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July 1998
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One of the most important doctrines of the WCG is that of the authority of Scripture. Though we didn't always understand Scripture correctly (and no doubt there are areas in which we still need correction), Scripture has always been the basis for what we taught.
Scripture has been for us the test of faith and practice. Even in our years of change, Scripture has been the authority. The reason we changed is that we kept reading the book.
Faith is an essential part of Christianity. But not just any faith will do--our faith must be based on adequate evidence. The church Jesus founded is to be a teaching church, and his people are to be people who are learning. Page 7.
The determination to live out our values is a hallmark of the WCG.
Ultimately our practices reflect our inner values.
Some WCG brethren have anxiety about some of our practices. A current example is the manner and frequency of taking the Lord's Supper or Communion.
Some have begun to celebrate the Lord's Supper in a more frequent and less formal manner. Some, however, feel this denigrates Christ's sacrifice.
Others, who are edified by celebrating the Lord's Supper in a less formal and more frequent manner, are sometimes offended by those who won't join them in this celebration. They feel judged by their brethren.
Both groups are trying to defend a right value.
God values his children. God values a broken and contrite heart. God values his children living together in unity. Within those constants, God seems to appreciate the various forms of worship where different godly values may be appreciated. Pages 10 and 11.
WCG members in Africa are thinking of you and praying for you, our brethren outside Africa, writes James Henderson, superintendent of missions for Africa.
We have shared your excitement at rediscovering the treasure that was hidden in our field of legalism--Jesus Christ, our Savior. We have felt your tensions and anxieties and have grieved with you the loss of those who have chosen to reject that pearl of great price and to cling to the bondage of the past.
We also deeply appreciate the many years of moral and financial support the WCG in Africa has received. You helped us plant churches in urban areas and farming communities. Pages 12 and 13.
Do you still feel women's ministry is tea and cookies and fluff? asks Tammy Tkach. That it's only for other women and isn't relevant to your life?
I receive many letters from women who appreciate women's ministry and the conferences sponsored by women's ministry.
Some say they have a whole new life because they receive so much hope and encouragement. And they feel set free to be themselves. Page 16.
Your spring festivals offerings exceeded $2 million, which was above the projection, writes Bernie Schnippert, treasurer. These Festival offerings came behind special offerings you gave to help with the first quarter crisis.
The daily mail average for May finished at just over $107,000 a day. This brought the year-to-date average down to just over $110,000. Thank you for your continued, generous support.
By Frank Parsons
ORLANDO, Florida--What do more than 1,000 ministers and wives from 14 nations, 45 states and 64 denominations have in common?
A love for Jesus Christ and the Spirit-led desire to have a better understanding of evangelism.
This is what my wife, Jane, and I found when we arrived at the Radisson Twin Towers in Orlando April 27-30 for the Billy Graham School of Evangelism.
We joined 18 WCG ministers and wives for four days of spiritual uplift and blessings. Dr. Graham says that "the school is designed to help the ministry lead their churches in evangelistic outreaches," and it does.
The school has four objectives: 1) to demonstrate both in prepared lectures and crusade meetings the inherent power of the gospel message in such a way that the student will be able to impart this message to others; 2) to present evangelism in such a way that the student will be able to develop lay evangelism in the local church; 3) to provide a biblically centered theological basis for evangelism; and 4) to present the why and how of evangelism so clearly that there will be a new commitment to its message and effectiveness. Paul Cedar, chairman of Mission America, was host. Dr. Cedar said that every Christian should read Mr. Tkach's book Transformed by Truth.
During the conference, on Wednesday, April 29, he met with our WCG
group. He is supportive of what the church is doing.
Larry Backlund, director of the school of evangelism, met with our group as well and told an inspiring story about his contact with the WCG.
Mr. Backlund has invited Mr. Tkach to visit the Minneapolis, Minneapolis, headquarters of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
Garvin Greene, regional pastor, said that the Billy Graham staff is interested in helping everyone share the gospel of Jesus more effectively. "Every pastor and his wife should try to attend one of the sessions."
Martin Davey, Jacksonville, Florida, pastor, who was attending for the second time, said, "I was happy that my wife, Yvonne, could come this year, and have her own enthusiasm reinforced even more."
WCG attendees left excited about getting back to their congregations and putting into action the knowledge they gained.
WCG attendees included Dan and Clare Gough, Ed Burkhead, Carl and Annabel Dayhoff, Ken Smylie, Les Mieure, Peter Whitting, Mike and Maxine Mitchell, Garvin and Sandee Greene, Lloyd Garrett, Martin and Yvonne Davey and Frank and Jane Parsons.
I am a member of the Worldwide Church of God, but I have not attended in about 10 years. But through the man in my life I have a renewed, let's call it, first love.
The changes my mom has been keeping me informed of are the greatest thing I have heard. I am so happy to feel that we can now have a freedom in Christ as never before. I am so excited about all the changes.
Your sister in Christ
Darlene R. English
Kenai, Alaska
The Worldwide News conducted a readership survey about the January issue in five randomly selected WCG congregations.
One hundred twenty-seven people (ages 13 and above) responded to the survey.
According to Gerald Schnarrenberger, supervisor of pastoral relations in Church Administration, average U.S. weekly attendance is 26,500 (with 15 percent of those ages 0 to 13). The error rate of the survey is plus or minus 2 percentage points.
The most popular article (based on a combined total of those who said they read most or all of it) was the Personal with a combined total of about 67 percent. Others in the 60 percent range were Letters to the Editor; Festival at Eight Regional sites; and Why Redesign the WN?
Seventeen percent said they read all of each issue of the WN, and about 44 percent said they read most of each issue.
Combining these two figures, 61 percent said they read most or all of each issue. About 14 percent said they read little or none of each issue.
Thirty percent of respondents said the WN does an excellent job of explaining church doctrine; 56 percent said the WN does a good job; 12 percent rated the WN fair; and 2 percent rated the WN poor.
transformationBy Don Engle
CHICAGO, Illinois--I attended the annual pastors conference at Moody Bible Institute May 18 to 21 along with 1,300 pastors and staff representing more than 50 denominations.
I attended the conference last year also and have found them truly inspiring. Speakers included John MacArthur, Max Lucado, Tony Evans, Erwin Lutzer, Rod Cooper, D.A. Carson and Joseph Stowell.
I met each one and found them to be encouraged by the changes in the WCG. Many pastors said that what has occurred in our denomination is an answer to prayer.
We had great messages, praise and worship before each general session led by Joseph Garlington (Promise Keepers and Stand in the Gap worship leader) and professional musicians and entertainers.
Workshop topics included growing a healthy church; church leadership; evangelism; couple conflict resolution; pastors' prayer life; missions; youth ministry; issues in the African-American church; and conflict resolution in churches.
I met Joseph Stowell, president of Moody Bible Institute, last year and he made positive comments about the WCG to the general assembly at that conference.
This year, I went up to say hello, and he said he wanted to bring me up in front of the group on the last evening and interview me about what has occurred in our fellowship.
That evening, Dr. Stowell asked me to explain what occurred in our church and what brought about the changes.
The evening sessions, including my interview with Dr. Stowell, were broadcast on Moody radio, with markets coast to coast.
Next year's conference will be May 24 to 27.
Don Engle pastors the Rochester, Minnesota, and Mason City, Iowa, churches.
By Gary Roberto
SPOKANE, Washington--On Pentecost Sunday, May 31, more than 170 members of the Worldwide Church of God and the Fellowship Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) met for a combined service.
Extra chairs were brought in for the standing room only crowd.
The Spokane WCG congregation uses the Fellowship Church of God facility for worship services.
Bobby Smith, Fellowship Church of God worship leader, led a worship and sharing portion of the service.
An offering, with different color envelopes for each church, was taken up.
Bill Bath, pastor of the Fellowship Church of God, offered a pastoral prayer. Glen Weber, pastor of the Inland Northwest WCG churches, gave a sermon on the history and meaning of Pentecost and of God pouring out his Holy Spirit on the church.
About 25 WCG members attended from the sister congregation in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and satellite house churches in Kamiah and Moscow, Idaho; and Quincy, Washington.
After the service, the two churches had a combined potluck barbecue. Also joining the two churches were the members of First Evangelical Free Church and Terrace Heights Baptist Church.
All four church leaders cut a cake that had Psalm 133:1 written on the top: "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."
By Chris Beam
JASPER, Texas--My feelings were mixed as I crossed over the Neches River into Jasper County June 15.
The river was peaceful with the gentle bouncing of the lily pads, and low swells in the green and muddy water.
What a paradox, I thought, that in the midst of this beautiful countryside such a brutal hate crime could have occurred just a week before.
[Three white men are accused of chaining James Byrd to their truck and dragging him to his death.]
I was on my way to a prayer vigil organized by community leaders and pastors in Jasper. As I pulled into this small, East Texas town, I saw media equipment and people circled around a gazebo on the lawn in front of the court house.
Sense of peace
I was drawn immediately to the prayer as it was being uttered by a pastor, and I felt a sense of peace in my heart. There were songs of praise to God, and more prayers.
I was representing Somebody Cares Houston, Somebody Cares America and Mission Houston, a consortium of ministries and churches in Houston. I had messages from Doug Stringer, director of Somebody Cares and others.
The crowd was a mix of Hispanics, African Americans and European Americans, but most importantly it was a small group, from a small town of the human race. I realized how glorious diversity is, and how the most noble traits of humanity come together in crisis for the need of healing.
