George Wood was just elected as our next General Superintendent. Brother Wood said that he will accept the position with deep humility and that he approaches this moment with fear and trembling, “This is such a great church, such great people and this is a very emotional moment for me.”
He pledged to do his very best to serve all of our church. We have many churches, but we are one in the Spirit and one in Christ. He said that anyone who serves in this position must serve the entire church.
He ended with a quote: “If you want to walk fast walk alone, but if you want to walk far walk together. Let’s walk together into the future that God has for us.”
Wood was elected on the 6th ballot: 2,996 ballots cast
Wood: 2123
Garrison: 713
Clay: 148
Friday, August 10, 2007
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51 comments:
As a person, I have the utmost respect and admiration for George Wood. He has served the Kingdom of God with great distinction.
However, the moment for change, advancement, and progressiveness seems to be lost again for at least two more years.
Wow, between the election of a 66 year old GS and the defeat by a minority of the resolution to add younger and female members to the GPs it has definitely declared that the AG is and shall remain a government of the old men, by the old men and for the old men.
An election of Clay as AGS could help especially if Wood announced his retirement in 2010 within the next couple of weeks but I can't see that happening.
I pray that the Lord gives wisdom to Brother Wood (who I love and think is a really cool old guy).
If something doesn't happen, let the hemoraging of our youth begin (or continue at a faster speed)
Oh man, could there be worse timing?
Let's bring forward the Couriers in case anyone missed the point about it being all about the old men.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TO Bro. GEORGE WOOD
Douglas Sidiyida OUEDRAOGO from BURKINA FASO AFRICA
Congratulations to Dr. Wood! God has spoken. He indeed has my utmost support and "prayers" for continued success in leading our fellowship in the days ahead.
Might I remind our detractors that youth does not necessarily translate into "successful" new ideas and methods. My Bible is filled with stories of older, wiser, and more seasoned men who completely stepped out of their box to accomplish some rather "impossible" tasks.
And by all means be encouraged that Jesus himself said "...I will build my church..."
Prayerfully
That's awesome!!!
George Wood is like a great grandpa to me!!!...I mean not a "great" grandpa like he's my grandpa's dad...I mean like a "super" grandpa...only without the fishing and off color jokes.
God has given us a great and proven leader who loves Him and loves the AG.
Before we all complain about an older person being chosen to lead us, stop and think: How old was Moses when God called him to lead Israel out of bondage and to the promised land? He wasn't 40. When he was 40, he was fleeing for his life because of his impetuousness.
Wood is a good man, but we basically are in the same boat! I am watching online (while @ the Willow Creek Leadership Summit :)), and as I look @ the crowd, I'm nor surprised by the result!
I pray that he surrounds himself w/ young, progressive leaders!
Doug Clay for Asst. Supt.!!!
Quick note regarding the resolution for increasing the number of younger and female members on the GP. It was an amendment to the constitution and, therefore, required a 2/3rds vote. It had a majority. I, a 20-something woman, am impressed the measure received a majority vote. That gives me hope.
--Laura Wright
Here is a link to a George Wood sermon regarding his position on women in the ministry:
http://missionsonline.org/gpage29.html
Congratulations Brother George Wood!
All the discipls were young!
60+ fredore
Hey guys, I don't know if we should congratulate or send out condolences to Bro. Wood. :) I really like that man. Here is a link to his website in case you are interested in him.
http://georgeowood.com/templates/System/default.asp?id=22125
There are some great resources there for messages. Rememer that he pastored in Orange County California, One of the most progressive communities in the US. He knows how to handle younger culters, and his Son pastors in So. Cal and has contributed to this site many times already, so He still has a feeler close to us in the trenches.
I do think he can be a great transitional leader. Bringing in an Asst or Sect who is younger and groom them to take the reigns would be the ideal.
Just adding to conversation.
I am dismayed by some of the reactions here. Jeff's Aug. 2 prayer on this blog ended with "your kingdom come and your will be done." Are you folks saying God missed his chance? Is it not more likely that our culturally informed desires allow us to miss Him?
I agree that there are issues in our fellowship but they will not be resolved in a political fashion. The weapons that we fight with are not the weapons of this world!
