Bishop RE Howard, General Overseer - Church of God of Prophecy
Bishop RE Howard, General Overseer - Church of God of Prophecy
Bishop RE Howard, General Overseer - Church of God of Prophecy
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. . . our vision<br />
calls us to aim<br />
for the “Young<br />
Harvest” to<br />
impact our<br />
communities.<br />
2 WWM APRIL 2010<br />
<strong>Bishop</strong> R. E. <strong>Howard</strong>, <strong>General</strong> <strong>Overseer</strong><br />
Catching the Little Ones<br />
Recently, I was privileged to hear Sharon Daugherty speak. She was the wife <strong>of</strong><br />
Billy Joe Daugherty, founder and pastor <strong>of</strong> Victory Christian Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.<br />
Since her husband’s death, Sharon has become the Senior Pastor and shares a vibrant<br />
word <strong>of</strong> hope, faith, and vision. The entire journey <strong>of</strong> Victory Christian Center has been<br />
a testimony to just those virtues.<br />
Pastor Daugherty asked a friend visiting him once, “Do you catch many big fish<br />
when you fish?” The friend thought about his fishing experiences and realized that he<br />
had caught few large fish in comparison to catching many small fish. Pastor Daugherty<br />
shared that as they had grown the ministry <strong>of</strong> the church there, he had learned the<br />
same lesson. It had seemed hard to catch big fish, but <strong>God</strong> had given them little fish<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten and in abundance through their ministry. He was speaking <strong>of</strong> reaching out to<br />
the children <strong>of</strong> their communities.<br />
Pastor Daugherty went on to say that one <strong>of</strong> the most significant and enduring<br />
visions <strong>of</strong> his church through the years had been to reach out to children. Sharon<br />
Daugherty elaborated that they had for years gone to the neighborhoods <strong>of</strong> Tulsa,<br />
even areas most would not want to go. They had used many different strategies over<br />
time to touch the lives <strong>of</strong> children and to impact them and their families for eternity.<br />
Today their commitment to reach children beyond their church has flourished into a<br />
development <strong>of</strong> many acres dedicated to community outreach, serving the poor, and<br />
touching the lives <strong>of</strong> these little fish.<br />
I will never forget going fishing with my uncle in Wyoming when I was quite young.<br />
He was an excellent veteran fisherman who made his own lures and enjoyed all kinds<br />
<strong>of</strong> game fishing. As he took me on this outing, he rigged my line, knowing that there<br />
were small, insignificant fish in these waters that hindered him from catching the “big<br />
ones” he aimed to bag. My job was to reel in as many <strong>of</strong> the small ones as possible<br />
while he went for the prize fish.<br />
I cannot recall what success he had that day. But what I will never forget was the<br />
thrill I had reeling in fish after fish as long as we were there. Each one was a big game<br />
fish for me, and the thrill was so intense that the adventure is branded in my memory<br />
for life.<br />
Perhaps, our ministries may be tempted to emulate the big game strategy at times,<br />
going for the “big ones,” when <strong>God</strong> is sending abundant opportunities to reach the<br />
small ones in mass. Perhaps, our gauge <strong>of</strong> success and our sense <strong>of</strong> thrill should be<br />
calibrated again toward the excitement <strong>of</strong> catching many <strong>of</strong> these small ones and<br />
watching them develop into a “prize catch” for eternity and the Kingdom. The words<br />
<strong>of</strong> Christ still ring out: “Suffer the little children to come unto me . . .” (Mark 10:14),<br />
and our vision calls us to aim for the “Young Harvest” to impact our communities.
Contents<br />
April 2010 • Volume 86, Number 9<br />
E D I T O R I A L<br />
2 Facing Forward: Catching the Little Ones<br />
by R. E. <strong>Howard</strong><br />
F E A T U R E S<br />
4 Center Stage: A Look at Postmodern Kids<br />
by Abigail Spears Velázquez<br />
6 Redesigning the Set: What the <strong>Church</strong> Must Do to<br />
Engage Kids in Christ-Centered Living by Kathy Creasy<br />
1 0 Act I: Helping Kids KNOW <strong>God</strong>’s Word<br />
by Sandy Knowles and Kathy Creasy<br />
1 2 Act II: Tools That Will Equip Kids to LIVE Out Their Faith<br />
by Karrie Endecott and Kathy Creasy<br />
1 4 Act III: It’s Their SERVE by Melissa Minter<br />
1 6 Raising Christ-Centered Kids by Jill Carnuccio<br />
1 8 Where Are the Elis? Nurturing the Spiritual Gifts <strong>of</strong><br />
Children by R. Lee Creasy<br />
2 0 Center Stage: One Day Training Intensive Brochure<br />
M I N I S T R I E S<br />
2 1 Global Outreach: Focusing Children’s Hearts<br />
Toward Missions<br />
2 2 Stewardship Ministries: Tithing Begins at<br />
Home Hopefully<br />
2 3 Tomlinson Center Brochure<br />
2 4 Youth Ministries: Youth Harvest Training • Omega<br />
Conference 2010 • Missions Project 2010<br />
2 7 Women’s Ministries: Assembly Mission Breakfast<br />
C O L U M N<br />
2 8 Inspirational: The Courtroom Became a <strong>Church</strong><br />
by Arleta Lefler<br />
U P D A T E S<br />
3 0 Local <strong>Church</strong> News: First Deaconess for the State <strong>of</strong> Georgia<br />
• Testimonies • In His Presence • New <strong>Church</strong>es<br />
Executive Editor/Publisher<br />
Finance and Publications Director<br />
Managing Editor<br />
Copy Editor<br />
Editorial Assistant/Marketing Coordinator<br />
Graphic Artists<br />
International Office<br />
Subscriptions<br />
R. E. <strong>Howard</strong><br />
Benjamin Feliz<br />
Virginia Chatham<br />
Elizabeth Witt<br />
Todd Bagley<br />
Perry Horner and Joann Nope<br />
(423) 559-5100<br />
(423) 559-5114<br />
White Wing Messenger (ISSN 0043-5007) (USPS 683-020) is published monthly as the <strong>of</strong>ficial publication <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Prophecy</strong>, 3750 Keith St NW, Cleveland, TN. Send all materials for publication to Editorial<br />
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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to White Wing Messenger, PO Box 2910, Cleveland, TN 37320-2910.<br />
Messenger Moments<br />
Virginia Chatham, Managing Editor<br />
Helping Kids Live Christ-Centered Lives<br />
This issue <strong>of</strong> the White Wing Messenger is dedicated to<br />
Children’s Ministries, and we extend our thanks to Children’s<br />
Ministries International Director Kathy Creasy for her contribution<br />
and oversight as she launches a new directive for the ministry<br />
<strong>of</strong> children.<br />
In the first article, “Center Stage: A Look at Postmodern<br />
Kids,” writer Abigail Spears Velázquez states, “The generation<br />
<strong>of</strong> children who sit in our churches today were born into a<br />
postmodern world, and whether we associate postmodern with<br />
negative or positive connotations, we cannot ignore the shift in<br />
our culture.” Next, Kathy Creasy, in her article, “Redesigning the<br />
Set: What the <strong>Church</strong> Must Do to Engage Kids in Christ-Centered<br />
Living,” writes that now is the time to redesign ministry to<br />
disciple and equip children to live for Christ. She continues that<br />
“nurturing Christ-Centered kids is <strong>God</strong>’s will, and He has<br />
provided all the necessary equipments—prayer, relationships<br />
within His body, and content <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s Word.”<br />
In “Act I: Helping Kids KNOW <strong>God</strong>’s Word,” Sandy Knowles<br />
and Kathy Creasy write that “Christ-centered living requires<br />
our children to know <strong>God</strong>’s Word in such a way that its truths<br />
affect everything they do. . . .” Then, in “Act II: Tools That Equip<br />
Kids to LIVE Out Their Faith,” Karrie Endecott and Kathy Creasy<br />
acknowledge that “as our children grow in their knowledge <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>God</strong>, they must live out their faith in Him every day” and make<br />
several suggestions as to ways to teach children about faith.<br />
In “Act III: It’s Their Serve,” Melissa Minter suggests that<br />
children must meet “the <strong>God</strong> <strong>of</strong> the Bible for themselves and<br />
experience Him on a daily basis, <strong>God</strong> will just be another fairy<br />
tale to abandon when they become adults.”<br />
The remaining feature children’s articles focus on nurturing,<br />
training, and equipping our children for the future.<br />
Please submit all material to the White Wing Messenger;<br />
Managing Editor; P. O. Box 2910; Cleveland, TN 37320-2910;<br />
phone (423) 559-5128; e-mail us at Editorial@cogop.org.<br />
Bringing honor to the WORD by the printed word, the<br />
White Wing Messenger strives to inspire Christian thought and<br />
practice as it imparts the “good news” <strong>of</strong> the Gospel while<br />
serving the connectivity needs <strong>of</strong> our church community.<br />
The White Wing Messenger is the <strong>of</strong>ficial<br />
publication <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Prophecy</strong>.<br />
White Wing Messenger Editorial Board<br />
Londa Richardson, Chair<br />
Daniel Chatham Cervin McKinnon<br />
Perry Horner Tapio Sätilä<br />
Shaun McKinley Adrian Varlack<br />
WWM APRIL 2010 3
Recently there has been a lot <strong>of</strong> buzz<br />
about Apple’s new product, the iPad. As<br />
a book lover, I was initially interested in<br />
such a gadget whose primary purpose<br />
is to allow the owner access to literature<br />
<strong>of</strong> all kinds, electronically, in the form<br />
<strong>of</strong> “eBooks.” But when Steve Jobs, CEO<br />
<strong>of</strong> Apple, unveiled the iPad, I became<br />
the product’s biggest critic. He raved<br />
about the various applications <strong>of</strong> the<br />
iPad, searched for sushi on Google<br />
maps, and showed a live baseball game<br />
4 WWM APRIL 2010<br />
being played. It became evident that<br />
the biggest selling point for this product<br />
is not the fact that it stores thousands <strong>of</strong><br />
eBooks, but that one can, for $29.99 a<br />
month, have unlimited Internet access<br />
and check Facebook as <strong>of</strong>ten as he or<br />
she would like.<br />
In the past 15 or so years, churches<br />
have approached children’s ministry in<br />
the same manner. We try to dazzle the<br />
customers (parents) with our awardwinning<br />
pageants, high-tech children’s<br />
by Abigail Spears Velázquez<br />
chapels, great prize-give-aways, and, <strong>of</strong><br />
course, the promise that the child will<br />
be entertained while the parent(s) sit in<br />
real church—all under the pretext<br />
<strong>of</strong> ministry.<br />
Our statements <strong>of</strong> purpose claim<br />
that children’s ministers are dedicated<br />
to winning kids for Christ and nurturing<br />
them in their faith (and I do not doubt<br />
the sincerity <strong>of</strong> children’s ministers),<br />
but more <strong>of</strong>ten than not, a children’s<br />
pastor is hired based on his or her
ability to attract the crowds with their<br />
spectacular light shows on Sunday<br />
mornings and Wednesday evenings.<br />
The church is caught trying to be<br />
culturally relevant but fails to see the<br />
real changes in culture that run much<br />
deeper than technology.<br />
These cultural changes that are taking<br />
place are happening slowly, but they<br />
are inevitable. We are living in what<br />
sociologists call the postmodern era,<br />
or rather, we are living after the era <strong>of</strong><br />
modernity. The generation <strong>of</strong> children<br />
and youth who sit in our churches<br />
today were born into a postmodern<br />
world, and whether we associate<br />
postmodern with negative or positive<br />
connotations, we cannot ignore the<br />
shift in our culture.<br />
What exactly is meant by the word<br />
postmodern? Ivy Beckwith, in her book<br />
Postmodern Children’s Ministry, gives<br />
this explanation: “Postmoderns believe<br />
that reality or truth is always subjective.<br />
One’s reality or truth grows out <strong>of</strong> one’s<br />
perspective and life experiences. It is<br />
not imposed from the outside.”* To a<br />
Christian, that may sound quite scary.<br />
But let’s take a moment to analyze<br />
what this means and how it affects the<br />
way that children are taught to think<br />
in this day and age before we come to<br />
any conclusions about whether we like<br />
postmodernism or not.<br />
Postmodern thinking and philosophy,<br />
the idea that the truth is what one<br />
experiences, is something that has<br />
permeated the way society thinks and<br />
operates, though many rationalists (or<br />
moderns) have tried to reject it and<br />
show its folly in that there is absolute<br />
truth we can hold onto and proclaim.<br />
This comes from both Christians and<br />
non-Christians alike who are afraid<br />
<strong>of</strong> confronting the postmodern way<br />
<strong>of</strong> thinking.<br />
So what does all <strong>of</strong> this have to<br />
do with children’s ministry? The key<br />
is in experience. Truth is found in<br />
experience. Children are looking to<br />
experience <strong>God</strong>, and I am not talking<br />
about a spiritual experience, though<br />
that is important. While I do not want<br />
to undermine the faith <strong>of</strong> a child or the<br />
power <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> to move upon a child<br />
in a supernatural way, it is important<br />
to understand that these spiritual<br />
experiences end up having a disconnect<br />
in the child’s heart once he or she<br />
becomes an adolescent or young adult.<br />
Children are seeking to put faith into<br />
action. From what I understand in Acts,<br />
the purpose <strong>of</strong> the Baptism <strong>of</strong> the Holy<br />
Spirit was so that one could go out in<br />
the power <strong>of</strong> Jesus to do great things<br />
for the Kingdom <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>. We have not<br />
communicated this to our children nor<br />
have we demonstrated this effectively.<br />
A postmodern can only be taught<br />
<strong>God</strong>’s love through a concrete<br />
experience. A child who is seven years<br />
old does not need to be told what not<br />
to do, but needs to be shown what to<br />
do. When a postmodern child sees a<br />
family, who does not believe in Christ,<br />
treating each other with more kindness<br />
than his or her own family, he or she<br />
will begin to wonder if Christianity is the<br />
only option out there. If a child can be<br />
taught what is right by demonstration,<br />
the chance is greater that he or she will<br />
continue to serve <strong>God</strong> throughout his or<br />
her lifetime.<br />
Postmodern children are also looking<br />
for a community <strong>of</strong> believers. Too many<br />
times we have stressed a personal<br />
relationship with Jesus Christ to our<br />
children, telling them to pray and read<br />
the Bible for themselves so that they<br />
can understand what <strong>God</strong> is speaking<br />
to them. Remember, a postmodern<br />
needs truth through experience. A child<br />
<strong>of</strong> postmodernity cannot understand<br />
<strong>God</strong>’s Holy Word without a community<br />
to instruct, guide, and correct when<br />
in error.<br />
Children are intelligent. They are<br />
capable. But they are vulnerable and<br />
need a community to support them,<br />
love them, and let them know that<br />
if they mess up, the community will<br />
embrace them. If the community does<br />
not embrace their mistakes and forgive<br />
as Christ teaches, they will just as easily<br />
find another community who accepts<br />
them as they are.<br />
Our church can effectively witness,<br />
disciple, and teach the Gospel <strong>of</strong> Christ<br />
to postmodern kids in several ways:<br />
first, by demonstrating <strong>God</strong>’s love and<br />
the power <strong>of</strong> the Spirit and not just<br />
talking about these issues; second, by<br />
<strong>of</strong>fering a community that will love and<br />
nurture them unconditionally; and third,<br />
by validating a child’s experience as a<br />