As I stood behind the platform I was struck by the presence of children. I saw in the eyes of youngsters a look of hope and need.
An African American boy about 10 years old was sitting on the stairs leading up to the speaker's platform. In his downcast eyes was a look of sadness I don't think I've ever seen before. Tears welled up in my eyes.
Later, I pondered James Taylor's tune "Shed a Little Light," where it says, "That we are bound together, in our desire to see the world become a place in which our children can grow free and strong."
Day of hope and sadness
Indeed, this was a day of contrasts. A time of seeing a hopefulness in the eyes of the diverse crowd, but also a deep sadness that seemed to seep out of the soul of people who were there.
This will forever be etched in my mind when I think of the deep, heartfelt prayers of my African American brothers who prayed that night.
One man thanked God that the community had seen his hand, because in spite of the threat of radical messages coming from many sides, the gentle dove of the Holy Spirit had prevailed, and clear-thinking had won out.
Reaching out to family
As the program ended, I was introduced to James Byrd's brother and pastor. I knelt down next to them and told them I was bringing a message of comfort from the church in Houston.
I told Mr. Byrd that as a brother and Christian, I wanted to ask for forgiveness for what people who look like me had done to him and his people. I told him I loved him and would stand by him, and then I hugged him.
It is only with the open-hearted gestures of love and outreach that we will heal personally, and help others in the process.
As we contemplate this vicious murder, let's renew our commitment to each other, determining to stop all racism, prejudice, fear and hatred in our own heart transformations.
Then, let's transform our own families and communities by how we live and what we say and do.
One of the most important doctrines of the WCG is that of the authority of Scripture. Although we didn't always understand Scripture correctly (and no doubt there are areas in which we still need correction), Scripture has always been the basis for what we taught. We kept the Sabbath, for example, because we thought Scripture said we should. The Bible was the standard by which issues were judged.
"Don't believe me--believe the Bible" was the catchphrase. Our articles were heavy with scriptures. Herbert Armstrong attracted people who believed the Bible, and he taught thousands more to believe the Bible.
Scripture has been for us the test of faith and practice. Even in our years of change, Scripture has been the authority. The reason we changed is that we kept reading the book.
Our focus on Scripture is probably the most constant factor throughout the decades of our church. This is a strength God has given us. This is something we can build on.
Faith is an essential part of Christianity. But not just any faith will do--our faith must be based on adequate evidence. And such evidence needs to be taught. The church Jesus founded is to be a teaching church, and his people are to be people who are learning. (The term "disciple" means "one who learns.")
People who believe in a Savior will be eager to learn more about him. They will hunger and thirst not just for a feeling about God, but also for knowledge of God that involves facts.
Doctrine is important--the New Testament makes that clear. After Jesus ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit filled the disciples and the church began to grow.
What did the people do? "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42).
There were unusual needs, too, partly because some who came to Jerusalem for Pentecost stayed longer than they expected. How did the people respond to this need? "Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need" (verse 45).
At first, everyone's needs were taken care of informally. But eventually a system was created to meet the needs. Donations were given to the apostles for redistribution to the needy (Acts 4:34-35).
As important as this charitable work was, the apostles did not spend all their time with it. "Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ" (Acts 5:42).
Why did the apostles back away from this need? "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.... We will ... give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:2-4).
Note the priority set by these spiritual leaders: praying, teaching and preaching. Spiritual leaders should not get bogged down in things that take them away from prayer and the Word of God. Our primary role in the church is teaching and preaching, and we cannot do that without a firm foundation in prayer and study.
"Ministry of the word" encapsulates diligent study of Scripture, careful thought about the message, systematic teaching and persuasive preaching.
Scripture emphasizes the importance of doctrine, of teaching, of truth. Jesus' commission to the church includes teaching (Matthew 28:20). Teaching was a large part of Jesus' own ministry.
Paul called himself a teacher (1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11). His epistles were read in the churches and were the foundation of faith and practice.
He urged the Thessalonians to "stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter" (2 Thessalonians 2:15).
He told the Ephesians that they "were taught ... in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus" (Ephesians 4:21).
Paul told the Colossians: "We proclaim [Christ], admonishing and teaching everyone.... Continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught.... Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom" (Colossians 1:28; 2:6-7; 3:16).
Paul told the Corinthians that everything in their worship meetings should be done for edifying or building the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:26). No matter what spiritual gift is being used, it should be used to edify.
This continues to be an important part of our work today. We have the God-given responsibility to teach our members. Let us devote ourselves to prayer and study, preaching and teaching.
Thank you all for your diligence and faithfulness.
By Grant Spong
Every great enterprise ever built, every great building, every great endeavor, existed first in the heart of an individual before it existed in reality. Nothing exists until we dare to dream.
I dream of a church where God is worshiped and lives are changed. Where people love each other and come to bless the Lord and each other, and are so turned on that they readily invite their friends.
I dream of a Worldwide Church of God conducting services at various times of the week that will reach new disciples. I dream of a church that places the Great Commandments and the Great Commission ahead of tradition.
I dream of the people of God telling the good news because they are excited and happy to tell about it. I dream of a church fulfilling the purpose for its existence--being fishers of men.
I believe the human heart hungers for what only the Christian gospel can provide.
Matthew 9:27-29 says: "When [Jesus] entered the house, [two] blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, `Do you believe that I am able to do this?' They said to him, `Yes, Lord.' Then he touched their eyes and said, `According to your faith let it be done to you.' "
It seems that it all depended on whether they believed.
Is God also saying to his people in the Worldwide Church of God, as he said to those two blind men, "It will be done for you according to your faith."
Daring to dream is a faith issue. Dreams are about seeing what is not yet in existence and believing it can become reality.
Is God limited by our faith? No, his power is limitless. Then why does he allow his great power to be limited to our faith? Is it because he wants us to learn to live by faith?
Why did Jesus not do many miracles in his hometown? It was "because of their lack of faith" (Matthew 13:58). The Bible does not say he could not do many miracles, just that he did not.
Can we dare to dream great dreams for our fellowship? God will accomplish his work with or without us. Whether he uses us, depends on whether he finds us to be people of faith.
Romans 10 says faith comes by hearing the word of God. It's no use being a wonderful servant of the Lord, if you are not returning to the source on a regular basis for a refill.
We read our spiritual fuel gauge by measuring little things. How is your attitude tested today in small everyday trials? Are you becoming irritable, critical, moody, negative? These are indicators that you need some quiet time alone with God.
Associate with positive people. Don't let yourself be dragged down by others. If you can't get them out of negativism, get out before you are dragged down with them.
If we fail, there is grace. God knows we can't work it out on our own.
We need to fill our tanks regularly with encouragement like this: " `For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, `plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future' " (Jeremiah 29:11).
Contrary to how we sometimes feel, God is on our side working things out.
And as the apostle Paul says in Philippians 4:13: "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
For the WCG to join God where he is, in making disciples, success begins with a dream. Nothing will happen until we dare to dream.
By Don Mears
Are you on a quest to find the Ideal Church?
Perhaps you know the one I mean. It is the church where no errors of doctrine or practice ever occur.
In the Ideal Church, grace, obedience and legalism are always clearly understood and distinguished. The pastor never gives a boring, irrelevant or inaccurate sermon; and the congregation only sings the songs that you like and think are worshipful.
In the Ideal Church, all members love one another all the time. No one ever sins or gives offense. There are no disagreements about how the church should be run, or how money should be spent.
Is this Ideal Church the church you are looking for? If so, I've got bad news for you: you won't find it. Why not? Because it doesn't exist! It doesn't exist because to create a perfect church you need perfect people, and all Jesus' churches are made up of imperfect people.
Since the Real Church is made up of flawed people, it is inevitably a flawed body. The mixture of good and bad, success and failure cannot be escaped by changing denominations or congregations.
Russian author Alexander Solzhenitsyn points out that the separation between good and evil does not fall conveniently between groups of people, or between those in our church and those outside it. It runs through the middle of every human heart.
About 18 years ago, I went through the most traumatic two years of my life when I was confronted with the flawed nature of our church.
It happened when I first grasped what it meant to be saved by the grace of Christ. While it was the most wonderful discovery of my life, it was also the most traumatic.
It was a shock to realize how far our church had fallen short of the gospel of grace. I realized that the gospel we--I--had preached had been a confused mixture of legalism and grace that had burdened people instead of freeing them from their burdens.
I thought: Surely I have to leave, and find a church that is free from legalism, free from error, free from these kinds of flaws.
I prayed for guidance, and began to read everything I could find on grace. Two books helped me decide what to do.
One was written by a Lutheran, the other by another Protestant pastor. The Lutheran, a seminary professor, described how his own church, though founded on the principle of salvation by grace through faith apart from works, in practice emphasized performance at the expense of grace.
The illustrations of legalism he gave, from his experience in congregations and in college, were startlingly similar to attitudes and practices in our own church and its college.
The second writer pointed out that humanity's most persistent heresy is legalism, a person's determination to justify himself before God by works or performance.
This problem was not limited to our church! There was nowhere for me to go to where the battle for the gospel would not have to be fought. It has to be fought in every human heart. And it will never be finally won until the Lord returns.
Our churches are as much in need of grace as we, their members are. When Jesus looks at us, he sees our flaws, our sins, our errors and omissions; and his grace is sufficient to cover these things.
