20th Anniversary Edition - Word of Faith | Family Worship Cathedral

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From the heart of the Bishop
Let’s be the church
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Celebrating Faith
Anniversary Puzzle
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WOF Calendar
Coming attractions for December
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Inside the Gates
Anniversary greetings from the
Media Ministry
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‘Twas the night before Jesus
A holiday poem about
salvation
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Longtime WOF members
Reflecting on special
memories over the past 20
years
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Say Cheese!
WOF Photographers reverencing God through service to
His church
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Savory Soups and Stews
‘Tis the season for soups that
warm the soul
Word Of Faith Family Worship Cathedral - page 2
Word of Faith Times
a publication of the
Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral’s Media Ministry
Bishop Dale C. Bronner
FOUNDER/SENIOR PASTOR
Pastor Christopher Boyd
EXECUTIVE PASTOR
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS
Gloria Buchanan
Betty Dunham
Alice Evans
Jerry Griffin
Lafayette Hughes
Florence Jackson
Ruth Maddox
Louis Martin
Alice McCloudy
Ruth Morton
Beverly Simmons
Maeomi Stembridge
Beverly Wicker
Peggie Wimby
COPY EDITORS
Taffy Fletcher
Lillie Hinton
Linda Trotter
GRAPHIC ARTIST
Bevis Liddelow
STAFF WRITERS
Mercedes Douglas
Stephen Hinton
Jill Watkins
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lloyd Caldway, Jr.
Edward Guy
Gilbert Hunter
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Cathy B. Hope
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Marian C. Barnes
Word Of Faith Family Worship Cathedral - page 3
From the heart of the Bishop
Bishop Dale C. Bronner
For years the attitude of most Christians has been,
“Let’s go to church” or “Let’s have church.” But our
purpose is not to merely go to church or to simply have
church but to BE the CHURCH! In the New Testament,
we see that Jesus called for the formation of the
EKKLESIA (Church) in Matthew 16:18.
“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this
rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades
shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
In Greek culture an EKKLESIA was the ruling body
that governed the “POLIS” or CITY STATE. So Jesus
didn't create a new word but borrowed from a common
political word to describe His goal for those who would
be His disciples: that they would represent His KINGDOM will on earth with binding and loosing powers
that would govern the heavenly principalities and thus
transform earthly communities where each EKKLESIA
was established.
The idea of conversion was not merely meant to fill
seats for church growth on Sundays but to nurture disciples who would turn the world order upside down.
The EKKLESIA means “the called out ones.” Yes, we
are called to go out into all the world and make disciples! The success of our churches is not determined by
how many we SEAT but by how many we SEND!
Since the late 19th century the idea of church as a
ruling EKKLESIA has largely been lost and replaced
with rescuing sinners from this world and living secluded pietistic lives with a goal to make it to heaven.
We went from CHANGING THE WORLD to RESISTING THE WORLD, from ENGAGING THE
WORLD to PROTECTING OURSELVES FROM
THE WORLD! But this is totally contrary to the original Greek meaning of the word EKKLESIA, which
means BEING CALLED TO ENGAGE THE WORLD
AND GOVERN IT. Church attendance in this nation is
high but cultural effectiveness is at an all-time low!
If the church is going to recapture its cultural commission of discipling nations and having global influence, as found in Genesis 1:28 and Matthew 28:19, it
has to learn the difference between building an
EKKLESIA and a mere CONGREGATION THAT ASSEMBLES together.
Today we are dealing with a culture of TOLERANCE and RELATIVISM! Our covenant of tolerance
basically says, “I won’t tell you what to do as long as
you don’t tell me what to do.” Relativism basically
says, “You believe what you want as long as it does not
affect me!” But we are called to go out into all the
world and make disciples of the nations. We cannot accomplish that in the four walls of our churches. We
must go boldly in the name of the Lord with wisdom,
grace and truth and proclaim the goodness of God in the
earth! Let’s be the CHURCH!