young Christian capable <strong>of</strong> witnessing<br />
<strong>God</strong>’s love through the power <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Holy Spirit that leads to action.<br />
A postmodern<br />
can only be<br />
taught <strong>God</strong>’s<br />
love through<br />
a concrete<br />
experience.<br />
As a church, we must confront<br />
the cultural challenges and <strong>of</strong>fer<br />
experiences that are real and concrete.<br />
Children aren’t impressed by our<br />
technology and cultural relevance. They<br />
are impressed by men and women who<br />
will teach them that there is truth and<br />
relevance in Jesus Christ and who will<br />
allow them to take an active part in<br />
<strong>God</strong>’s Kingdom.<br />
_____________<br />
*Ivy Beckwith, Postmodern Children’s Ministry,<br />
Ministry to Children in the 21 st Century<br />
(Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004).<br />
Abigail Spears Velázquez<br />
is a senior at Princeton<br />
Theological Seminary in<br />
New Jersey and will finish<br />
in May with an M.Div. She<br />
is currently pursuing a<br />
ministerial license in the COGOP and would<br />
one day very soon love to be involved in fulltime<br />
ministry, preaching and teaching issues<br />
<strong>of</strong> social justice within our communities.<br />
WWM APRIL 2010 5
WWhen the Barna Research Group<br />
interviewed 13-year-olds, they found<br />
that nine out <strong>of</strong> ten said they were<br />
Christians, but only one-third were<br />
“absolutely committed to the Christian<br />
faith.” Only four percent had a belief<br />
system that was strongly aligned with<br />
biblical teachings. Sam and Thom<br />
Rainer’s research reveals that 70 percent<br />
<strong>of</strong> churched kids are walking away from<br />
Christianity between the ages <strong>of</strong> 18 and<br />
22 because they do not feel that the<br />
church has ever been essential in<br />
their lives. 1<br />
These statistics are just a small<br />
portion <strong>of</strong> data that is available<br />
regarding the local church’s inefficiency<br />
in making lifelong disciples <strong>of</strong> children<br />
and youth. Because children’s belief<br />
systems are in place by the age <strong>of</strong> ten,<br />
we have a short window <strong>of</strong> time to help<br />
them embrace Christ-centered living.<br />
Now is the time to redesign the<br />
set. We have an opportunity to take<br />
a look at what is currently happening<br />
in our ministries and evaluate their<br />
effectiveness in light <strong>of</strong> the biblical<br />
purposes <strong>of</strong> children’s ministry—<br />
evangelism and discipleship <strong>of</strong><br />
children. We have an opportunity<br />
to redesign ministry so that kids are<br />
intentionally discipled and equipped<br />
to live Christ-centered lives for the<br />
rest <strong>of</strong> their lives.<br />
ELEMENTS<br />
OF DESIGN<br />
What are the key elements that<br />
must be included in a redesign <strong>of</strong> our<br />
ministries? Because children’s ministries<br />
are usually centered on programs and<br />
events, we are tempted to begin the<br />
redesign there. However, discipleship<br />
can only occur through programs and<br />
events if the key elements <strong>of</strong> effective<br />
discipleship are in place. The key<br />
elements are prayer, relationship,<br />
and content.<br />
6 WWM APRIL 2010
y Kathy Creasy<br />
Prayer<br />
Discipleship, helping kids live<br />
Christ-centered lives, is not dependent<br />
on programs, curricula, facilities, or<br />
resources. Discipleship is dependent on<br />
<strong>God</strong>’s work.<br />
“For I am confident <strong>of</strong> this very thing,<br />
that He who began a good work in you<br />
will perfect it until the day <strong>of</strong> Christ<br />
Jesus” (Philippians 1:6 NASB).<br />
“For it is <strong>God</strong> who is at work in you,<br />
both to will and to work for His good<br />
pleasure” (2:13 NASB).<br />
“Now may the <strong>God</strong> <strong>of</strong> peace Himself<br />
sanctify you entirely. . . . Faithful is He<br />
who calls you and He also will bring it to<br />
pass” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, 24 NASB).<br />
Because discipleship is dependent on<br />
<strong>God</strong>’s work in the heart <strong>of</strong> the child, we<br />
must depend on <strong>God</strong>. This dependence<br />
is evidenced in prayer.<br />
We see this dependence exhibited by<br />
Jesus when He corrected Peter during<br />
His Last Supper with the disciples:<br />
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift<br />
you as wheat. But I have prayed for you,<br />
Simon, that your faith may not fail. And<br />
when you have turned back, strengthen<br />
your brothers” (Luke 22:31, 32 NIV).<br />
Effective discipleship ministries are<br />
birthed in prayer and sustained by<br />
consistent prayer. Children are prayed<br />
over by individuals and groups <strong>of</strong><br />
people in the faith community. These<br />
prayers are consistent and focused<br />
prayers. Children are taught the value<br />
<strong>of</strong> prayer, learn how to pray, and are<br />
involved in the ministry <strong>of</strong> prayer.<br />
Relationship<br />
Jesus recognized the powerful<br />
influence <strong>of</strong> relationship. Mark 3:14 (NIV)<br />
records that He chose 12 men to “. . . be<br />
WWM APRIL 2010 7
with him. . . .” It was in the context <strong>of</strong><br />
relationship that they became disciples.<br />
Children will never become Christcentered<br />
simply through programs and<br />
events. They will become true disciples<br />
in the context <strong>of</strong> relationships.<br />
What relationships are biblically<br />
significant in the discipleship<br />
<strong>of</strong> children?<br />
1. Parent-child relationship. Parents have<br />
been given a divine mandate in<br />
both the Old and New Testaments<br />
to disciple their children. (See<br />
Deuteronomy 6:6, 7; Ephesians<br />
6:4.) Why? Family relationships are<br />
the most influential relationships<br />
in a child’s life. If the family unit<br />
(parents, siblings, and extended<br />
family members) is healthy and<br />
Christian, instruction, training, and<br />
correction are done in the context <strong>of</strong><br />
loving relationships. Bible truths are<br />
taught and lived out (modeled) in the<br />
context <strong>of</strong> everyday life.<br />
Many parents have failed to<br />
accept responsibility. Some parents<br />
are unsaved. Some parents are<br />
saved but unwilling. Some parents<br />
are willing but do not feel equipped<br />
to disciple their children. In each<br />
<strong>of</strong> these cases, what is the<br />
church’s responsibility?<br />
In his book, Rock-Solid Kids,<br />
Larry Fowler challenges us to “give<br />
it back” 2 —to give the responsibility<br />
for discipleship <strong>of</strong> children back<br />
to parents. The church is not to<br />
assume the parents’ responsibility for<br />
discipleship. The church is to equip<br />
parents to fulfill a responsibility that is<br />
rightfully theirs.<br />
Each congregation must<br />
prayerfully consider what steps<br />
must be taken to give parents back<br />
the responsibility <strong>of</strong> teaching their<br />
children in the ways <strong>of</strong> the Lord.<br />
2. <strong>Church</strong>-child relationship. Yes, parents<br />
have a biblical mandate to disciple<br />
their children. But as we give parents<br />
back their responsibility, the church<br />
cannot neglect its responsibility.<br />
Ephesians 4:11–13 (NIV) paints a<br />
very detailed portrait <strong>of</strong> the church’s<br />
8 WWM APRIL 2010<br />
Bible truths are<br />
taught and<br />
lived out.<br />
responsibility in the discipleship <strong>of</strong><br />
children: “It was he who gave some<br />
to be apostles, some to be prophets,<br />
some to be evangelists, and some to<br />
be pastors and teachers, to prepare<br />
<strong>God</strong>’s people for works <strong>of</strong> service, so<br />
that the body <strong>of</strong> Christ may be built<br />
up until we all reach unity in the faith<br />
and in the knowledge <strong>of</strong> the Son <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>God</strong> and become mature, attaining<br />
to the whole measure <strong>of</strong> the fullness<br />
<strong>of</strong> Christ.”<br />
The body <strong>of</strong> Christ, the church,<br />
definitely has a responsibility not only<br />
to evangelize children (Matthew 28:19,<br />
20; Mark 16:15) but to disciple them<br />
as well. Saved children are “<strong>God</strong>’s<br />
people.” Saved children are part <strong>of</strong><br />
the “we all” who must be brought<br />
to spiritual maturity.<br />
3. Minister-child relationship. Often,<br />
in local church ministries to children,<br />
relationships between children’s<br />
ministers and kids stop at the teacherstudent<br />
level. Relationship with kids<br />
is “cubbyholed” into the 45 minutes<br />
<strong>of</strong> instruction on Sunday morning.<br />
The children’s minister focuses on<br />
the content <strong>of</strong> the lesson rather<br />
than the context <strong>of</strong> relationship, and<br />
relationships do not extend beyond<br />
the ministry session.<br />
Jesus was in a teacher-student<br />
relationship with many <strong>of</strong> His<br />
followers. But there were some<br />
whom He called disciples. He moved<br />
from the role <strong>of</strong> teacher into the role<br />
<strong>of</strong> mentor in His relationship with<br />
these men and women. He prayed<br />
for them. He taught them. He was<br />
involved in their everyday lives. He<br />
modeled right actions and attitudes.<br />
He included them in ministry.<br />
The local church must encourage<br />
and facilitate children’s ministers<br />
rethinking their roles. Will they be<br />
teachers or mentors? Will some<br />
continue in a teacher/student<br />
relationship while others develop a<br />
mentor/disciple relationship? What<br />
will children’s ministers do differently<br />
in the role <strong>of</strong> mentor? Will children’s<br />
ministry programs need to change<br />
so that relational disciplemaking can<br />
take place?<br />
Content<br />
Paul wrote to Timothy, “But as for<br />
you, continue in what you have learned<br />
and have become convinced <strong>of</strong>,<br />
because you know those from whom<br />
you learned it, and how from infancy<br />
you have known the holy Scriptures,<br />
which are able to make you wise<br />
for salvation through faith in Christ<br />
Jesus. All Scripture is <strong>God</strong>-breathed<br />
and is useful for teaching, rebuking,<br />
correcting and training in righteousness,<br />
so that the man <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> may be<br />
thoroughly equipped for every good<br />
work” (2 Timothy 3:14–17 NIV).<br />
What had Timothy learned? He had<br />
learned the Holy Scriptures. From whom<br />
had he learned the Holy Scriptures?<br />
He had learned from his mother and<br />
grandmother. They had fulfilled their<br />
<strong>God</strong>-given responsibility as parents.<br />
Paul, along with others, had fulfilled<br />
the <strong>God</strong>-given responsibility <strong>of</strong> the body<br />
<strong>of</strong> Christ. What did the content <strong>of</strong> the
Holy Scriptures accomplish? It made<br />
Timothy wise to receive salvation,<br />
and it equipped Timothy for every<br />
good work. Paul’s words verify that it<br />
is the Holy Scriptures, <strong>God</strong>’s Word, that<br />
must be the content <strong>of</strong> our ministries<br />
to children.<br />
Each <strong>of</strong> us would probably be quick<br />
to affirm that the content <strong>of</strong> each<br />
program and ministry session is <strong>God</strong>’s<br />
Word. Yet Barna’s statistics demonstrate<br />
that church-going kids are not<br />
committed to Christ and do not have<br />
a belief system that is consistent with<br />
biblical principles.<br />
We must look intently at the content<br />
we are teaching children. Before<br />
children reach 13 years old, their belief<br />
system is in place. During childhood,<br />
we have the opportunity to help<br />
them develop a belief system that is<br />
consistent with the truths <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s<br />
Word. How will we do this?<br />
1. We must be students <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s Word.<br />
In 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV), Paul<br />
reminded Timothy to “Do your best<br />
to present yourself to <strong>God</strong> as one<br />
approved, a workman who does not<br />
need to be ashamed and who<br />
correctly handles the word <strong>of</strong> truth.”<br />
Children’s ministers, parents, and<br />
others who speak <strong>God</strong>’s Word to<br />
kids must correctly handle it. We<br />
must avoid teaching traditions,<br />
personal experiences, or knowledge<br />
gained from sources other than the<br />
Bible unless these are consistent with<br />
Scripture. Our teaching and behavior<br />
must affirm the authority <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s<br />
Word as the ultimate source <strong>of</strong> truth,<br />
wisdom, and guidance.<br />
2. We must help children develop a<br />
commanding knowledge <strong>of</strong> the Bible.<br />
A commanding knowledge <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Bible goes beyond being able to<br />
retell a Bible story or recite a Bible<br />
verse. A commanding knowledge <strong>of</strong><br />
the Bible is a knowledge that<br />
includes the following:<br />
• Understanding principle Bible<br />
truths such as “Who is <strong>God</strong>?”<br />
“Who is Jesus?” “How can I be<br />
Nurturing<br />
Christ-centered<br />
kids is <strong>God</strong>’s will.<br />
saved?” “Why am I here?” “Who is<br />
the devil?” “What is sin?” “Is the<br />
Bible <strong>God</strong>’s Word?” “Where will I<br />
go after I die?”<br />
• Committing Bible verses to longterm<br />
memory that affirm these<br />
principles and provide insight on<br />
how to live out Bible truth.<br />
• Correctly applying Bible truths to<br />
life situations so that the child’s<br />
responses honor <strong>God</strong>.<br />
• The ability to use the Bible<br />
and basic study tools so the<br />
child is able to study <strong>God</strong>’s<br />
Word independently.<br />
3. We must help children develop a<br />
passionate desire to obey <strong>God</strong>’s<br />
Word. It is at this point when the<br />
other elements become so crucial.<br />
Prayer prepares our children’s<br />
hearts to receive the Word <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong><br />
with joy and obedience. Relationships<br />
allow them to see obedience to the<br />
Word <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> modeled by men and<br />
women who are intimately involved<br />
in their lives. Content provides<br />
instruction, repro<strong>of</strong>, correction, and<br />
training in righteousness, which<br />
will show them how to live Christcentered<br />
lives.<br />
Conclusion<br />
Ivy Beckwith says, “There will never<br />
be a kit available at the local Christian<br />
bookstore that provides everything<br />
needed for the spiritual nurture <strong>of</strong> the<br />
children in the emerging church <strong>of</strong><br />
the 21st century.” 3 Thus, an effective<br />
plan for nurturing Christ-centered kids<br />
doesn’t come in a box with instructions.<br />
But nurturing Christ-centered kids is<br />
<strong>God</strong>’s will, and He has provided all<br />
the necessary ingredients—prayer,<br />
relationships within His body, and<br />
<strong>God</strong>’s Word. Our responsibility is to<br />
prayerfully put them all together in the<br />
ways that work best for the children and<br />
families <strong>of</strong> our congregation and our<br />
communities. When we begin doing<br />
this, <strong>God</strong> will work with us to make<br />
sure the children we serve live Christcentered<br />
lives for the rest <strong>of</strong> their lives.<br />
________________<br />
1 George Barna, Transforming Children Into<br />
Spiritual Champions (Ventura, CA: Issachar<br />
Resources, 2003).<br />
2 Larry Fowler, Rock Solid Kids (Ventura, CA:<br />
Gospel Light, 2005).<br />
3 Ivy Beckwith, Postmodern Children’s Ministry,<br />
Ministry to Children in the 21st Century<br />
(Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004).<br />
For the past 18 years,<br />
Kathy Creasy has served<br />
as the Coordinator <strong>of</strong><br />
Children’s Ministries for<br />
the International Offices<br />
<strong>of</strong> the <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Prophecy</strong>. Her passion is to develop leaders<br />
in children’s ministry who will multiply<br />
themselves and impact the lives <strong>of</strong> children<br />
in their churches and communities. Kathy<br />
has earned a Masters <strong>of</strong> Science degree<br />
in Early Childhood Education and has<br />
taught in the public schools <strong>of</strong> Georgia,<br />
Tennessee, and Virginia. In May <strong>of</strong> 2003,<br />
Kathy completed a graduate certificate in<br />
Children’s Ministry from Lancaster Bible<br />
College. Kathy and her husband, Rick, live<br />
in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, with their<br />
two adult sons, Lee and Clint, and a lovely<br />
daughter-in-law, Sarah.<br />
WWM APRIL 2010 9
IIt may surprise you to know that a<br />
majority <strong>of</strong> today’s teenagers say they<br />
attended church regularly (at least two<br />
times a month) until they reached the<br />
age <strong>of</strong> 13. These teens said they were<br />
exposed to Bible stories, learned about<br />
the lives <strong>of</strong> great Bible characters, and<br />
had a positive experience. But the<br />
survey done by the Barna Research<br />
Group also found that almost half <strong>of</strong><br />
these teens said that they did not gain<br />
enough understanding <strong>of</strong> the Bible to<br />
make decisions that were based on<br />
biblical principles.<br />
Yes, many kids know Bible stories<br />
and are familiar with well-known Bible<br />
characters. However, that knowledge<br />
alone is not enough for children to live<br />
Christ-centered lives. Christ-centered<br />
living requires our children to know<br />
<strong>God</strong>’s Word in such a way that its truths<br />
affect everything they do, especially the<br />
decisions that they make each day.<br />
How can we help<br />
children KNOW <strong>God</strong>’s<br />
Word in such a way?<br />
We must first come to an understanding<br />
that children are not too young to know<br />
and understand <strong>God</strong>’s Word. Just as<br />
sponges are made to absorb water,<br />
no matter what their size, children<br />
are created by <strong>God</strong> to absorb and<br />
understand the Word <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>. Paul said<br />
<strong>of</strong> Timothy, “. . . from childhood you<br />
have known the Holy Scriptures, which<br />
are able to make you wise for salvation<br />
through faith which is in Christ Jesus”<br />
(2 Timothy 3:15 NKJV). The knowledge<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s Word that Timothy gained<br />
in childhood enabled him to pursue<br />
a life <strong>of</strong> Christ-centered living as a<br />
young man.<br />
10 WWM APRIL 2010<br />
INTENTIONALLY teach <strong>God</strong>’s Word.<br />
To understand what is meant by<br />
“intentional teaching,” think about the<br />
analogy <strong>of</strong> hunting with a rifle versus<br />
a shotgun. Rifles are designed for<br />
accuracy to hit a precise point or target<br />
at long-range with a single projectile.<br />
Shotguns are designed to shoot a spread<br />
<strong>of</strong> shot at short-range moving targets.<br />
The word intentional means to be<br />
“done or said on purpose” or “planned,<br />
weighed, or estimated in advance.”<br />
Intentional teaching is teaching that<br />
is planned for, that is thought out in<br />
advance; it is teaching in which the<br />
content has been weighed in advance<br />
for the benefit <strong>of</strong> the learner. It is like<br />
aiming for the precise, long-range target<br />
with the rifle.<br />
In our homes, our children’s ministries,<br />
and our congregations, we must be<br />
intentional in teaching <strong>God</strong>’s Word to<br />
our children. How do we do this?<br />
1. Make the Bible prominent.<br />
Does the Bible have a prominent<br />
place in your home, in your classroom,<br />
and in your church? When our Bibles<br />
have a prominent place in our homes<br />
and ministries, children understand<br />
without being told that the Bible is a<br />
special book that helps us determine<br />
how to live every day.<br />
Make the Bible prominent by<br />
doing the following:<br />
• Have a special but accessible<br />
place for the Bible.<br />
• Read the Bible to and with<br />
children. Bible storybooks and<br />
children’s devotions are good to<br />
use to help children understand<br />
the Bible more easily. But don’t<br />
substitute these for reading<br />
directly from the Bible.<br />
by Sandy Knowles<br />
and Kathy Creasy<br />
• Help children understand and<br />
memorize Scripture verses and<br />
passages. As soon as a child can<br />
memorize nursery rhymes, he or<br />
she can begin memorizing verses<br />
<strong>of</strong> Scripture.<br />
• Apply specific verses to life<br />
situations that the child encounters.<br />
For example, when a child is<br />
afraid, encourage him or her to<br />
read and memorize Isaiah 41:10<br />
(NASB): “Do not fear, for I am<br />
with you. . . .”<br />
2. Teach Bible skills.<br />
For many children (and adults),<br />
the Bible is a very difficult book to<br />
comprehend. They don’t understand<br />
its structure, content, timeline, or<br />
how to use the tools <strong>of</strong> Bible study. If<br />
children don’t feel comfortable using<br />
the Bible, they will never come to<br />
KNOW and absorb <strong>God</strong>’s Word.<br />
If our children are to have a<br />
commanding knowledge <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Bible, they must grow<br />
into an independent<br />
reader and student<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s Word.<br />
To accomplish<br />
this goal, our<br />
children must<br />
develop basic<br />
skills that will<br />
help them<br />
to navigate<br />
the Bible.
Visit http://www.lifeway.<br />
com/lwc/files/lwcF_kids_<br />
Levels<strong>of</strong>BibleSkillsPDF_2009.pdf for<br />
an excellent, downloadable resource<br />
on helping children from nursery<br />
through sixth grade develop<br />
Bible skills.<br />
3. Teach Bible content.<br />
The Bible is filled with truths that<br />
will help our children learn how to<br />
live Christ-centered lives. However,<br />
many times, even children from<br />
Christian homes who attend church<br />
regularly are suffering from spiritual<br />
malnutrition. Rather than being<br />
systematically and consistently<br />
fed biblical truth that is age-level<br />
appropriate, children are <strong>of</strong>ten fed<br />
random Bible stories and lessons.<br />
If our children are to have a<br />
thorough knowledge <strong>of</strong> the key<br />
principles <strong>of</strong> the Christian faith, they<br />
must be taught intentionally and<br />
systematically. As you prayerfully<br />
determine what you will teach<br />
the children in your home or in<br />
your ministry from <strong>God</strong>’s Word,<br />
consider their age, life experiences,<br />
and spiritual maturity. Don’t just<br />
teach truth that is relevant such as<br />
being kind, giving our tithes and<br />
<strong>of</strong>ferings, etc. Also teach truth that<br />
is foundational to the Christian faith.<br />
The Apostles’ Creed provides a very<br />
simple state <strong>of</strong> the foundational<br />
principles <strong>of</strong> the Christian faith.<br />
Make sure your children know<br />
these basic truths and more.<br />
Help children ENGAGE<br />
with <strong>God</strong>’s Word.<br />
True discipleship must go<br />
beyond knowing biblical<br />
principles and the skills<br />
needed to navigate<br />
the Bible. Even Satan<br />
knew <strong>God</strong>’s Word.<br />
He quoted Scripture when he was<br />
tempting Jesus in the wilderness<br />
(Matthew 4:1–7). It was Jesus who<br />
understood Scripture and applied it to<br />
His situation, choosing not to throw<br />
Himself down from the temple.<br />
If children are to live Christ-centered<br />
lives, they must engage with the<br />
Word in such a way that they develop<br />
a mindset that is eternal rather than<br />
temporal. They must be able and willing<br />
to apply biblical principles to everyday<br />
life circumstances and relationships.<br />
How can we help children become<br />
engaged with <strong>God</strong>’s Word?<br />
• Spiritual labor. Paul wrote, “My<br />
dear children, for whom I am<br />
again in the pains <strong>of</strong> childbirth<br />
until Christ is formed in you”<br />
(Galatians 4:19 NIV). In this<br />
context, the word travail means<br />
“to strive with intense effort and<br />
anguish.” Our children will not<br />
become Christ-centered disciples<br />
through reading bedtime Bible<br />
stories and providing “boxed”<br />
children’s ministry programs. We<br />
must labor intensely in prayer,<br />
study <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s Word, teaching,<br />
modeling, loving relationships,<br />
and more.<br />
• Life application. Christ-centered<br />
living is about being and doing.<br />
Children can be taught to<br />
respond to relationships and<br />
circumstances with obedience to<br />
biblical principles. They can be<br />
given opportunities to live out<br />
their faith through service, giving,<br />
witnessing, and more.<br />
• Spirit-led ministry. Too <strong>of</strong>ten,<br />
our family devotion times<br />
and our Sunday school<br />
class times are simply<br />
times <strong>of</strong> instruction.<br />
There are seldom<br />
times <strong>of</strong><br />
ministry when children are given<br />
opportunities to respond to <strong>God</strong>’s<br />
Word in confession, repentance,<br />
thanksgiving, praise, or supplication.<br />
Times <strong>of</strong> ministry allow children to<br />
experience <strong>God</strong>’s presence quite<br />
intimately, which engages their<br />
hearts in a lifetime <strong>of</strong> obedience.<br />
Whatever a sponge absorbs will come<br />
out when the sponge is squeezed.<br />
The same is true with our children. The<br />
youth culture, family dysfunction, peer<br />
pressure, and many other circumstances<br />
will continually “put the squeeze” on<br />
saved children.<br />
If we have labored intensely to equip<br />
them with a good understanding <strong>of</strong><br />
biblical principles and skills, we can<br />
be sure that the outflow will be Christcentered<br />
living.<br />
____________<br />
Sandy Knowles has been involved in<br />
Children’s Ministries for more than seven<br />
years. She has served as the Children’s<br />
Pastor at Summerville Family Worship Center<br />
in Summerville, South Carolina, for five<br />
years, and most recently as Children’s Pastor<br />
at Bethesda Ministries in Elizabethtown,<br />
Kentucky and Bethany Family Worship<br />
Center in Bethany, North Carolina.<br />
WWM APRIL 2010 11
Suppose I had a collection <strong>of</strong><br />
cookbooks. I read these cookbooks<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten, carefully studying the recipes and<br />
looking at the photographs <strong>of</strong> delicious<br />
dishes. You might think that with all<br />
<strong>of</strong> these cookbooks I must be a great<br />
cook, but I’m not. I don’t cook at all! To<br />
be a cook, I not only have to read the<br />
recipe, I have to actually do what it says.<br />
The Bible is like a cookbook. The<br />
Bible has <strong>God</strong>’s recipe for living a Christcentered<br />
life. But knowing the Bible<br />
won’t make you a Christian any more<br />
than reading a cookbook will make you<br />
a cook. We must follow the recipe in<br />
our everyday lives.<br />
James 1:22 reminds us, “And<br />
remember, it is a message to obey,<br />
not just to listen to. If you don’t obey,<br />
you are only fooling yourself” (NLT). As<br />
our children grow in their knowledge<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>, they must live out their faith<br />
in Him every day. How can we move<br />
children from simply knowing <strong>God</strong> and<br />
His Word to living out that knowledge in<br />
the context <strong>of</strong> their daily lives?<br />
Offer children a sense<br />
<strong>of</strong> expectation and<br />
divine purpose.<br />
<strong>God</strong> said to Jeremiah, “Before I<br />
formed you in the womb I knew you,<br />
before you were born I set you apart;<br />
I appointed you as a prophet to the<br />
nations” (Jeremiah 1:5 NIV). Jesus said<br />
to Peter, James, and John, “Come follow<br />
me, and I will make you fishers <strong>of</strong><br />
men” (Matthew 4:19 NIV).<br />
Even in very young children, we can<br />
build a sense <strong>of</strong> expectation <strong>of</strong> what<br />
<strong>God</strong> is going to do with their lives.<br />
Rather than adapting the mindset <strong>of</strong><br />
12 WWM APRIL 2010<br />
culture that says, “I can determine what<br />
I will do with my life,” we can encourage<br />
the child to begin asking, “Lord, what do<br />
You desire to do with my life?” We can<br />
help them develop a mindset <strong>of</strong> yielding<br />
their lives to <strong>God</strong>’s purposes.<br />
Mary said when the angel told her<br />
she would have a baby, “I am the<br />
Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you<br />
have said” (Luke 1:38 NIV). When a<br />
child’s thoughts are centered on <strong>God</strong>’s<br />
purposes and not his or her own, there<br />
is a confidence and peace because the<br />
outcome <strong>of</strong> his or her life is not in his or<br />
her hands, but in <strong>God</strong>’s.<br />
Provide tools that will<br />
equip children to live<br />
out their faith.<br />
Often, we fail to give our children tools<br />
they need to LIVE out their faith. Equip<br />
children to LIVE out their faith by teaching<br />
them to pray, worship, and witness.<br />
1. Prayer<br />
“Dear <strong>God</strong>, What do You do with<br />
families that don’t have much faith?<br />
There’s a family on the next block<br />
like that. I don’t want to get them in<br />
trouble. I don’t want to say who. See<br />
you in church.”—Alexis, age 9.*<br />
Alexis knows how to pray. She talks<br />
to <strong>God</strong> as she would to a parent or<br />
friend. She speaks from her heart<br />
about things that concern her and<br />
trusts that <strong>God</strong>, her Father, hears and<br />
will answer.<br />
That’s what prayer should be—an<br />
intimate, ongoing conversation<br />
between <strong>God</strong> and the child. There is<br />
no certain form that must be followed<br />
or certain words that must be said.<br />
by Karrie Endecott and Kathy Creasy<br />
It is the child talking to <strong>God</strong> and<br />
listening as <strong>God</strong> speaks to him or her.<br />
• Teach children that prayer is a<br />
relationship between them and<br />
their Father in heaven. He wants<br />
wants to talk with them anytime,<br />
anywhere. He listens and<br />
will answer.<br />
• Teach children to have faith. Help<br />
them memorize Scriptures such<br />
as Matthew 7:7, 1 John 5:14, 15,<br />
and Mark 11:24, which promise<br />
<strong>God</strong> will answer. Encourage them<br />
to pray for the things that concern<br />
them and then believe that <strong>God</strong><br />
is going to answer. Share your<br />
testimonies <strong>of</strong> answered prayer,<br />
and let them share theirs.<br />
A pastor’s son was going with<br />
his father and mother to a city<br />
where one <strong>of</strong> his favorite major<br />
league baseball teams was playing.<br />
His parents had planned many<br />
activities, but nothing had been<br />
said about attending a ball game.<br />
The boy prayed, asking <strong>God</strong> to<br />
make it possible for him to attend<br />
the ball game. During the weekend,<br />
the family’s plans changed, and<br />
the father suggested that he and<br />
his sons go to the team’s baseball<br />
game. When the boy got back<br />
home, he was excited to share with<br />
his children’s pastor how <strong>God</strong> had<br />
answered his prayer.<br />
No doubt, the boy’s faith was<br />
increased because <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s answer<br />
to his prayer.<br />
• Help children understand that<br />
<strong>God</strong> always answers prayer even<br />
if the answer is not what we<br />
expect or want.