As much as we need him to forgive us, our churches need us to forgive them. Can we learn to extend grace toward our churches as Jesus Christ extends it to us? We know we are to forgive one another as he forgives us. Can we learn to forgive our churches as he forgives them?
Our quest is not to find the Ideal Church; it is to help improve the Real Church. Jesus wants us to commit ourselves to the Real Church, his church, in one of its real, flawed denominations or congregations. And there he will give us strength to persevere in the quest to improve it.
Flawed as it is, that church is the form Jesus has chosen to take in this world. If you have been looking for the Ideal Church, give up your futile quest. Commit yourself instead to the Real Church and to the daily work of improving it.
Don Mears is regional pastor in Big Sandy, Texas.
By Randal Dick
Superintendent of mission
If you go around your house and look out of every window, you will see different views (unless you live in an igloo).My responsibilities allow me a look out of more windows of our church "house" more frequently than anyone else. The view can be different from window to window, but certain things are the same.
One of those is a high regard for our values. The determination to live out our values is a hallmark of the WCG.
Ultimately our practices reflect our inner values. However, with the passage of time, practices and values can get separated from each other. Sometimes practices can be given value status.
A good example, not too close to home, would be the Salvation Army. In 1865, when William Booth started the Salvation Army in Britain, he was trying to reach people who were staying away from the local church.
He asked himself, What is the latest and most attractive thing that would draw people from far and wide?
A new entertainment craze, the brass band, had hit the land. Booth and his brass band would play on street corners. People would flock from all over the neighborhood, and listen for hours. This is how he gathered an audience to whom he could preach the gospel.
If you were to ask today's average Salvation Army member why their women wear bonnets and why they feature brass bands, they might tell you it is tradition, or one of their distinctives.
But if Booth were alive today, he might ask: "Why are you guys walking around in funny looking outfits and playing brass bands?
"You should be doing the most current and relevant thing, not immortalizing some practice!"
The value was in preaching Christ, not the perpetuation of the band and the bonnet. Obviously, their practice has became detached from its original value.
(Note: After I had written this column, an article appeared in the London Daily Telegraph about the Salvation Army changing its uniforms. See box below).
Some WCG brethren have anxiety about some of our practices. A current example is the manner and frequency of taking the Lord's Supper or Communion.
Some have begun to celebrate the Lord's Supper in a more frequent and less formal manner. Some, however, feel this denigrates Christ's sacrifice. Others, who are edified by celebrating the Lord's Supper in a less formal and more frequent manner, are sometimes offended by those who won't join them in this celebration. They feel judged by their brethren.
Both groups are trying to defend a right value.
But why should the first group be offended? It's probably because the practice of the traditional anniversary celebration of the Lord's sacrifice reflects a deeply held value of respect for God.
Hence, we are sobered on that occasion. We go way out of our way in grooming and preparation. Even those who couldn't be on time for their own funeral are there, in their seats, early.
Traditionally, this has been our ultimate forum for symbolically saying, "Jesus, we know what you did for us is important, and we honor you."
The second category of brethren have begun to take the bread and wine in a variety of settings. It was strange at first, but they are now convicted that this is the intent of the institution of the practice by Jesus.
They do not appreciate others giving them disapproving looks for celebrating the unity and Christ-dependency of the Christian family.
Members of each group think they have to defend their particular value against the encroachment of the other. They are worried about losing what they have, when maybe--just maybe--they should stop and consider what Christ might be trying to add to them.
How did we get the practices through which we demonstrate these values?
Christ obviously changed a practice when, on the night before his crucifixion, he introduced the elements of bread and wine. The disciples continued that practice by meeting in one anothers' homes and sharing meals together in which they would incorporate the elements of the bread and the wine, in the way Jesus used them. Paul refers to these as love feasts.
Early Christians partook of the symbols of the body and blood of Christ at a meal in intimate fellowship with a fairly small number of fellow Christians. The emphasis was one of family worship.
If you were to suggest that they stop these regular celebrations, and do them only once a year on Nisan 14, they might get rather upset and think you were trying to water down their values.
If you suggested they leave the intimacy of their homes and gather in one place with hundreds of others and read Scripture, wash feet and pass around the bread and wine, they might be furious.
Over the centuries, parish churches and large cathedrals replaced the home as the central place of worship. A professional clergy administered the sacraments. Members were married in the church, and buried in or around the church. The Lord's Supper of the New Testament era became a casualty of the institutional church.
When the Reformation came along, although doctrine and some practices were changed, the cathedrals and parish churches continued, right along with the professional clergy ministering in those central locations.
Though the Lord's Supper, filtered through history, still reflects the importance of the sacrifice of Christ, the manner of celebration in these churches now emphasizes the majesty and greatness of God.
Our formal behavior reinforces the value of respect of God--and he wants us to hold and express that value. But does he not appreciate the other value just as much?
These same two values were present in the Old Testament as well. If we were worshipers of God in the time of Abraham or Job, we would gather our family and friends and go to the nearest hilltop or significant place.
There, we would pile big rocks into a heap that would hold wood and an animal. We would slay an animal, sacrifice it to God and worship as a family. God loved this, when done in a right heart.
If someone were to suggest that we should do this only at appointed times, we would not be happy.
Suppose they told us to take our families and sacrifices to some faraway city where thousands of animals were killed daily in assembly-line fashion. We would probably begin to get angry.
Then, if we were told that only men with certain last names could offer sacrifices and that we had to watch from a distance, we would be angrier still. How could anyone think of desecrating the value of family worship in the local environment?
Now, let's move forward a couple of centuries. Families save their money and plan their lives around going up to the Temple to bring their sacrifices before God.
They thrill as they top the hills around Jerusalem and can see the magnificent buildings, crowned by the Temple. They place their sacrifices in the hands of the Levites with great respect. And they are moved to tears by the magnificent music and dancing of the Temple worship team.
What if you suggested to these people that their worship might have more value if they found a hilltop near their home, gathered a small group of people and offered their sacrifices there?
You might need to be on the lookout for incoming missiles in the form of stones!
"That is absurd," they would say. "It drags the incredible meaning of the sacrifices through the mud."
After we are all resurrected, it may be interesting to hear people from these different perspectives compare notes. They will certainly come to see that God respected and blessed both of those practices.
We need to learn the same lessons now, before the resurrection. God values his children. That is a constant.
God values a broken and contrite heart. That is always the same. God values his children living together in unity. It shall always be that way.
Within those constants, God seems to appreciate the various forms of worship where different godly values may be emphasized and appreciated.
I think God is offering us his abundance mentality in place of our scarcity mentality.
As I continue moving past the windows of our fellowship, I pray to see a steady increase in abundance mentality.
The London Daily Telegraph reported that the Salvation Army is going to commission a fashion designer to create a new dress code that would include jeans and baseball caps to replace the military-type uniforms they have worn for more than a century.
A survey had shown that the Salvation Army was seen as a quaint and old-fashioned organization caught in its Victorian roots. The organization is concerned that few people know it as a relevant Christian church with ordained ministers, and not an outdated performing band and charity.
By James R. Henderson
NAIROBI, Kenya--Ever gone through a winter you thought would never end?
It has been raining in Nairobi for months now, or so it seems--torrential tropical rain that soaks right through you in seconds, and you begin to shiver. We need this season to end, and yet in other areas of Africa the land is parched and the people yearn for rain.
The Worldwide Church of God, too, has gone through a long, hard winter. The seeds of new thinking were sown, and in some places they died on the cold barren ground, and in other parts now the fresh buds of new life are springing up.
WCG members in Africa want you to know that we have been thinking of you and praying for all of you, our brethren outside Africa, particularly those in North America.
We have shared your excitement at rediscovering the treasure that was hidden in our field of legalism--Jesus Christ, our Savior. We have felt your tensions and anxieties and have grieved with you the loss of those who have chosen to reject that pearl of great price and to cling to the bondage of the past.
We also deeply appreciate the many years of moral and financial support the WCG in Africa has received. You helped us plant churches in major urban areas and in remote farming communities.
Now we see many of those churches seizing the vision of congregational evangelism and striving to own their future against sometimes seemingly insurmountable odds. We are reaping the past as we sow in the present. God is using the Worldwide Church of God in Africa.
The wilderness years of the WCG did take their toll on us. In some countries we lost dear brothers and sisters, and splinter groups were established. Local income declined. We had to again set priorities for our goals, and had painful moments of introspection. At times we felt alone, isolated, cut off.
We made cutbacks, of course, in personnel and resources. We now have eight full-time ministers in all of East and West Africa. These ministers are ably assisted by resident pastors and pastoral councils as they minister to more than 7,000 in attendance in 25 countries. New groups are emerging in places such as Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Congo, Angola and Tanzania.
Many of our churches have an air of excitement and anticipation. At the same time they have a sense of struggle.
Nelson Mandela, president of South Africa, referring to his country's joy at transformation, wrote in his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, that "we have not taken the final step of our journey, but the first step on a longer and more difficult road."
We see a parallel here with the WCG. All of our churches are beginning to feel the exhilaration of stepping out in Christ, and they also realize both that the road is hard and narrow and that they can accomplish all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us.
Nationally and locally the African churches are involved in various ministries and outreach initiatives such as community care, environmental projects, evangelical publishing and media and charity events.
