Council of Eighteen Gains Thirteen New Members

G E N E R A L
A S S E M B L Y
TODAY
7 6 T H C H U R C H O F G O D I N T E R N AT I O N A L G E N E R A L A S S E M B LY
G E N MUSIC
E R CITY
A LCENTERA• NASHVILLE,
S S E TN
M B L Y
JULY 19-22, 2016
THURSDAY | JULY 21, 2016
Council of Eighteen Gains Thirteen
New Members
By Cameron Fisher
THURSDAY, JULY 21 EVENTS
Prayer Ministries
7:00 am, MCC, 207 A-C
International General Council Session
8:30 am – 11:30 am; 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
MCC, Grand Ballroom
DOE/USA HEM Fellowship
7:00 am – 8:30 am, MCC, 103 B
Children’s Leader Training
9:00 – 12:00 noon, MCC, 209 A-C
Exhibit Hall Seminars
10:00 am, Encountering God in His Word
11:00 am, Vital Initiative
12:00 noon, Dr. French Arrington
2:00 pm – Kid’s Ministry
3:00 – 5:00 pm, Health Fair
Multi-Cultural Ministries
12:00 noon, Omni Legends Ballroom
People for Care and Learning/Buy A Tree
12:00 noon, MCC 102
Kid’s Day Camp
1:00 – 5:00 pm, MCC, Davidson Ballroom A/B
Children’s Church (doors open at 6:30)
7:00 pm, MCC, Davidson Ballroom A/B
En Español.............................. 22
Front Row: L-R Mitchell Corder, Samuel Santana, Gary Lewis, Tony Stewart, Sean O’Neal, Eliezer Bonilla,
Kevin McGlamery, Dennis McGuire. Back Row: L-R Keith Ivester, Travis Johnson, Gerald McGinnis, Kip Box,
Jimmy Smith, Ishmael Charles. Not Pictured: Michael Baker, Loran Livingston, Tim Oldfield , Nick Park
The General Council completed election
of the members of the Council of Eighteen on
Wednesday morning, July 20. Thirteen of the
18 are newly elected, with five returning for a
second two year-term.
Going first on the Council and returning
for a second term was Tony Stewart, pastor
of Citychurch in Tampa, Florida. He was fol-
lowed by Kip Box, pastor of Oak Park Church
in Mobile, Alabama, who also returned for a
second term.
Ishmael Charles, pastor of International
Worship Center in Tortola, British Virgin
Islands, rejoins the Council after a two-year
hiatus. His election helped to partially satisfy
the requirement of
—continued on page 3
Ministers Reject Council Bylaw Change
By B. Randall Parris
On Tuesday, following the Presiding
Bishop’s “State of the Church Address,” corporate prayer, and Communion, the General
Council participated in the ordinance of footwashing. Grown men demonstrated humility,
brotherhood, and servanthood, as a spirit of
worship, love, and tenderness prevailed. The
experience set a unique and beautiful tone for
the ensuing business of the church.
Tennessee Govenor Bill Haslam
greeted GA16 delegates at the opening worship
service last night in the Music City Center.
The election process of the Executive
Council paused on Wednesday morning and
listeners were inspired to reach the urban harvest. Dr. Tony Evans turned a “special order
of the day” into a power-packed 40 minutes of
preaching and anointed teaching. Evans talked
about the power of a unified church and said,
“Jesus did not come to take sides; He came to
take over!” In the middle —continued on page 9
Members participate in footwashing at the opening
of the Tuesday General Council session.
2
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
Council of Eighteen
Gains Thirteen
New Members
ber of the Council of Eighteen is Eliezer
Bonilla. Rev. Bonilla is pastor of the multicultural congregation, Abundant Life, in San
Antonio, Texas.
international representation, as well as the
requirement of at least nine pastors on the
Council.
Elected in the ninth position is pastor of
the Potter’s House Church in Columbus, Ohio,
Rev. Tim Oldfield. This will be his first twoyear term of service.
—continued from page 1
Mitchell Corder was elected for the first
time to a term on the Council. He is state overseer of Tennessee and former state overseer in
Virginia.
Gerald McGinnis, pastor of the Park West
Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a former
member of the Council and was the fifth representative elected to the leadership body.
Next to be elected was former General
Overseer of the Church of God, G. Dennis
McGuire. Currently, a revivalist-at-large,
McGuire returns for a second consecutive
two-year term on the Council after being
elected in 2014.
Like McGuire, overseer of Ireland and
a pastor in Drogheda, Ireland, Nick Park,
returns to the Council to complete a second
two-year term. Park fulfils the international
representation requirement of the Council.
Being elected for the first time as a mem-
Keith Ivester, state overseer of Florida,
is also a newcomer to the Council. He has
also served as state overseer in Hawaii and
Kentucky. Ivester’s election came as the final
item of business before adjournment of the
Tuesday evening session.
Following a Special Order of the Day delivered by Pastor Tony Evans, Council elections
resumed with the election of Gary Lewis, outgoing director of Youth and Discipleship. Lewis
has spent most of his ministry in youth work.
Loran Livingston was returned to the
Council of Eighteen. Long-time senior pastor
of the Central Church of God in Charlotte,
N.C., Livingston has served numerous terms
on the Council over the last 25 years.
Another newcomer and first-time elected
member of the Council is Sean O’Neal, state
overseer of Arizona and a former state director
of youth and discipleship.