• Involve children in prayer.<br />
Don’t just teach then about<br />
prayer; let them experience it.<br />
—Create a prayer list. Together,<br />
make a list <strong>of</strong> prayer needs. Pray<br />
together for each need. Keep a<br />
record <strong>of</strong> answered prayers.<br />
—Teach your children to pray<br />
“flash” prayers. When they pass<br />
someone who is in need—sick,<br />
disabled, poor, in trouble—<br />
encourage them to ask for<br />
<strong>God</strong>’s help.<br />
—Teach children to pray the<br />
Scriptures. Begin with simple<br />
verses such as, “. . . my <strong>God</strong><br />
will supply all your needs . . .”<br />
(Philippians 4:19 NASB). Show the<br />
children how to insert his or her<br />
name or the name <strong>of</strong> another<br />
person in the verse: “Thank You,<br />
<strong>God</strong>, that You will supply all my<br />
needs” or “Thank You, <strong>God</strong>,<br />
that You will supply all <strong>of</strong> my<br />
grandma’s needs.”<br />
2. Worship<br />
The children in the temple shouted,<br />
“Hosanna to the son <strong>of</strong> David!”<br />
(Matthew 21:15) when they saw the<br />
wonderful things that Jesus did.<br />
Worship was a natural, uninhibited<br />
response to the presence and work<br />
<strong>of</strong> Jesus. How can we enable our<br />
children to respond with praise<br />
and thanksgiving to the presence,<br />
character, and work <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>?<br />
• Teach about worship. The Bible is<br />
filled with wonderful stories that<br />
will help children discover who<br />
we worship, why we worship,<br />
how we worship, and where<br />
we worship.<br />
• Invite children to worship<br />
wherever they are.<br />
—Encourage children to be<br />
awed by <strong>God</strong>’s work and by His<br />
character in nature—the changing<br />
seasons, the mother’s care <strong>of</strong> her<br />
baby birds, the uniqueness <strong>of</strong><br />
each snowflake, and the roar <strong>of</strong><br />
the ocean in a seashell.<br />
—Testify to <strong>God</strong>’s presence,<br />
work, and character in your life.<br />
Invite your children to tell about<br />
how He is at work in their lives<br />
as well.<br />
• Provide opportunities for children<br />
to freely express worship in<br />
creative writing, dance, singing,<br />
playing instruments, testimony,<br />
and more.<br />
• Create quiet moments that allow<br />
children to “be still” so they<br />
can become aware <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s<br />
presence, remember His work,<br />
and hear His voice.<br />
3. Sharing their faith<br />
• Give children opportunities to<br />
share to family members, friends,<br />
and in church settings what Jesus<br />
means to them.<br />
• Help children memorize key<br />
salvation scriptures (Romans 3:23;<br />
6:23; 10:19). Let them mark these<br />
verses in their Bibles so they can<br />
find these references easily when<br />
they are talking with a friend or<br />
family member.<br />
• Provide opportunities for children<br />
to practice sharing their faith.<br />
• Pray with your children that <strong>God</strong><br />
will help them to share their faith<br />
wherever they are.<br />
Conclusion<br />
Remember the cookbooks? In one<br />
<strong>of</strong> these cookbooks is a recipe for<br />
chocolate chip cookies. I decided<br />
to look up the recipe and follow it<br />
carefully. The result was a batch <strong>of</strong><br />
delicious chocolate chip cookies that<br />
everyone in my family enjoyed.<br />
Helping children move beyond simply<br />
knowing <strong>God</strong>’s Word into living out its<br />
truth in their everyday lives is much like<br />
following a recipe. The results will bless<br />
everyone—his or her family, church,<br />
community, and him or her personally.<br />
“Blessed are they whose ways are<br />
blameless, who walk according to the<br />
law <strong>of</strong> the Lord” (Psalm 119:1 NIV).<br />
_____________<br />
*Cheryl Sacks and Arlyn Lawrence, Prayer-<br />
Saturated Kids: Equipping and Empowering<br />
Children in Prayer (Colorado Springs, CO:<br />
NavPress, 2007).<br />
Karrie lives in Council Bluffs, Iowa, with her<br />
husband, Darick, and their 4 daughters. Karrie<br />
serves as the Children’s Ministry Director<br />
in her local church and in the Midwest<br />
Region. Karrie and Darick are members <strong>of</strong><br />
the Children’s Ministries Task Force and<br />
have attended ICM since i1998. Karrie has<br />
also served as an instructor at International<br />
Institutes in Trinidad, El Salvador, and Egypt.<br />
WWM APRIL 2010 13
Have you ever played in a volleyball<br />
game? When forced to participate as<br />
a child, I can vividly remember when<br />
it was my turn to serve. Everyone was<br />
watching to see if I could get the ball<br />
over the net. The next few moments<br />
<strong>of</strong> the game rested in my hands.<br />
Unfortunately, for my team, getting<br />
the ball over the net was not exactly<br />
my gift. As my hand connected<br />
with the ball, I can assure you that<br />
everyone in the gym was aware <strong>of</strong><br />
that fact. Consequently, I have not<br />
played in a single volleyball game as<br />
an adult because I never learned to<br />
serve as a child. I have abandoned<br />
volleyball forever.<br />
Many <strong>of</strong> the young adults in our<br />
congregations are graduating from high<br />
school and walking away from church.<br />
Although I am sure there are many<br />
reasons for this problem, could one <strong>of</strong><br />
them be that they never learned to serve<br />
as children? Are we entertaining our<br />
children with fun Bible stories and games,<br />
never asking them to live out those Bible<br />
stories in their lives? Unless children meet<br />
the <strong>God</strong> <strong>of</strong> the Bible for themselves and<br />
experience Him on a daily basis, <strong>God</strong><br />
will just be another fairy tale to abandon<br />
when they become adults.<br />
14 WWM APRIL 2010<br />
by Melissa Minter<br />
Why teach children<br />
to serve?<br />
Service brings glory to <strong>God</strong>. In<br />
a world that emphasizes personal<br />
satisfaction, accomplishment, and<br />
pleasure, we can teach our kids to serve<br />
others for <strong>God</strong>’s glory. There are many<br />
organizations that teach children to<br />
give back to their community and to<br />
help others. However, Christian service<br />
is not just about giving to others. It is<br />
about bringing glory to <strong>God</strong>’s name by<br />
reaching out to others. When people<br />
see children serving, they <strong>of</strong>ten ask<br />
questions about the motivation behind<br />
the service. This gives children the<br />
perfect opportunity to share their faith<br />
and honor <strong>God</strong>.<br />
Service allows kids to give to <strong>God</strong>.<br />
Jesus made it clear that when we do for<br />
others, we are really doing it for Him<br />
(Matthew 25:40). Because children think<br />
concretely, it is sometimes difficult for<br />
them to see how they can actually serve<br />
<strong>God</strong>. By involving children in service,<br />
we teach them that we serve <strong>God</strong> by<br />
physically serving others. They begin to<br />
understand the value <strong>of</strong> service, not as<br />
a good deed, but as a gift to <strong>God</strong>.<br />
This past December, I smiled at my<br />
husband as we looked in the rearview<br />
mirror <strong>of</strong> our van. There sat five<br />
giggling girls, ages four to eight. What<br />
insanity could have prompted us to be<br />
in this situation? There could have only<br />
been one thing—the annual Christmas<br />
caroling event.<br />
Each year, during the Christmas<br />
season, our church spends an evening<br />
visiting the nursing home, the sick,<br />
and the elderly. The children file onto<br />
porches and frosty lawns to sing, <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
<strong>of</strong>f-key, about the birth <strong>of</strong> the Savior.<br />
Why do we bother? It is because this is<br />
one opportunity to allow our children to<br />
physically give a gift to <strong>God</strong>.<br />
Service makes kids different. 1 Kids<br />
benefit from serving others. Children<br />
for Children, a non-pr<strong>of</strong>it organization,<br />
promoting hands-on volunteerism<br />
and giving for kids, identifies several<br />
benefits children reap when they serve.<br />
They learn traits such as responsibility,<br />
leadership, critical thinking, problemsolving,<br />
self-respect, self-discipline, selfmotivation,<br />
and tolerance.<br />
With tears in her eyes, a little girl<br />
told me, “But I want to keep it!” Just<br />
moments earlier, I had finished giving<br />
the children directions for our latest<br />
service project. They were to create<br />
welcome bags for children who would<br />
visit our church in the coming weeks.<br />
Armed with stickers, small toys, candy,<br />
and notes, the children began work<br />
on this project. Everything was going<br />
well until this little girl realized that<br />
she couldn’t keep one <strong>of</strong> the bags.<br />
When understanding dawned that<br />
they were all to be given away, her<br />
struggle began. At that instant, one<br />
little girl found herself in a teachable<br />
moment. Her character was about to be<br />
developed, and she would be changed<br />
in a positive way.<br />
Service makes kids servants for<br />
life. 2 When we teach a child to serve,<br />
we’re also teaching that child to<br />
become a servant for life because<br />
children who serve become adults who<br />
serve. Consider these statistics from
Engaging Youth in Lifelong Service<br />
(Independent Sector):<br />
•Adults who volunteered as children<br />
give more money and volunteer<br />
more time than adults who began<br />
serving later in life.<br />
• Two-thirds <strong>of</strong> adult volunteers<br />
began serving as children.<br />
• Those who volunteer as children<br />
are twice as likely to volunteer as<br />
those who don’t.<br />
• Across incomes and age groups,<br />
those who volunteered as children<br />
give and volunteer more than those<br />
who didn’t.<br />
• Those who volunteered as youth<br />
and whose parents volunteered<br />
became the most generous adults<br />
when it came to giving their time.<br />
<strong>God</strong>’s Word tells us that Jesus took on<br />
the nature <strong>of</strong> a servant. Everything He<br />
did was an act <strong>of</strong> service to <strong>God</strong> and to<br />
others. If our children are to live Christcentered<br />
lives, they, too, must develop<br />
the heart <strong>of</strong> a servant. As you provide<br />
opportunities for them to invest in what<br />
touches <strong>God</strong>’s heart, in the church, and<br />
in the lives <strong>of</strong> their families and friends,<br />
you are working with <strong>God</strong> to develop<br />
within them a servant’s heart.<br />
_____________<br />
1 Taken from 19 Ideas to Help Kids Serve at<br />
Home and Around the World.<br />
2 Ibid.<br />
Melissa Minter is the<br />
children’s pastor at<br />
Central Community<br />
<strong>Church</strong> in Chatsworth, Georgia. She has<br />
a B.S. degree in Elementary Math and<br />
Science from Lee University and a M.Ed.<br />
degree in Curriculum and Instruction<br />
from Lincoln Memorial University. Melissa<br />
and her husband, Scott, serve on the<br />
Children’s Ministry Task Force. She also<br />
edits the preschool lessons for One<br />
Accord Curriculum. Melissa is the proud<br />
homeschooling mom <strong>of</strong> Laura, age six, and<br />
Leah, age five.<br />
Invest in issues that touch the heart <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>. In the Bible, <strong>God</strong> repeatedly<br />
asks us to take care <strong>of</strong> the widows, orphans, and those who cannot care<br />
for themselves. Give your children opportunities to do the following:<br />
Help other kids.<br />
•As a family or class, sponsor a child. Let the children save their own<br />
money to give. Encourage them to write notes, cards, and letters to the<br />
child. Take time to pray together for the child’s needs.<br />
•Prepare Easter baskets, back to school packs, or Christmas treat bags<br />
for foster children, children <strong>of</strong> prisoners, children in abuse shelters, or<br />
children who are terminally ill.<br />
Serve the elderly and needy.<br />
•Help children write letters to residents <strong>of</strong> assisted living or nursing<br />
homes. Let children use their allowance to purchase small gifts such as<br />
lotion or socks to give with the letters.<br />
•Help children gather canned goods from friends and family members<br />
to stock a soup kitchen or food pantry. Make arrangements for them to<br />
help at the soup kitchen prepping the food, washing dishes, etc.<br />
Be involved in missions.<br />
•Connect with a mission family through e-mail, Skype, and video clips.<br />
•Pray together for children around the world impacted by war, natural<br />
disasters, and other current events.<br />
•Get your kids involved in a missions project. Helping Hands for Kids<br />
<strong>of</strong>fers you the opportunity to give to a project that specifically targets<br />
children; visit www.children.org for more information.<br />
Invest in <strong>God</strong>’s church.<br />
In today’s Christian culture, many people have become consumers.<br />
People look for a church based upon what the church has to <strong>of</strong>fer. We<br />
need to teach children that a church is not a building, and it is not staff;<br />
it is the people! And children are people. Children can give back to their<br />
church. As they do, they will feel that they belong and are an important<br />
part <strong>of</strong> all the church does.<br />
• Teach kids to give their tithes and <strong>of</strong>ferings. Show them how their<br />
tithes and <strong>of</strong>ferings are used in the church to help others.<br />
• Help them discover and use their spiritual gifts, natural abilities,<br />
and interests. Teach about men and women in the Bible who used<br />
their abilities and gifts to serve such as Barnabas (encouragement and<br />
giving), Dorcas (handcrafts), Moses (leadership), and David (worship).<br />
• Provide kid-sized service opportunities. Involve them in church<br />