Word Of Faith Family Worship Cathedral - page 4
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Celebrating
Faith
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Anniversary Puzzle
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Answers on page 16
ACROSS
DOWN
2. WOF guest artist who wrote “Let the Praise Begin"
1. Name of WOF Dance Ministry - Tribe of _______
4. Bishop's first book, “Get A _____”
3. Bishop's first church assignment Mount _______
6. WOF musical guest who reminds us to “Smile”
4. Pastor of Word of Faith Love Center
8. Beloved WOF deacon
5. Children's ministry of scripture and song ________ of Light
9. WOF guest comedian known for his prank radio phone calls
7. Dale Bronner II attends father's college alma mater
11. WOF guest who is the Bishop of The ______ House
10. WOF guest vocalist who sings with her brother
14. There are two of these ministers on the pastoral staff
12. Pastor of Word of Faith Light of Joy
16. Bronner twins attend mother's college alma mater
13. Bishop's childhood church
17. Like the song, WOF is located “Down by the _________”
15. WOF guest Vickie Winans' hit song “Shake Yourself ____”
18. Popular WOF CD entitled "______ Happen"
19. Pastor of Congregational Care Rev. ______ Williams
19. There are three of these ladies on the WOF staff
21. Pastor of Evangelism Rev. _______________
20. Operation ______ - “Pray Until Something Happens”
Word Of Faith Family Worship Cathedral - page 5
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
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FRIDAY
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SATURDAY
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THE SCROLL
SCREENING
7:00 P.M. in the
Sanctuary
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Steve Harvey
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SPECIAL GUESTS
Dr. A.R. Bernard
&
William
McDowell
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20TH CHURCH
ANNIVERSARY
Georgia
International
Convention
Center
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CHRISTMAS
CONCERT
With Adlan
Cruz
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NEW YEAR’S
EVE SERVICES
7:00 P.M. and
10:00 P.M.
Merry
Christmas
10:00 A.M.
Worship
Service Only
Word Of Faith Family Worship Cathedral - page 6
m
F ro
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he M
Word Of Faith Family Worship Cathedral - page 7
‘Twas the night before Jesus Came ...
...and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hope that Jesus would not come there.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be The Day!
The children were dressing to crawl into bed.
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! Returning like He had said.
And though I possessed worldy wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
When out of the East there arose such a clatter.
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name,
When He said, “It’s not here” my head hung in shame.
The people whose names has been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late,
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight,
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight!
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear,
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There’s only one life and when comes that last call
We’ll find that the Bible was true for us all.
Word Of Faith Family Worship Cathedral - page 8
Memories…
Longtime Word of Faith members
reflect on the early years.
Word Of Faith Family Worship Cathedral - page 9
C
Congratulations Word of Faith Cathedral on 20
wonderful, glorious years! As a product of Word
of Faith, my fondest memory was in 1993 when I
heard a sermon from Bishop Bronner entitled,
“Turning Points.” That day was unequivocally a
turning point in my life. A prophetic word was
spoken that turned my heart from engineering to
ministry. Today, I am a pastor because of that
prophetic word. Thank you Bishop Bronner for
allowing the Lord to speak prophetically through
you. We honor and love you!
M
Rev. Reginald Garmon, D.Min. - Senior Pastor
Word of Faith Love Center
My most memorable event at WOF occurred twenty years
ago when I first became a member. I had been going through
a spiritual drought at my previous church where I had served
for over fifteen years. After experiencing an anointed service, I decided to return to my previous church and submit
my resignation from the many boards and ministries on
which I held leadership positions. The spirit to join Word of
Faith was heavy on me, but I sat through the invitation to
membership. Bishop prayed and received the members that
Sunday and was about to give the benediction when the Holy
Spirit spoke to him and said, “No, not yet.” Bishop held up
service and said that there is ONE MORE YOUNG MAN!
He then gave an account of everything that I was going
through and announced that I was waiting to recommit my
life, later. He yielded to the Holy Spirit and said the Lord
said “TODAY!” I got up, came forward, and joined! Bishop
laid hands on me, prophesied over my life. PRAISE GOD,
MY LIFE HAS NEVER BEEN THE SAME!