Here are some examples. We have a weekly radio program aired in Cameroon by enthusiastic members that is well-received in the community.
The Cape Town, South Africa, office produces Face to Face, a magazine that is having an effect in both religious and nonreligious circles.
Christian Living for Africa, a magazine published in Kenya and in Ghana, is a useful tool for evangelism in rural East and West Africa.
We also want to thank all of you for your ministry of believers. You have made a difference. You have had an effect on us in Africa and have thrown so many of us a line when we were sinking in a sea of troubles.
The letters of encouragement, the listening posture, the forging of sister church relationships, the Feast visitors, the sponsoring of projects, the intervention at times of food shortage and famine, the gifts of Bibles and Christian literature, the prayers and the thoughts --all these have assisted us in our transition, in our coming out of winter.
Most of our African congregations show evidence of a renewed commitment to Jesus Christ, and also of a growing secondary commitment to the fellowship of the Worldwide Church of God.
Our past places us in a position to make a valuable contribution to the gospel. We know we can be vessels in God's hands as he uses our new understanding in Jesus Christ and our positive congregational strengths to help build his kingdom.
Solomon in the Song of Songs 2:11-12 wrote: "For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come" (New King James).
Our WCG difficulties are not over, in Africa or elsewhere.
But, it is hoped, as Solomon said, "the winter is past."
We pray that we are coming out of our winter, and that the "time of singing has come" again, only with a new song.
Africa has a song to be sung, and, as we join the rest of the church around the world, together let's sing a sweet melody and rejoice and give thanks!
Spring is coming....
By Jack Brunet
FORT-DE-FRANCE, Martinique--Pastor General Joseph Tkach visited the French Caribbean May 28 to June 1 for the 35th anniversary of the church in Martinique.
Mr. Tkach viewed the meeting hall Martinique members built in the early 1980s.
About 250 members meet in two congregations in Martinique.
Mr. Tkach visited Marcelle Myrtil, who has been confined to bed for more than three years. Her husband, Guy Nicaise Myrtil, is an elder.
Saturday, May 30, Mr. Tkach spoke at a worship service for 96 members in Guadeloupe. He then shared a meal with members by the sea before going back to Martinique.
The Martinique church began in 1963. Louis Jubert, now deceased, was the first minister.
On Pentecost, John Halford gave an overview of the financial situation of the church in France. Then Mr. Tkach gave the sermon.
We had a worship service in the afternoon with the theme: "From Slavery to Freedom in Christ." It was in the spirit of the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the French West Indies.
That evening we had the 35th anniversary celebration. Lambert Martial gave a history of the church using slides. Then, Suzanne Jubert, widow of Louis Jubert, was honored. Then the church's orchestra, Bel Horizon, performed.
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By Salvador Barragan
MEXICO City, Mexico--Fifty-two ministers and wives met for a Mexican ministerial conference April 9 to 12.
The conference was conducted by Randal Dick, superintendent of missions; and Charles Fleming, regional director for Latin America.
The conference started with the commemoration of the Lord's Supper April 9.
Guillermo Briceno, pastor of the Monterrey, Mexico, church, said it was the most inspiring Lord's Supper he had attended in his 25 years in our fellowship.
The next day, Mr. Dick spoke on Bible ethics and values, and their relation to the practices in our fellowship.
Before the worship service April 11, Mr. Fleming conducted a session based on the letters Jesus Christ sent to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3.
Mr. Fleming asked participants what they felt would be the contents of an imaginary letter from Jesus Christ to the Worldwide Church of God in 1985, with the emphasis on three main aspects:
(1) Values and practices to keep
(2) What we need to change
(3) What we would have been exhorted to acquire.
During the worship service later that day, Mr. Dick and Mr. Fleming gave split sermons and inspired the brethren on the fullness of salvation and grace.
Later, Mr. Dick covered the subject of shared leadership under the teachings of the New Testament.
Sunday, April 12, Salvador Barragan, subregional coordinator, gave a presentation on worship. Mr. Fleming followed with a refinement of the imaginary letter from Jesus Christ to the church in Mexico.
Mr. Dick then spoke about the work of advancing the kingdom of God, explaining how God and the angels rejoice when one sinner repents, and how all of us can share that joy when God invites us to be his instruments to bring new children to him.
Alberto Esquivel, an elder from the Mexico City congregation, said that Mr. Dick's presentation was eye-opening and that it gave him a new perspective on the happiness of being invited to bring children to the kingdom.
Several participants mentioned that God was giving a true revival to the church in Mexico.
By Brenda Plonis
BOREHAMWOOD, England--"The trouble with our times is that the future is not what it used to be."
Representatives at the European leaders conference viewed this quote by Paul Valery during the opening session May 6.
Throughout the conference, it was stressed that the world around us is changing rapidly and that the church must move forward.
The WCG serves 24 countries in Europe with 15 languages (16 if the new Bulgarian magazine is included.)
Each country's representative gave a presentation.
John Halford, European regional director, then opened the floor for discussion. It was obvious that this time of transition is challenging. The present is tugging at the past, and the future is tugging at the present. It is not just the WCG experiencing this. All of Europe is in tension.
The point was stressed that a new generation is coming that is spiritually committed to the WCG. They are the future of the church. Programs can't be built around nostalgia, they must be built around the future.
Saturday, May 9, Joseph Tkach spoke at a combined service played host to by the Watford congregation.
In attendance were more than 700 people from Birmingham, Basildon, Dunstable, North and South London and Northampton.
Mr. Tkach presented Janet Brown with a plaque and watch for her 25 years of service in the church.
 Daniel Bosch, Italy
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 CONFERENCE DISCUSSION--Astrid Stoffel, Donat Picard and David Stirk during a break in the conference. |
By Gary Roberto
SPOKANE, Washington--More than 50 churches and pastors and dozens of individuals signed A Covenant of Mutual Respect in Spokane.
The covenant was drafted by the Spokane Council of Ecumenical Ministries, Greater Spokane Association of Evangelicals and the Ministerial Fellowship Union (African-American pastors).
Pastor Glen Weber and the WCG Spokane advisory committee were signatories to the Covenant.
The Covenant reads in part: In response to the City of Spokane's call for commitment to action in the September 1996 statement on Racial Equity and as members of the Spokane Christian faith community responsible for the shared leadership of our congregations and institutions, we denounce the ongoing and growing racist comments and actions--some subtle, some blatant and vicious--that plague our city, state and Inland Northwest.
We represent a varied and diverse tradition whose basis for commonality can be found in the Scriptures that reflect deep commitment to justice, mercy, righteousness and peace for all.
We endeavor to share insights and to grow and learn from each other in a spirit of goodwill and mutual respect, thus living out this Biblical vision. It is our hope and earnest prayer that in so doing we will provide a positive model of respect for all.
For full text see Spokane church home page at http://www.churches.wcg.org/inland-nw/
I haven't participated in women's ministry so far because it seems to be for women older than myself (I'm in my 20s). Besides, I have so many responsibilities it doesn't seem to be a good use of my time.
The Titus 2:3-5 mandate, upon which women's ministry is based, says the older women should teach the younger women.
The mandate leaves no one out, as each of us is older than some and younger than others.
Spiritual growth, mutual support, service opportunities and an atmosphere where women are encouraged to use their gifts are also not exclusive of any age group.
We at Women's Ministry Support encourage the women's ministries in the local congregations to include all women in their activities. The conference in Dallas, for example, offered workshops specifically for teens.
For women in your age group, topics at the Dallas conference such as The Nurturing Qualities of Christ, Overcoming Addictions, First Things First (on time management) and Identity in Christ offered sound advice and biblical principles to help you on your life's journey.
Women's ministry is what you make it. If the programs in place in your congregation don't appeal to women of your age group, maybe you should take the initiative and come up with something you feel will help you and others like you.
Come to a conference or retreat in your area. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Maybe someone needs your help, and in helping her, you will be using your gifts and fulfilling your service to God.
By Tamara Moore and Betty Kost
SURREY, British Columbia--One hundred twenty-nine women ages 15 to 85 attended the Sister to Sister women's conference May 24.
A sister prize was given to the youngest and the oldest sister present. Cerra Hoosema, 15, from Abbotsford was the youngest, and Ruth Hagglund from Kelowna, 85, was the oldest.
The planning committee's mission was "to provide a positive environment to bond, to be nourished in spirit and heart, to support each other and to worship God as sisters."
Tamara Moore introduced the theme of the conference. She mentioned a quote from the book Untie the Ribbons by Sharon Hoffman "that she has never met a woman yet who does not enjoy receiving a gift."
She also refers to God's gifts as "being like wrapped packages of joy and encouragement." The gift woven throughout the conference was the gift of friendship.
Our first speaker was Sheila Graham from Pasadena, who spoke on Listening to God.
Our next speaker was Melissa Kost from Victoria, who spoke on Our Sisters Abroad, through which she shared experiences from her mission work in Honduras, Sri Lanka and other places.
After lunch the Salmon Arm prayer group led a prayer meeting for anyone who wanted to join.
In the afternoon, Norva Kelly from Pasadena spoke on Women Mentoring Women.
Our last speaker was Annette Denny, coordinator of Women's Network Ministry at Broadway church in Vancouver. She spoke on Being the Woman God Intends You to Be.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado--The Colorado Springs church invites sisters in Jesus Christ to join them at Glen Eyrie Castle July 31 to Aug. 1 for their annual women's retreat. The keynote speaker will be Susan Stewart Reedy, former PT managing editor, and a student psychologist at Azusa Pacific University. She will speak on what building bridges means to her and direct a workshop on marriage.
