Regional pastors: breaking new ground

By Thomas C. Hanson

Regional pastors and wives met in Pasadena for their second conference this year, July 28 to Aug. 1.

Joseph Tkach, Mike Feazell, Dan Rogers, Bernie Schnippert and Charles Albrecht facilitated discussions.

They discussed dealing with counterfeit revival in our fellowship; the criteria for ordaining elders; ministerial ranks and titles; the role of the regional pastor; and denominational process.

Mike Swagerty, regional pastor in Sacramento, California, said: "We broke new ground in what the distinctives of our denomination will be, and yet allow each congregation to be flexible in how it operates within those distinctives. The openness of all participants was refreshing, and there was a real respect for what the Holy Spirit was saying in each person."

Mike Feazell, senior adviser to Mr. Tkach, spoke on Building a Renewal Strategy. He recommended the book: Signs of the Spirit--How God Reshapes the Church, by Howard Snyder.

Mr. Feazell emphasized the key role of small groups in the renewal process, as well as the priesthood of believers and the power of the gospel message to transform lives.

The group discussed qualifications for an elder: character, new covenant understanding, conversion, leadership, respect and wisdom.

The Worldwide Church of God has 90 nonsalaried pastors. That number should increase to 130 by January, according Gerald Schnarrenberger, supervisor of pastoral relations. We have 182 salaried ministers in the United States.

Dan Rogers, superintendent of ministers, said that the regional pastor's biggest role is to encourage. One way he can do this is by visiting churches in his region.

Mr. Rogers led a discussion on decision-making. The group recommended that the denominational headquarters decide doctrines, the name of the denomination, church governance and budget commitments and pastoral regulations and supervision.

The local church decides time of services; blend of worship music; order of service; kinds, numbers and types of ministries; and pastoral evaluations.

Aug. 19, 1997, WN, page three

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