Darrell Hayes
Word Of Faith Family Worship Cathedral - page 10
O
Our first visit to the church occurred in the summer
of 1992. We had seen this preacher on cable who
was really teaching the word with clarity and understanding. We remember back then when we entered
the sanctuary for the first time there were only
enough members to fill about a third of the center
pews. There were also ropes being used to close off
the remaining pews. The thing that really impressed
us was how prompt and orderly the service was, and
also how welcome we felt to be in attendance. After
this initial visit we knew that this was where the
Lord was leading us to worship. One of our most
memorable events occurred during one of the first
watch-night services held at the church, when just
before midnight everyone joined hands and formed a
prayer circle to bring in the new year.
Maurice and Selena Peoples and son Maurice II
I
I have awesome memories of how God began to use Dale Bronner, a teenager in a
classroom with five other students witnessing
about the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit.
His audience increased at a Southwest High
School assembly with 1,500 students and
staff. Later, Dale Bronner became Rev. Dale
Bronner, pastor of Word of Faith Family
Worship Center in East Point, Georgia. Today, Bishop Dale C. Bronner is the pastor of
Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral
with a congregation of 20,000 plus. I’m delighted because I am a chartered member and
ordained minister of Word of Faith. I have
been able to be a part of sowing
seed, watering and to see God
get the increase. I rejoice because I witness God’s church
being built on prayer, love and
the Word. To God be the glory.
We welcome everyone to the
family of God through faith in
our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ.
I love you all,
Rev. Edna Dillard
Word Of Faith Family Worship Cathedral - page 11
I
It is indeed an honor to extend a warm congratulations to Bishop Dale C. and Dr. Nina Bronner, and
my Word of Faith Family on this 20th anniversary
celebration. I have 12 years of fond foundational
memories that has and will continue to sustain me
for the rest of my life. Word of Faith is where I
learned the true principles of leadership and the responsibility one has when they accept the role. It
was indeed a pleasure and privilege to serve as the
Hostess Ministry Founding Chair. It enabled me to
interact and to be impacted by so many. I am so appreciative of all the lessons I learned, love I received, and the support given. Keep moving, Keep
growing, and Keep inspiring. The Sky and Beyond
Is The Limit!
With All My
Love,
Deborah C.
Hardnett
B
Best wishes to Bishop Bronner for the 20 years he has
faithfully taught the word of God! My WOF membership
goes back to 1995 and during much of the time since then,
I have been actively involved in the Resource Ministry,
formerly known as the Tape Ministry. This ministry is one
that has been a tremendous blessing to me, in that the
“Word” on tape, CD, etc. truly reaches the lost and
teaches the found! One of the most sought after recordings
over the years is one entitled “Things Happen.” It came
out in November 1997 and continues to be in demand
today. I am still very excited to be a part of this ministry
knowing that many lives will be touched and transformed
as a result of our work. Happy Anniversary and thank you
Bishop for feeding us all with sound biblical instruction.
Michael Dickerson
Word Of Faith Family Worship Cathedral - page 12
O
One day in particular stands out as the most profound.
It was a winter ice storm in 1996. The storm came on
a Saturday night. On Sunday morning the condition of
the streets was almost impassable. We lived near the
church and along with some other members and we all
braved the weather to see the condition of the church
grounds and building. The driveway was iced over,
power was out in the area, some trees were down and
limbs were in the path leading to the church. Then
Pastor Bronner was called and informed of the circumstances. His response was, “Can you all get some candles and a generator? I will be there soon!” We did our
best and followed the Pastor’s request. The eleven
o’clock service started on time with twenty five or
thirty members in attendance. We had praise and worship and the message. What a blessed moment in time!
Deacon Johnnie & Beverly Simmons
O
Our fondest memories of Word of Faith are the moments
from serving in various ministries being exposed to the
diversity of the Body of Christ. Those opportunities of
servitude shaped and impacted our lives during the roaring
nineties of Word of Faith. We can never forget the
powerful Healing Service conducted by Bishop in which
the following service a bird flew through the sanctuary.