Cost is $136, which includes two nights lodging, six meals and two beverage breaks. Make checks payable to Jan Thompson and mail to 3435 Hickory Hill Dr., Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80906. Payment is due by June 30. For more details, please call Jan Thompson at 1-719-579-8134.
LACEY, Washington--Fifty-three women attended the second Western Washington women's retreat at Gwinwood Christian Campgrounds March 13 to 15. The retreat, with a theme, Knit Together Through Christ, was planned by volunteers from the Federal Way and Olympia, Washington, churches.
A praise service and fireside fellowship after dinner Friday opened the retreat. Then followed a getting-to-know-you question and answer activity and a worship service.
Saturday had a full day of workshops, prayer teams, a praise service and a craft project. The workshops were Seeking God's Heart and Being at Home With God.
Penny Englebart conducted the workshop on Being at Home With God. She has served in the WCG ministry for 37 years with her husband Guy Englebart, regional pastor.
She showed through her experience how God works with and through us all even when we know we have fallen short.
After a dinner that included music and dramatic readings, the women took communion.
Sunday morning began with a workshop: What Is My Part in the Mystery of God, followed by prayer teams and a praise service. Kris Erickson.
By Carol Caputo
NASHVILLE, Tennessee--Fourteen WCG women from Michigan, West Virginia, Alabama, Tennessee and New Jersey attended Women's Ministry Symposium V--Building Bridges to Christ May 14 to 16.
The symposium, sponsored by the Women's Ministry Institute, was about "bringing women together in leadership, to learn spiritual insight, wisdom and equipping tools to stay relevant in ministry in our changing culture and society."
One word that captured the heart of the fifth symposium was transformation.
The symposium dealt with the following questions:
* How can God transform me to follow Christ beyond my cultural walls?
* How can God transform me in order that I might be broken and spilled out for the love of Jesus?
* Where does transformation need to occur that I might be radical in leadership in order to have a radical relevant relationship that builds bridges?
Workshops were conducted before the symposium to answer these questions.
By Thomas C. Hanson
WCG men attended Promise Keepers stadium events in Detroit, Michigan; Little Rock, Arkansas; Los Angeles, California; Fresno, California; St. Petersburg, Florida; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Columbia, Missouri, in May and June.
The theme for this year's stadium events is Live a Legacy.
Topics are Christ's Legacy in Us; Life's Dilemma: What Really Matters; Vision 2000; Living a Legacy on the Homefront; Living a Legacy in the Workplace; Debt-Free Living; Living a Legacy of Unity in the Church; and Living a Godly Legacy.
Unlike previous years, this year's stadium events are free. However, an offering is taken up during the event.
For registration information see the Promise Keepers website at http://www.promisekeepers.org call 1-800-239-7028 or write to Promise Keepers National Office; P.O. Box 101651, Denver, Colorado, 80250-1651.
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Stadium events for remainder of 1998
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania July 10-11
Minneapolis, Minnesota July 17-18
Indianapolis, Indiana July 24-25
Eugene, Oregon July 31-Aug. 1
Omaha, Nebraska Aug. 7-8
Grand Rapids, Michigan Aug. 14-15
Houston, Texas Aug. 21-22
Tucson, Arizona Sept. 18-19
Milwaukee, Wisconsin Sept. 25-26
Columbia, South Carolina Oct. 2-3
Colorado Springs, Colorado Oct. 9-10
Sacramento, California Oct. 9-10
All conferences are 6:30 to 10 p.m., Fridays; and 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays.
ABBEVILLE, Louisiana--Jeremy Zenon, 17, of Abbeville High School is a National Achievement Scholarship finalist.
Jeremy received a full scholarship to Florida State University in Tallahassee, where he plans to major in electrical engineering. He was salutatorian of his graduating class.
Jeremy attends the Lafayette, Louisiana, church, with his parents, Walter and Della. His father is an elder.
HOLTON, Michigan--Jill Nicole Templeman is
valedictorian of Holton High School.
After graduation Jill plans to major in hospitality services at Central Michigan University. Jill attends the Muskegon, Michigan, congregation.
HONOLULU,
Hawaii--Robbye Noelani Nicholson, 15, was an honor graduate at commencement exercises at
President Theodore Roosevelt High School June 6.
Robbye has been accepted to the University of Hawaii at Manoa for the fall.
She is the daughter of Diane Kaleiha'aheoileialoha Nicholson and attends the Honolulu congregation.
DICKSON, Tennessee--Eli Stewart, who attends Charlotte Junior High School, was named a United States National Award winner in history and government.
Eli, son of Anthony and Brenda Stewart, attends the Nashville, Tennessee, church.
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Illinois--On May 2, Ciara Du Vall, 12, of the Belleville, Illinois, congregation, won the state vocal competition and received a gold medal of achievement. She was the only student to achieve a perfect score.
Grant Middle School of Fairview Heights also chose Ciara from the entire sixth grade and awarded her the Rising Star award for academics, dedication, outside participation and talent. Jim Stokes.
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PREPARING FOR SEP--Eight Big Sandy employees and two from Pasadena traveled to Orr, Minnesota, June 7 to 12 to prepare the Summer Educational Program facility for the July 14 to 31 session. Right photo: Lee Berger, Rocky Ware and Jeff Eisen pray for the success of SEP. Left: Shasta Kalin and Rocky Ware prepare a dormitory. [Photos by Lee Berger and Dean Newcomb]
PASADENA--Elizabeth Burton Hookfin, a member in Pasadena, celebrated her 100th birthday May 2.
She was honored at a church picnic June 7.
Elizabeth was born to Nora and Abe Burton in Greensburg, Louisiana, May 2, 1898. She was one of three girls and eight boys, all deceased.
When she was born, William McKinley was president. She was born just 33 years out of slavery. Her family members were sharecroppers (tenant farmers given credit for supplies, who shared in the value of the crop yield, minus the charges).
Elizabeth married Hollis Hookfin, 18, on Nov. 13, 1913, and became sharecroppers in Tickfaw, Louisiana. "We lived so poorly you can't hardly describe it," Mrs. Hookfin said with a laugh.
Elizabeth and Hollis had one son, Willie; a granddaughter, Dorothy; six great-grandchildren; and numerous great-great-grandchildren and great-great-great-grandchildren.
When her husband, Hollis, died of a viral infection in 1957 after 44 years of marriage, Elizabeth moved to Northern California.
Elizabeth heard Herbert W. Armstrong on the World Tomorrow broadcast in the 1950s, and moved to Pasadena and was baptized here. Ron Barksdale.
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee--The Knoxville church shipped a cubic meter of clothing to Montevideo, Uruguay, in May for WCG churches in the southern part of South America.
These churches are growing and are Spirit-led, but have need of basic items, according to pastor Mike Medina.
Mr. Medina is from Knoxville, but now serves in Montevideo.
The idea began in a small group meeting, and the congregation supported the idea of collecting used clothes and giving donations to cover shipping costs.
"The help and enthusiasm of many made the project happen," according to Tom Whetsel.
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana--The Indianapolis P.M. congregation was host for an evening National Day of Prayer service for 75 people May 7.
It was conducted at St. Philip's Episcopal Church, where the WCG congregation meets for services.
Invited to the event were the other congregations that meet at St. Philip's: St. Philip's Episcopal Church, St. Bridget's Catholic Church and the WCG A.M. congregation.
Free community service ads were aired on three Christian radio stations.
In addition to worship music, children brought in the flag, said the Pledge of Allegiance, and led the congregations in singing "America" & "God Bless America."
Speakers were Father John Beasley, associate pastor of St. Philip's
Episcopal Church; Father Adolph Wenger of St. Bridget's Catholic Church; James
Merriweather, co-nonsalaried pastor of the Indianapolis A.M. congregation; and David
Perry, pastor of the Indianapolis P.M. congregation.
The evening ended with all the lights turned off except for the light on the cross. The worship team and children held candles and led the congregation in singing "Shine Jesus Shine." J. David Perry.
ROCHESTER, Minnesota--Several WCG members were among those who attended a prayer breakfast on the National Day of Prayer May 7 at the senior citizens center in Rochester. Pastor Don Engle spoke, and a proclamation was presented by Mayor Chuck Canfield.
That evening, Mr. Engle and Fred Domnick, a WCG member, were among those who offered up prayers for leaders at an Assemblies of God service. Joan Benson, lieutenant governor, was present. Vivian Malcomson.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas--Twenty-five WCG members were among the 2,500 brothers and sisters in Christ who took their faith to the streets of San Antonio May 30 as part of the worldwide March for Jesus.
Waving banners and carrying colorful balloons, family members of all ages and color marched along the one-mile route that ended in the historic Alamo Plaza.
There they sang songs of praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Several San Antonio ministers offered prayers. The group prayed for the saved and unsaved in the city; children and schools of the city; and city, state and national leaders.
They prayed for persecuted Christians around the world. They specifically prayed for Christians in China and the thousands of unregistered house churches that the government persecutes daily. Rocky Conrad.
KERRVILLE, Texas--Twenty-two members of the Kerrville congregation marched along with 250 fellow Christians in the March for Jesus May 30.
This was the first time for most of the Worldwide Church of God members to participate in such an event.
