Current Blessing Magazine
A Publication of Gospel Crusade Ministerial Fellowship

By J.R. Allebach   Thu, Aug 12, 2010

Current Blessing Magazine...

           An Introduction

Fifty years ago the challenge of change was little more than a subtle knock, knock, knocking at the leader's door. The world moved at a measured pace, the daily rhythm tied to metronomes of pen and paper, centralized journalism, and shoe leather postal delivery. Intrusions into the schedules and routines of pastors were seldom expected and easily controlled.

In 2010 the winds of change buffet ministry organizations and its leaders at hurricane force. Closed office doors once secluding the leader now yield little protection for personal and organizational privacy.  Our inner clocks are ticking faster and we are programmed to move at breakneck pace with an insatiable search for more information -- to know what is happening at the moment, not just down the street, but around the world. Christian fellowships once isolated from litigation, government inspection, and cultural phenomena find themselves insuring, auditing, and clamoring for relevance. In its infancy the church persuaded a pagan world to accept Christianity; in its 21st century, it is struggling to rebuff accusations of fakery, mismanagement, and irrelevance. 

Today there are many but too few Christian ministries doing outstanding work for the Kingdom of God. The church is in need of young men and women skilled at harnessing the potentially destructive societal currents and converting them into a new wave of church ministry -- a force pristine in soul yet fully immersed in our dirty, broken world. It is hard to argue that the ministry movement birthed at Azusa Street has delivered on its God-given mission. Consequently, the coming generation must do things differently, and it seems to this observer that traditional Pentecostal ministry now stands at a critical crossroads.  Do we turn a new direction or stay on the same course?

The theme for this issue of Current Blessing is Change Is Coming.  From any angle the title couldn't express a truer statement.  Will Christian leaders seek to change their methods for ministry or will cultural change methodically marginalize and mute them?  One of the two is inevitable.  Current Blessing's intent is to raise this issue within our fellowship, and initiate dialogue about change within GCMF and the churches scattered across North America. Our GCMF overseer, Apostle Eugene Weaver, has presented a forward-looking article that provides insight about the issues he sees as important to our future journey in ministry.  It is a must read. 

We are grateful to the contributing authors in this issue of Current Blessing and recognize the wisdom of hearing a multitude of counselors and teachers.  You will find several articles that address elements of our topic and others that provide biblical insight and organizational highlights of interest. We hope you are challenged and encouraged by this issue of Current Blessing.

By Eugene Weaver   Fri, Aug 13, 2010

Change Is Coming

Several decades ago British politician Harold Wilson spoke these words to his country as a challenge to change: “He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.”  It is easy to see the truth in this observation; the difficult question is how each of us should respond to it.

Getting together with old friends reminiscing about how things were done in the good old days can bring laughter and joy to our conversations, but unfortunately it is human tendency to hold on to those methods, comforts, and positions associated with years past. Many leaders talk about releasing next generation leadership; few enthusiastically do it.  Leaders know that with every emerging leader comes the possibility of ending the way things are being done. Once upon a time farmers plowed their fields with horse or mule teams, but with the invention of the tractor that method became obsolete. Is this to suggest that mules and horses are useless?  No, they still have great value, but the season for plowing with them has come to an end.

The Word of God and the message of the Kingdom of Heaven will remain the same; however, the way in which we communicate or teach its truths must vary to reach the people groups we target with the gospel. As a boy, I can recall attending many week-long revival meetings. But in society today young families with children have schedules and commitments far different than families a generation ago and those types of meetings are generally ineffective. Leaders can react either by complaining about lack of commitment to the church and the Lord, or choose to find new methods to impact their changing culture.  

We should recognize that the number of meetings per week, worship service duration, and similar issues are measurements not directly related to spiritual quality. The manner that we conduct a worship service or the style of music or preaching we prefer is not sacred.  We can easily recognize that the ministry and leadership of Jesus were not controlled by a single form or style. He did not do the same thing the same way at every ministry event, and we would benefit by understanding, as Jesus did, that truth is truth however it is presented.  The method and style of communication should be shaped by the cultural characteristics of those we want to impact.

