January/February 2012 - Interchurch Holiness Convention

A P U B L I C A T I O N O F I N T E R C H U R C H H O L I N E S S C O N V E N T I O N • J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y, 2 0 1 2
Editor’s Thoughts
L
abels have been attached
to our groups in recent
years, with some calling us “the
Conservative Holiness Movement.” I find myself using that
label, but I’m trying to break
the habit.
I wonder if it is the enemies
attempt to relegate us to the
bottom shelf of eccentric reliJames Plank
gions? If holiness can be “more
conservative” it is nearly laughable to think that there is such a thing as compromised,
worldly holiness.
Holiness people of all generations across history have
been people who were marked and separated as people of
the narrow way and not the broad way.
With that in mind, let me say that this great group of
people trace their roots, not to Huntington or Salem or
Cincinnati or Dayton, but to the Pentecostal prayer meeting in an upper room. To date, holiness people by the rise
and fall of particular denominations or associations is
prone to error.
The glorious message of holiness spans all denominational boundaries and has found birth even in the most
unexpected places. Wherever heart purity is born, it produces the same fruit resulting in an acceptance of the Calvary way and rejection of the worldly way.
Some call us “conservative” as if we are something
new—something invented in recent years; something
unique and eccentric. Especially, our critics like to say we
are something legalistic.
Our precious holiness people are anything but that. The
people called holiness are Biblical in their beliefs and practices. The people called holiness are to be commended for
conviction instead of compromise. They are to be commended for their evangelistic zeal and missionary vision
instead of stagnation. They are to be honored for their
prayer and tears instead of sports and parties.
So with that in mind, I personally want to say “thank you.”
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Convention Herald
Thank you to my dear holiness people for paying a great
cost to keep the doctrine of holiness alive for me.
Thank you for your carefulness and conscientiousness in
spirit, convictions and standards of separation.
Thank you for your emphasis on revival and the holy life.
Thank you for your endless zeal in reaching the lost and
evangelizing the world.
Thank you for your generous giving and heartfelt support of the Gospel.
Thank you for being people of one Book, one doctrine
and one God.
You made such an impact on my life that through you I
met God in a personal relationship and have committed my
future to safeguarding and promoting the doctrines you
paid such a price to give to me. I have come to know it is
not tradition or creed- but the very heart of the Gospel that
I support. That Gospel that says whosoever may be saved
and they may be saved to the uttermost.
Thank you. §
Convention Herald, a Christian family
magazine, is the official publication of the
InterChurch Holiness Convention.
_________________________________
Volume 65—Number 1
January/February 2012
_________________________________
InterChurch Holiness Convention
Executive Offices:
PO Box 876
Bedford, IN 47421
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 812-275-2119
Fax: 812-277-9821
_________________________________
General Secretary: Leonard Sankey
Editor: James D. Plank
Printing: Country Pines Printing, Shoals, IN
Graphic Design/Layout: Jon Plank
Published bi-monthly by the InterChurch
Holiness Convention and mailed from
Shoals, IN 47581.
$5 per year—USA and Canada.
$6 per year—all other countries.
_________________________________
Subscriptions, Billing, Advertising and
Address Changes:
Convention Herald
PO Box 876
Bedford, IN 47421
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 812-275-2119
Fax: 812-277-9821
Announcements and articles:
James Plank
P.O. Box 99
New Berlin, PA 17855
E-mail: [email protected]
Unsolicited articles will not be returned.
_________________________________
IHC and the Convention Herald do not necessarily endorse every product or service advertised
in this periodical.
reflections
from the General Secretary
S
o, 60 years have come
and gone since the
first IH Convention was
held, and nearly 60 years
since the first annual convention was held in
Cincinnati.
To say that things have
changed since 1952 is, of
course, an understateLeonard Sankey
ment of huge proportions. The changes in
our nation and culture are probably beyond counting...medicine, technology, publishing, politics, finance,
the military, and social mores.
But there are changes that have come about within the
Interchurch Holiness Convention, and what we now know
as the Conservative Holiness Movement. As with the culture, so in our circles the changes in publishing, technology, the economy, and cultural norms, and much more,
have been enormous. Beyond the fact that our movement
mirrors the culture in some areas, of more concern is what
has happened to us in distinctly spiritual areas.