Michael Baker, who has served as a state
overseer in both Virginia and North Georgia,
as well as a former director of Communications
for the Church of God, was elected by the
Council to serve for the next two years.
Returning to the Council to finish a second two-year term will be Jimmy Smith, state
overseer of Western North Carolina. Smith
previously served as director of the former
Evangelism and Home Missions Department.
Samuel Santana, administrative bishop
of the Southwestern Hispanic Region, was
elected in the 16th position on the Council.
Santana, along with Bonilla, will add a needed
Hispanic perspective to the Council.
Kevin McGlamery, pastor of Life Church in
Huntsville, Alabama, was elected for the first
time on the General Council. In addition to
pastoral leadership, he has previous experience
as a youth leader at the local church level.
Rounding out the Council of Eighteen for
2016­
—2018 will be Travis Johnson, pastor
of Life Point Church in Homestead, Florida.
Johnson was also recently appointed director
of People for Care and Learning, a role he will
assume later this year.
The new members elected this week will be
eligible for a second two-year term in 2018. u
General Assembly TODAY is produced in the interest of delegates
to the 76th Church of God International General Assembly.
It is published daily, Tuesday through Friday, July 18-22, 2016.
Produced under the auspices of the General Assembly Cabinet:
David Ray, chair, Ken Bell, Kevin Brooks, Ken Hill, Raymond Hodge,
Carlos Moran. Mark Williams, executive liaison
Editor
Cameron Fisher
GA Today/News Media Committee
Bill George, chair, Cameron Fisher, Tom George, Aaron Jones,
Deborah Ortiz, B. Randall Parris, H. Lynn Stone, David White.
Ken Hill, cabinet liaison.
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Comments or inquiries about General Assembly Today are welcomed and
can be emailed to the chairman, Bill George ([email protected]),
or the editor, Cameron Fisher, ([email protected]).
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
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THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
Ministers Reject
Council Bylaw . . .
—continued from page 1
of troubled times and cultural divisions, Evans
pointed toward the role of the church to influence culture, stating, “God will not skip the
church house to fix the White House!”
Wednesday afternoon included a second
“special order of the day” with Pastor Larry
Stockstill, of Bethany Church in Baton Rouge,
La. Stockstill believes that “you can grow up
in the church, but you can only be raised by a
father.” Stockstill suggests a fundamental model
that advocates “fellowship with all, partner with
some, build on sons.” The coaching seemed to
connect well and gently confront the ministers
as Stockstill closed with a prayer of blessings
over the General Council.
Attention of the General Council soon
turned to item VIII of the agenda. Currently,
General Assembly Minutes designate that, “The
International General Council is composed of
all ordained bishops of the Church of God, who
shall comprise its voting constituency.” (Page
59, S2 Bylaws of the Church of God, Article
VI, International General Council, Members.)
The new measure suggests amending this item
by adding the words “ordained ministers 25
years of age and older and” so as to read: “The
International General Council is composed of
all ordained ministers 25 years of age and older
and ordained bishops of the Church of God,
who shall comprise its voting constituency.”
The rationale behind this motion seeks to
affirm the value of a new generation of ministers and would also expand the International
General Council to include ordained women.
After the nomination process of key Church
of God elected offices, the measure above was
presented to the body for consideration. This
measure produced exceptional engagement,
debate, and interaction among those speaking
to the issue.
The members of the General Council
seemed to earnestly wrestle and grapple for
an accurate understanding and proper application of Scripture related to this measure.
After a robust debate and a balanced number
of presentations from members, the item was
ready for a decision by vote. The measure, as
presented, failed.
Item IX on the agenda offered the potential
of extending the term of state overseers from 12
to 16 years, effective in 2018. The other criteria
for service as a state overseer would remain
the same. The primary rationale behind this
measure is that longevity in leadership roles
provides several benefits. After some discussion and debate, this measure failed and will
not appear on the General Assembly agenda. u
Women’s Service Highlights GO Mandate
By Kristina Higgins
Propes Replaces
Maloney in Missions
By Tom George
In a surprise
move during the
Wednesday afternoon
General
Council session,
Mitchell Maloney,
nominated
in
Tuesday’s session
to serve as assistant director of
World Missions,
withdrew from consideration for the position.
Propes
Maloney cited pressing family concerns.
In his impassioned speech, he told of his twin
autistic sons and their need for 24-hour supervision, and explained the difficulty a missions
travel schedule would cause.
Thanking the Council for their vote of
confidence, Maloney asked for their understanding. The Council rose in a standing ovation and expression of support.
General Overseer Mark Williams then
called for a vote for a nominee for assistant
director. M. Thomas Propes, outgoing secretary general, was chosen by the Council as the
new nominee to be presented to the General
Assembly on Friday. u
Dr. José Ruiz performs
at the Women’s service.
of Tampa, FL, sang a beautiful rendition of the
song, “Clean.” Dr. José Ruiz blessed everyone
with his incredible flute solo.
Recognizing the importance of unity among
the nations, Gigi Velasco read the Scripture
in the Tagalog language. Additionally, Pastor
Arlene Hall led in powerful prayer and Rev. Dee
Bonilla made a strong appeal for the offering.
A praise team from Citychurch in Tampa Florida lead in worship.
Over 2,000 women gathered Tuesday night for
the General Assembly women’s worship service,
hosted by International Women’s Discipleship.
greater than what someone did to you,” she said.