An important issue for our GCMF churches is the preparation of young men and women as they seek to follow God’s call to ministry—it is quite different than decades past.  In our Pentecostal tradition, oftentime formal education wasn’t viewed as necessary or beneficial.  Today, it is difficult to gain credibility as a leader and minister without a period of formal education and mentoring. In every corner of our society and economy, from carpenter to hairdresser to office worker, employers seek individuals that have completed formal training and have practical experience.  In the Kingdom of God education will never take the place of God’s call and anointing, but it will enhance Biblical insight and broaden an understanding about leading people and ministry organizations.

As president and lead apostle of GCMF, I have a responsibility to wrestle with the issues associated with effective church ministry, preparing and educating next generation ministers, and inspiring our members as they preach the Kingdom of God in their corner of the world.  Over the past several months I have been encouraged to see God’s hand providing GCMF with significant new opportunities to respond to the mission God has given this ministry, and I look forward to sharing more details as events unfold.

A quote from Saint Augustine may say it best: “If you would attain to what you are not yet, you must always be displeased by what you are.  For where you are pleased with yourself there you have remained. Keep adding, keep walking, and keep advancing.”

Gospel Crusade Ministerial Fellowship is advancing into the future and exciting new ventures and ministry methods are just around the corner.  Change is coming.

By Tom Gallo   Thu, Aug 12, 2010

Leadership Is An Art

Philemon 1:10-12 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly, he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.  I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you.

What happened to Onesimus? He went from being useless to anyone to becoming the very heart of Paul.

Some people seem to be born leaders. They have a natural capacity to draw people who hover around them, waiting for instructions on what to do; while others do all they can to just to fit into the group.  In church, you see this all the time, a handful of men and women rise to the top, while the others sit in the pews thinking that’s where they belong.

 I don’t believe any education can prepare a person for all the challenges encountered in parenting, pastoring, or any kind of leadership. It seems the more principles and formulas I establish, the more I have to rethink as new wisdom arises.

The charisma that propels some leaders to the top doesn’t come with the ability to make the most of the people that follow them. The real test of a leader is how he or she can inspire the people under them. I’m sure it was Paul’s leadership ability that empowered Onesimus to rise to the top of Paul’s team.

 In order to reach this goal, people need to be impassioned, trained, and supported. Trained in life’s basic truths, divine biblical truths, and then in recognizing their gifting. Gradually they will rise to the surface and feel called.  Then they need to know that they have their pastor’s blessing to progress into that work. Church shepherds should do all they can to create an environment that allows each person to progress in his or her ministry.  

People in general need a leader, they want direction, and they need to be shown vision. It gives them a goal toward which to focus without having to rely on their own conceived direction. The day may come when they mature and sense a direction to pursue what God is calling them to do.

Jesus gave us the example when he sent out His twelve to do the job he trained them to do; the same job he was doing. Not long after that, he sent out seventy two, all completed in a matter of 3 years. How many pastors have sent out seventy two in the span of 3 years? When they came back they were so excited. People were healed, set free of bondages, and demons fled. He gave them an opportunity to use what he taught them. He knew they weren’t completely prepared, but he used them anyway. So effective was their ministry that Jesus described its impact as “Satan falling like lightening.”

Leaders should understand that everyone has a role to play in fulfilling the common purpose, and need to share their part to have a fully functioning Church.

Years ago, I taught a Sunday school course I called it The Fundamentals of Ministry. It was a fairly new church, with about 200 attending it. I was blessed to see about 75 attend the class. Gradually over the weeks the class got smaller and smaller. I started to wonder what I was doing wrong. Then I started to assess the situation, and as I surveyed the people that left the class, I realized that they all had taken ministry positions at the church. I was Amazed to see that what I was teaching, they were actually using. There will be consequences resulting from every message you speak. Scripture says the Word of God does not come back void.