workdays, volunteering in the church nursery or toddler class, greeting<br />
visitors, prayer ministry, and more.<br />
Invest in their friends and family. The mission field closest to children<br />
is their family and friends. Encourage children to serve willingly in their<br />
homes. Help them discover needs <strong>of</strong> a family member or friend that they<br />
could meet. Many children have parents, brothers, sisters, and extended<br />
family members who do not know Christ. The children’s acts <strong>of</strong> service<br />
will open a door for sharing about <strong>God</strong>.<br />
WWM APRIL 2010 15
16 WWM APRIL 2010<br />
by Jill Carnuccio<br />
My brother <strong>of</strong>ten reminds me, “There are no<br />
‘normal’ kids, only varying degrees <strong>of</strong> uniqueness.”<br />
I like that. I like it for many reasons. It seems the<br />
sentiment is not only true but also key in parenting.<br />
Almost 17 years ago, I held my first child in<br />
my arms. It would be wonderful to say my first<br />
thoughts were <strong>of</strong> how beautiful she was or that my<br />
first feelings were those <strong>of</strong> deep connection. But<br />
alas, I must confess, my first thought was, Oh my!<br />
I’ve given birth to my father-in-law! This was not,<br />
in any way, what I anticipated. She felt like a little<br />
alien in my arms. As my child grew, it became<br />
increasingly clear just how differently we were<br />
made. A monumental choice rose up before me—<br />
embrace or reject the differences.
With each <strong>of</strong> our children, we have<br />
come to this same crossroad. Each time,<br />
the Lord has continued to challenge<br />
my heart, asking, “Will you praise Me?<br />
For they are fearfully and wonderfully<br />
made.” Through this attitude <strong>of</strong><br />
thankfulness, He has been able to<br />
fill us with unconditional love, His<br />
love. His love reaches out in spite <strong>of</strong><br />
conflict, frustration, and, yes, even<br />
drastic differences.<br />
As parents, we want to assist our<br />
children in knowing and receiving<br />
<strong>God</strong>’s love. We want to bring them up<br />
“in the way that THEY should go.” We<br />
passionately want them to find the path<br />
that <strong>God</strong> has for them to walk in, but they<br />
will not call Him their <strong>God</strong> unless they<br />
experience Him in a way that is uniquely<br />
personal. That will not happen if Phil and<br />
I are not tuned into and encouraging<br />
<strong>God</strong>’s unique expression in them.<br />
Sometimes, we as parents fail to see<br />
how <strong>God</strong> is at work in our kids because<br />
they are not what we expected. We<br />
can become so intent on showing<br />
them <strong>God</strong> through our own eyes and<br />
experience that we forget they must see<br />
Him from their own eyes and their own<br />
experience. As we have watched the<br />
spiritual development <strong>of</strong> kids around<br />
us, it has become obvious that in order<br />
for children to choose a life with Christ,<br />
they must encounter Him personally.<br />
Our daughter, Brenna, is a very<br />
expressive person. Unlike me, she<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten raises her hands, claps, or even<br />
wants to dance in worship. While<br />
visiting the church I grew up in, she<br />
was encouraged to “stay settled<br />
down.” The warning squashed her and<br />
consequently squashed the beautiful<br />
expression <strong>of</strong> Christ in her. I’m all for<br />
teaching our children to be sensitive<br />
and appropriate in their surroundings,<br />
but how can they feel connected to<br />
<strong>God</strong> if they are pretending to be what<br />
they are not? If we want our children<br />
to encounter <strong>God</strong> personally, we must<br />
allow them to be real.<br />
The differences within our family<br />
have provided more than ample<br />
opportunity for extending grace to be<br />
real. When we are at an impasse with<br />
each other and the misunderstandings<br />
and tensions are piling up, only <strong>God</strong> can<br />
We must never give<br />
up on nurturing,<br />
training, and protecting<br />
the life <strong>God</strong> has given<br />
our children.<br />
help us give each other acceptance and<br />
understanding! What a perfect training<br />
ground our family disagreements have<br />
been for handling conflict in the future<br />
by depending on <strong>God</strong>; what a prime<br />
opportunity they have been for <strong>God</strong> to<br />
“be real” to them.<br />
Our last family vacation was miserable.<br />
We quarreled and grumbled from<br />
beginning to end. The atmosphere <strong>of</strong><br />
intolerance and stress continued well<br />
after our week together. Finally, we<br />
came together and prayed for <strong>God</strong> to<br />
intervene in our family. Hearing my<br />
children call out to <strong>God</strong> was something<br />
so precious, I can’t describe it. Within<br />
24 hours, <strong>God</strong> answered our prayers in<br />
miraculous ways.<br />
These moments have built my<br />
children’s faith. These are times that<br />
scream out over the voices <strong>of</strong> the liespewing<br />
media, biology teachers, and<br />
cynical friends with the truth, “Yes, <strong>God</strong><br />
is real. He cares. He is powerful.” If we<br />
want our children to follow Christ, we<br />
must help them to engage with Him,<br />
depend on Him, and see Him work.<br />
A few years ago, I took a course<br />
through the Elijah House Ministry.<br />
The philosophy <strong>of</strong> Elijah House is<br />
hinged mainly on two biblical concepts:<br />
“Judge not, that ye be not judged”<br />
(Matthew 7:1) and “Honor your father<br />
and mother, so that you may live long<br />
in the land the Lord your <strong>God</strong> is giving<br />
you” (Exodus 20:12 NIV).<br />
I have fantastic parents and have<br />
never considered the fact that there<br />
could be dishonor lurking in my heart or<br />
unforgiveness holding me in bondage.<br />
As the class progressed, however, the<br />
gracious Spirit <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> revealed areas<br />
in my heart in which I needed to<br />
extend and receive forgiveness with my<br />
parents. Amazingly, forgiveness gave<br />
birth to a freedom in my life I had given<br />
up hoping for.<br />
This healing in my own heart has<br />
motivated me to help my children learn<br />
to forgive and be forgiven. When we<br />
have wronged them, we apologize.<br />
When their perception is that Phil or<br />
I have wronged them, we seek to<br />
understand their perspective and lead<br />
them in forgiveness.<br />
This concept, in my estimation, is<br />
how kids can turn out so differently<br />
within a family. Truly, it is not what is<br />
done to us that can create barriers with<br />
<strong>God</strong> but what we do with what is done<br />
to us. Forgiveness draws us to <strong>God</strong><br />
while unforgiveness repels us from Him.<br />
If we want our children to walk with<br />
Christ, we must teach them to forgive.<br />
While in the throes <strong>of</strong> parenting preadolescents<br />
and adolescents, I have<br />
been on the verge <strong>of</strong> throwing up my<br />
hands in surrender multiple times. When<br />
my voice has become hoarse from<br />
shouting, or another school lunch has<br />
been thrown through the front door with<br />
a shoe following after, or I am locked<br />
into silence because <strong>of</strong> my anger, I think<br />
<strong>of</strong> the words <strong>of</strong> Winston <strong>Church</strong>ill, and<br />
“Never give up” rings in my mind.<br />
Though the good Lord knows I<br />
become tired and baffled, He whispers,<br />
“Stay in the battle.” It is a battle worth<br />
fighting. The enemy is not my child, and<br />
the victory is the Lord’s. There can be<br />
no retreat. We must never give up on<br />
nurturing, training, and protecting the<br />
life <strong>God</strong> has given our children.<br />
I thank <strong>God</strong> for the challenges<br />
parenting has brought into my life.<br />
Phil and I continue to grow in love and<br />
admiration for our kids even more than<br />
we grow in frustration with them! We<br />
joyfully anticipate the future for them<br />
as they walk with Christ. For as I <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
remind myself, “They are not what they<br />
will be.”<br />
Jill lives with her husband, Phil, and three<br />
children in Westchester, Pennsylvania.<br />
She enjoys being a mom and teaching<br />
the truths <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> through the arts.<br />
WWM APRIL 2010 17
Where Are the Elis?<br />
Nurturing the Spiritual<br />
Gifts <strong>of</strong> Children<br />
R. Lee Creasy<br />
Downingtown, Pennsylvania<br />
As a very young child, Samuel was<br />
brought to the tabernacle to live and<br />
was placed in the care <strong>of</strong> the priest, Eli.<br />
Eli was an old man whose children were<br />
not obedient to <strong>God</strong>.<br />
In the middle <strong>of</strong> the night, Samuel<br />
heard a voice calling his name. Each<br />
time his name was called, Samuel<br />
went to Eli to ask if he had called him.<br />
The third time, the Bible says that “Eli<br />
perceived that the Lord was calling<br />
[Samuel]” (1 Samuel 3:8 ESV), and Eli<br />
said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he<br />
calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for<br />
your servant hears’” (v. 9 ESV). Samuel<br />
obeyed Eli, and this began his training<br />
in learning to hear and obey the voice<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Lord.<br />
Just as Eli equipped Samuel to<br />
hear and respond to the voice <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Lord, the church body, church leaders,<br />
children’s ministers, and parents must<br />
be committed to intentionally training<br />
up children to hear and respond to<br />
the voice <strong>of</strong> the Lord so that they can<br />
know and use their spiritual gifts. We<br />
must teach the same spiritual gifts to<br />
children with the intensity and vigor<br />
that they are taught to adults. We must<br />
be committed to pointing children in<br />
the way they should go during their<br />
18 WWM APRIL 2010<br />
intimate times with the Lord. We need<br />
to provide meaningful encounters and<br />
opportunities that allow children to<br />
practice their spiritual gifts.<br />
First Corinthians 12:4 says that there<br />
are a variety <strong>of</strong> gifts, “. . . but the same<br />
Spirit.” Moreover, it tells us that the<br />
body has many members and that no<br />
matter how many parts or the type <strong>of</strong><br />
parts it has, it makes one body and<br />
operates in one Spirit. This applies to<br />
children as well. How can it not? If<br />
they are believers, are they not part<br />
<strong>of</strong> the body? The body that lacks in<br />
any part will not show the diversity <strong>of</strong><br />
the love <strong>of</strong> Christ that <strong>God</strong> intends for<br />
the church. It will not be capable <strong>of</strong><br />
displaying the love that the Bible says<br />
attracts unbelievers.<br />
For ministry to adults, church leaders<br />
create classes to explore spiritual gifts,<br />
proctor gift inventory tests, host retreats,<br />
et cetera, et cetera, ad nauseam. There<br />
is an entire sub-industry <strong>of</strong> Christian<br />
business built entirely on discovering<br />
and training spiritual gifts—for adults.<br />
Children can’t participate in the same<br />
training as adults do, but we should<br />
provide the same opportunities for<br />
children. Children cannot practice their<br />
spiritual gifts if no one has helped them<br />
discover what those gifts are. Teaching<br />
children their spiritual gifting is not<br />
difficult. Eli showed how easy it is. He<br />
simply taught Samuel to know and obey<br />
the voice <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>.<br />
<strong>God</strong> anointed Samuel that night<br />
because Eli taught Samuel to know<br />
and obey the voice <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>. The Bible<br />
continues to say that “. . . none <strong>of</strong><br />
[Samuel’s] words f[e]ll to the ground”<br />
(v. 19 ESV). Samuel and <strong>God</strong> entered<br />
into an intimate relationship.<br />
We must help direct children into<br />
intimate times with the Lord so that they<br />
are able to discern and obey the voice<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>. When Samuel heard from the<br />
Lord, he was immediately given a task<br />
and a decision. He had to tell Eli, his<br />
mentor and spiritual father, that <strong>God</strong><br />
was displeased with him. Samuel had<br />
to tell Eli that he and his children were<br />
going to die.<br />
Children, when faced with the voice<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>, will have to make the same<br />
difficult decisions. Children’s ministers<br />
and parents must mentor and partner<br />
with children to help them discern what<br />
<strong>God</strong>’s will is.<br />
Parents, children’s ministers, and<br />
the church leadership should look into<br />
the hearts <strong>of</strong> children. As an adult,
Samuel learned this lesson when he<br />
sought a king to replace Saul. Samuel<br />
saw the smallest, youngest, and least<br />
experienced <strong>of</strong> Jesse’s sons. <strong>God</strong> saw<br />
a heart that was bent toward Him. The<br />
anointing <strong>of</strong> the Father gave David<br />
the power to be a mighty man. His<br />
heart allowed him to take hold <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Father’s anointing.<br />
The church body must let love<br />
cover the behaviors that are natural to<br />
children and annoying to adults so that<br />
they can see through to their hearts. An<br />
adult staring at a child’s rambunctious<br />
behavior won’t be able to see the heart<br />
they are supposed to be molding.<br />
We will mold a child’s heart by<br />
prophesying into it and being diligent<br />
to see the Word <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> manifest in the<br />
child’s life. Timothy was young, yet his<br />
mother and grandmother were diligent.<br />
Paul discipled Timothy and was also<br />
diligent to see <strong>God</strong>’s promises come to<br />