Using Mary as her example, she exhorted that
favor is for service and not status.
Evangelist Christine Caine shared a powerful
message about overcoming rejection and finding
purpose in Jesus. “Make what Jesus did for you
The crowd was blessed by a multicultural, multigenerational women’s worship team who led
everyone into the presence of God. Kaci Stewart
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
The theme for the service was GO, in keeping
with the spirit of the General Assembly. Women
were encouraged to take what they received in
the service and, “Go change their worlds.”
Lorna V. Gosnell coordinated the event,
with support from the International Women’s
Committee, which includes Sandra Kay Williams,
Judy Griffis, Joyce Stephens, Dorothy Sibley, and
LaQuita Propes. u
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THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
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THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
Not Your Typical Children’s Church
By David White
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Bounce house ballrooms; flaming red
Mohawks; and thousands of toes bouncing for
praise with the praise music bumping.
Go Kids Church is unlike anything the
Church of God International General Assembly
has seen before. The Spirit-filled worship services are an Assembly staple, but this year’s children’s program has added a day camp for kids,
evening ministry for preschoolers, and daily
training labs for children’s ministry leaders.
It’s a Kids Church revival and children’s ministry leadership conference, all squeezed into one
enormous ball of fun.
“We thought, instead of doing business as
usual, why not give the kids ownership and make
this something they look forward to instead of it
being just another thing their parents drag them
to,” said Chris Quinn, the Go Kids Church coordinators, and Children’s Ministries Pastors from
Princeton Pike Church of God in Ohio.
“They’re loving it.”
Kids are loving the worship, as evidenced by a
sea of wristbands lifted toward the LED-splashed
ceiling when more than 350 children sang the
words “I surrender all to you” a capella during a
Tuesday night altar call.
“Worship was my favorite part,” one 10-yearold boy said after Tuesday night’s service. “I just
felt the Spirit of God moving.”
Jeff McCullough, the Mohawk behind the
Jump Street 3 ministry, is loving how quickly
the children nailed down the memory verse – 54
words of Scripture in three minutes, all set to
music and sign language.
“When you see these kids memorize God’s
Word and hide it in their hearts, they are dangerous,” said McCullough, who works alongside
his teenage daughter Melina on stage. “We take
God’s word and set it to music.”
Parents will love the day camp, offered from
1-5 p.m. daily for a nominal fee. This isn’t
a babysitting service; children are engaged in
God’s Word and worship – they even go in small
groups to the Prayer Room to participate with
the “grown-up” delegates in prayer and intercession. This option makes it easier for parents to
attend General Sessions, knowing their kids will
be cared for in a ministry environment where
children are learning how to serve Christ.
Children’s pastors and leaders will love the
daily “KidMin” training – 27 classes in three
days, running from 9 a.m. to noon. Topics range
from teaching children to pray and experiencing
a move of the Holy Ghost to reaching mediablitzed kids and engaging children on a shoestring budget.
Parents with small children will love the Go
Kids Jr. Church, which offers a nightly worship
option for ages 3-through-kindergarten for the
first time in General Assembly history (kids
must be potty-trained). The small children have
their own worship, lesson, and activity time in a
safe and age-specific environment.
Everyone will love the sight of hundreds of
children of all ages, worshiping God, learning
God’s Word, and having the time of their lives.
Whether they’re throwing their shoes to the side
to jump in the bounce house room with their
newly made friends, or jamming with the Bonilla
Bunch drama team from CityLife-Tampa, or
falling in love with the dancing blue monkey on
stage, or watching Pastor Chris wrap a student in
toilet paper for a mid-sermon object lesson …
everything points to a life-changing encounter
with Jesus Christ.
“Pray bold, pray out loud, none of this prayin-your-head stuff,” Pastor Chris encouraged
them during an altar call. “Put two hands up …
nothing’s holding us back from bursting out in
worship because we’re in full surrender.”
Hundreds of hands were raised. The ballroom was filled with the youngest of voices,
from squeaky southern drawls to rich Jamaican
accents. Welcome to the International General
Assembly of granddad’s grandkids. u
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
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www.faithnews.cc
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Tweet-Worthy
Posted on Twitter @COGHQ
ChristiantoSilitonga @chrissilitonga Miles away but
my spirit soars reading all these speeches/quotes from @
COGHQ GA right now #goCOG
Jordan Lewis @JordanTLewis Josh Wheeler, doing an
awesome job leading worship for #Wake at #ga2016
#goCOG
Carman Lastoria @CarmanLastoria Really enjoying
the dynamic duo of @PhilCook111 and @jasonbrowning23 on @COGHQ live stream at #GenCouncil Better
than Costas or Tirico!
