Mission21

It would be easy, especially for a Christian college, to simply put on a show for incoming freshman and returning students. Just hire a charismatic speaker, add a rock band, read some Scripture, and you have the recipe for a typical weekend “welcome” retreat. But the leaders at Emmanuel College had a better idea.  ALPHA weekend was not about hype or unrealistic emotional highs—instead, it was about the process of connecting with God on a foundational, holistic level.

“Starting the year off in the right way is very important,” said Dr. Michael Stewart, President of Emmanuel College. “The ALPHA Conference, August 14-17, focused on the Christ-centered mission of EC and our need for God’s help in fulfilling it.”

Campus Pastor Chris Maxwell set the spiritual tone for the semester by preaching on the biblical basis for the college’s credo: Emmanuel College is a Christ-centered, liberal arts institution which strives to prepare students to become Christ-like disciples who integrate faith, learning, and living for effective careers, scholarship, and service. “Plan to enter this new season of education by experiencing God,” Maxwell said. “Let’s be changed together as we welcome Him into our faith, our learning and our living."

Emmanuel’s student volunteers helped Pastor Maxwell plan the weekend so that new and returning students could have a fresh start. “Many students arrive at (or return to) Emmanuel College with poor habits regarding their faith, studying styles, and personal lives,” explained Sean Williamson, Director of Counseling Services. “ALPHA weekend is a time for them to examine those areas. Are they prepared to make a change? I believe many of our students are ready."

They were.On Saturday night of the conference, after Maxwell had given a sermon entitled Why is Learning So Important?, sophomore Ann Macmillan realized her attitude toward homework needed to be altered.

"I always dreaded doing my assignments,” Ann confessed, “But during ALPHA, I became conscious of the fact my schoolwork can be a form of worship. Since then, I’ve been more diligent in completing things on time, and more open to what God might teach me through my work.” While no one is necessarily begging for extra homework, ALPHA weekend did help many students understand the connection between learning about God and loving Him.

Students were not the only ones affected by ALPHA. Dr. Deborah Stark, a professor of music at EC, said, “God spoke to me on Friday night of the conference. The Lord let me know that he is in control and I simply need to be obedient in faith.” Besides the spoken word, Stark was ministered to through other aspects of the services. She commented, “I loved the artistic diversity! Seeing the various mediums of drama, music, dance, video, lighting, and testimonies all connecting thematically was powerful.”

One of the most refreshing aspects of ALPHA weekend was the creative freedom the students enjoyed. The conference marked the debut of the Creative Worship Teams at Emmanuel College. A network of greeters, prayer ministers, musicians, publicists, media producers, and hospitality workers fostered a sense of community in chapel services. The Emmanuel College Players performed two dramas that incorporated complicated dance moves. Melissa Morrison, Miss Emmanuel, appreciated the alternate form of worship. She remarked, “A lot of people think worship is just someone with a microphone singing Shout to the Lord. But I think diverse ways of praise can reach the diverse student body of Emmanuel College."

Emmanuel’s student body is diverse, but thankfully ALPHA weekend allowed for students and faculty from assorted backgrounds to unite in celebration of a new semester. EC President Dr. Michael Stewart rejoices in this unity. He stated, “Students, faculty, and staff together worshiping the Lord and affirming our mutual commitments---that is a great way to begin the year!”

And it was.

By Georgia Meredith Grady

This year, Youth Quest hosted a special prayer service on Thursday morning. Led by iWin Director Terry Fowler and other youth pastors, the Orison prayer service helped teens learn how to pray for their friends, schoolmates, and communities.   iWin is encouraging youth pastors to "pick up the mantle" and host prayer services in your local church. 

Below is the prayer focus used at Youth Quest.  Youth pastors and leaders, feel free to adapt this information for use with your group.  We recommend using The Message version of the Bible for this activity. 