Was anyone else as confounded by the comment made by the gentlemen from New Mexico who suggested opening up the Presbytery to younger ministers and women would start us on a slippery slope to allowing homosexuals on the GP? Weird, weird, weird....
I have given some thought to the remarks posted throughout this blog about age. It came to me after I saw who was speaking at the Youth Event on Saturday, Yep thats right, Old Sister Mayo!!! I wonder how many youth say "man we need a younger speaker." More than age is a person's heart. Jeanne has a heart that reaches young people. I really think we are missing it if we believe that change will only come by electing a young GS. God bless Brother Wood as he leads us these next 2 years. You can choose to complain for the next 2 years or be an agent of change. I say let's be agents of change.
For Him,
G. Douglas Dowdey, Pastor
Destiny Life Center
www.destinylifeag.org
I am appreciative of Dr. Wood and his able leadership. One of the marks of a great leader is to also know how to be a great follower. Some of the complaints here show a lack of wisdom and discernment. Those things don't just come from age, friends.
Dr. Wood is far more capable than some would give him credit and a brief transition may be what the Lord desires.
He is a truly great leader, great expositor of the Word and has demonstrated an ability to lead with the power of the Holy Spirit.
I think the question "are you saying God missed His chance?" presents a false dilemma. It's also possible that people missed a chance God was giving them.
Did God miss his chance when the Church chose not to reform in response to Luther's 95 theses? No, but people did and as a result God led in a different direction.
I think what we're seeing here is a frustration among younger ministers that will have to be dealt with openly if the AG is to continue to have a viable ministry to the next generations.
I think the EPs and GPs tried to do that with the resolutions to expand their numbers, fortunately one of those passed but it was extremely disappointing to see the other fail.
Absolutely Brother Wood's election could be exactly the right thing, and I believe it is, but I think he needs to deal openly with the concerns of younger ministers.
Yes age and wisdom are to be valued, but the dreams and vision of youth are not to be discounted either.
Surely anyone can see that those hopeful for change are concerned that all that's happening is the signs on the office doors are moving. That's got to be addressed. If anyone can address it eloquently GOW can.
From this morning and a rare blog entry on my own, now defunct, blog:
". . .This is a welcome decision, and I congratulate Wood on his electoral victory.
"One upshot here, though: when John Paul II passed away, the Catholic church set out to find a suitable replacement to help the RCC through some serious transitions and doctrinal dilemmas. Their decided replacement, Benedict II, is a worthy successor, but is a hard-line traditionalist and probably won't provide much in the way of reforms that particular church needs.
"In the same way, Wood is a Benedict-type figure. He will tow the line, and probably do a better job than his predecessor, however, I wouldn't expect much in the way of reforms that are needed to right the A/G ship. I hope I'm wrong. Additionally, the A/G needed to go younger, like the RCC, and they, again, like the RCC, didn't. In essence, they're tabling potentially divisive matters until the next council, when they'll do the whole election thing all over again.
"Wood's selection isn't a bad move. Not at all, he has impeccable credentials and the academic resume that is needed atop the heap in Mecca. But delaying the inevitable will only make it worse, I fear. Considering I had gone on the record before, saying that the person who gets the job probably won't be the right man for the job, this is a welcome time to render myself wrong."
Super-majorities and democratic methods aren't exactly a mandate from God, just the consensus of people, and there's nothing inherently wrong with that. I stand by my sentiments; I have no doubt Wood will do a fine job in his new office, but something in this movement still has to give. The disquiet amongst us is still deafening.
Proud to have Brother Wood!
However, where did our voters go??!
2,996 votes cast on the final, and 3734 on the initial vote? The coffee must have been really good this morning, or maybe it was the golf.
Grant Conklin
I have been praying hard the last couple of days and I am glad to see that God has answered by guiding everyone's votes. I think Bro. Wood was a good choice. I would have liked to see Bro. Clay as Assistant, but God knows what he is doing. I trust Him. If we all continue seeking God's will in our personal lives and in the Ag's life, as strongly as the last couple of days, I don't believe it will be long until there is great change.