A few had initial concerns about how the community would react, but those concerns were dispelled by the enthusiasm and appreciation of onlookers.
CLIFTON, Colorado--In preparation for this year's March for Jesus, members of the Grand Junction, Colorado, church got together with members of another fellowship and participated in servant evangelism.
They passed out pamphlets inviting people to join in the march and come to a free community barbecue.
A Christian radio station, played music for the marchers to march to. Several disabled people were able to participate with volunteers carrying their signs and pushing their wheelchairs.
A prayer and praise rally took place at the Assemblies of God church in Clifton. Ministers prayed for the persecuted church worldwide and for the continued unity of Christians in the area. Marie Duncan.
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island--The Providence church will be host for a singles retreat Aug. 29-30 at a scenic Christian facility on 300 acres of forest and meadows.
The theme is "Single, but Not Alone." Retreat speakers will be WCG pastors Dennis and Lorraine Pelley and Stan and Jean Marie De Veaux.
Cost for the weekend, which includes three meals and overnight accommodations, is $75. Space is limited, so register early. Call Mr. Pelley at 1-508-643-9592 or e-mail him at dennis_pelley@wcg.org for registration details.
GAINESVILLE, Florida--Steve Saint, son of martyred missionary Nate Saint, spoke to the Gainesville congregation May 30.
Steve and his wife, Ginny, live in Ocala, Florida, and make regular missionary trips to the Christian Huaoranis in Ecuador (Jan. 27 WN).
The Ocala and Gainesville WCG congregations have entered into a spiritual support relationship with the Saints as they work to serve believers in the remote church.
The current project is the starting of the Indigenous People's Technology and Education Center (I-TEC). I-TEC helps indigenous churches overcome technological and educational hurdles that stand in the way of their independence from outside missionary support.
The current project is assembling a portable dental lab. A dentist in
Atlanta, Georgia, donated a dental drill driven by a bicycle
pump,
and Mr. Saint and Gene Walrath, a WCG member, devised a 15-pound portable dental and
medical chair suitable for the rigors of the jungle environment (see photo).
Providing dental services to the surrounding Indians presents a door for the Christian Huaoranis to evangelize among their own. This principle is drawn from the great commission of Matthew 28, where disciples make other disciples, who in turn make additional disciples. Ken Smylie.
INDEPENDENCE, Kansas--Charles Rice of the Independence church, was elected vice president of the Independence Ministerial Association at the association's May meeting. The term runs from September 1998 to August 1999.
As vice president, Mr. Rice will be the chairman of Food Basket Ministries. The vice president is also president-elect for the following year.
Mr. Rice said, "This is a wonderful validation of our WCG fellowship and the changes we have made."
Mr. Rice is responsible for Sunday afternoon worship services at two elderly housing facilities. He occasionally fills the pulpit for other pastors on Sunday mornings and has twice delivered sermons for televised worship services.
Charles and his wife, Meredith, have been WCG members since 1968.
AMARILLO, Texas--The Amarillo congregation will celebrate its 35th anniversary Aug. 29.
Services will be at 3:30 p.m. at the RLDS hall at 19th and Manhattan. A potluck will follow. Guest speakers will be Don Lawson and David Albert, both former pastors in Amarillo. For more information call pastor Sammy O'Dell at 1-806-358-2915.
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island--Carn and Joyce Catherwood were guest speakers for the 25th anniversary of the Providence church May 30.
Mr. Catherwood baptized the first Rhode Island member of the Worldwide Church of God in 1959.
Mrs. Catherwood led an interactive women's discussion, "Bonding as Sisters in the Lord." Mr. Catherwood's sermon was titled, "Where is the Worldwide Church of God in the Body of Christ?"
Members performed a music and drama presentation, Family Album, followed by a slide and video presentation produced by Bruce Wingate.
Mr. Catherwood also gave the sermon on Pentecost titled "The Working of the Holy Spirit." Dennis Pelley.
LONG ISLAND, New York--The Long Island congregation celebrated its 25th anniversary May 26.
More than 200 people attended a Pentecost service May 31, including Jeff and Geneva Barness, who formerly pastored the Long Island congregation.
After the service and a meal, a program of music, praise and thanksgiving began. Reflections were given by original members Charles Powell, who now attends in Queens, New York; Matt Ferriso; and Beverly Underdue; and Mr. Barness.
Waldo Sutherland and Thaddeus Robinson put together video presentations. Pastor Stan De Veaux gave closing comments. John Leone.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota--Bruce Bremer, a member of the Minneapolis South church, has presented six Toastmasters youth leadership programs for 120 teens at a high school here.
"The school's 90 minute class periods are ideal for the program," Mr. Bremer said. One day a week for eight weeks he instructs, coaches and mentors the students on communication and leadership skills.
"The teacher and I set high expectations: respect, responsibility and service," Mr. Bremer said. "Everything is conducted in a warm, sharing and fun atmosphere with the teacher and myself become a part of the program."
Sessions are run by the students using an agenda. Class officers are elected, and the students learn how to conduct business meetings.
MEDORA, Illinois--The Macoupin County chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) honored Vern Searls with the DAR conservation medal April 16.
According to the Macoupin County Enquirer, Mr. Searls has practiced energy, soil and water conserving farming methods for about 40 years.
Mr. Searls is an elder in the Alton, Illinois, church, and his wife, Esther, is a deaconess.
HOUSTON, Texas--Though nearly blind and hard of hearing, John R. London, 49, is a computer troubleshooter at Houston Community College.
According to the Houston Chronicle, John has retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited degenerative disease that eats away at his peripheral vision. He also has inherited hearing loss.
The Chronicle noted that John spent most of his life trying to ignore the fact that something was wrong with his eyes and ears. Growing up he faced regular rejection and ridicule as he did poorly in school and routinely dropped things.
In adulthood, and after his disease was diagnosed, John experienced a spiritual reawakening and finally accepted his condition.
"God was able to work with me once I did that," the Chronicle quoted John as saying.
John attends the Houston North congregation.
LONG ISLAND, New York--Long Island's Fun in the Sun weekend will be Aug. 1-2. Activities will include a worship service and a workshop, "Are You Fit to be Tied" 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall 79 Park Ave., Amityville, New York.
That evening a dinner dance will take place at Southwood Caterers, 244 E. Montauk Hwy., Lindenhurst. Sunday an all day beach party and barbecue are planned.
Housing is $85 a night (up to four per room). Call Hampton Inn, 1600 Veterans Memorial Hwy., Islandia, New York, at 1-516-234-0400. Mention the WCG. Cost for the weekend is $40. Payment is due by July 18. Make checks payable to Joe Radosti and send to 118 Granada Pkwy., Lindenhurst, New York, 11757. For more information call Joe Radosti at 1-516-957-3248.
BALTIMORE, Maryland--The Baltimore church honored Roy and Regina McCoy with 55 roses Feb. 14 for their 55th anniversary.
Roy "Tanglefoot" McCoy played for Billie Holiday, Cab Calloway, Flip Wilson, Little Richard, the Drifters, the Coasters, Moms Mabley and Harry Belafonte.
Roy sold newspapers and bought his first trumpet for $12 in the 1930s.
Regina is a deaconess in the Baltimore church.
EL DORADO, Arkansas--El Dorado children ages 8 to 12 presented a play April 4.
Following a suggestion in their children's church lesson, Jody Carson, Angelica Lockling and Elizabeth, Anna and Sarah Torrance composed the story of the apostle Paul's third missionary journey as it might have been portrayed on the evening news.
The children wrote the play and designed the scenery themselves. They played the parts of reporters for A Christian Times Station (ACTS) as well as various characters from the biblical story, Paul, the Roman centurion and the wife of Publius.
At the conclusion of the play, the children shared with the congregation what they had learned from the story. Kathleen Torrance.
By Bernie Schnippert
Greetings from the Treasurer's office.
For the second month in a row I can share more or less good news about the finances.
Your spring festival offerings exceeded $2 million, which was above the projection. These Festival offerings came right behind the special offerings you gave to help with the first quarter financial crisis.
However, the daily mail average for May finished at just over $107,000 a day. This brought the year-to-date average down to just over $110,000.
A look at the past eight years shows that Festival offerings have, and continue to, play a major part in our income stream. In fact, Festival offerings have yielded between 16 percent and 21 percent of total contributions each year.
And even as we have made the transition as a church to a new covenant perspective, where Festival attendance is not commanded, your offerings have continued to produce around 17 percent of our annual contributions.
As I write, PTM is again beginning to open boxes of offering envelopes coming in from around the country. We hope that the positive support we experienced in the spring will be reflected as the Pentecost offering is tallied.
Whether you gave an envelope containing a dollar bill or a check for thousands of dollars, or any amount in between, we are grateful for every penny. We know your heart is in supporting the gospel of Jesus Christ, but that you also have your own financial obligations that can compete with limited dollars. Our intention is to use the money you give us prudently.
As you can see from the chart below, the daily mail income average for May finished at just over $107,000, bringing the year-to-date average down to just over $110,000.
Daily mail income includes all general donations received in the mail, but does not include Festival offerings.
Our budget for the year was initially set at $112,500. The first quarter showed us that this goal was probably not going to be met. As a result, we made the cuts we had talked about in previous issues and lowered the mail income budget to $110,000 a day.