One thing we need to remember is that in 1952 the
most prominent holiness groups were some within the
influences of our mother Methodist church, such as
Asbury College, and the Kentucky Mountain Holiness
Association. Then the Church of the Nazarene, the
Wesleyan Methodists, the Free Methodists, the Pilgrim
Holiness. There was, at that time, no International
Conservative Holiness Association, no groups bearing
the name Bible Holiness Church; no Church of the
Bible Covenant, no “Midwest” or “New York” Pilgrim
Holiness, no Wesleyan Holiness Association, no Tennessee/Alabama/Great Lakes/Heartland Bible
Methodists, no Pilgrim Nazarenes nor Wesleyan
Nazarenes, nor even an Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist
Connection (Original Allegheny Conference).
The paper you hold in your hand had not yet been
founded, though one of the magazines that was an imme-
diate predecessor and was incorporated into the Convention Messenger/Convention Herald (the Revival Herald,
A.W.Vess, Editor and publisher, had been founded four
years before the IHC began).
Nothing of the common technology of today was available 60 years ago. The most common forms of communication was via the U.S. Postal Service (what we now refer
to as “snail mail”), and the telephone.
What most concerns me, though, is how have things
changed in the really important areas of IHC life: for
example - how are we doing today with our prayer life?
How does our preaching today stack up against the likes
of Griffith, G.I. Norman, H. R. French, and Leonard
Ravenhill? Do our annual conventions reach the spiritual
depths of the earlier meetings? Is there such liberty in
the Spirit as was quite characteristic of holiness meetings
of 60 years ago? In the matter of holiness living, how do
we compare? I speak of our music, our entertainment
tastes, our outward attire of simplicity and modesty, our
clear separation from the world/culture around us. Do we
ever read anything of spiritual depth?
I want to be clearly understood. I thank God for the
men and women who still prove their love and devotion
to God and His Word by consistently right
choices. They seek to live godly in Christ Jesus, and
they raise their children in the fear and admonition of
the Lord. They are careful in personal life; they extend
themselves to seek the lost; they are generous in their
support of the work of God; they pledge themselves
to prayer and Bible reading/study; they are faithful to
church services. There are men and women among
us in whom we can have confidence and trust.
But (and I still want to be clearly understood)
frankly, as a movement we are drifting. Not everyone and not every group, but to scan across our
movement we must be honest to say that too
many of our people are not being as careful and
conscientious as an earlier generation typically
was. This is a generalization, I know, because
there were some people (continued on page 9)
Convention Herald
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Front Line Reports
January 10-12 James Plank was joined by John
and Betty Case for the Kansas State Winter Convention. The Lord’s presence marked the services
with a not-to-forget closing service with the moving of God so very real. Churches were generous
to cooperate. The financial needs were met. The
cooperation of Independence Bible School was,
as usual, an extra blessing. A very special thanks
to the Davolt's and people of South East Kansas
for hosting this convention.
PLAN NOW TO ATTEND
DAYTON 2012!
LODGING
Reserve a hotel in advance to insure availability
and the best pricing.
Crowne Plaza, host hotel
John and Betty Case at the Kansas State Winter Convention
937-224-0800
or 800-2CROWNE
937-898-3606
937-429-5203
937-461-4700
937-424-5757
937-434-8030
937-429-0600
937-898-1212
937-223-1000
937-525-9700
937-278-4871
937-427-3914
937-427-3914
.........................................
America’s Best Value Inn
Courtyard
Doubletree Hotel
Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn (Mall)
Homewood Suites
Knights Inn
Marriott Hotel
Microtel Inn
Ramada Plaza
Red Roof Inn
Residence Inn
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January 17-19 Leonard Sankey conducted the
2012 South Carolina State Convention. He was
joined in preaching ministry by Paul Young,
Robert Pelton and Walter Hedstrom. The
Stephen Cassady Family were not able to come
due to sickness, and we deeply appreciate these
men and their ministry at a short notice. Many
churches were represented. Brother Sankey
reports: ” Paul Young's message on "Helping the
Hurting in our Churches," Robert Pelton's wonderful discourse on the Holy Spirit's help to the
saints in intercessory prayer, and Walter Hedstrom's two strong messages were blessed of the
Lord. The Youngs, the Daniel Meltons, and the
David Armstrongs assited with special music.
We thank God for His presence, especially
sensed in the last ser vice, with which He
blessed His people.
We are thankful for the faithful, generous
giving of the people which met our financial
goals and contributed to the general needs of
the Convention.