fruition in Timothy’s life. He said,<br />
“. . . in accordance with the prophecies<br />
previously made about you, that by<br />
them you may wage the good warfare”<br />
(1 Timothy 1:18 ESV). Children will be<br />
able to know and obey <strong>God</strong>’s Word in<br />
their lives as the adults around them<br />
prophesy into them and work with <strong>God</strong><br />
to see that prophecy come to life.<br />
Finally, children must be presented<br />
with opportunities to discover and<br />
practice their spiritual gifts. Eli didn’t tell<br />
Samuel to stop proclaiming the Word<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>. Paul didn’t tell Timothy to stop<br />
preaching either.<br />
The church body must provide a place<br />
<strong>of</strong> grace for anyone practicing the gifts<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Spirit. The Spirit is perfect but<br />
must move through an imperfect adult.<br />
The same Spirit moves through a child.<br />
If leaders or parents judge a child for<br />
wrongly discerning the will <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>, they<br />
will face that judgment themselves.<br />
<strong>Church</strong> leaders, children’s ministers,<br />
and parents are responsible to guide<br />
children forward in practicing their gifts.<br />
They cannot minimize or quench the<br />
manifestation <strong>of</strong> spiritual gifts in children.<br />
Instead, Eli and Paul did the opposite.<br />
They provided fertile ground for the<br />
gifts <strong>of</strong> Samuel and Timothy to grow.<br />
Children can speak wisdom, children<br />
can speak knowledge, children can<br />
have faith, children can heal, children<br />
can work miracles, children can<br />
prophesy, children can discern spirits,<br />
and children can speak in tongues. As<br />
Paul told Timothy, the young cannot<br />
only practice the gifts <strong>of</strong> the Spirit, but<br />
they should set an example in doing so.<br />
A ten-year-old could set an example<br />
by teaching a class <strong>of</strong> five-year-olds.<br />
A class <strong>of</strong> children could help prepare<br />
a worship service. Children can serve<br />
as part <strong>of</strong> the intercessions team or<br />
worship team. The church body can<br />
involve children in healing ministries<br />
or make them a part <strong>of</strong> a community<br />
outreach. The body must be willing<br />
1<br />
2<br />
3<br />
4<br />
5<br />
6<br />
7<br />
8<br />
to do whatever it takes to encourage<br />
and provide opportunities for children<br />
to serve, practice, and grow in their<br />
spiritual gifts.<br />
Can we raise up Samuels if there<br />
are no Elis? Can children put Christ<br />
center stage in their lives without godly<br />
adults coming alongside to help them<br />
hear and respond to the voice <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>?<br />
Perhaps, <strong>God</strong> is asking you to become<br />
Eli to a child in your congregation,<br />
home, or ministry. If our children are<br />
to experience Christ-centered living for<br />
the rest <strong>of</strong> their lives, the only answer<br />
is “YES!”<br />
Eight Ways You Can Be an Eli to Today’s Kids<br />
Pray for kids—your kids, kids in your church, kids in your<br />
neighborhood, and kids around the world. Ask <strong>God</strong> to bring<br />
these kids to salvation and equip them to live Christ-centered lives.<br />
Build relationships with kids. Get to know kids’ names, and use them.<br />
Ask questions about their interests. Get involved in their lives.<br />
Spend time with kids. Invite a few girls to your house to bake<br />
cookies. Take a couple <strong>of</strong> kids to a fast food restaurant for lunch.<br />
Get some kids together for a game <strong>of</strong> soccer or baseball.<br />
Serve kids in need. Needy kids are all around us—homeless kids,<br />
foster kids, terminally ill kids, kids <strong>of</strong> prisoners, and abused kids.<br />
Connect with an organization that serves kids in need, and find<br />
out how you can help.<br />
Encourage kids when they exhibit a positive character trait or<br />
serve using a spiritual gift.<br />
Model service, and teach kids to serve. Let kids know that no<br />
task is too insignificant when we are doing it to serve <strong>God</strong> and<br />
others. Samuel opened the doors <strong>of</strong> the tabernacle and lit the<br />
lamps long on his way to becoming a judge in Israel. Read<br />
the article “Teaching Kids to Serve With Discernment” at www.<br />
focusonthefamily.com/parenting/spiritual_growth_for_kids/<br />
teaching_servanthood/teaching_service_with_discernment.aspx.<br />
Speak prophetic words to kids. As you pray for kids and listen<br />
to <strong>God</strong>’s voice, He may speak to you about His purposes for a<br />
specific child. When <strong>God</strong> nudges you, speak a simple word from<br />
<strong>God</strong> to the child that will provide guidance and encouragement.<br />
Teach kids in your life how to develop a relationship with<br />
<strong>God</strong> through the spiritual disciplines, especially prayer and<br />
Bible reading. Check out the article “How to Foster Spiritual<br />
Disciplines in Your Children” at www.awana.org/parents/default.<br />
aspx?id=741.<br />
WWM APRIL 2010 19
developing leaders impacting kids presents . . .<br />
Would YOU like to <strong>of</strong>fer training . . .<br />
• to children’s ministers in your local church that is on-site,<br />
self-funding, and provides training applicable to every person<br />
who works with children? Consider hosting a Children’s<br />
Ministry One-Day Training Intensive in your local church<br />
or region.<br />
A one-day intensive . . .<br />
• provides on-site training at a church or conference facility<br />
in your region.<br />
• is funded through registration fees paid by participants.<br />
Registration fees provide a morning snack, light lunch,<br />
teaching materials, interactive instruction, and free resources.<br />
The local church or region hosting the event provides<br />
the training facility.<br />
• gives participants opportunity to develop competency in<br />
one or more ministry skills through interactive learning,<br />
small-group activities, and a question-answer session.<br />
One-day training intensives target ministry volunteers but<br />
also provide training and resources for children’s ministry leaders.<br />
The intensives focus on personal spiritual growth and the development <strong>of</strong> ministry and leadership skills. They also<br />
encourage the development <strong>of</strong> relationships among ministers in the region and in the local church as well as allow<br />
regional leaders to target potential leaders for further mentoring, training, and leadership development.<br />
Because registration costs are low, your entire ministry team can participate.<br />
Since 2003, the one-day training intensives have provided training both locally and regionally to more than<br />
1,500 participants.<br />
“CENTER STAGE,” the 2010 one-day training intensive, is currently being scheduled in local churches and regions<br />
in North America.<br />
Filming schedule<br />
8:30 a.m. Registration<br />
Book/Resource Browsing<br />
9:00 a.m. Morning Session<br />
“Behind the Scenes”<br />
“Redesigning the Set”<br />
“ACT 1: Know”<br />
12:00 p.m. Lunch<br />
12:45 p.m. Afternoon Session<br />
“ACT 2: Live”<br />
“ACT 3: Serve”<br />
“That’s a Wrap!”<br />
3:00 p.m. Dismiss<br />
20 WWM APRIL 2010<br />
a one-day training intensive<br />
Lunch and training materials are included in the<br />
registration fee <strong>of</strong> $30 (in advance) or $40 (day <strong>of</strong> event).<br />
If you would like to host CENTER STAGE in your local<br />
church or region, please contact the following:<br />
Children’s Ministries<br />
CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY<br />
P. O. Box 2910 • Cleveland, TN 37320-2910<br />
423-559-5328 • cgpkids@cogop.org<br />
http://children.cogop.org
Children are never too young to begin focusing their hearts<br />
in the right direction. And, certainly, they are never too young<br />
to be taught about missions. So why not set aside your second<br />
Sundays to focus on missions during some part <strong>of</strong> your<br />
Children’s Ministry hour?<br />
For example, you can readily find information and photos<br />
on the World Wide Web to freely share about your local<br />
church’s Harvest Partner; bring a globe to discuss the location<br />
<strong>of</strong> your partner nation; check out library books to teach<br />
children about the different cultures <strong>of</strong> the nations; explore<br />
the exchange rate <strong>of</strong> currency in the nation, comparing it to<br />
your nation’s currency or system and discussing whether the<br />
children <strong>of</strong> the nation have access to allowances or <strong>of</strong>ferings<br />
to give at church; etc.<br />
Take some time to share the lifestyles <strong>of</strong> how your partner<br />
nation’s children around the world actually live—what they<br />
eat; where they sleep; whether or not they have schools and<br />
education available; what games they like to play and what<br />
toys are available in their nation; and, most importantly, what<br />
religious preferences are dominant within your partner’s<br />
nation; etc.<br />
These suggestions are just a few pointers to get you<br />
started on a mission-focused session to enter into teaching<br />
your children that not every child in the world has the<br />
freedom to learn about Jesus. And, by all means, you should<br />
utilize this opportunity as a point <strong>of</strong> prayer for the children <strong>of</strong><br />
your partner nation.<br />
Recently, our local church in<br />
Sabillasville, Maryland, decided to teach<br />
their children about the principles <strong>of</strong> giving<br />
to our orphanage ministry in Uganda. Though<br />
it’s a very small local church, only having three<br />
children who participated in this fund-raising effort—<br />
Tara (age ten), Falon (age eight), and Ian (age six)—these<br />
children raised $110.67 for this project.<br />
The children’s teacher, Sister Fay Kuhn, shared that she<br />
wanted “to encourage the children <strong>of</strong> our church to have a<br />
desire to become mission-minded for Jesus.” Sister Fay had<br />
asked them to bring in their change to assist the orphans, but<br />
these children took it to heart, became more deeply involved,<br />
and decided to even contribute their allowances to help the<br />
children in Uganda.<br />
Did you know that such an <strong>of</strong>fering as this can provide<br />
sustenance for one child in Uganda for nearly six months?<br />
What will you do to instill<br />
mission vision into your children’s<br />
tender hearts?<br />
By everyone working<br />
together, we can surely make a<br />
difference for the Kingdom—<br />
one child at a time.<br />
Annette Taylor, International Director<br />
Harvest Partners Ministry<br />
WWM APRIL 2010 21
Those who learn tithing and giving as a young child<br />
most <strong>of</strong>ten become lifetime tithe givers. Tithing is a<br />
scriptural principle and a Christian discipline that we need<br />
to teach our children. In the same way we teach children<br />
to pray, to worship, to read their Bible, and to memorize<br />
Scriptures, we teach them the joy and the blessings <strong>of</strong><br />
tithing and giving.<br />
After a presentation on tithing and giving, a ten-year-old<br />
boy asked his parents if he could withdraw the $255 in his<br />
savings account and give it to the Lord. This sensitivity to<br />
the Word and the Holy Spirit began a giving process in his<br />
local church. Ultimately, the church built a new building<br />
debt-free as a result <strong>of</strong> a “tsunami” <strong>of</strong> giving that was set<br />
forward by this child’s pure gift.<br />
Another child, who heard that not tithing was robbing<br />
<strong>God</strong>, asked her parents, “Why are we robbing <strong>God</strong>?”<br />
The Sunday lunch table conversation took on a serious<br />
tone as the parents talked through this with the child.<br />
In this case, the family thought it best if they would<br />
just begin to tithe.<br />
22 WWM APRIL 2010<br />
As we all know, children have powerful, anointed<br />
experiences with their Lord. Tithing must be part <strong>of</strong> their<br />
development and growth in their personal relationship<br />
with the Lord.<br />
Saving and other biblical principles <strong>of</strong> personal finance<br />
should be taught as well. Understanding that the Scripture<br />
supports saving and condemns hoarding can be beneficial<br />
in shaping a child’s financial understanding. Knowing<br />
that Scripture always casts debt in a negative light can<br />
help a child grow up and live with minimum debt. These<br />
principles will do nothing but bless those who embrace<br />
them at any age.<br />
A great way to begin is to label three jars—one as “Ten<br />
Percent to <strong>God</strong>” (tithe), one as “Ten Percent to Savings,”<br />
and one as “Eighty Percent to Me.” If from an early age we<br />
practice these principles <strong>of</strong> giving, saving, and budgeting,<br />
we will be blessed and more joyful.<br />
When children receive gifts, allowances, or payment for<br />
chores, the money should be paid in cash in easily divided<br />
denominations to enable the child to take out the tithe
immediately and place it in an envelope<br />
to be given in the next <strong>of</strong>fering at<br />
church or storehouse. Reading the<br />
Scripture and putting what we read<br />
into practice will impact children deeply.<br />
For example, if the allowance is $10,<br />
give at least five ones so that $1—the<br />
tithe—can be separated from the<br />
remaining money.<br />
As in all things we teach our children,<br />
modeling is powerful. Someone has<br />
said, “Of our words, lessons, and<br />
modeling, the greatest <strong>of</strong> these is<br />
modeling.” Let our children see our<br />
giving. Talk about <strong>God</strong>’s provision.<br />
When there is a financial or material<br />
need, explain that the tithe has<br />
been given, and we believe <strong>God</strong> for<br />
supernatural help. Read Malachi 3:8–11<br />
to them, and have them help you watch<br />
for the miracle. These life lessons from<br />
the Word never leave us.<br />
One family prays over their tithe<br />