Pastor Jay @pastorjayrhodes Tony Evans is tearing it
up at General Assembly. #goCOG
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Our virtual program is 12-18 months, completely
online. This program offers advanced biblical
and practical courses for those wishing
to enhance their ministry preparation
or grow in their personal and
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THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
Growing
Generosity
[ACTS 20:35]
Dr. Clayton Watson
President/CEO
CHURCH of GOD
FOUNDATION
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
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WELCOME
M. Thomas and LaQuita Propes
International Executive Committee
Divisional Director
DISCIPLESHIP
DIVISIONAL BOARD
YOUTH & DISCIPLESHIP
Timothy E. Brown, Chair
Rob Bailey
Pam Brewer
Dorlene Harris
Bill Harrison
Persi Moran
A. Steve Smith
Jenny Vassell
Sue Webb
D. Michael White
Dusty Wilson
INTERNATIONAL
WOMEN’S COMMITTEE
David C. Blair
Assistant Director
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP
Sandra Kay Williams
Judy Griffis
Joyce Stephens
Dorothy Sibley
LaQuita Propes
David H. Gosnell
Men’s Discipleship
Director
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THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
Lorna Gosnell
Women’s
Discipleship
Director
PUBLICATIONS
Terry R. Hart
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Managing Editor
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Board of Directors
Tony D. Cooper, Chair
Lester E. Higgins
Ray E. Hurt
David Jarvis
Cheryl Johns
Antonio C. Richardson
T. Dwight Spivey
FROM THE
TO THE 76TH INTERNATIONAL
GENERAL ASSEMBLY!
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
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Heritage Exhibit Presents
Immigrant Stories
By David Roebuck
As immigrants to England and then to the
USA, God has used Felix and Lilith Poyser
to take the gospel “to the ends of the earth.”
The Church of God Heritage Exhibit “To the Ends of the Earth” tells the
exciting story of how God uses missions and migration to fulfill the Great
Commission to go to take the gospel to all the nations of the world. Among
the immigrant stories in the exhibit is that of Felix and Lilith Poyser.
Felix F. Poyser was born in 1929 into a Jamaican family that had migrated
to Cuba for economic reasons. Yet, at a young age, his family returned to
their homeland. Back in Jamaica, he came to know the Lord in an openair meeting and followed the advice of his spiritual elders to attend the
Church of God’s Jamaican School of Theology in Montego Bay.
Like many other young adult Jamaicans, Poyser migrated to the United
Kingdom in 1955 where he married Lilith. They became involved in the
New Testament Church of God, which is the name of the Church of God
in the West Indies and those countries to which West Indians immigrated
in large numbers. With some reluctance, Poyser agreed to become a pastor
and pioneered a church in Sheffield, England, in 1957. Later, he pastored
the congregation in Wolverhampton, England, served as district overseer,
and purchased a former Anglican Church building for the congregation.
Desiring a change, in 1974, the Poyser family immigrated to the United
States where they settled in Philadelphia. There, he organized a New
Testament Church of God in an inner-city neighborhood. Bishop Poyser
and his congregation provided spiritual vitality to their community, along
with many needed social services, as they assisted Jamaican immigrants
and others in making Philadelphia their home. He also aided the establishment of other West Indian congregations.
After outgrowing several locations, the church occupied a converted factory in 1994. Bishop Poyser and the New Testament Church of God have
made such a positive impact on West Philadelphia that, not only did the
mayor attend their dedication service, but the city renamed the block in
front of the church “Reverend Felix Poyser Way.”
Delegates to the International General Assembly can learn about the lives
of Felix and Lilith Poyser and those of many missionaries and immigrants
in the Church of God Heritage Exhibit “To the Ends of the Earth.” The
exhibit is located in Exhibit Hall A near the food court. The Church of
God Historical Commission and the Dixon Pentecostal Research Center
produced To the Ends of the Earth with the support of the International
Executive Committee. An accompanying publication by Dr. David G.
Roebuck and Dr. Louis F. Morgan is a free gift available at registration and
at the exhibit. u
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THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
Welcomes you to the
76th
International
General Assembly
T. Wayne & Shelly Dority
J. Patrick & Jan Wright
Administrative Bishop
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State Council
Tim Oldfield, Barry Clardy, Scott Skeens, Terry McBeath, Bruce Philippi, Randy Ballard,
Chuck Noel, Francis Burkhart, Donald Knipp, Ron Bynum, Todd Martin, Carson Robson
TURNING VISION INTO MISSION
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Ministerios Multiculturales Y Ministerios Hispanos
Tendiendo Puentes De Afirmación Mutua Y Respeto
Por Déborah Ortiz
panos, dirigido por el Dr. Carlos Morán.
Primera fila- de izq. William M. Holloway, Jr.; Othon O. Noel; Arlene O. Hall; Kenneth L. Hill – Director;
Wallace J. Sibley – president y asistente del supervisor general; Reather G. Campbell; William H.Golden, Sr.
Segunda fila- de izq. John P. Diamond; A. Steve Smith – asesor; James R. Izzard, Jr.; Florin T. Cimpean;
Earl Andre Hester; Richard S. McCray
En los pasados días tuve la oportunidad
de conversar con el Dr. Kenneth Hill, director de Ministerios Multiculturales de la Iglesia
de Dios. Nuestra conversación giró en torno a
la colaboración entre los distintos grupos culturales dentro de la Iglesia de Dios y su efecto
sobre la plantación y afiliación de iglesias.
Ministerios Multiculturales es una agencia que vincula a estos grupos
y lenguas que tienen sus congregaciones dentro de la Iglesia
de Dios en los Estados Unidos
y Canadá. Su misión es empoderarles para que ministren
bajo el poder del Espíritu Santo. Su junta está compuesta por
seis obispos que representan a
los grupos más grandes dentro
de la denominación.
El primer punto de nuestra
conversación fue el estado de
las relaciones entre los distintos grupos étnicos. El Dr. Hill
informa que muchos de estos
estaban totalmente en el anonimato dentro de la denominación. Por años celebraron
sus convenciones al margen
de las regiones/estados que la
denominación reconoce oficialmente. Todos
comparten la necesidad de estar representados dentro de la IDD, así como que se les invite a la mesa.