Prayer Focus Used at Youth Quest 2008

Hurting Teens
Place a cube of ice in each of their hands explaining that even as this ice gradually becomes unbearable and they switch hands or shake their hands to ease the pain, many teens are hurting and can’t shake the pain. Pray for teens that are overwhelmed by their life circumstances and feel like they are drowning beneath the pressures of family, school, health or emotional issues.
            Romans 8:35, 37, Psalm 3:1-4, Matthew 10:1
 
Hunger for Significance
Give each teen a lifesaver asking them to hold it in their mouths without chewing it and pray as it dissolves for teens and for themselves as they hunger for a life that matters, searching for the significance of their lives.
            Hebrews 13:21, Eph. 6:6, Jer. 29: 11-13
 
Harvest
Have photos of the various youth and groups of youth posted on the walls or hanging from a line. Ask the teens to pray over the lost – the Harvest – as they look at the photos of groups who represent youth from across the US and around the world. Offer themselves as laborers for the Harvest, asking God to equip them for the work, help them recognize opportunities to witness to the lost and boldness to speak up and share the gospel and to demonstrate the love of Jesus.
            Job 22:30, Mt. 9:37-38, Acts 1:8b
 
Holy Spirit Baptism
Distribute to each teen a bottle or cup of water. The water represents the Holy Spirit, His ability to refresh, renew and to rescue from drowning those who surrender to Him. Pray to receive the refreshing Holy Spirit or for teens who are not already filled with the Spirit, to receive the baptism in the Spirit. As they drink the water, they are symbolically receiving the Spirit. John 14:26, 1 Cor. 1:18, Acts 1:8a
 
After the prayer service, teens ministered to the local community by handing out bottles of water to beachgoers and inviting them to the Thursday evening service.  Two groups participated in a "superservant" project; they went to two local fast food restaurants and volunteered to clean restrooms, assist diners, wipe down tables, etc. 
 
The Orison service and community outreach project were great examples of faith in action. 
Encourage your youth group to get involved by hosting a combination prayer/community service program at your local church.  See what a difference you can make in your community!

This is the summary of Part Two of the U.S. Religious Landscape Survey conducted by the Pew Forum. Their survey found:

• Although many Americans are highly religious, they are not dogmatic in their faith. Seventy percent of Americans with a religious affiliation say that many religions - not just their own - can lead to eternal life. Most also think there is more than one correct way to interpret the teachings of their own faith.
• This does not mean, however, that Americans take religious matters lightly. Most, in fact, say they rank the importance of religion very highly in their lives, and a plurality wants to preserve the traditional beliefs and practices of their faith, while only a small minority wants to accommodate their religion to modern culture.

There is tremendous diversity of religious beliefs and practices in the U.S. Important religious differences exist between the major religious traditions, but there are also important differences within religious traditions.

• While more than nine-in-ten Americans (92%) believe in the existence of God or a universal spirit, there are considerable differences in the nature of this belief. Six-in-ten adults believe that God is a person with whom people can have a relationship; but one-in-four - including about half of Jews and Hindus - see God as an impersonal force. Similarly, seven-in-ten Americans say that they are absolutely certain of God's existence, while roughly one-in-five (22%) are less certain in their belief.
• Three-quarters of Americans report praying at least once a week, with large majorities among most religious traditions saying they pray on at least a weekly basis. Even among the unaffiliated, roughly one-in-three pray on a weekly basis. At the same time, however, there are those among all faith groups who pray much less frequently; overall, one quarter of the public says they pray a few times a month or less often.
• Almost two-fifths of Americans report meditating at least once a week. This practice is particularly common among Buddhists, but nearly half of evangelical Protestants and Muslims say they meditate at least weekly. About one-quarter of the unaffiliated report weekly meditation. These patterns may incorporate elements of both Christian and non-Christian traditions.

Politics and religion in the United States are intertwined, and religion is highly relevant to understanding politics in the U.S. Yet while the diversity of religious affiliation, belief and practice translates into important differences on many social and political issues, differences on other issues are less pronounced.

• Religion is closely linked to political ideology. The survey shows that Mormons are among the most politically conservative groups in the population. Jews, Buddhists and Hindus, by contrast, are among the most likely to describe their ideology as liberal.
• People who regularly attend worship services and say religion is important in their lives are much more likely to identify as conservative, and this pattern extends to many religious traditions. For example, within the evangelical, mainline Protestant, historically black Protestant, Catholic, Mormon and Orthodox Christian traditions, those who attend church weekly are significantly more likely than those who attend less often to describe themselves as political conservatives. And among Jews, those who say religion is very important to them or pray every day are more likely than others to be politically conservative.
• The connection between religious engagement and political attitudes appears to be especially strong when it comes to hot button social issues such as abortion or homosexuality. For instance, about six-in-ten Americans who attend religious services at least once a week say abortion should be illegal in most or all cases, while only three-in-ten who attend less often share this view. This pattern holds across several religious traditions.
• On other topics covered in the survey, such as views on the role and size of government and foreign policy attitudes, the role of religion is less clear and there appears to be greater consensus across and within religious traditions. For instance, a majority of nearly every religious group supports stricter environmental regulations and believes the government should do more to help Americans in need. Similarly, most Americans, including majorities of most faiths, say it is more important to focus on problems here at home than to be active in world affairs.