Our thanks to Pastor and Mrs. Terry Going and
their people for giving us such a wonderful place
for the South Carolina area IHC to meet.” §
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The Ramada Plaza Dayton is offering a rate
of $79 which will include a continental
breafast and complimentary transportation
to/from the convention center. For more
details, call 937-278-4871.
DISPLAYS
If you are interested in a display space at the
2011 Dayton Convention, please contact Marci
Webb at the IHC Office on or before March 15th
to confirm your reservation. P.O. Box 876–Bedford, IN 47421. Phone: 812-275-2119 or Email:
[email protected]
Tuesday, April 17
Wednesday, April 18
Music Around the Piano
Morning Bible Study
Paul Gray, Director
Larry Grile
Convention Choir
PAUL GRAY
LARRY GRILE
Family Groups
Chapel of the Children
Chapel of the Children
Revival Rally
G.R. French
Keynote Address
G.R. FRENCH
Jacob Martin
JACOB MARTIN
Women of Worth
From the Heart
BEN BLOWERS
ADAM BUCKLER
Union Bible College Choir
and Orchestra
Fasting and Prayer
Ben Blowers
Healing Service
Adam Buckler
International Service
Evening Worship
Marc Sankey, Director
MARC SANKEY
Penn View Bible Institute Choir
and Orchestra
DARRELL STETLER
Darrell Stetler
Chapel of the Children
Time of Discovery I
God and Country Rally
Time of Discovery II
God’s Bible School Orchestra
Hobe Sound Bible College Choir
Fasting and Prayer
Evening Worship
God’s Bible School Choir and Orchestra
IHC on Courthouse Square
Rollin Mitchell
ROLLIN MITCHELL
Building for Keeps
ANGIE & GENE DAVIS
Children’s Mass Choir under the
direction of Gene and Angie Davis
Chapel of the Children
Thursday, April 19
Closing Challenge
Morning Bible Study
Rowan Fay
Steve Snodgrass
Allegheny Wesleyan College Choir
STEVE SNODGRASS
ROWAN FAY
Convention Mass Choir and
Orchestra under the direction of
Lucas Shrout
Chapel of the Children
Holiness Meeting
Keith Ledford
KEITH LEDFORD
LEONARD SANKEY
JAMES PLANK
DARRELL STETLER
MICHAEL AVERY
PAUL GRAY
JANET SANKEY
JOHN MANLEY
General Secretary
Assistant General Secretary
Special Assistance
Convention Chairman
Convention Music
Women of Worth
Host Pastor
here are some things that are really important. That's what we
hope to emphasize during this Annual IH Convention. Our
families, our nation,our local churches are important; so are
Christian education, holiness doctrine, preaching, and practice, fellowship, prayer...these matters are important.
I trust you are praying for the spiritual success of the 2012 convention. Pray for the speakers, the musicians and singers, the leaders; join,
if you can in the fasting and prayer services. Be in the services...there
are special meetings for youth, children, and women, as well as a full
schedule of services in the main auditorium.
We welcome you to the 2012 Annual Interchurch Holiness
Convention, our theme: Things that really matter.
Lodging
Convention Personnel
Crowne Plaza (host hotel) . . 937-224-0800 or 800-2CROWNE
Chairman of the Convention Committee . . . . . . Michael Avery
General Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leonard Sankey
Assistant General Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Plank
Special Assistance and set-up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Darrell Stetler
Convention Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Gray
Chapel of the Children . . . . . . . Gene & Angie Davis, Directors
Women of Worth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janet Sankey, Director
Tape & CD Sales, Convention Herald subscriptions. Marie Plank
Exhibit Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anthony and Marci Webb
Sound and Duplication, Dayton Daily . . . . . Take One Studios
Head Usher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ray Campbell
Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wesleyan Evangelistic Church
Photographer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Watters
Volunteer Assistance . . . Intercollegiate Ministerial Fellowship
America’s Best Value Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 937-898-3606
Courtyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 937-429-5203
Doubletree Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 937-461-4700
Holiday Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 937-424-5757
Holiday Inn (Mall). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 937-434-8030
Homewood Suites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 937-429-0600
Knights Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 937-898-1212
Marriott Hotel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 937-223-1000
Microtel Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 937-525-9700
Red Roof Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 937-427-3914
Residence Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 937-427-3914
Contact IHC
PO Box 876, Bedford, IN 47421
812.275.2119 or 570.765.0578
[email protected]
www.ihconvention.com
N
o amount of human preparation, nor personal skills and abilities, nor outstanding
music, and even good preaching, can make up for
the lack of prayer. Because prayer is the hand of
man laying hold on the arm of God, and bringing
the power and presence of God into our midst.