I am saddened by the voting down of Resolution 3, but as Laura said, a majority was amazing progress. I can only continue to pray that God will keep working in the hearts of the "old men". By that I don't mean age, but rather the people who have the "old man" ideology.
But God has us in His hands. As long as we continue to seek, He will guide us.
Re: the last comment, "Are you folks saying God missed his chance? Is it not more likely that our culturally informed desires allow us to miss Him?"
Of course, God never misses God's chance; but a de facto assumption that our actions are indeed being guided by God--just because we have prayed--is a mistake. It's also incredibly difficult (impossible, actually) to sort out just which of our desires are 'culturally informed'--in fact, a good case can be made that all of our desires are 'culturally informed', but that is another argument.
Wherever we stand, as soon as we begin to conflate the actual will of God with the results of our institutional practices, 'spirit-inspired' as we hope they may be, we are practicing something very similar to idolatry. (Same goes for confusing the will of our president and/or the Republican party with the will of God, by the way...)
We may be either excited or dismayed, but we might not know 'God's will' in this situation until a lot of time has passed. Or we may want to admit that we just don't know God's will (which is not a sin!).
Whatever the case, Brother Wood is indeed an 'insider', but he's different than those who have gone before him in many, many ways. He should be given time to prove this, and he should have not to suffer under the labor of trying to show anyone that he's not 'too old'.
So let's hang in there, fellow youngsters!
-brian doak, cambridge ma
I'm not surprised by the elections of Wood and Garrison. However, I am optimistic and excited by the outcome. This very blogsite predicted that these two men would emerge as our leadership. And, they did.
Like it or not: God's will was done. And, if you don't like it, look back - this probably isn't the first time God's Will contradicted your will.
Those leading our fellowship have a heavy mantle and great responsibility. We shouldn't pretend to act like we understand such an anointing or calling. We should, however, pray for them more than ever.
Fight against complaining or allowing your flesh to produce prideful assumptions. Serve the leadership with humility and integrity.
And, continue to be forward-thinking, progressive, hopeful, joyful leaders. Springfield does not determine or hinder my relevance. The church God has called me to pastor will continue to take risks, reach the lost, impact our culture and strive to be REAL. I'm proud to be an ordained pastor in the Assemblies of God.
I may not have voted for the men that have been elected, that's ok... I may not vote for the next president elected in the USA. But, regardless I will remain a US Citizen and strive to make my nation better.
BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN OTHERS. Start today.
God bless the Assemblies of God,
Chilly
maybe this is a theological difference but does not God relinquish control of our choices? If that's the case are we not free to make decisions contrary to the will of God? I dont claim to know his will in this matter but simply because what has happened has happened does not in my estimation make it the will of God.
Furthermore, Moses was a great leader. But not only are the circumstances vastly different but their respnsibilities differ as well. Moses' charge was to escape the culture within which they were captive. I fear we do that all too well.
I am disappointed do we as young men in AG have a voice or should u start looking elsewhere?
I was rooting for Doug Clay.
By the way the luncheon was great, Lets meet more often.
I am truly dismayed by the comments posted by those who feel Wood's election is a setback for our movement.
The only setback we face is when we as a generation choose to disengage from the process. If any of us choose to take our marbles and go home, then we will only reinforce the stereotype that our generation is spoiled, disaffected, and self-entitled.
The actual impact of Wood's election on our personal and local ministry is nil. He can have a vision and a perspective, but he cannot impose that on any of us. Change in a movement like ours happens over decades, it follows trends and is defined by those who persevere through the process. We will loose this moment if we step back.
My encouragement to all of us is to continue to go sectional meetings, vote at district council, serve on committees, take your presbyter to lunch, emphasize AG colleges. Engage with such ferocity and determination that our influence cannot be ignored.
One thing that our district has done (NW) is to orgainize "emerging leaders" meetings where our network leadership dialogues with us concering various issues. Create one in your district or even region. Offer to host it at your church. DO SOMETHING.
We will influence nothing through words and criticisms. Our movement is structured so that involvement creates change. Ben Franklin said, "Well done is better than well said."
A revolution without active movement is just a big circle.