In conjunction with the release of this report, the Pew Forum is updating its online presentation of the findings at religions.pewforum.org. Updated features include interactive mapping by state, dynamic charts and a variety of other tools that allow users to explore the beliefs and practices as well as social and political views of major religions in the United States.

Subsequent releases will include a re-contact survey that delves deeper into the relationship between religious and political identity, issues related to conversion and attitudes toward religious pluralism in America.

"Most people will be surprised that a majority of adherents in nearly all religious traditions, including a majority of evangelical Protestants, say that there isn't just one way to salvation or to interpret the teachings of their own faith."

This thought-provoking comment was made by Luis Lugo, director of the Pew Forum, the organization responsible for the U.S. Religious Landscape Survey, which may be the most exhaustive survey ever taken of religious and political attitudes of the American people. The Survey, which finds that while many Americans are highly religious, most are not dogmatic in their approach to faith. This new analysis examines the diversity of Americans' religious beliefs and practices as well as their social and political attitudes. "The fact that most Americans are not exclusive or dogmatic about their religion is a fascinating finding," said Luis Lugo.

Part Two of the Landscape Survey includes a wealth of information on the religious beliefs and practices of the American public. It also explores the social and political attitudes of religious groups, including members of many small religious traditions - such as Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, atheists and agnostics - not typically analyzed in public opinion surveys. Part One was released earlier this year in February.

"This report illustrates, chapter and verse, the amazing diversity and dynamism both between and within religious traditions in America," noted John Green, senior fellow at the Pew Forum. "And this diversity of affiliation, belief and practice matters when it comes to social and political questions."

If the opening statement is correct, and the survey data certainly supports it, then a serious divergence has developed between the official doctrinal statements or teachings of evangelical churches and the personal beliefs and practices of their membership. On the NAE website, their Statement of Faith includes the following:

"We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, ..."

"We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful people, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential."

The NAE Statement of Values also includes a reference to salvation by Christ, alone.

"Together we stand on God's revelation in Scripture of redemption alone in Jesus Christ the son of God, by grace through faith"

As a NAE member denomination, our own Articles of Faith includes the following:

"We do not believe that any sort or degree of good works can procure or contribute toward our justification or salvation. This is accomplished solely and exclusively upon the basis of our faith in the shed blood, the resurrection and justifying righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ."

In a recent IRD press release, the Institute on Religion & Democracy President Rev. Dr. James W. Tonkowich commented, "Dr. Williams’ (Archbishop of Canterbury) stated goal of a[n Anglican] Communion that will not break apart over interpretations of the Bible is laudable, but this crisis is not about conflicting interpretations, it is about longstanding church tradition and the authority of the Bible itself." He went on to say, "Churches that offer liberal interpretations of Scripture quickly lose their ability to critique the prevailing culture and become politically correct pawns"

We can only hope that the evangelicals surveyed felt pressure to appear politically correct; the alternative is very disheartening. With 70% of the American population, 83% of Mainline Christians, 79% of Catholics, 72% of Orthodox Christians, 59% of Historically Black Churches and 57% of Evangelical Christians agreeing that there is more than one way to eternal life, it is safe to say that American Church has done a lousy job of making disciples.

I'm curious about our readers opinions on this subject. To express your opinion, go to the One Way Poll. The survey page will open in a new window. Or you can add your opinion in a comment below. Results will be shared in a future article. Thank you.

An Overview of The Fourth IPHC World Conference
by Shirley G. Spencer

The Fourth World Conference of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, which convened May 13-15, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, seemed more like an extended family reunion than an international church function. The atmosphere crackled with excitement as brothers and sisters from every continent reunited and new family members were introduced and welcomed.

At the opening banquet on Tuesday evening, Presiding Bishop James D. Leggett greeted the over 400 registered guests as well as members of the World Pentecostal Holiness Fellowship (WPHF). Then he introduced a video titled, “A Family Album.” The narrative of the presentation was interspersed with “snapshots” of individuals from various countries who gave their names then stated emphatically: “I am Pentecostal Holiness.”

Dr. A. D. Beacham, Jr. was the first speakers in the Wednesday morning plenary session. Beacham, who serves as executive director of World Missions, continued the family theme by highlighting four values that bind the church together. These include theology, relationships, a sense of being part of a larger community, and a common inheritance.