Pastors must be authentic in their desire to relate to each person in the congregation, and express passion for the work. They must encourage creativity innovation to draw in the lost, and inspire others to take up the call. Have you ever heard the expression that a Church will only grow as far as the pastor can take it? I believe the church will grow as far as the pastor inspires the people to go.

 Thoughts for Today’s Church

  1 - As Leaders, you must deeply engage yourselves in the people, both in the church and in the community.  Close knit cliques and families often become the only leadership team. In order to develop a united effort, the leadership must diversify; bring the differing elements of the church together. Create a Community.

 2- Encourage the people, teach them, set the Vision for the Church, and a Mission they can see and adopt. Help them find their gifting and purpose, and fearlessly provide a place where they can express them.  Inspire the God-given calls on each of them. They need to know you love and accept them.  

 3 - Do your best to understand the people you’re trying to reach. Each group of people have their own customs, backgrounds, life styles, strengths and weaknesses that demand different approaches. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, but people are not. Almost every area of the world has changed, and is changing at such a rapid pace that none of us really understand. We are communicating on a global scale, and have resources that explain the Gospel in ways that those before us never dreamed of. Learn to use the methods that can have an impact on your area.

 4 - Develop your Methodology and Church model, so it will it be inviting to the unsaved, as well as edify the people in the church. Create an environment where the Holy Spirit can dwell.

 5 - Listen to the hearts of the people in the Church, and respect them. Then seek your direction from God, back up all decisions with the Word. Look for what is taking place in the Spirit before you set out in any direction.

 6 - Get involved on a permanent basis with Intercessory Prayer, and allow the people to express what God is saying through them, through Scripture, words of knowledge, and prophetic utterances. Listen to them, and allow your spirit to be open to them; move on the issues you hear God saying.

 7 - Try not to burden yourself with the Business Matters, as much as the Spiritual Needs. I told the deacons that I didn’t want to know the offering amount, or the attendance, until the monthly deacon’s meetings. That information had the capacity to influence my decisions, and I didn’t want that kind of influence.

 8 - Is your income enough to live on?  Discuss your Financial Needs With Your Board. You should not have to worry about money. Believe God will provide as he has promised, for all your needs. The church may have to step out in faith.

 9 - Take the time to converse with the Lord, and get into the Word on an ongoing basis. While I’m counseling I’m not counting on my knowledge or background to come up with the answers. I try to hear what God is saying, and where and how to direct the conversation to expose the root of the issue. 

 10 - Work at presenting your vision to your board in a well-defined, well thought-out manner, and let the others have a chance to voice their opinions. Listen and thank them for their input. I don’t remember a meeting with any board where there wasn’t a person that perceived an issue quite differently than me. I learned to let them talk, and let others talk, then gradually reiterate my opinion, The result can be that gradually and peacefully everyone comes around to be in one accord.  Try not to quarrel, be a peacemaker. Most of the issues are not earth shaking. Remember, we’re not wrestling with flesh and blood, but with powers, and principalities in the spiritual realm.

By Tim Rice   Fri, Aug 13, 2010

A letter to Leaders

The premise of leading the church is certainly difficult to wrap our brain around.  How do we lead an organism like the church? While it is a very daunting task, leadership is vitally important and desperately needed in the church today, and statistics will bear that out.  In his book “Leading Turnaround Churches,” Gene Wood complied a number of facts about the Church today:

 Fact #1: The church by in large is not effectively reaching its community:

• Protestant denominations have declined 9.5% while population has increased 11.4%.
• We close 72 churches a week in the US…10 churches a day.
• 85%  of the churches in the US are on a plateau or declining.
• Of the 350,000+ churches, Barna reports 60,000 fail to have a single convert per year.

 Fact #2: Everything rises and falls on leadership.

Strong pastoral leadership is the key. Without vision and guidance, even great churches can and will become stagnant and decline.