Brian "Viva Revolucion" Jenkins
Dr Wood will capably lead the AG. As an Ordained Minister, I will fully support him and the organization (look at your credential paperwork, we said we would).
That does not mean we cannot disagree nicely and in appropriate forums.
I made an entry on another posting in this article before the vote, and I would like to reiterate a comment I made there. We are the AG. Dr Wood works for us. We are not a top down denomination; rather, we are a fellowship of (mostly) autonomous churches and ministers. So, Go out and be the best pastors you can be, building great churches with God as your guide.
Maybe I am too cynical of organizations and politics, but whether Dr Wood or someone younger is in that role; that will not likely affect our ability to shepherd and evangelize those that Jesus has called us to love.
Just my $.02, but just keep doing what God has called you to do...
Tim Hardin
Lead Pastor
Kayak Church
Bingen Assembly of God
As voice for the young crowd:
We are not looking to run the whole show... just too have a voice in it.
So enough about Moses, but It seems he brought a young man along with him (Joshua)good thing he did. If we don't what will happen to our movement when Moses' generation is dead?
Someone earlier mentioned Brother Wood's ministry service in Southern California. I believe the church he pastored was is on the campus of our AG university there. It would stand to reason that he would have been very active in recruiting and mentoring young church leaders from there. As a district official in that district he must have been a champion for young leaders and innovative styles of church leadership. It seems like his leadership impact is evident for that district to be as young and culturally relevant as it must be to thrive in a part of the country where Saddleback and Calvary Chapel movements are so prevelant. I think under his leadership, the future is bright for young emerging leaders.
KEEP THIS SITE GOING GUYS!!!!!!! I have spoken with 11 different guys who are on their way home (literally hours ago) due to their disgust and feeling of it is hopeless!!!!! We need this - does ANYONE else agree?? I have gained so very much from this site.
Let us not grow weary in well doing... (Gal 6:9) we will see it come to pass but we are dealing with a MAJOR organization and it will take time. We MUST keep this going. We MUST continue to have conversation, alerts to what is going on in other areas and the like.
I agree with all the postings on this being God's will. We are a body of human beings and we are not perfect. I believe FEAR OF CHANGE will be our greatest challenge (not the young ones - patience will be, or is for me). But we cannot assume it is "God's will" but we must accept Bro Woods and the like now have God's anointing and we are commanded to pray for them all.
We need to pray and we need to stick together. UNITY is the key. The enemy wants to cause a rift and divide in this movement. The AG is not perfect. But I believe going and starting another movement with a mass exodus right now would be a mistake. I do believe that a lack of response to this mandate (what we are saying on this site) by the leadership over time would constitute a need for such a move - but do not believe right now is the time.
I have felt all week as if there are 2 different sides - 2 different groups - 2 different drives. Let's give them another 2 years and then see what happens.
Any thoughts??
There were many who my husband and I thought would have been a fantastic choice for GS, and George Wood was definitely tops. Tory, I would like to know if you are going to post his answers to the 6 questions. You said in your previous post that he responded but wasn't comfortable posting his responses at that point. Now that he has won, I just thought it would be interesting to hear his heart on these matters. I believe I already know it, having heard him speak many times but I would just love to hear it again! Just curious if he gave you permission to post his response post-election if he won. If so, hurry! :-)
Praising God for His goodness to us...
I am sorry, but I feel I need to ask this. If you are going to make strong arguments for or against something, then do the right thing and sign your name. Don't bother posting unless you are brave enough to take responsibilty for comments. I would even ask the mods to not accept futher postings that are not signed.
Remember, there is nothing new under the sun. Talks of separation, and discontent go way back in our history. Unity, lots of prayer, and some courage to act is what will bring our movement in line. God has blessed the A/G and we need Him to guide us so we don't become obsolete and powerless in the future.
God bless you all.
I think we should all understand that stereotypes, in some instances, are caused by tendencies. We all know that stereotypes are not accurate for every instance as well.
As a young minister, formerly A/G, I too would rather see a young, progressive thinking leader take the top position. However, I'm not under the impression that George Wood fits the stereotype we give to the older generation.
