was assisted by Aaron and Hur (Exodus 17). As Moses raised his hands toward heaven, Joshua and the Israelites prevailed over the Amalekites. Aaron and Hur lifted up the hands of Moses and provided support for his leadership. This is the function of Deacons. To minister mercy to the church members and support to their leader/pastor.
This attitude of teamwork between Pastors and Deacons is clearly evident when the Apostle Paul so closely associates the two in his opening remarks to the Philippian church. He writes, Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons (Phil. 1:1, NKJV).
I want to encourage all of our local Deacons to be just that–a Minister of Mercy. The Apostle Paul says it this way, “For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 3:13, KJV).
2007 Michiana Christmas Banquet
Regional Overseer
Bishop Tim Harper
On Saturday, December 1, 2007, Pastors and Companions, along with the Regional Staff gathered in Middlebury, Indiana for our annual Christmas Banquet. It was a great time of fellowship and Christmas celebration as we shared in singing, fun, food, and worship. Several of our new pastors were present which made for a good time of introductions to the Region. Karen and I always look forward to this special time of Christmas festivity with our Pastors and Staff.
Additionally, it was mine and Karen’s privilege to host our Southern Indiana Pastors Luncheon on Monday, December 17 in Clarksville, Indiana. Most of our pastors and companions in Southeast Indiana were able to attend this time of fellowship. Below are pictures from both events.
Our prayer for you and for Michiana, is that we will continue to move forward into the harvest, rescuing people who are hurting and lost. May each one of us minister in 2008 in the anointing and In the Power of the Spirit!!!
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