Algunas veces existe confusión entre qué es
«cultural» o «étnico». El distintivo de «étnico»
aplica a los miembros particulares de las iglesias y sus diversos orígenes. Pero los grupos
culturales se distinguen porque desean adorar,
22
ministrar y servir dentro de su propia lengua
y costumbres.
Por consiguiente, cabe preguntarse qué está
haciendo la Iglesia de Dios para unir a estos
grupos. La primera tarea de MM ha sido identificarlos e informarle al Comité Ejecutivo
Internacional de su existencia y necesidad de
liderazgo. De cierta manera se ha convertido
Una consecuencia natural de este trabajo
es la atención que debe brindársele a las preocupaciones sociales de estas minorías. Esto
ha conllevado la gestión de obtener visas religiosas para misioneros y misioneras, en particular haitianos, indonesios y portugueses.
Aquí se ha dado una dinámica interesante,
pues MM colabora con Misiones Mundiales
en la plantación de iglesias entre los diversos
grupos, destacándose la contribución financiera de las iglesias de Indonesia y Brasil en
sus distintos enclaves culturales de la nación.
Los brasileños sostienen la labor de un coordinador nacional de este esfuerzo misionero,
el obispo Euler Cecilio, y hasta el presente han
plantado diez iglesias.
Este interés en tender lazos y puentes ha
rendido fruto mediante acuerdos de colaboración entre tre latinos, afroamericanos y anglos sobre todo en los estados de Nueva Jersey
y la Florida. Además, otras esfuerzos conjuntos están llevándose a cabo con la Región Este
Central y Sur Central. Cada vez son más las
congregaciones anglas que prestan sus facilidades para que distintos grupos culturales
tengan un lugar de adoración.
Ministerios Educacionales
Hispanos también, ha invitado
a Ministerios Multiculturales a ser parte de Fiel USA, un
encuentro de educadores. De
hecho, MM espera con el favor
de Dios que en el futuro pueda
abrirse un Centro de Estudios
similar al Centro de Estudios
Latinos del Seminario Teológico Pentecostal, en donde ya patrocinan la cátedra de un profesor de ascendencia africana.
en una sombrilla que cobija casi 53 grupos entre los Estados Unidos y Canadá.
MM celebró su primera conferencia en el
verano pasado con la intención de unir a los
negros y personas de ascendencia africana,
portugueses, indonesios, indios malayos, rumanos, amerindios y otros. Los latinos han
venido a forjar lazos con estos grupos por medio de la representación de Ministerios His-
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
Siempre surge la pregunta de
por qué cada grupo debe tener
su propio convención. ¿Acaso
no sería mejor que trabajáramos juntos? Según el Dr. Hill, el
sistema dice que somos iguales,
pero la política no permite que
otras nacionalidades tomen parte en el liderazgo. Si la Iglesia de Dios aspira a ser una iglesia multicultural, debería empezar por aceptar
la participación de estos grupos en las esferas
en donde se toman las decisiones. Como dice
Hill: «Una iglesia solamente es multicultural
cuando todos los grupos que la conforman están representados en su liderazgo». u
Cien Años de
Pentecostés
Por Pérsida Pagán
En Puerto Rico, este año se está celebrando
el Centenario de Pentecostés. En Agosto del
1916 llegó a la isla Juan L. Lugo. Un joven
puertorriqueño que había salido de su tierra
hacia Hawái con su madre y hermana a los
diez años de edad.
Hoy, en 1916, se celebran las bondades de
un Pentecostés que llegó a la isla por Gracia,
un Pentecostés bíblico fundamentado en los
principios bíblicos de una sola fe, un bautismo, un mismo Espíritu y un mismo Señor.
Este año el Señor me ha dado el privilegio
de estar en dos celebraciones de Pentecostés
en Puerto Rico. Como nieta de Juan L. Lugo
se me ha dado el honor de participar en estas
actividades del Centenario de Pentecostés en
Puerto Rico.
En febrero asistí a la Convención de nuestra iglesia, Iglesia de Dios Mision Board, en
ocasión de celebrar Cien (100) Años de Pentecostés, donde se le rindió un Reconocimiento
Póstumo de parte de la Cámara de Representantes del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto
Rico y del Senado del Estado Libre Asociado
de Puerto Rico, al Reverendo Juan L. Lugo,
patriarca fundador de la obra pentecostés en
Puerto Rico, quien con su entrega y sacrificio
fue vivo ejemplo de los valores y principios
que distinguen al pueblo Cristiano puertorriqueño, así como precursor del movimiento
Pentecostés en Puerto Rico.
Gocé del privilegio de recibir estas dos
proclamas a nombre de mi madre Pérsida
Lugo Collazo, su hermana Hulda I. Lugo Escanio, hijas de Juan L. Lugo, y demás familia
Lugo.
En mayo también estuvimos junto a mi
madre, hermanas y hermano, en la celebración de Cien Años de Pentecostés de la
Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal Movimiento Internacional, organización pentecostal más Antigua en nuestra Isla y que fue fundada por Juan
L. Lugo.
El viernes 27 estuvimos en un culto conmemorativo en la capilla donde se dieron
los primeros cultos pentecostales en Ponce,
Puerto Rico. Experiencia inolvidable y que ira
conmigo el resto de mi vida. Fue muy emocionante estar en el mismo lugar donde cien
años atrás mi abuelito predicaba y las almas
se salvaban y recibían la experiencia del bautismo con el Espíritu Santo. Allí mi madre,
Pérsida Lugo Collazo, quien cuenta con noventa y siete años de edad, tuvo el privilegio
de dirigirse a los hermanos presentes.
