By Nancy Gunnels
NASHVILLE, Tennessee--Saturday, June 28, 450 WCG members from southeast Missouri, southern Kentucky, northern Alabama and middle Tennessee conducted a combined worship service with New Song Christian Fellowship, a Four-Square Gospel church. Joseph Tkach and his wife, Tammy, were guest speakers.
The first message was given by Dale Evrist, senior pastor of New Song Christian Fellowship.
Pastor Dale noted the wounds suffered by the Worldwide Church of God over the past few years because of doctrinal changes. He said it is now time for us to move on and asked where the WCG goes from here?
He pointed out that our past "should be a point of reference, not a place of residence," and encouraged the church, saying that "God has given you a miracle mandate, and is going to use you mightily in the days to come."
Mr. Tkach then spoke about how we as Christians in an America that is no longer Christian must find our God-given gifts and be willing to sacrifice in using them to bring others to Christ.
He quoted the parable of the talents in Matthew 25 and encouraged us not to hide our talents as the one servant did. That servant freed himself from responsibility, but also severed his relationship with his master.
Mr. Tkach noted that "some are spectators in the arena of Christianity," while an "increasingly evil society is influencing the Christian church in a harmful way."
After lunch the women of the WCG and New Song combined for a "Women's Gathering."
Joan Evrist led the group in a time of praise and worship after which she delivered a message of encouragement and power based on Colossians 3--"Where the Spirit of the Lord is There is Liberty." Mrs. Evrist has been director of Women's Ministries for 18 years and serves an active ministry of 175 women.
Mrs. Tkach told a Cinderella story of how people go through life looking for their prince to come to the rescue.
The church was the handsome prince for many, but Mrs. Tkach said we can't look to people to fulfill our needs because humans will let us down. Only God can ultimately fulfill all our needs, and Jesus Christ is our Prince.
During the women's conference, the men met with Mr. Tkach for an informal question and answer session.
Several WCG members, along with the Tkaches, accepted Pastor Dale's invitation to attend their regular Sunday morning services. The weekend was a great opportunity for us to meet with other brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ.
July 22, 1997, WN, page 7
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