I've had the opportunity to meet the man and there is something different about him than quite a few others that most would categorize him with. My impression of him is that he understands the need for progressiveness, BUT may not be the person to carry it out. Sometimes you need a person who can envision things and others to carry them out. Maybe George Wood sees the big picture but needs some of us younger ministers to carry it out.
In my church planting experience I would see areas that HAD to have the right person bring something into existence. I didn't have the giftings to make it happen although I could see it. Maybe George Wood is the man we need that sees what direction we need to go...... you're the agents of change. Just a thought.
John,
Believe me, we are not posting all comments made by "anonymous."
If a comment is made anonymously and is extremely negative on either side of an issue, we do not let it through.
We are trying to encourage open and honest discussion in order to get a sense of how everyone is feeling after today. However, we are also trying to keep the tone positive. It's a difficult balance, especially on days like today.
Paul
It's disheartening to hear so many negative comments from various, what seems like young pastors.
If we really prayed, as we said we did, we have to trust that the Lord brought forth the men who needed to fill the positions.
If we didn't pray...There is nothing else that needs to be said.
My congratulations to Brother Wood and all the other newly elected members of the GP.
I think George Wood is a great choice to lead this fellowship in the years to come. I agree 100% with the comment earlier that "youth does not necessarily translate into 'successful' new ideas and methods." I have full confidence in Brother Wood to surround himself with men and women of God who will bring a "renewal" that the younger generation will grab hold of and run with, without compromising the foundations our fellowship was built on.
I am disappointed by the Chicken Littles in our membership who have already declared that "the sky is falling!" Nothing like God doing things differently than we wanted for people to lose faith, right? Perhaps, rather than complain and despair, we should now be driven to pray for these leaders more than ever.
I actually think we have a nice mix of leaders elected at this GC. George Wood and Alton Garrison are both "heroes" in my book - and I look forward to their wisdom and leadership. Zollie Smith is a testament to the progress that has been made within our fellowship and will be an amazing addition to the leadership. And John Palmer has an amazing heart for encouraging the vision of younger pastors and missionaries. When is that ever a bad thing?
I wish I could have been at GC to meet many of you and to be a part of this historic meeting. This twentysomething pastor is excited to see where God takes us in the years to come under the leadership of these men of God. In closing, I echo the wisdom of some great men when I say, "God's will be done!"
Safe travels to all who are returning home this weekend. God bless!
Nate McLaughlin
Element Ministries
www.elementministries.com
"The gospel is like tree roots growing underneath the sidewalk. Sooner or later, the liberating power of the gospel–for Gentiles, slaves, and women–breaks through the repressive concrete of cultural mores and norms that discriminate and oppress."
George Wood
What wonderful imagery! If anyone can ARTICULATE the importance of moving forward, and if anyone can PERSUADE people toward positive change, I believe Brother Wood, THROUGH GOD'S ANOINTING, can.
Reading through these comments, I don't see much excitement for the election of Bro. Garrison as Asst. Supt. Please allow me to interject my enthusiasm for his election. I would like to vouch for the extreme capability of Bro. Alton Garrison. As the Arkansas District Supt., his fantastic leadership and vision brought us into the 21st century. I don't think I can even put into words how his excellence of ministry increased our performance as a District. He brought that same passion, integrity and excellence to the U.S. Missions department.
I believe that He and Bro. Wood will make an excellent leadership team. It is evident that they both have the heart of God and desire the best for this fellowship.
Please don't forget amidst all the rhetoric that it is prayer that changes things. I have yet to see a General Council with the passion for prayer and fasting our forefathers had. I haven't committed myself to that- and by judging the crowds at the restaurants, and the sparsity of the prayer chapel, many of you haven't either. Let's commit ourselves to do that.
We are in the midst of a cultural revolution in our fellowship. When it is accompanied with prayer and fasting and a sincere desire to see God's will done on earth as it is in heaven, then this cultural revolution will be what propels this fellowship even farther into greatness!