While May was about exactly that amount, experience shows that the summer financial doldrums can set in right about now, and we therefore don't take our income for the rest of the year for granted.
Further, experience shows that some of the coming months must far exceed the projected year-end daily average or the average will not be met.
In fact, if the seasonal trends of the last few years hold true this year, we fear that the daily average may fall to around $105,000 by year-end.
The positive Festival offerings should help offset the projected shortfall, if it occurs, and thus we may finish the year close to budgeted expectations.
Nonetheless, we hope you will continue to help us meet the projections without us having to rely on special offerings to take up the slack.
Thank you again for your continued, generous support.
Even if we meet total budget expectations, we will almost certainly run a budget deficit anyway (due to a slightly unbalanced budget because of expenses associated with the sale of the Big Sandy facility).
Here is some news about the "world's cutest grandchildren" (mine, of course).
My wife, Arlene, and I kept Pentecost with the combined La Crosse and Baraboo, Wisconsin, congregations.
The next day we traveled to my daughter Crystal's home in Lone Rock, Wisconsin, and spent the next three or four days with her, her husband, Dan, and the kids, Heather and Clint.
The twins are about 15 months old, and are thus toddlers. However, I think they should be called runners, since they always run wherever they go.
If their play habits are any clue to their future, it appears they are on track to be the next brother-sister comedy team. All day long they engage in running, playing, swinging their arms around, laughing, and falling down and getting up again in the cutest most heart-warming antics you can imagine.
By Ron Kelly
We have eight beautiful sites for the Festival this year: Davenport, Iowa; Hot Springs, Arkansas; Lexington, Kentucky; Palm Springs, California; Seaside, Oregon; Saratoga Springs, New York; Vail, Colorado; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
In addition, we have the ever-popular sites of Oahu, Hawaii, and Anchorage, Alaska. You may register for Hawaii and Alaska using the same form as for the other sites.
Members planning to attend one of these fall Festival sites have been registering for the past few weeks. Church Administration asked as many as possible to register by the first week in June.
That does not mean that registration is closed. If you would like to attend the Festival for a full eight days or any part of it at one of the eight Festival sites, please register anytime.
Festival '98 ballpoint pens will be sent to all adults who send in registration forms as long as our supply lasts.
Some of our pastors have begun to plan mini-Feast sites in local areas for members who are unable to attend one of the eight full sites.
For most, the mini-Feast will feature meetings, sermons, seminars and special worship services on the final weekend of this year's fall Festival, Oct. 9-12.
Some churches may want to have worship services to open the fall Festival on Sunday night, Oct. 4, or on Monday, Oct. 5.
In a number of church areas, several congregations will want to combine for an even more special time of worship. Please feel free to discuss your desires for any fall Festival observance with your local pastor or regional director.
In a future WN, as pastors notify us, we will publish a list of the cities where mini-Feasts will be conducted. Because we do not have a full-time Festival staff, we will be unable to provide additional information on local mini-Feast sites. Our staff in Pasadena can only administer the eight sites that have been planned for 1998.
This year's Festival theme is Come--Celebrate Christ! Whatever your Festival plans for this year may be, we trust you will look forward to celebrating Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
If you plan to attend one of the eight-day sites, please register as soon as you can. If you did not receive a registration form in the mail, there was a form in the June WN.
Whether or not you can find a form, the easiest way to register is by calling at 1-800-507-2299.
There is plenty of room at all Festival sites, and there is still room on the Panama Canal cruise and the Holy Land Tour of Israel.
PALM SPRINGS, California--The Oasis Praise Band needs individuals with camera operating experience to volunteer their time to videotape the praise and worship music concert in Palm Springs, Saturday evening, Oct. 10.
Please call Rex Danyluk at 1-818- 409-9397.
An eight-day Feast will take place in Acapulco, Mexico, Oct. 4 to 12.
Services will be in the Hotel Club del Sol, one block from the beach.
Rates per day in U.S. dollars are: one or two people (single or double room), $35; three people, $37; and four people, $40.
The hotel address is Hotel Club del Sol Acapulco; Av. Costera Miguel Aleman y Reyes Catolicos Fracc. Magallanes, Acapulco, Mexico, phone (011-52-74) 85-62-64.
Up to two children under 12 may stay with their parents without extra charge. Services will be in Spanish.
Contact Alberto Esquivel by e-mail at Alberto_Esquivel@wcg.org or call him at (011-52-5) 610-02-57 or e-mail Salvador Barragan at Salvador_Barragan@wcg.org or call him at night at (011-52-5) 824-62-72.
For information about the Festival in Ste. Luce, Martinique, write to Jack Brunet at Le Monde ê Venir, 69 Rocade du Bel Horizon, Ravine Vilaine, 97200 Fort-de-France, Martinique, call 011-0596-79-64-20, or e-mail: jack_brunet@wcg.org
Space still available
Unprecedented low costs are available in Greece because of the devaluation of the Greek monetary unit. Costs for housing, travel, food, entertainment and shopping are at an all-time low for those with foreign currencies.
The hotel is on the beach. It offers rooms of various sizes, and private bungalows on the waterfront. It has first-class cuisine and a view of incredible beauty.
Apart from regular meetings, there will be organized bus tours (with guides) to the Acropolis, the city of Athens, the ancient city of Corinth and the oracle of Delphi. Participants will also take an all-day cruise to three Greek islands.
Activities will be directed by K.J. Stavrinides, who will also explain the significance of the ancient sites.
For details and application forms, contact Delores Schroeder, 300 W. Green St., Pasadena, California, 91123; phone 1-626-304-6140; fax: 1-626-304-6130; e-mail: delores_schroeder@wcg.org
By Ken Williams
ROCHESTER, New York--You may already understand the vision God has for you and your congregation.
Or, perhaps you have been like me. Two years ago I felt that our church leaders at headquarters were responsible for providing vision for our congregations. This had been our church tradition.
It hadn't occurred to me that God would give me, as a pastor, and the other members, his vision for our local congregation.
Some in our fellowship may be waiting for our president, Joseph Tkach, to explain where we are going. If asked, he may explain that we are on our way toward God's kingdom in its fullness, just as we have always been. But, what part is your congregation supposed to perform in this journey?
Mr. Tkach has explained that we must seek God's vision for each of our congregations. Headquarters provides resources to help us follow the vision God gives each congregation.
God has given us in the Rochester region a vision for the work we need to do. Our vision statement is "Equipping members to the ministry."
Our pastors are preparing members to do the ministries Jesus Christ has given them to do.
Pastors need not feel threatened by this. When a pastor is not attempting to do all the ministries in his congregation, he is freed to focus on the specific acts of service God has empowered him to do.
Since God has helped us to understand this, our regional training seminars have focused on the leadership development of all in whom the Holy Spirit is working--ordained or not.
Last September we divided our region into thirds. We chose three locations that would provide relative ease of access for most of our members to attend our leadership development seminars.
Our pastors agreed that we could meet every four months, on Sundays, and share the training we receive in our in-service training given to us by Church Administration.
I also share information I receive from our regional pastors conferences. We have had three rounds of regional meetings, three in September; three in January; and three in May 1998.
Mr. Tkach visited our area May 16-17 and led off this round of leadership seminars by participating in the Batavia, New York, conference.
Mr. Tkach explained that we need to be listening to God, who wants to help us understand what his vision is for each of our congregations.
Mr. Tkach pointed out that in the past everyone in the WCG shared the one vision given by church headquarters. He said he will not attempt to determine the vision of each congregation.
He pointed out that in time each of our congregations will take on its own personality. God is the Potter, and we are the clay. He has a purpose for each congregation.
Mr. Tkach explained that each congregation needs to remember that the WCG is a denomination.
While we are to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit in doing the work God would have us do in our local areas, we are to remember that we are not independent congregations. We also have denominational responsibilities.
During last year's ministerial conference, Dan Rogers, superintendent of ministers, advised elders to encourage the leaders of the congregations to replicate themselves.
If a gifted leader would ask God for someone to mentor, he or she could replicate his or her ministry. As leaders replicate themselves, we are strengthening our interdependent ministry. Ever increasing ministries and leadership could make growth possible for our congregations.
Each month pastors in our region meet for prayer and to plan leadership seminars. Planning is easier now that we have a vision to guide us.
We believe that the ministries of congregational worship, small care groups and personal evangelism are vital to the health and growth of our congregations.
In addition to the training given at each seminar, we conduct regular praise and worship sessions. We conclude our seminars by taking communion and praying for each others' ministries.
We want to fulfill the vision God has given each of our congregations. We want to support our church, the Worldwide Church of God.
Ken Williams is regional pastor in Rochester, New York.
In the first century, many Jews looked for a Messiah who would lead the Jewish nation to international power, wealth and glory. They were proud of the fact that they worshiped the true God, but ashamed that their God allowed pagan nations like Rome to rule over them. They wanted the Messiah to be a powerful hero who would defeat the Roman armies.But Jesus was not the sort of Messiah they expected, not the type of leader they wanted. He did not attack the Romans--instead, he criticized the Jewish religious leaders! Instead of respecting wealth and power, he seemed to prefer poor, weak people. He acted as if sin were a bigger problem than the Romans.
Jesus announced a kingdom of God, but it was not the sort of kingdom that most Jews were looking for. It was a kingdom that started in a small and insignificant way, a kingdom that involved judgment, not just glory. This kingdom required humility, not pride--meekness, not power. It involved repentance and forgiveness, not weapons and wealth.