Beacham also discussed the Vision 2020 goals and strategies set by the representatives from the continents, setting the stage for reports from the Overseas Ministries Coordinators (OMC). The OMCs, in turn, introduced key leaders from their fields to report on the ministry from their unique perspectives.

These representatives provided conferees with a greater understanding of the church's global mandate and mission. Their stories - some stirring and others humorous - helped participants appreciate the diversity of the IPHC family as well as some of the struggles many leaders have faced as they persevered in taking the gospel message to the lost.

Some delegates were amazed by reports of the numbers of missionaries being deployed from places heretofore considered as receiving nations. Many countries that have received missionaries in the past are now sending missionaries into neighboring nations and around the world. These include Mexico, the Philippines, India, China, Russia, and others.

Each of the daytime sessions, as well as the evening celebration services opened with worship led by a local band and praise team from Calvary Christian Church (CCC) in Vancouver. Dr. Gordon McDonald, CCC's senior pastor, also serves as general superintendent of the IPHC of Canada and as a member of the World Pentecostal Holiness Fellowship (WPHF).

Both the Wednesday and Thursday evening services included short sermons by two speakers. The Wednesday evening service featured Donavan Ng, consulting pastor of the 6,000-member Wing Kwong PH Church in Hong Kong and a member of the WPHF, and Ron Carpenter, Jr., senior pastor of Redemption World Outreach Center, a mega church of 12,000 members in Greenville, South Carolina. Both Ng and Carpenter are men of vision who have proven apostolic leadership in their respective areas.

In the Thursday morning session, Dr. Ronald Carpenter, Sr., vice-chairman of the IPHC and executive director of Evangelism USA, underscored the significance of the international family being brought together under the banner of the IPHC. “We may be tribal in some ways, but in other senses we are united in a great organization that is making a difference in the world.

Carpenter referenced the denomination's transition from being an entity that plants churches to becoming a church planting movement. He described this change as necessary just to keep up with the population increase in North America. “America is not a Christian nation,” he declared. “It is increasingly becoming an anti-Christian nation. America is a mission field.”

A team of intercessors, led by Terry Fowler, director, and his assistant Kathy Shelley, kept the iWIN Prayer Room available throughout the conference. Approximately 40 intercessors visited the Prayer Room and prayed for the speakers and events of the conference. Conference iWIN directors from South Carolina, New Horizons, Africa, LAMCAR, Europe/Middle East and Asia and many missionaries spent time in prayer. As a capstone to the daytime sessions, Fowler taught briefly on 2 Chronicles 20 and the Fourth Day Experience and led conferees in a prayer for the nations.

Thursday evening's celebration service featured messages by Demetrius Miles, pastor of the Tucson (Arizona) Church International, and Presiding Bishop James Leggett. Miles spoke prophetically that the IPHC family is on the verse of experiencing something greater than it has even imagined.

Bishop Leggett affirmed Mile's word with a message based on Joshua 1:1-3, 7, 8. “God has a prosperous future for the IPHC,” he proclaimed. Leggett pointed the desperate situation in which Joshua and the people of God found themselves. “It was a time of transition and testing,” he said. “Moses, their great deliverer, was dead, and the Jordan River was overflowing its banks. The nation could have said, 'We can't do this,' but God said, 'You can.' When God says 'Cross the river,' hell can't stop you from doing what God says to do.”

The Presiding Bishop concluded his message with four divine commands from the text: (1) Be anchored in God's Word (v. 8); (2) Be decisive (v. 2); (3) Be strong and courageous (vv. 6, 9); and (4) Stay the course (v. 7).

The conference adjourned appropriately with members of the IPHC family gathered at the Table of the Lord to observe Holy Communion. The General Executive Board of the IPHC of Canada served the elements as Presiding Bishop James Leggett and Bishop Gordon McDonald led the congregation in celebrating the Lord's Supper.

The IPHC is a diverse family with faces and cultures to match their various ethnicities. Throughout the days in Vancouver, delegates heard members of their denominational family who speak Russian, Swahili, Hungarian, Spanish, Romanian, Portuguese, Telugu, Chinese, Filipino, Cambodian, English, as well as many other languages and dialects. Some presented their reports with the help of translators and others spoke English with regional accents and drawls. The Fourth World Conference was a testimony to the fact that people from every nation and tribe are welcome at our Father's table.

For the sake of space, this article does not include summaries of every session. To view all of the sessions and services of the Fourth World Conference of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, visit the IPHC website (www.iphc.org).