El sábado 28 estuvimos en la plaza de Ponce
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
donde vimos llegar la Antorcha de Pentecostés.
Para esta gran celebración la IDDPMI, diseñó
una antorcha con una llama representando al
Espíritu Santo. Ésta regresó a Ponce, cuna de
pentecostés en la isla, de donde salió a recorrer toda la isla desde septiembre del 2015.
Otra experiencia inolvidable.
Luego, el domingo 29 de mayo, estuvimos
en la Gran Celebración de Cien Años de Pentecostés en la Isla de Puerto Rico, donde tuve
el honor de tomar la antorcha representando a
mi abuelito, Juan L. Lugo, como primer presidente de la Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal MI, y
pasarla al representante del segundo presidente.
Esta celebración se llevó acabo en el Parque
Paquito Montaner de la ciudad de Ponce. Allí
se reunieron unos veinte y dos mil pentecostales dentro del parque. Se estima que otros
dos mil se quedaron fuera del parque sin
poder entrar. Imagínense a todos esos pentecostales cantando, alabando a Dios y llenos
del poder del Espíritu Santo. Hace cien años
en aquella capilla había poder, palabra de Dios
y gozo. Gracias a Dios y a un hombre valiente
que escuchó el llamado de Dios para regresar
a su tierra a llevar el mensaje de Pentecostés.
En todo el triunfo obtenido, a Dios le damos
la honra y la Gloria, por los cien años cumplidos y celebramos la Victoria por llenar su cometido. u
23
Youth and
Discipleship
Ministry is strong
and viable because
excellent
leaders
of
, who
faithfully serve.
Their desire to deliver
excellent training, relevant
ministry, and healthy
relationships does not
go unnoticed. Youth and
Discipleship is proud of our
team and the noteworthy
influence they bring to
ministry around the USA
and around the world!
For almost 90 years Church of God Youth and Discipleship has supported the
local church in discipling children and teenagers. Youth and Discipleship has
always prioritized training for church leaders and discipleship to students
and children. It’s not very complicated, the two priorities are clearly in the
name… “Youth and Discipleship.”
Faithful
Leadership
Integrity filled,
compassionate,
leadership and
stewardship are rare
indeed, yet Gary Lewis
has led Youth and
Discipleship with that
incomparable distinction
the past four years. Lori
Lewis has guided Girls
Ministries with grace and
excellence to tremendous
achievement. Thank you,
Gary and Lori, for modeling
what excellent Christian
leadership is, keeping
Youth and Discipleship
strong, and loving
people every step
of the way!
B. Randall and
Rhonda Parris
International Coordinator
of Discipleship & Leadership
[email protected]
24
Gary and
Lori Lewis
International Director
[email protected]
Mark and
Jodi Swank
International
Assistant Director
[email protected]
International Coordinator
of Youth Missions
[email protected]
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
David and
Janet Blair
Tony and
Joy Lane
International Coordinator
of Childern’s Ministry
[email protected]
ALABAMA
David & Jan Jarvis
ARIZONA
Jay & Melissa Nelson
ARKANSAS
Dwayne & Shenia Culp
CALIFORNIA/NEVADA
David & Maria White
CANADA-EASTERN
Ron & Marie Binda
DELMARVA-DC
Landon & Lorinda Roberts
EAST CENTRAL
HISPANIC REGION
Juan Carlos Bixcul Perez
FLORIDA-COCOA
Bill & Maryann Gowdy
FLORIDA-TAMPA
Dusty & Jackie Wilson
GEORGIA-NORTH
Greg & Jan Baird
GEORGIA-SOUTH
Mike & Marcia Stigile
GREAT LAKES REGION
James & Jennifer Schulker
HEARTLAND
Ernie & Michele Wright
ILLINOIS
Bill & Amanda Woodruff
INDIANA
Joshua & Paige Martin
KENTUCKY
Matthew & Jennifer Propes
LOUISIANA
Monty & Regina Lasseter
MICHIGAN
Jeff and Tammy Lambert
MIDLANDS REGION
Nelson & Rachel Foster
MINNESOTA
J. Israel & Erin Noboa
MISSISSIPPI
Dewayne & Mary Moree
MISSOURI
David & Kim Tennyson
NEW ENGLAND—NORTHERN
Art & Jennifer Fairbrother
NEW ENGLAND—SOUTHERN
Marlon & Winique A. Green
NEW ENGLAND
HISPANIC REGION
Jeremia & Cynthia Morales
NEW JERSEY
Chris & Jessica Fraley
NEW MEXICO
Chuck & Sherry Ferrell
NEW YORK
Brett & Heather Seals
NORTH
CAROLINA—EASTERN
J. Rob & Candie Taylor
NORTH
CAROLINA—WESTERN
Mike & Sonja White
NORTH CENTRAL REGION
Daniel & Julie Sansot
NORTHEASTERN
HISPANIC REGION
Daniel & Jeimy Pinero
NORTHWESTERN
HISPANIC REGION
Jehu & Monica Monroy
OHIO
Pat & Jan Wright
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Mike and Jonna McGill
PENNSYLVANIA
Chad & Jennifer Fickett
NOT
PICTURED
ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
Hans & Angela Weston
SOUTH CAROLINA
Rob & Christal Bailey
SOUTH CENTRAL HISPANIC
Johnny & Ruth Ortiz
SOUTHEASTERN HISPANIC
Angel B. Marcial
SOUTHWESTERN
HISPANIC REGION
Joel & Nely Donis
SOUTHWEST INDIAN
MINISTRIES
John “Russ” & Shawn New
TENNESSEE
Brian & Cathy Yaun
TEXAS
Caleb & Hanah Crooms
VIRGINIA
Mark S. & Wanda Cary
WEST VIRGINIA
M. Scott & Kami Weaver
ROMANIAN
TERRITORY—EASTERN
Teo & Esther Scorte
ROMANIAN
TERRITORY—WESTERN
Eddie & Simida Sfrengeu
BAHAMAS
Tavares & Tiffany Johnson
BERMUDA
Sarita Ebbin
ENGLAND & WALES
Marcel & Sashanna Simpson
JAMAICA
Leslie & Lorene Pinnock
Josue & Gladys Pimental
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
JOSUE PIMENTEL
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
25
Nominaciones Al Comité Ejecutivo
Internacional
Por Cameron Fisher
Misiones Mundiales
Y Juventud Y
Discipulado
En cuanto a los directores departamentales, el
Concilio General Internacional ha nominado a
David C. Blair al puesto
de director de Juventud
y Dicipulado. El obispo
Blair ocupaba el puesto
de director asistente.