But Jesus also offered something that a military leader could not: eternal life. He spoke of salvation, of freedom from death. When people entered his kingdom, they entered into life eternal.
Jesus' disciples did not understand Jesus' kingdom at first. But after Jesus' death and resurrection, after they had seen Jesus demonstrate victory over sin and death, then they understood. Jesus' kingdom was not like the kingdoms of this world. It was a spiritual kingdom that dealt with their greatest spiritual needs: relationship with God and the opportunity to live with him forever.
How can it be done? Through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior--and only through him. That is why the early church preached about Jesus Christ: He is the proof that salvation is a real possibility for all who trust in him. And he is not just proof--he is the One who makes it happen. He is the key to the good news, the key to salvation, the door to eternal life.
The book of Acts shows how the apostles presented this gospel in various settings. The letters of Paul give us greater understanding of what the gospel does for us and how it works. Paul uses several key words to teach us how salvation is made a reality for us through Jesus Christ. In this Bible study, we'll look at several of those key words.
1. In the synagogue in Antioch, what did Paul proclaim? Acts 13:38. Through Jesus, what could people receive that was not possible through the law of Moses? Verse 39.
Comment: Here we can see that "justified" is similar in meaning to the forgiveness of sins. It is God's declaration that a person is not guilty, that the person is "just" or "righteous." Paul develops this meaning further in his epistles.
2. Is it possible for a person to be declared righteous through the law? Rom. 3:20. But now, through the gospel, a different way of righteousness has been made known (v. 21). How does it come? Verses 22, 24, 26, 28, 30.
Comment: The gospel makes known a "righteousness from God" (Rom. 1:17). We cannot earn this righteousness by obeying the law, but it is comes to us by grace. It is given to all who believe in Jesus Christ. God declared us righteous not on the basis of law, but on the basis of faith.
But even our faith is not something we "do" to earn this gift of being counted righteous in God's sight. All of salvation is a gift from God (Eph. 2:8-9). Faith is belief that accepts the gift, not a work that earns it. That is why Paul calls his message "the gospel of grace" (Acts 20:24) and the "gospel of your salvation" (Eph. 1:13).
3. This principle of being declared righteous on the basis of faith is made clear in the New Testament gospel. Did the Old Testament also give evidence of this principle? Rom. 3:21. What illustration does Paul give? Rom. 4:3. Did God count Abraham righteous because he obeyed, or simply because he believed? Verses 2-4. Who is it that God justifies--the obedient, or the disobedient? Verse 5.
Comment: People who are already righteous do not need a special declaration of God to say that they are righteous. As Jesus said, he did not come for the righteous, but for sinners. The good news is a message for sinners who need to be rescued. Since all have sinned and no one has earned the right to be called righteous before God, everyone is in the category of wicked or ungodly. The good news is that these are the people whom God is willing to declare righteous, if they believe.
4. Will God count us righteous if we have faith? Verses 23-24. What do we now have with God? Rom. 5:1. Where do we now stand? Verse 2.
5. When Paul confronted Peter about "the truth of the gospel," what did he say about justification? Gal. 2:14-16. Can righteousness be obtained through the law? Gal. 2:16, 21; 3:11, 21. Does this mean that sin is acceptable? Gal. 2:17.
Comment: Many people did not understand Jesus. Similarly, many people did not understand Paul correctly. That is because the message is so surprising, so unlike the way we normally think.
Paul repeatedly answered questions about the law of God. Are you doing away with the law? Does that mean that people may sin? Modern readers might ask, But what about the law? Isn't it important to obey? Paul answers: Certainly, we should obey. We are not doing away with the law. We are not giving permission to sin.
Paul would not have to answer such questions if he had emphasized the law. Instead, the fact that such questions had to be answered shows us that Paul emphasized grace so much that questions arose as to whether there was still any role for the law.
These questions reveal how surprising the gospel of grace is--God justifies the ungodly. We are justified, counted righteous, by faith and not because of obedience. Our standing before God is not dependent on the law, not dependent on whether we obey!
If that seems shocking to us, then perhaps we are hearing the gospel the way that Paul wanted it to be heard--with so much surprise that we ask, Can it be true? Isn't obedience important? Doesn't it count for something? If we hear Paul correctly, we might ask such questions.
Paul tells us, Certainly, obedience is part of the picture. God wants his people to be servants of righteousness. But this is a subsequent matter--it is not the reason that God declares us righteous (Titus 3:5). Paul had a righteousness based not on the good things he had done, but a righteousness that had been given to him by God through faith in Jesus Christ (Phil. 3:9).
The sequence is this: First, God declares ungodly people righteous on the basis of faith. Second, he tells them to live a righteous life. The declaration comes first, and obedience comes later.
The verdict of "not guilty" comes first--even though God knows that we cannot live perfectly even after he justifies us. Despite that, he declares us, in advance, to be righteous. He declares, in advance, that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1). We are not falling in and out of Christ; we are not falling in and out of condemnation. We stand in grace, a state of being forgiven, a state of being counted righteous.
"Justification" is a term that deals with law and judgment. It refers to a verdict at a trial. This is part of the good news of the gospel: that our Judge is declaring us "not guilty" because we believe in Jesus Christ. Actually, we are better than "not guilty"--better than neutral. We are counted as positively righteous, because of what Christ has done. Through his obedience, we can "be made righteous" (Rom. 5:19). Justification means that God is declaring us righteous.
6. God tells us that the penalty of sin is death. How is it possible for us to escape the penalty? Rom. 5:6, 8; 1 Cor. 15:3; 1 Thess. 5:10; Titus 2:14; 1 John 3:16. What else did he become for us? 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13; Heb. 9:26. What did he carry for us? Heb. 9:28; 1 Pet. 2:24.
Comment: We can escape the death penalty because it has been paid "for us"--on our behalf. Jesus Christ died for us, in our place, as a substitute. He was a sin offering, a sacrifice, carrying our sins, paying for our sins, suffering the curse or penalty prescribed by the law. Because Jesus had no sin of his own, his death could pay the penalty for us.
7. What else was achieved when Christ died for us? Gal. 2:20; Rom. 6:4, 6, 8; Col. 2:20. What was achieved in his resurrection? Eph. 2:5-6; Col. 2:12-13. In him, what do we become? 2 Cor. 5:21. He became sin for us; did he also become righteousness for us? 1 Cor. 1:30. Is it through him that we are made righteous? Rom. 5:19.
Comment: These scriptures have concepts that are foreign to modern thought, but if we want to understand the biblical message, we need to explore the way that Paul explains our means of salvation. We died with Christ, were buried with him, and raised to life with him. Through faith, we are united with him. He shared in us and we share in him.
Let's use accounting terms: Just as our sins were transferred to his account so that he could pay the penalty of those sins, so also his righteousness is transferred to our account so that we may be counted righteous. His righteousness is imputed to us. Not only are our debts forgiven, our bank account is also filled. An unlimited number of debts can be forgiven. We are clothed with his righteousness (Gal. 3:27; Col. 3:3), not our filthy rags.
8. What other financial terms are used to describe what Jesus did for us? Acts 20:28; Mark 10:45; 1 Tim. 2:6; Heb. 9:15; Gal. 3:13-14; Titus 2:14; 1 Pet. 1:18-19.
Comment: Both "ransom" and "redeem" suggest that Jesus paid a price to buy our salvation, so he could give it to us. Scripture does not use these metaphors to imply that an actual payment was made to anyone in particular--the biblical emphasis is on the concept that God now owns us. We are his slaves, obligated to obey him.
Greco-Roman society was familiar with slavery and redemption. When Paul said that Christ is our Redeemer, and that we have redemption in his blood, his readers would understand that God is the Lord, who has ownership rights over the people he purchased. Paul urges his readers not to sin, but to yield themselves as slaves of righteousness, as slaves of God (Rom. 6:15-22).
In our next study, we will look at more salvation terminology, especially the terms that bring out the concept that salvation involves a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Michael Morrison
Jesus commanded us to go into all the world and make disciples. This is one of our core values. It is also a core value to meet (as much as reasonably possible) the worship needs of our people.
If a congregation wants to move its worship service to Sunday, that is fine. We have quite a few Sunday congregations, and many more considering the switch.
Though a move to Sunday does not necessarily facilitate evangelism, in most cases it will not hurt it. Many in our culture find Sunday more convenient for meeting (especially for families with children involved in school and community programs on Saturday).
In WCG churches that have switched to Sunday meetings, the best transitions have been achieved by the pastor first educating the congregation 1) that Scripture permits corporate worship on any day of the week, 2) that Sunday has been the primary tradition of the Christian church, and 3) that in the specific community and culture, it has various advantages over Saturday as a day for corporate worship (including, possibly, evangelism).
After ensuring that everyone had the information, the pastor then surveyed the congregation to determine their needs and desires for the day of worship services.
Everyone's reasonable needs (not necessarily desires) should be provided for. Some are unable to meet on one day or the other because of work; others because of conscience.
If only a few feel they must either stay with Saturday or move to Sunday, perhaps a house church or other worship opportunity could be provided for the minority.
If the congregation has two roughly equal portions desiring different days, several approaches can be taken: 1) create two congregations (some have done this, but hall rental and other expenses must be taken into account), or 2) give it more time, more discussion and, later, another survey to see if desires have shifted one way or the other.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1998