Brother Plank and I, and those who work with
us, are deeply aware of our weakness and shortcomings; we cannot make the Dayton Convention a "success." However, if God comes then all
will be well. And God responds to the cry of His
people. So please join us in prayer, previous to
the convention, and during the convention, that
we may have the blessing of God's presence.
FUTURE DAYTON CONVENTIONS
April 17-19, 2012
April 16-18, 2013
April 22-24, 2014
ADVERTISING AT DAYTON
FREE ADVERTISING is available in the registration packets. To place items in the Dayton packets, please mail 800 copies to IHC, P.O. Box 876–
Bedford, IN 47421. Deadline: March 30th
PAID ADVERTISING is available in the Dayton
Daily. The Dayton Daily is distributed to all attendees each day and is widely read. This is an
excellent way to advertise your ministry or business. Contact Rachel Bailey at 618-548-3566 or
618-918-8015.
(from page 3) 60 years ago who were taking
their own way...mmmm, shades of Demas, perhap? From 2000 years ago? But in a general
sense, the atmosphere of the conventions when
I began attending 57 years ago, were more
“electric” with the manifest presence of the
Holy Spirit and the saints were more intensely
spiritually-minded and spiritually-oriented.
A holiness leader told me a few years
back: “Brother Sankey, with all your efforts,
you have not been able to stop the
drift.” That is a true statement, though I
never imagined myself as a person designed
by God for that purpose.
Let me conclude this section by saying
this: All is not lost, and that is certain. God
is still with us; His blessings attend the
annual and area conventions; people are still
being saved and sanctified wholly; homes are
being rescued; some are being called to
God’s service and are responding positively;
God’s people are still giving generously,
though with more difficulty because of the
general economic malaise; and, once in a
while there are moments of Divine visitation
(I treasure what my wife told me about a
Thursday a.m. service when she said she
could literally “see” the Holy Spirit sweeping
across the crowd at Dayton.)
However, in view of some lacks and needs
that are evident among us: let’s be reminded
that Christ’s last command to His church was
not: “Go ye into all the world and preach the
gospel,” but rather (Revelation Chapters 2
and 3) “Repent.” It may well be a time when
we need to take a dose of Divine medicine,
humble ourselves under the mighty hand of
God, confess our faults (and perhaps sins),
ask for God’s forgiveness; perhaps seek forgiveness of our brothers and sisters whom we
have offended or failed, and wait before the
Lord until a mighty inrush of the Outpoured
Spirit comes upon us. This is a bitter medicine, but like the motto on bottles of Buckley’s Syrup: “It tastes awful, and it
works.” God’s remedy is not always pleasant,
but it always works. §
Convention Herald
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F
lorida Evangelistic Association scheduled J.
Percy Trueblood as one of the evangelists for Sea
Breeze Camp. The year was 1968 if I remember correctly.
This is a poor place to speak of memory for Brother Trueblood had a phenomenal memory.
In those years we had camp in what moderns know as
the dining room. The platform was located near the present serving line. Brother Trueblood was holding forth on
the Lord's Day afternoon. A couple related to my wife,
were visiting us from out of town. They were not of our
persuasion and not every evangelist does equally well with
such people. We were happy they could hear this “Walking Bible.”
He had a way of incorporating verse after verse of Scripture in his messages. Some men can quote chapters from
the Bible. Some other men can deliver good sermons. God
(and Trueblood's mental labors) allowed him to present a
message from the Lord laced through with the Word of the
Lord and to do it without any awkwardness. They blended
naturally. He also had a way of addressing current sins
quickly and then moving on.
It is my
understanding that
Percy Trueblood spend four
years studying the Bible. You might say,
“A lot of people have studied four years in a Bible
College.” True. However he spent four years on the Bible
alone—and that, at the rate of eight hours a day.
The story is told that one time some one wanted to give
James Percy Trueblood a telephone number. He wanted
paper and pen. They were shocked that he would want to
write this down when he was known for his great memory.