 Fact #3: Pastors are crumbling:

• 1300 pastors are forcibly terminated each month without just cause.
• If a church once fires a pastor, there is a 70% chance it will also happen again.
• 30% of pastors have been fired at least once.
• 67% of pastor’s wives are dissatisfied with their marriage.
• 75% of pastors spend less than one evening a week with family and friends.
• Clergy divorce has risen 65% in last 20 years.
• 50% of seminary grads leave ministry in 5 years.
• 70% of pastors say they do not have a close friend.
• 71% of pastors are in financial trouble.
• Each month 1200 pastors leave the ministry due to stress, burnout and church related issues.
• Burnout is at an all time high -- 50% of today's pastors will not retire a pastor.

 In addition to these statistics, the average tenure for a senior pastor in the US is about 48 months, and that is up from 36 months a mere 5 years ago. The average tenure of a youth pastor is 18-24 months.

 Now you might say, “Well those are interesting statistics, but that won’t happen in my church.”  Maybe you are right, but the statistics are real and if your church doesn’t seem to fall into this group, you will certainly feel the effects in the pastoral circles in which you move.

 For the most part, church as we know it is a far cry from the model that we have in Acts Chapter 2.  I am not simply talking about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, but rather the purposes that are established in Acts 2:42-47.  The Purposes of the church are: Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry or Service, Prayer and Evangelism. When we see this as a complete picture of worship to our God, we are prepared to advance His Kingdom here on earth.  This advance, however, takes leadership -- a leader who is willing to seek a vision for the future of the church and move that vision forward, even when there is a price to pay.

 Paul says that the teachers should teach, and the servers should serve, and the leaders should “govern with all diligence” (Romans 12:6-8).  Paul isn’t talking about politics or simply leading in the public arena; I believe he is talking to “the Church”.

 As we look at the statistics, one can see that it is time to change what we are doing. It is time to lead our congregations to make an impact in our communities. We need to stop “doing church,” and become the church.  Discipleship and evangelism are not options.  Jesus never called his disciples to accept Him, He called them to follow Him.  He didn’t call His followers to live a nice comfy life, but rather to lay down lives for the sake of the Kingdom and then He will bless them out of His abundance (Matt 6:33-34).

 In Romans 12, leaders are encouraged to lead with all diligence.  Why lead with diligence?  The answer is pretty simple: because opposition will come.  Opposition often sounds something like “but we have never done it that way!”, or “but that isn’t who we are,”, or “did God really say…?”  Perhaps you have heard these statements and at times they’ve had validity.  The truth is, church as we know it isn’t working. It is time that the church stands up and becomes all that God has intended, by laying down our lives for the Kingdom. It will take strong leadership for that to happen.

 The question for me is “Did Jesus give His life so the church could look like this?”  It is time that we look around at a world that is going to hell and equip the church to advance the Kingdom of God.  Not by some quick evangelistic show, but rather by looking at the model of discipleship that we see in Scripture. This includes truly loving selflessly, giving until it hurts, opening our homes, and ministering to the needs of those around us.  Leaders need to change the church paradigm.  

 Be assured, there will be opposition.  Moses had opposition, something about going back to Egypt.  David had opposition, a jealous King by the name of Saul.  Jesus faced opposition from the religious leaders of His day.  What about us? Do we think we will escape opposition?  Never.

 Depending on the structure of the church in which you serve, real leadership may cost you your job. Lead with Diligence.  Depending on the makeup of your congregation, you may lose people. Lead with diligence.  In the short term you may lose favor with people. Lead with diligence.

 We are living in a nation that is predominantly not Christian.  If we as leaders do not equip the church, and do not lead others in truly following Christ we will see continued ineffectiveness.  It is time to lead churches with purpose.  It is time to lead churches that are relevant, churches that bring transformation.

 It is time to lead.

By Magazine editor   Fri, Aug 13, 2010

Christian  Fellowship Church Welcomes New Pastor

Christian Fellowship Church of Detroit Lakes Minnesota announced the appointment of Tim Rice as Senior Pastor.  Pastor Tim has been credentialed with Gospel Crusade Ministerial Fellowship since 1982, and is also trained in church consulting through Church Central in Dallas, Texas and Church Growth Resources. He continues to pursue church consulting.