DB
Arkansas
I came to this Council optimistically hoping for change, as I leave I think I feel a little dismayed by the mixed messages I see coming from some of our leaders who give lip service to wanting younger leaders to have a chance, yet, they continue allowing their names to be balleted upon, even into their seventies. The power of incumbency is tremendous in this movement. I think the greatest contradiction at this council came when one of the current Executive Presbyters stood on the floor and encouraged the council to embrace the resolution adding the under 40's to the General Prsebytery, then a few minutes later he allowed his name to stand for re-election as an Executive Presbyter. If the old guys who have the power of incumbency behind them keep running, the younger guys will never have an opportunity. While I have a great deal of respect for all of the old guys, I think the path to change in this fellowship is term limits for the Executive Presbytery and making the honorary positions on the General Presbytery and the Executive Presbytery, just that, in name only.
The executive officials elected are excellent choices. What alarms me is the median age of ordained ministers (just over 50) and the average age of the GPs (just over 60!). The 30 GP's that would have been provided for in Res. 4 are only half of the total number of honorary GP's (ave. age over 70). They threw us a bone! BTW--way to go Joe Fuiten--comment of the day!!
A good place for younger ministers to start would be to get licensed and ordained and vote!
I resonate with the sentiment that it comes down to us ministering within our context, connecting with the culture, and growing the Kingdom of God by reaching the unchurched. If we are doing this I'm not so sure it would matter who is running the show in Springfield.
I honestly love the fact that this great movement is being led by a seasoned ministry veteran! I've never bought into the thought that our leader had to be young to be progressive or forward thinking - that totally depends on the individual - and we've got a great man to lead the charge now.
Dr. Wood didn't just get the vote of the 'old timers'.
When I was chosen today as general superintendent-elect, I made a pledge that I would do my very best to serve the whole church. That certainly includes all of you who have so seriously and carefully engaged in dialog on this blog. The Assemblies of God desperately needs everyone of you. I want you to know that I will do my very best to listen and to be a bridge-builder in this wonderful family of believers. Malachi ends by talking about the day when the hearts of fathers would be turned to their children, and vice versa. I want that for our church. I will do everything I can to bring the generations together. But, I am going to need your help!
Will you help me and the other terrific team of leaders chosen today? We need your prayers and your counsel. And, this is a two-way street -- I promise also to pray for you and to do my best to speak into your lives as well.
I also want to say that the most important thing, other than prayer, that we need to do for each other is love one another. I want our Fellowship to be one marked by genuine love and respect for one another. We are all in this together!
As the business was unfolding this afternoon, I felt the Lord put this Scripture in my heart: "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." I do not intend to be a weighted-down with burdens servant among you. Doing the Lord's work should bring us joy, spontaneity, and laughter. Oh yes, there will be serious times -- but, with all my heart I want us to share His life abundantly.
The Fellowship has given me an immense responsibility and I covet your prayers and support.
Thanks so much for letting me take this moment to share some of my heart with you. Let's encourage one another, build up one another, be honest with one another, and love another!
Blessings to you!
George O. Wood
General Superintendent-Elect
Don't bail! This isn't the first or the last time that ministers have been frustrated with their denomination. I've been in the ministry for 30 years in the AG and am currently pastoring a emerging church in Springfield, MO. I've experienced the highs and the lows of ministry and the frustration and desire to leave many times, especially in my 20's and 30's. What has kept me in the AG has been the understanding that this movement, because of it's cooperative fellowship, is a great place to be a spiritual entrenpreneur and experience the freedom to do ministry as God has called me to.
The AG is a big ship and it doesn't turn quickly. Personally, I think the election of George Wood in the long run is the best that we can get. To experience the transition that needs to take place in the AG, it will take someone who can relate to the young and the old ministers. To have a superintendent in place who is only relevant to one end or the other of the spectrum will spell out disaster. I believe that George Wood has the ability and the heart to pull both sides together. Don't be fooled by his gray hair, this guy is sharp and I think that we'll be surprised by the way that he endeavors to bridge the gap!
I'm offering to host a round table quarterly for those emerging pastors in So Missouri. If you're interested you can email me at cal@new-lifechurch.org.
It isn't that Wood was elected as our GS that is the negative that I walked away with.
It was the mood and discussion of the assembly.