Bailey
L-R: John D. Childers, Raymond F. Culpepper, Timothy M. Hill, J. David Stephens, David E. Ramirez S.
El Concilio General Internacional ha nominado los nuevos líderes que por los próximos
cuatro años dirigirán los asuntos de la Iglesia
de Dios a nivel internacional. Luego del Mensaje del Estado de la Iglesia del Supervisor
General saliente, Dr. Mark L. Williams y de un
servicio de Lavatorio de pies, los obispos siguieron el proceso de nominaciones, comenzando con la posición de supervisor general, a la
cual ha sido nominado el Dr. Timothy M. Hill,
director actual de MM. Hill recibió 1,112 votos, más de la mayoría necesaria para obtener
la nominación. De ser electo por la Asamblea
General Internacional su término se extendería hasta el 2020, con la opción de ser reelecto
por otros cuatro años. Sus primeras expresiones fueron: «Mi oración es que como Iglesia
de Dios y seamos apasionados y [gente de]
oración, así como una presencia crítica en el
mundo». Hill ha fungido como director de
MM por los pasados cuatro años, antes de los
cuales ocupó las posiciones de secretario general (2004-2008) y primer asistente del supervisor general (2008-2012).
La segunda nominación recayó sobre el
obispo Raymond F. Culpepper como primer
asistente del supervisor general, posición que
ya había ocupado de 2004-2008. Culpepper
fue supervisor general de 2008-2012. Por los
pasados cuatro años ha servido como el supervisor estatal de Alabama. En el pasado fue
el fundador de la Iglesia de Dios Metropolitana de Birmingham, Alabama.
Como segundo asistente del supervisor
general fue nominado el obispo J. David Stepehens, puesto que ocupa al presente, habiendo sido electro durante la AGI de 2012. En
el pasado ha servido como supervisor de los
estados de Kentucky y Florida.
26
La nominación histórica de la tarde recayó
sobre el Dr. David Ramírez, primer latino
proveniente de Sudamérica que ocuparía una
posición dentro del CEI. Ramírez, nominado
como tercer asistente del supervisor general,
actualmente se desempeña como el director
de campo de Latinoamérica. En el pasado ha
ocupado los puestos de supervisor estatal de
la Región Suroeste Hispana y presidente del
Semisud.
La nominación final al CEI fue para el obispo John D. Childers al puesto de secretario
general. El hermano Childers funge como director asistente de MM y en el pasado ha sido
supervisor estatal y director y subdirector de
JEC, ahora Juventud y Discipulado. u
SORPRESIVO
ANUNCIO
Durante la tarde de ayer, el Rev.
Mitchell Maloney tomó la palabra en el
piso del Concilio General Internacional
para declinar la nominación que recibiera
el día anterior al puesto de asistente del
director de Misiones Mundiales. Maloney citó la situación de su familia como
padre de hijos con necesidades especiales,
quienes se verían afectados por las demandas de su posición. Acto seguido, los
obispos oraron por la familia Maloney.
El supervisor general retomó la palabra y dirigió el proceso de nominaciones,
resultando nominado M. Thomas Propes
al puesto de asistente del director de MM.
Propes es el actual secretario general de la
Iglesia de Dios.
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
Como director asistente de Juventud y Discipulado fue nominado
el obispo Rob Bailey,
quien hasta el momento
sirve como director de
jóvenes de Carolina del
Sur.
A Misiones Mundiales fue nominado
como director, David
M. Griffis, actual primer
asistente del supervisor
general. El obispo Griffis
ha ocupado los puestos
de director asistente y
director de JEC.
Maloney
timos veintitrés años.