and writes the check during family<br />
devotions. Sometimes, the father<br />
chooses a child to write out the tithe<br />
check, and then he signs it.<br />
You are only as happy as your most<br />
unhappy child. A great deal <strong>of</strong> time,<br />
money, and energy go into our children.<br />
We want them to be saved, fruitful in<br />
ministry, and happy. Givers are the<br />
happiest people I know. If you want<br />
your child to be happy, teach him or<br />
her the joy <strong>of</strong> giving.<br />
Children’s lessons are available<br />
within seven stewardship manuals—<br />
six have Spanish translation—that<br />
will be a great study for Children’s<br />
<strong>Church</strong>. Many parents are not teaching<br />
stewardship in the home. The <strong>Church</strong><br />
must be sure our children understand<br />
and practice stewardship.<br />
These children’s stewardship lessons<br />
are available on the Stewardship website at<br />
http://www.cogop.org/224548.ihtml,<br />
by calling the Stewardship Ministries<br />
Department at 423-559-5109, or through<br />
e-mail at liz@cogop.org.<br />
Jan Couch<br />
Stewardship Ministries Director<br />
Want to improve your ministry skills?<br />
Consider the Tomlinson Center.<br />
Why take Tomlinson Center courses?<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Read what current students are saying:<br />
“I needed to upgrade my skills for service to complement my<br />
experience in ministry.”<br />
—Pastor Randolph P. Curtis, age 43, Bahamas<br />
“I needed to advance my education <strong>of</strong> the Bible and to become a<br />
more-rounded pastor.”<br />
—Pastor Mike Orr, age 37, Michigan<br />
“I needed to further my education, to partner with the directive <strong>of</strong> our<br />
leadership in the need <strong>of</strong> leadership development; it’s more<br />
convenient than moving my family to Cleveland, Tennessee.”<br />
—Pastor, Michigan<br />
Tomlinson Center Online College Courses—Fall 2010<br />
Bible<br />
Introduction to the Old Testament:<br />
BIBL 101—<strong>Bishop</strong> Tim Harper<br />
The Pastoral Epistles:<br />
BIBL 304—<strong>Bishop</strong> Tim Harper<br />
The Synoptic Gospels:<br />
BIBL 312—Dr. H. E. Cardin<br />
Minor Prophets:<br />
BIBL 313—Pastor Jack Anderson, Jr.<br />
Introduction to the New Testament (Spanish):<br />
BIBL 102—<strong>Bishop</strong> Elias Rodríguez<br />
Tomlinson<br />
Center<br />
H. E. Cardin, M.Div., D.Min.<br />
Tomlinson Center Director<br />
<strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Prophecy</strong> International Offices<br />
P. O. Box 2910<br />
3720 Keith St. NW<br />
Cleveland, TN 37320-2910<br />
Office phone: (423) 559-5324<br />
Fax: (423) 559-5461<br />
E-mail: TCCOGOP@aol.com<br />
Website: www.TomlinsonCenter.Com<br />
Pastoral<br />
The Ministry <strong>of</strong> Preaching 2:<br />
PASM 262—Dr. H. E. Cardin<br />
Contemporary World Religions:<br />
PASM 353—Pastor Larry Lowry<br />
The Pastoral Ministry 2:<br />
PASM 462—Dr. Sylvester Smith<br />
Pastoral Counseling:<br />
PASM 464—<strong>Bishop</strong> Tim Harper<br />
WWM APRIL 2010 23
YHT North America<br />
On January 14–17, 2010, Operation Omega International Youth Ministries launched Youth Harvest<br />
Training (YHT), an all-new training event for overseers, pastors, and youth and camping ministry leaders,<br />
and it provided training in the areas <strong>of</strong> leadership development, counseling, camp management,<br />
administration, outreach, and culture.<br />
Approximately 130 participants attended the workshops and general<br />
sessions taught by Paul Robertson, Center for Parent and Youth<br />
Understanding; Tammy Lopez, Perimeter <strong>Church</strong>, Atlanta, Georgia;<br />
Devon Harris, Full Circle Refuge, Savannah, Georgia; key <strong>Church</strong><br />
leaders including Trevor and Aileen Reid, David Bryan, Kathy Creasy,<br />
Jan Couch, Palma Hutchinson, and Darren Schalk, Sunday School<br />
Editor; as well as many state/regional youth, children’s, and camping<br />
ministry leaders and pastors. <strong>Bishop</strong> Billy Wilson, Director <strong>of</strong> the<br />
International Center for Spiritual Renewal, and <strong>Bishop</strong> Sam Clements,<br />
North American <strong>General</strong> Presbyter, challenged each participant with<br />
inspirational messages.<br />
A jam-packed weekend, this first<br />
YHT was not only a great forum <strong>of</strong><br />
learning and developing in ministry skill, but also a great place to<br />
network with other youth ministry leaders from across the U.S. and<br />
beyond. This “iron sharpening iron” is perhaps one <strong>of</strong> the greatest<br />
benefits to attending such a training event.<br />
Participants left YHT armed<br />
with fresh inspiration, renewed<br />
passion, and new ideas for<br />
leading their volunteers and<br />
ministering to their young<br />
people with excitement<br />
and excellence.
YHT Dominican Republic<br />
On February 4–7, YHT traveled to the Dominican Republic<br />
and was <strong>of</strong>fered concurrently to the National Youth Convention.<br />
More than 350 youth leaders from across the nation participated<br />
in the training event. During the day, general sessions and<br />
workshops provided training in the areas <strong>of</strong> ministry vision,<br />
leadership, youth culture, safety, administration,<br />
and crisis counseling. During the evening,<br />
YHT participants joined an arena <strong>of</strong> 3,500<br />
young people to celebrate and worship at the National Youth<br />
Convention. All events were held on the national property in<br />
Santo Domingo.<br />
On Thursday evening, Aileen Reid, International Youth<br />
Ministries Co-Director, presented a teaching session entitled,<br />
“Understanding Their Culture, Hearing Their Cries,” which<br />
provided attendees with an overview <strong>of</strong> the challenges facing<br />
our youth in our postmodern culture. Issues <strong>of</strong> relationships,<br />
media influence, and sexuality were presented.<br />
On Friday evening, Esther Rondon, the newly appointed National<br />
Youth Ministries Leader <strong>of</strong> Dominican Republic, brought a challenge<br />
to the young people to be soldiers in <strong>God</strong>’s army, capable <strong>of</strong> doing<br />
spiritual warfare and engaging the enemy in these last days.<br />
On Saturday evening, Trevor Reid, International Youth<br />
Ministries Co-Director, preached a sermon entitled “Receive<br />
the Spirit <strong>of</strong> Elijah.” The ministry’s national stadium, which<br />
housed the event, was charged with an atmosphere <strong>of</strong><br />
expectation. Thousands <strong>of</strong> young men and women filled<br />
the altar and stage area seeking <strong>God</strong> for salvation,<br />
deliverance, and anointing to serve <strong>God</strong> with power.<br />
Each workshop and general session was marked with participants<br />
eager to learn and a desire to develop as ministry leaders.<br />
Throughout the day, moments <strong>of</strong> powerful prayer would erupt,<br />
indicating the hunger <strong>of</strong> these leaders to be<br />
fully engaged in this last days harvest.<br />
The teaching team for the Dominican<br />
Republic YHT consisted <strong>of</strong> Trevor and Aileen<br />
Reid, Valerie Moreno, Shaun McKinley, and<br />
William Lamb. Lucas Leys, Latin American<br />
author and speaker for Youth Specialties,<br />
participated as a general session guest presenter.<br />
YHT is the formal training arm <strong>of</strong> the<br />
International Youth Ministries for all levels<br />
<strong>of</strong> youth and camping ministry leadership.<br />
Article written by Shaun McKinley<br />
Trevor and Aileen Reid<br />
International Youth Ministry Co-Directors
in worship<br />
Greensboro,<br />
North Carolina<br />
July 27–31, 2010<br />
ricardo sanchez<br />
Colombia<br />
South America<br />
June 25–July 4, 2010<br />
guest speaker<br />
Reggie dabBs<br />
April 16-18, 2010<br />
Marriott Torrance South Bay<br />
$99 per night, Book by April 2<br />
Phone: 800-228-9290<br />
3635 Fashion Way ∙ Torrance, CA<br />
Registration<br />
$30 per person (5 or more), $35 per individual<br />
After March 20, 2010–$45 per person.<br />
<strong>RE</strong>GISTER ONLINE AT<br />
www.operationomega.org<br />
Our international missions focus for 2010 will be Guinea<br />
Conakry, West Africa. We aim to raise $25,000 toward<br />
“Loving Muslims to Jesus.” All youth groups<br />
are encouraged to support this<br />
missions effort through prayer<br />
and sacrificial giving. Log on to<br />
www.operationomega.org<br />
for more details.<br />
West Coast
Imperial Ballroom<br />
Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons<br />
Saturday, July 31, 2010<br />
The Assembly Mission Breakfast has become one <strong>of</strong> the highlight<br />
ministries <strong>of</strong> the International Assembly. The morning provides the<br />
opportunity to be transported to a beautiful island, an exotic jungle,<br />
or a historical city for breakfast as representatives from around the world<br />
are seated at most <strong>of</strong> the tables. This year, while enjoying a plated<br />
traditional Southern American breakfast, you will learn about the work,<br />
needs, cultures, and lifestyles as well as the challenges these missionaries<br />
encounter in their particular area <strong>of</strong> ministry.<br />
Please join me, along with state/regional/national women’s ministries<br />
directors, and various mission representatives at 7:00 a.m. in the Imperial<br />
Ballroom at the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons for this time <strong>of</strong> sharing with our sisters (and brothers), who are<br />
ministering on the mission fields.<br />
Limited space is available, and you must have a ticket to attend; so if you have not already made your reservations, please<br />
send $25.00 U.S. to the Women’s Ministries Department to reserve your space. Tickets may either be mailed to you or picked<br />
up at the Women’s Ministries booth.<br />
Breakfast begins at 7:00 a.m., Saturday, July 31, 2010. See you there!<br />
Cathy Payne<br />
Women’s Ministries Director<br />
2010 Assembly Mission Breakfast Reservation Form<br />
Name<br />
Address<br />
City State Zip<br />
Telephone E-Mail<br />
Number <strong>of</strong> Tickets @ $25.00 each Amount Enclosed<br />
Please return to the following address:<br />
Women’s Ministries<br />
<strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Prophecy</strong><br />
P.O. Box 2910<br />
Cleveland, TN 37320-2910<br />
$<br />
WWM APRIL 2010 27
28 WWM APRIL 2010<br />
The Courtroom Became a Chur<br />
The article below is a follow-up to the story we ran in the<br />
February 2010 issue <strong>of</strong> the White Wing Messenger<br />
entitled “Alaska Update” on page 20. This is a testimony<br />
<strong>of</strong> the power <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>.<br />
Regarding the situation in which the four Muslim men<br />
had threatened Dirie’s life, the police put out an emergency<br />
restraining order against the Muslims. During the first week<br />
<strong>of</strong> December, Dirie asked me to go to court with him for<br />
a hearing in which the judge would listen to both Dirie<br />
and his four attackers, and then decide whether to give a<br />
continuance <strong>of</strong> the restraining/protective order.<br />
I went to court with Dirie, but the four men had not been<br />
found, so the police had not been able to serve them their<br />
subpoenas to appear in court. The hearing was postponed<br />
for a couple weeks to give time for the subpoenas to be<br />
served. It’s hard to believe that here in the good ole USA,<br />
there are these Muslims literally looking for a Christian in<br />
order to kill him.<br />
Dirie asked me to go with him again to court when it<br />
was re-scheduled. I told him that I would if he would just<br />
let me know the day and time. The date came, but Dirie<br />
had been working some double shifts and was tired and<br />
had forgotten to tell me about the new date. When he<br />
remembered it late in the night the night before, he didn’t<br />
want to call and disturb me, so he decided to just go by<br />
himself the next day.<br />
The hearing was at 8:30 a.m., and Dirie arrived there<br />
first. Right at 8:30, between 50–60 Muslim men entered the<br />
courtroom, with the four men who had been served the<br />
restraining order a few weeks before. They had gathered<br />
together a bunch <strong>of</strong> the Muslim men and had driven them<br />
to the courthouse in two big buses.<br />
So there stood 50–60 angry Muslims and one young<br />
Christian boy (I call him boy because he seems so young).<br />
The judge, fearing what might happen, called in a large<br />
contingent <strong>of</strong> police <strong>of</strong>ficers to stand in the courtroom. The<br />
judge asked why all those men had come and was told that<br />
they were there to stand with their four brothers against<br />
this “man who has left our religion and our god, and is<br />
trying to lead others into his Christianity.”<br />
The judge asked Dirie about this claim. He gently said<br />
that he wasn’t trying to make anyone do anything, but<br />
that he had chosen to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, and no<br />
one could persuade him to stop. The judge asked more<br />
questions <strong>of</strong> the four men and others.<br />
Finally, the judge turned to Dirie and asked if he would<br />
like to say anything to the four men and the others. Dirie<br />
told me that he could feel the Spirit and anointing <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong><br />
fill his being. Boldness began to rise up within him, and<br />
the Word <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> began going through his thoughts. He<br />
faced all the Muslims and said the quote from David when<br />
facing Goliath: “You come to me with sword and shield, but<br />
I come to you in the name <strong>of</strong> the Lord Jesus Christ.”<br />
Dirie later told me that he quoted a number <strong>of</strong> scriptures<br />
and witnessed to the Muslims <strong>of</strong> the Lord Jesus Christ and<br />
His great love for them. He said, “Pastor Arleta, I think I
ch<br />
preached my first sermon there.” He proceeded to tell<br />
them that <strong>God</strong> loved them and that he loved them, but that<br />