Voting down Resolution 4 and not having ONE of the EP or GP members get up and speak for the resolution that they brought to the body was crazy. Would 100 votes have moved over with hearing that they really were in support of this resolution? Probably.
I had a National Official say that the people should have known that they were for it since it was sponsored by them. For crying out loud half those guys couldn't even obey the rules of business meeting (don't they have those at their church?), read the text of a resolution, or bring up the most off the wall comments (Zondervan doesn't care about our by-laws...we got Hammer), and you expect them to KNOW that the GP really wants this to pass?
I walked away feeling that I was punched in the stomach. If there was a message it was that we are not even willing to consider trying something different when it is obvious that we are declining...
Even on this blog we debate GS being a full-time position or not like that will change things. Or if Lindel thinks women should be in ministry or not. (Didn't he look like he has been on a 60 day fast? Give the man an orange.)
We are asking the wrong questions and debating the wrong things? Who cares if we are 40 or not (by the way President of the U.S. only needs to be 36), female or male...we are not thinking about evolving to handle the future of ministry we are seeking to preserve the ministry of past.
I mean if the stage set-up, which looked like FEMA had a few trailers left over, didn't scream NOT FROM THIS DECADE...I don't know what did.
Ok...I'm upset and venting, but I'm also sad and curious to know if we will ever realize we are not relevant with the world around us and we are not making strides to be. We are putting up legislation to make sure we don't.
But what do I know, I'm under 40.
I am utterly disappointed in most of the comments that I have read. Out of 34 comments only one person stated that they spent time in prayer about this important matter. Maybe this is why there is not more younger representation in leadership positions -- a lack of spiritual maturity, discernment, wisdom, and overall respect for our leaders (often refered to in the bible as our elders). If God's will was not done in this matter, shame on the constituency of ministers who should have prepared for the vote through prayer and fasting instead of politicing. General Council is a serious time not a nice little vacation that the church foots the bill for (as referenced by the playing golf comment). I am in the under 40 age group that is often mentioned, but I would never vote on anyone for anything just because of age.
I am the son of a retired ordained minister. My father pastored churches in various districts, as well as, evangelized throughout the United States. I have been in churches that young progressive men pastored that were shut down. I have been in churches that the old men pastored that exploded with growth. The opposite is also true. It was and is not the age of the man but the mans desire to hear from God and the mans courage to follow God's direction.
I remember one city with two churches. Both were on the move for God. One was what this site would consider progressive and the other oldline. Was one right or one wrong? NO They both were reaching people for the Kingdom of God. Did they agree? NO But they realized the need for each other. Were either pressured into conformity? NO Both were well respected members of their community, section, and district.
I am disheartened by the references to -- "need for change", "progressiveness", "old man", "set back", "revolution", and many others. And particularly disturbed by the mention of a split in our movement. This is a seed sown, that if left planted, will grow into a deadly forrest of rebellion.
For those of you who haven't noticed the past two councils have resulted in some of the most "progressive" changes in the 93 year history of the Assemblies of God.
I would suggest that instead of drawing battle lines, embrace the "elders" of our movement. They have endured many battles, and thier experience will add to your wisdom. Then allow God to direct you in the way He wants your ministry to go. I will almost guarantee you that the "old men" in Springfield will not come and scold you if you are truly following God's will. Maybe if you follow this advice, the next generation (if the Lord taries) will follow your example when YOU are the "old men".
Remember "ON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH AND THE GATES OF HELL WILL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT". God is in control. I have read the end of the Book. God's Will will be done -- with you, without you, inspite of you, or through you.
Respectfully
Michael Copeland
I agree with the post who stated that we don't need younger leadership, instead, we need leadership with a vision for the young! I'm certain that Woods not only has a vision for the next generation, but for all things concerning the AG...
Furthermore, if we (the younger generation) have any hope of gleaning wisdom, we most certainly must continue to surround ourselves with those who are older and who have the experiences that we do not...
I praise God today for the AG fellowship. I praise God for what HE is doing even now!
Paul (and other mods)
Thank you hosting this site. I love the open communication. I even welcome criticism of my ideas and comments. We need the openness. Thanks for giving us a voice.