He is said to have responded, “I am not going to waste my
memory on phone numbers…” §
Easley Bible Methodist Church
invites you to worship with us
Sunday School: 10 AM, Sunday Services: 11 AM & 6 PM
Wednesday Service: 7 PM
855 Gentry Memorial Highway
Easley South Carolina
Phone: 864-855-3892
www.easleybiblemethodist.org
Terry D. Going, Pastor
1647 North Ellsworth Ave, Salem, Ohio 44460 | 330-337-6792
Where the souls of men are refreshed
Rev. Henry Miller, Pastor | www.salembmc.org
A sunny welcome awaits you at
Bethel Holiness Church
Sebring, Florida
A conservative holiness church in the “heartland” of Florida
Please come and worship with us!
REV. CHARLES SCHNELL • 863-655-0326 or 836-381-0928
Manager: Keith McLeod
Mike Morgan
Bob Morgan
Come visit us where I-80 intersects the Mississippi River!
110 W 2nd Street • Milan, Illinois 61264 • 309.787.3335
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Convention Herald
Janet Sankey
DIRECTOR
Visit our website
online at:
www.ihcwow.com
Women of Worth is the international ladies ministry of InterChurch Holiness Convention. Janet Sankey is the director and resides in Bedford, IN.
For more information contact her by mail: PO Box 876, Bodford, IN 47421-4913. Email: [email protected]
The Minister and Taxes
Recommendation for Evangelism
One of the reasons for the confusion surrounding
Brian & Cheri Span-
ministers and their taxes is the fact that the IRS has a
gler have felt the call of
different set of rules for ministers than laymen. Jim
God to enter full time
Olsen, CPA, has put together a booklet he will send you
evangelism. He is a
that provides all the information and forms necessary
capable preacher, having
for a church treasurer and pastor to follow the IRS
served in the pastorate
guidelines. Contact him at [email protected] and he
for many years. They are
will send the information, free of charge, back to your
talented singers and will
e-mail address. He also has a web site www.JimOlsenC-
be a blessing to your
PA.com that has valuable information for layman and
camp or church. They
pastors alike on a variety of financial topics. For those
may be contacted at 419-563-4014.
without e-mail, his address is 3877 Bluebill Place, Stu-
6124 Knauss Road
art, FL 34997. Office/Cell Phone (772) 486-6466.
Sycamore OH 44882
Convention Herald
11
NON PROFIT ORG.
POSTAGE PAID
SHOALS, IN
PERMIT NO 18
SOUTH WEST MICHIGAN CONVENTION
March 12-14, 2012 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Speakers: Paul Pierpoint, John Case
Music: John & Betty Case
Pilgrim Bible Church—Cedar Springs, Michigan
Information: Michael Shiery, 517-902-2116
ALASKA STATE CONVENTION
March 20-25, 2012 Tuesday-Sunday
Speaker: Michael Avery
Far North Missionary Fellowship
North Pole, Alaska
Information: Dwane Newton, 907-488-1616
SEA TAC CONVENTION
March 30-April 1, 2012 Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Speaker: Leonard Sankey, Dwane Newton
Music: Dwane & Gwen Newton
Wesleyan Holiness Church—Tacoma, Washington
Information: Paul Taylor, 253-740-0075
OKLAHOMA CITY CONVENTION
March 20-22, 2012 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Speakers: Darrell Stetler and others
Music by Union Bible College Choir (29th)
Calvary Bible Wesleyan Church
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Information: Heartland Holiness Association
Darrell Stetler II, 405-974-0507
WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION
May 1-3, 2012 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Speaker: James Plank and others
Rocky Grove Pilgrim Holiness Church
Franklin, Pennsylvania
Information: Paul Baker 814-432-4123
INTERCHURCH HOLINESS CONVENTION
PO BOX 876
BEDFORD IN 47421-4913
Check our website often for information on
Area Conventions: www.ihconvention.com
MISSOURI STATE SPRING CONVENTION
May 2-4, 2012 Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Speakers: Leonard Sankey and Ben Crawford
Church of God (Holiness)—Carthage, Missouri
Information: John Poff 417-358-5075
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONVENTION
May 4-6, 2012 Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Speaker: Paul Pierpoint and others
Immanuel Missionary Church
Colorado Springs, Colorado
HARKERS ISLAND CONVENTION
June 26-28, 2012 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Speakers: Leonard Sankey, James Plank,
Henry Miller
Music: Henry & Janan Miller, Grace Holiness Trio
Grace Holiness Church
Harkers Island, North Carolina
Information: Curtis Going, 620-331-4480
MID TENNESSEE CONVENTION
August 9-10, 2012 Thursday-Friday
Location & Speakers to be announced
Information: Jeff Asbell, 931-374-7975