Most Christians are
in small churches, writes Pastor General Joseph Tkach.
Most Christians are
in small churches, writes Pastor General Joseph Tkach.
Though megachurches usually get more attention, small churches are the backbone of Christianity. People are more likely to come to faith in a small church than in a megachurch.
Most WCG congregations are small, averaging less than 100 people in attendance, so it is important to understand how small churches function. They are not miniature imitations of multi-ministry megachurches. Rather, they have a dynamic of their own. Pages 6 and 7.
WCG congregations around the world met for services during Holy Week.
The Queens, New York, congregation had a Palm Sunday service that included a newly composed hymn written for the service by member Serge Volpe.
The Rochester, New York, congregation combined with Genesee Valley United Methodist Church for a Good Friday service.
The Longview, Texas, congregation participated in a citywide Easter service that the Longview News-Journal called "a glimpse of heaven" as members from 10 churches participated.
The Houston, Texas, North congregations joined with the Imperial Valley Assembly of God for a Lord's Supper service. Pages 8 and 9.
If God, for
Christ's sake, has completely forgiven me for all my sins, past, present and future, then
what is to stop me from just going out and sinning all I want?
Is the law meaningless for Christians? Does God now condone sin? Doesn't he want me to stop sinning?
Mike Feazell responds to these questions and others in his article "Trusting God With the Problem of Sin." Pages 10 to 14.
This month Randal
Dick shares a report from Jack Brunet, regional pastor for the French West Indies.
Mr. Brunet writes that the Caribbean islands can become a chain of Christian love and solidarity. We are constantly seeking ways to build good and positive relationships within the WCG neighborhood islands. Pages 16 & 17.
A national gathering of Christian young people and their families is planned for the Mall in Washington, D.C., Sept. 2.
The event is dubbed The Call or The Call DC, and it will be a day of fasting and prayer for the nation, say organizers, who include leaders from numerous churches and ministries. Page 24.
Congregations in the United States met for the National Day of Prayer May 4.
In San Antonio, Texas, members met at various mall gatherings and school flag poles to pray for the nation and city. That evening, nearly 100 pastors and wives met at a pastor's home for prayer and fellowship.
In Pasadena, members met at the Fine Arts Recital Hall for a praise and worship service. Page 28.
Income through
April was $8,446,730, writes controller Ron Kelly.
For the same period last year, income was $9,715,981, so income is down 13 percent this year. However, many special offerings were not tabulated until May. Page 27.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2000