Blair
Griffis
El pastor Mitchell Maloney fue nominado al
puesto de director asistente de MM. El obispo
Maloney acaba de renunciar a su posición
de la Iglesia de Dios de
North Cleveland, TN, la
cual pastoreó por los úl-
Todas estas nominaciones pasarán a votación durante la sesión de trabajo de la Asamblea General Internacional, a llevarse a cabo
el viernes en la tarde. Todos los líderes electos
y nombrados iniciarán sus funciones el 1º de
agosto de 2016. u
Declaración De Fe
¿Tiene recursos de discipulado? La Declaración de Fe
cubre los temas principales
de la doctrina pentecostal de
la Iglesia de Dios. Esta pequeña herramienta de discipulado está disponible para que
equipe a sus nuevos convertidos y recién llegados a la Iglesia de Dios. Editorial Evangélica puede prepararle un pedido
y enviárselo directamente a su casa. Visítenos
en la sala de exhibiciones. www.mieditorial.org
Logros y Retos de la Práctica
Ministerial Supervisada
Por Déborah Ortiz
PMS Región Este Central, Rev. José Raúl Febus
La Práctica Ministerial Supervisada, también conocida como Programa Ministerial Supervisado o MIP es uno de los programas más
antiguos del sistema educativo de la Iglesia de
Dios. Ministerios Hispanos ha trabajado para
mantenerse a la par con el formato ofrecido por
la División de Educación de la Iglesia de Dios.
«supervisor», es decir, que enseñe los cursos
durante un período de nueve meses.
Las regiones hispanas cuentan con un director o directora de desarrollo ministerial
cuya función es organizar la preparación y examinación de los candidatos y las candidatas
al ministerio. Por lo general, también se encargan de asignar los profesores y el calendario
de reuniones.
escuela bíblica, entre otros. Cabe señalar que
la Región Este Central Hispana en los años
2015 y 2016 participó en el MIP Commissioning, evento que la División de Educación de la
Iglesia de Dios celebra anualmente».
En la Región Suroeste Hispana, la Rev.
Yvette Santana nos comenta que el programa
ha servido a las personas que estaban preparándose para obtener sus credenciales.
También, ha capacitado a los miembros con
los fundamentos bíblicos para sus ministerios.
Sin embargo, como bien señala, el PMS amerita cambios para que sirva
con mayor eficacia dentro
del contexto latino.
El formato usado en las regiones anglosajonas requiere que los candidatos y las candidatas se matriculen con la Escuela de Ministerio
El Rev. José Raúl Febus, director de Desar(a través de sus oficinas regionales) y cum- rollo Ministerial de la Región Este Central,
plan con una serie de estudios y seminarios
mensuales. Además,
se espera que cada estudiante asista junto
con su cónyuge y que
Aunque el programa
cumpla con un interfue diseñado para quienes
nado dentro de otra
aspiran a la obtención de
iglesia. Este proceso de
credenciales ministeriaestudio culmina con la
les, muchas hermanas y
celebración de Servicio
hermanos lo han tomado
de Consagración en la
como una preparación
ciudad de Cleveland,
para servir dentro de sus
Tennessee, durante el
iglesias, sobre todo en
mes de mayo. La Guía
zonas en las que no se
del Coordinador Estatal
tiene la oportunidad de
del PMS explica todo
estudiar en un instituto
El Rev. José Manzanares y sus graduados (Montreal, Canadá)
el proceso y está disbíblico, como es el caso
ponible a través de la Escuela de Ministerio. comparte su experiencia: «El Programa Min- de las iglesias en Canadá.
Dado que el formato del PMS en inglés
conlleva unos costos más altos, Ministerios
Hispanos ha continuado ofreciendo el formato tradicional, organizando tanto el recibo de
matrícula como las calificaciones, los diplomas y las certificaciones.
El programa consta de cuatro cursos: Panorama del Antiguo Testamento, Panorama del
Nuevo Testamento, Ministerios Cristianos I y
Ministerios Cristianos II. Los estudiantes toman exámenes al final de cada sección. Esto
requiere que un pastor o una pastora sirva de
isterial Supervisado ha sido un programa de
avance en la Región Este Central Hispana de
la Iglesia de Dios. Desde que la Región Este
Central inició en el año 1998, el PMS contribuyó en la formación ministerial de sus
ministros. El PMS tiene aproximadamente
16 años de haber sido establecido. Hasta el
año 2016 el departamento de Educación de la
Región Este Central ha graduado más de 130
hermanos y hermanas. Además, los egresados
del PMS están activos en diferentes ministerios. Algunos sirven como pastores, líderes
locales, maestros, evangelistas, maestros de
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
En el futuro, esperamos colaborar con la
División de Educación en la formulación de
un programa que sirva tanto a los futuros
ministros y ministras como a los líderes de las
iglesias locales. Mientras tanto, MH trabajará
con las regiones para ayudarles a equipar a sus
miembros. Si desea más información, llámenos al 423-478-7653 o por correo electrónico
a [email protected]. Las guías de estudio
están disponibles a través de Editorial Evangélica. u
27
CoG - Print 1.indd 3
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THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
7/12/16 11:40 AM
EVERY EXPLORER
NEEDS A BACKPACK
• For less than retail cost, your church can have
backpacks and school supplies delivered to your door.
• Then you can host a Backpack Build to get backpacks
ready for children in need.
• Elementary and Middle School/High School
backpacks available.
Email, call, or visit our website
[email protected]
1-800-627-4556 | feedthechildren.org/church
Visit our booth to learn more
and enter daily prize drawings.
CVE3838B 6-28-16
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
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THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016
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