they needed to accept the Lord Jesus as their Savior and not<br />
Muhammad or Allah.<br />
Apparently, the judge let Dirie witness (preach) and<br />
didn’t stop him at all. Then, at some point in the hearing,<br />
the judge decided the 50–60 men had to leave except for<br />
the four attackers. He had the police <strong>of</strong>ficers escort them<br />
out, put them back on their buses, and made them leave.<br />
Then, the judge ordered the continuance <strong>of</strong> the<br />
protective restraining order for one year. After the four<br />
Muslims left, the judge asked to speak to Dirie. He told<br />
Dirie that even though he had ordered the protective order,<br />
he was afraid that it still would not protect him. He said he<br />
feared for Dirie’s life and knew all these men were intent<br />
on stopping Dirie. He then recommended that Dirie move<br />
quickly out <strong>of</strong> Alaska to the lower 48.<br />
Dirie didn’t really have anywhere to go because the<br />
family members that he has in the U.S. are against him<br />
as well because he left the Islamic religion. In fact, if his<br />
family knew his location, they would quickly report it to the<br />
Muslim leadership. Brother Isaac, our brother from Nigeria,<br />
has a brother in the lower 48 who is a Christian. He said<br />
Dirie could come there and stay with him. So my “little<br />
brother” left for the lower 48.<br />
The praise part—the part that has blessed me—is this:<br />
“The courtroom became a church.” <strong>God</strong> took a<br />
courtroom and turned it into a church. He brought in a<br />
congregation <strong>of</strong> 50–60 hardened evildoers, who otherwise<br />
would NEVER have entered any church anywhere in the<br />
city. He even had the “devil” drive the bus and pick them<br />
up for this special “church” service. He had the legal<br />
system (the judge) introduce the preacher and “turn the<br />
service over to him.”<br />
<strong>God</strong> caused Dirie to preach his first sermon, and it was<br />
one <strong>of</strong> love and mercy and also <strong>of</strong> the deity and divinity<br />
<strong>of</strong> our Lord. He “held” the “congregation’s” attention with<br />
a group <strong>of</strong> angels dressed in police uniforms. And He<br />
showed them the true “Word <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>” and not the Koran or<br />
any <strong>of</strong> the other writings <strong>of</strong> Muhammad. Then, once they<br />
had heard the message, he had them placed back on the<br />
bus and taken home.<br />
Wow! What we could not have accomplished in a<br />
lifetime perhaps (getting 50–60 Islamic Muslims into a<br />
church for a Holy Ghost-filled child <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> to proclaim the<br />
Word), <strong>God</strong> was able to accomplish in just one “service”<br />
and with one “sermon.”<br />
After Dirie left the court, a man stopped him outside.<br />
He was a Muslim and had been in the courtroom with the<br />
other 50–60 Muslims. He had not come on the bus but<br />
had come on his own and by himself. He knew about the<br />
situation (the Muslim community is very close and tight-knit<br />
here in Anchorage), but he still came on his own. He told<br />
Dirie that the reason he came was not to help threaten or<br />
harass Dirie, but he said, “I have never seen or met anyone<br />
who has ever turned from the Islam religion to Christianity,<br />
and I wanted to come and see you for myself. I needed to<br />
actually see someone who has gone over to Christianity.”<br />
This kind <strong>of</strong> reminds me <strong>of</strong> the wise men when they told<br />
the king, “We have come to see if it is true.” Anyway, I pray<br />
that this man’s curiosity (conviction) gets control <strong>of</strong> him,<br />
and he begins to seek the Lord diligently.<br />
We pray for Dirie’s protection and his ministry through<br />
Christ. We also pray for the salvation <strong>of</strong> approximately<br />
50–60 men who have now heard the true Word <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> and<br />
must decide what they want to do with it. And we miss our<br />
little brother terribly.<br />
Arleta Lefler<br />
Anchorage, Alaska<br />
WWM APRIL 2010 29
Local <strong>Church</strong> News<br />
First Deaconess<br />
for the State<br />
<strong>of</strong> Georgia<br />
Geneva Bowman Byrd<br />
In the last chapter<br />
<strong>of</strong> Romans, the apostle<br />
Paul gave kudos to<br />
various people who assisted him in his<br />
ministry. In verse one, he singled<br />
out by name Phoebe, one <strong>of</strong> the first<br />
deaconesses mentioned in Scripture:<br />
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe,<br />
a servant <strong>of</strong> the church in Cenchrea.<br />
I ask you to receive her in the Lord<br />
in a way worthy <strong>of</strong> the saints and to<br />
give her any help she may need<br />
from you, for she has been a great<br />
help to many people, including me”<br />
(Romans 16:1, 2 NIV).<br />
In his letter to the young minister,<br />
Timothy, Paul laid out the requirements<br />
for deacons and deaconesses: “Deacons<br />
[Deaconesses], likewise, are to be men<br />
worthy <strong>of</strong> respect, sincere, not indulging<br />
in much wine, and not pursuing<br />
dishonest gain. They must keep hold<br />
<strong>of</strong> the deep truths <strong>of</strong> the faith with a<br />
clear conscience. They must first be<br />
tested; and then if there is nothing<br />
against them, let them serve as deacons<br />
[deaconesses]” (1 Timothy 3:8, 9 NIV).<br />
According to Strong’s Dictionary, the<br />
Greek word for deacon is diakonos<br />
(dee-ak’-on-os). It is probably from an<br />
obsolete diako: to run on errands; an<br />
attendant or a waiter at tables; or in other<br />
menial duties. It is used specially as a<br />
Christian teacher and pastor; technically,<br />
a deacon or deaconess. In the King<br />
30 WWM APRIL 2010<br />
James Version <strong>of</strong> the Bible, it is translated<br />
as deacon, minister, and servant.<br />
On Sunday, December 27, 2009, the<br />
Rossville <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Prophecy</strong><br />
ordained Geneva Bowman Byrd as the very<br />
first deaconess for the <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Prophecy</strong> in the state <strong>of</strong> Georgia. Her<br />
Deaconess Certificate number is 2009-0001.<br />
From 1955 to 1995, Sister Byrd<br />
served alongside her deacon husband,<br />
Clarence Byrd, for 40 years at the East<br />
Ridge, Tennessee, <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Prophecy</strong>. She completed all terms <strong>of</strong><br />
the Bible Training Institute in 1975.<br />
After transferring her membership to<br />
Rossville in 1999, she completed all the<br />
requirements for a Certified Teacher<br />
including the Foundations Course.<br />
The local church set Sister Byrd forth as<br />
deaconess in October 2009. In writing<br />
my recommendation to Georgia State<br />
<strong>Overseer</strong> <strong>Bishop</strong> Billy Adams, I said in<br />
part, “Geneva Byrd has been doing the<br />
ministry <strong>of</strong> a deaconess for over 40 years.<br />
She assisted her husband, Clarence<br />
Byrd, in every aspect <strong>of</strong> his calling as a<br />
deacon.” Normally, there is a period <strong>of</strong><br />
a year serving as a trial deaconess, but<br />
due to her prior training and experience<br />
and the fact she had completed<br />
the Foundations Course, she was<br />
immediately set forth as a deaconess.<br />
The wording <strong>of</strong> the Deaconess<br />
Certificate states in part, “She is to<br />
complement the <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> the bishop<br />
or pastor. She may serve in the<br />
temporal needs <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s work, such<br />
as coordinating relief to the poor<br />
and needy. She may conduct church<br />
business affairs and conferences<br />
when <strong>of</strong>ficially authorized by the<br />
pastor or overseer. She is to teach<br />
and defend the Gospel <strong>of</strong> Jesus Christ.<br />
She may serve in baptism, administering<br />
the Lord’s Supper, and washing to the<br />
saints feet. Both biblical and historical<br />
records confirm that she is to service<br />
alongside and in harmony with the<br />
bishop or pastor as a servant to<br />
the congregation.”<br />
Sister Jean Byrd, as she likes to be<br />
called, has definitely been a tremendous<br />
blessing to the Rossville local church<br />
and pastor, serving as the church clerk<br />
and treasurer, a substitute Sunday<br />
school teacher, a member <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Finance and Stewardship Committee,<br />
and now as a deaconess.<br />
When her pastor asked Sister Byrd<br />
about serving as a deaconess, she<br />
initially told him that she, at 83 years<br />
<strong>of</strong> age, she was “too old to serve.” He<br />
replied, “Better late than never!”<br />
Article submitted by<br />
Dr. Douglas R. Stephenson<br />
Chaplaincy Ministries Director<br />
Rossville, Georgia<br />
Testimonies<br />
I received confirmation at Ladies<br />
Retreat at Barkley Lake. In the spring,<br />
they found a large mass on my pancreas.<br />
I went through many tests. There was<br />
no fear on my part. I had gotten up<br />
one morning and felt a heavy load; I<br />
couldn’t carry the load, it was so heavy.<br />
I lay before the Lord and told the Lord,<br />
“Lord, I don’t know what this load is, but<br />
I can’t handle it; I give it to You.” I didn’t<br />
know at that time my healing took place.<br />
I went through the tests, and the doctors<br />
said that there was no cancer there. I felt<br />
so good within my body.<br />
I went to Lake Barkley in November<br />
and feasted on Dr. Renfro’s message. I<br />
went at lunchtime, gave him a hug, and<br />
told him what they had found on my<br />
pancreas. These were his words: “You<br />
had cancer, but <strong>God</strong> healed you.” That<br />
was my confirmation I needed.<br />
I have told everyone I see that <strong>God</strong><br />
healed me <strong>of</strong> pancreatic cancer. I am<br />
71 years old; this shows that there is no<br />
age with <strong>God</strong>. I thank Him every day<br />
and cry every day because that could<br />
have been my death warrant. <strong>God</strong> is<br />
good all the time; all the time, <strong>God</strong><br />
is good.<br />
—Pat Hooker
A Gospel Singer’s Report<br />
There was an awesome presence <strong>of</strong><br />
the Lord at my concert at the Crown<br />
Heights <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Prophecy</strong><br />
in Brooklyn, New York. I said, “The<br />
presence <strong>of</strong> the Lord is mighty in the<br />
house,” and I asked for all who were<br />
sick to stand and lift their hands in faith.<br />
Then, I went into the congregation and<br />
prayed for several individuals.<br />
Two days after the concert, I received<br />
a telephone call <strong>of</strong> a healing testimony.<br />
I was informed that a woman who was<br />
at the concert had been the victim <strong>of</strong> a<br />
motor vehicle accident several months<br />
earlier and had suffered spinal cord injuries.<br />
In His Presence<br />
SUBSCRIBE TODAY! YES! I want to subscribe to the White Wing Messenger: Enclosed is my payment for . . .<br />
Bundles!<br />
BISHOP<br />
Charles Edward Collins;<br />
Alvin, Texas; October 18, 2009; licensed<br />
minister for 59 years.<br />
MINISTERS<br />
Brazil Kelly;<br />
Belton, South Carolina; January 22, 2010;<br />
licensed minister for 65 years.<br />
Mary M. Goin;<br />
Bucyrus, Ohio; January 31, 2010;<br />
licensed minister for 57 years.<br />
Velma Joyce Moore;<br />
Austinville, Virginia; January 9, 2010;<br />
licensed minister for 21 years.<br />
At the concert, this woman had said to<br />
her friend, “There are too many people<br />
here, and she [myself] will not touch<br />
me,” so she stood and lifted her hands.<br />
This woman testified that immediately<br />
she felt a tingling in her fingers, which<br />
ran down her arm to her back, and there<br />
was a loud, cracking sound. The people<br />
standing closest to her heard the<br />
cracking sound and asked, “What is that<br />
sound?” The woman responded, “That’s<br />
my spine, and the pain is gone.” This dear<br />
lady was healed by the power <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>!<br />
This same woman and her husband<br />
were having marital problems and<br />
were in the process <strong>of</strong> going through<br />
a divorce. The husband <strong>of</strong> this woman<br />
Curtis Lee Music;<br />
Alma, Georgia; January 8, 2010;<br />
licensed minister for six years.<br />
Juan de Jesus Sanchez;<br />
Dominican Republic; January 29, 2010;<br />
licensed minister for 29 years.<br />
MEMBERS<br />
Michael C. Metaxas;<br />
Cleveland, Tennessee;<br />
January 23, 2010.<br />
Ines Ortiz;<br />
Newark, Delaware; October 12, 2009;<br />
widow <strong>of</strong> Reverend Frank Ortiz.<br />
Ruby Traficanto;<br />
Sodus, Michigan;<br />
December 25, 2009; she was a member<br />
<strong>of</strong> the <strong>Church</strong> for more than 70 years.<br />
called his wife’s friend and thanked<br />
her for taking his wife into Brooklyn.<br />
He affirmed that the “woman who left<br />
here yesterday evening was not the<br />
same woman who came back home in<br />
the night.” He mentioned that the next<br />
morning, he would visit the attorney<br />
and cancel the divorce papers because<br />
he had got his wife back. Monday<br />
morning came, and the husband went<br />
and did just as he had promised.<br />
Not only was this woman healed<br />
from her spinal cord injuries and pain,<br />
but her marriage was restored by the<br />
powerful hand <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>! We serve a<br />
mighty <strong>God</strong>!<br />
—Dawn McDowell, Brooklyn, New York<br />
New <strong>Church</strong>es<br />
Green Acres, Florida;<br />
organized on November 7, 2009;<br />
Pastor José de los Santos.<br />
Minneapolis, Minnesota;<br />
organized on November 8, 2009;<br />
Pastor Luis Rodriguez Luna.<br />
Brigham City, Utah;<br />
organized on January 17, 2010;<br />
Pastor Jesus Sandoval.<br />
West Palm Beach, Florida;<br />
organized on January 17, 2010; Pastor<br />
Jeffrey Webb.<br />
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WWM APRIL 2010 31