Bro. Copeland,
I just want to respectfully point out that just because everyone doesn't state in their post that they are praying about it, doesn't mean they haven't or that they aren't.
To some people such as myself, this is a given. I realize we are living in different days and times and perhaps we cannot just consider it a given that pastors are praying and seeking God. But shouldn't we be able to? I've given everyone one this blog the benefit of the doubt that all are praying and seeking God. Obviously they all care enough about the issues to come on here and post. I would think that means that they also care enough to add all these issues to their prayer list and seek the Lord about it.
I for one have been praying about many of these issues before I even knew Bro. Trask resigned. Through a series of seeing several things that greatly concerned me locally, district, and national, I began over a year ago to make many of the things discussed on this blog a more serious matter of prayer. I have to admit to you that while I never made the district or general council the top issue in my prayer life (it was there just not at the very forefront)things that were stirred in my spirit brought it right to the top about a year ago and it has been something very key in my prayer life during all this time.
I don't feel that in every comment we make, we need to state the fact that we're praying. It should be obvious. That ministers would do anything without prayer would be a tragedy.
A concern I have is that many times when discussion goes on such as has been the case on this blog, those that disagree with some things being said will pop up and say something to the effect of, "Why are we discussing this? We just need to pray!" (and make those who are doing something in addition to prayer seem unspiritual.) I don't believe that is the case.
Discussion of the issues along with prayer, is healthy IMHO. I for one am incredibly grateful to the guys who started this blog. For one thing, it confirms in my heart that the things God stirred me to fast and pray about over a year ago weren't just my own imagination but very real issues. And this motivates me to pray all the more.
First, let me apologize if I came across harsh in my previous statement. I realize that it should be a given that all ministers are praying and fasting about the decisions that were made. But some of the criticism and disrespect makes me wonder if all were.
I am not against constructive dialogue. I think that it is a key in bridging the various gaps that exist in our fellowship. And speaking of fellowship I truly believe that it key. Fellowship is vital among our ministers. As Bro. Woods stated, "...our Fellowship to be marked by geniune love and respect for one another." I know that we will not agree on every issue, but when we do disagree do so in a loving and respectful manner. Any other way will provoke anger and wrath: and will accomplish nothing but further division.
We do not need to distance ourselves from one another. We need to walk hand in hand, inspite of our differences through our common vision "to seek and save that which is lost". God has given us unique talents and visions to accomplish that goal. (Jesus chose 12 very different men with different backgrounds and different talents to be his disciples.) We may not understand our fellow minister's personal vision, but as long as it points toward Christ we do not need to criticize it. An effective minister/ministry in New York City would probably fail miserably in Greasy Valley, Arkansas (yes, that is a real town) and visa versa. God uses diversity to reach diversity.
I echo Brian Jenkins comments that call for the younger generation to become more active. Most young ministers in my area don't even go to the sectional ministers meetings. Young ministers need to advance through the ranks to licensed and ordained. The need to attend sectional, district, and national events. They need to be willing to serve on committees and in leadership positions. And at the same time they need to take this opportunity to learn from the previous generation.
I too enjoy and appreciate this blog. I believe that it can be an ongoing forum for encouragement and idea exchange. I personally believe it should have started earlier and on a larger scale (in some way let all of the ministers know it exists). Some of these issues could have been raised earlier to the masses. The Presbytery as well as the delegates could have posted their feelings, questions, and even clarifications on the resolutions. The "extra" resolutions could have been posted for review. And especially helpful, biographies of likely candidates could have been posted. (Because of geographical differences many ministers didn't know anything about many of the candidates.) I believe this is something that the General Council should look into.
Michael Copeland
One of the scariest statistics that came out of General Council was that less than 3,000 votes were cast to elect the Superintendent. I wonder what the total number of eligible voters would be if everyone voted that was eligible, including church delegates? Do you have those stats? It has to be a very small percentage that voted. What does that say? One of your bloggers said that he wasn't surprised that the "older" guys got elected, all you had to do was look at who voted. Whose fault is that? But, complaining is easier isn't it?
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