This watering hole afforded us salvation, baptism,
matrimony, ordination, and the launching of Word of
Faith Light of Joy Church. Word of Faith has served as
the most important developmental element in our life by
leading us to a relationship with Jesus the Christ and
teaching us leadership skills. However, we will never
forget the historic moment when Moses (Bishop) led us
across Riverside from the Tabernacle
to the Cathedral. It was like leaving
the wilderness going to the Promise
Land. This is an awesome place to
worship.
Congratulations, my Kingdom
Family on twenty years of changing
the world.
Pastor Frank & Miriam Salters
Word of Faith Light of Joy
Word Of Faith Family Worship Cathedral - page 13
say cheese!
Photograph
h
it
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f
o
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Wo r
e rs
D
uring this 20th anniversary of the church, the
Media Ministry would like to give special
thanks and appreciation to our official WOF
photographers. Lloyd, Edward and Gilbert have
captured the essence of the ministry, the spirit of it’s
leaders and congregation over the years. We look
forward to working with all of them in the future!
Lloyd Caldway, Jr.
Edward Guy
Gilbert Hunter
Word Of Faith Family Worship Cathedral - page 14
Cuban Black Bean Soup
∼
∼
∼
∼
∼
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1 medium chopped onion
4 cloves minced garlic
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 tablespoon canola oil
3 16oz cans black beans
1 14oz can chicken broth
1 16oz jar chunky salsa (mild-hot depending on taste
preference)
∼ 1/2 cup sour cream
Cook and stir onion, garlic and cumin in oil over medium
heat in large saucepan for about 3 minutes. Place 1 can of
the beans and half of the broth in a blender or food
processor and blend until pureed. Add to ingredients in
saucepan. Repeat with second can of beans and remaining
broth. Add remaining can of beans and salsa to saucepan
mixture; mix well. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to low; simmer 15 minutes, stirring
occasionally. Ladle soup into serving bowls. Top each
serving with about a tablespoon of sour cream. Delicioso!!!
with Chef Hairston
Shrimp and Crab Bisque
2 Cans Condensed Cream of Shrimp Soup
2 Cups Heavy Cream**
2 Ounces White Wine (preferably Chardonnay)
1 Pound Large Cooked Shrimp (Diced)
8 Ounces Lump Crab Meat
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 Tablespoon Grated Parmesan Cheese
Dash Kosher or Sea Salt
Dash Coarse Ground Black Pepper
Combine soup, cream, white wine and ½ of the diced shrimp in
a blender. Blend ingredients on low setting until achieving a
semi-smooth consistency. Pour mixture in a large sauce pan and
add remaining shrimp, crab meat, garlic powder, parmesan
cheese, salt and black pepper. Cook over medium heat for 5-6
minutes (do not allow to boil). Makes about 5-6 servings.
**For anyone who is lactose intolerant, you may substitute Lactaid
brand or soy milk for heavy cream in this recipe.
Word Of Faith Family Worship Cathedral - page 15
Congratulations
Bishop Dale C. Bronner
Congratulations
and
Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral
COVER IDENTIFICATION KEY
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Bishop Dale C. Bronner
Dr. A. R. Bernard
Chester Barnes
Danielle Smith
Mother Robbie Bronner
Jocelyn Hairston
Dr. Nina Bronner
Rev. Reginald Garmon
Dr. Hubert Cobb and Mother
Dorothy Cobb
Marsetta Ray
James Richardson
Deacon Robert Lofton
Mother Emma Rowland
Derrick and Nakeisha Myers
ANSWERS:
Across: 2. Hammond; 4. Grip; 6. Franklin; 8. Lofton; 9. Smiley; 11. Potters; 14: Charles; 16. Spelman;
17. Riverside; 18. Things; 19: Jane; 20. PUSH
Down: 1. Judah; 3. Olive; 4. Garmon; 5. Voices; 7. Morehouse; 10. CeCe; 12. Salters; 13: WheatStreet;
15. Loose; 19. John; 21. Blackshear