Tim was actively involved with Open Door Church in Hibbing, Minnesota since its inception in 1981, and became a full-time associate pastor there in 2002. In 2008, he accepted the position of Senior Pastor of Christian Fellowship and begin full-time ministry there in the summer of 2009.

Tim is an all around “Fix it Guy” (with duct tape) and enjoys 4-wheeling.  He and Annette were married in 1986. They have four children: Jared, Lindsey, Zoe and Caleb.

By J.R. Allebach   Wed, Aug 18, 2010

GCMF Haiti Disaster Fund

It is difficult to measure the exact dollar amount of humanitarian aid sent to Haiti by the members and ministries of Gospel Crusade Ministerial Fellowship.  Certainly, hundreds of thousands of dollars were contributed through established local church and Haiti missionary relationships.

In an effort to respond as an organization, GCMF created a Haiti relief fund to target critical areas of need in its associated outreaches in the country.  Funding is based upon the existence of clear project leadership and accountability.  As of July 31, members and churches contributed nearly $14,000.00 to fund these projects in their recovery process.  Our thanks to GCMF Haiti coordinator, Benite Jeune, for his tireless efforts in raising awareness and conducting oversight of the relief efforts.  In addition to GCMF, Benite has worked with several other fund raising organizations, helping them to execute project planning and issuing accountability reports. He has been a key link for responsible and effective disaster relief for his country.

Though details of the Haiti disaster recovery may be missing from the daily news cycle, relief needs will continue well into the future. The GCMF disaster fund will remain active for assisting orphans, families, and ministries recover from the destruction.  Contributions should be designated to the GCMF Haiti Relief Fund.

By Andrew Chrysler   Mon, Aug 16, 2010

The 2010 GCMF Northeast Regional Conference was held on August 5-7 at Jubilee Fellowship in Amsterdam, New York.  Members from New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont gathered for teaching, motivation, and encouragement.   Pastors Harlow and Jackie Gordon hosted the annual event coordinated by New York District Coordinator Frank Fraser.

GCMF President, Eugene Weaver, led the keynote session on Thursday evening with a call to refocus attention on seeking the face of Jesus. The Friday morning sessions featured Jackie Gordon and Ron Kilmer.  Jackie’s message emphasized that Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost, and Ron Kilmer highlighted the truth that in the presence of Jesus we find peace, joy and strength.

Richard Dunk led the Friday evening service and shared the theme that in knowing Jesus, our lives will continue to change.  On Saturday GCMF was introduced to the ministry of Jubilee Fellowship, as Pastor Gordon gave testimony of the favor that God had granted in the region.  He emphasized the importance of giving honor to the name (character, honor, and authority) of Jesus. With outstretched arms of unconditional love, the ministry of Jubilee has purposely reached out to touch the lives of those God places in its path.

 The final session was led by New England District Coordinator, Andrew Chrysler.  He illustrated that the job description of a shepherd has not changed.  Like the shepherds of biblical time, pastors need to defend the flock against wolves, lions, bears, and other dangerous intruders. He challenged GCMF leaders to seek the wisdom of the Great Shepherd for direction and defense in their role as under shepherds.

 Reported by Andrew Chrysler

By Bob Armstrong   Fri, Aug 13, 2010

BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED!

It is impeative that we bloom where we are planted.  When God called me into ministry nearly one-quarter century ago, He said to me, “Have compassion on the suffering where few dare to go!”  I’ve followed that call ever since.  Little did I know that would include going into prison! 

I had been at the “top” of successful ministry---praying with presidents of countries, training 49,000 pastors on leadership, and being a part of peace missions at the very highest levels.  In spite of this success, I suddenly found myself inside a federal prison for a little over one year, through what several officials described as a “miscarriage of justice.”  Talk about blooming where one is planted.  The compassion of Christ changed many perilous situations into times of triumph.  Even though I have traveled in 44 countries in ministry, somehow I was still “shielded” from what many Americans are like without a Godly moral compass. My eyes were opened, but more importantly, my heart was even more opened.  In spite of the circumstances, I had to bloom and be a shining light example to the men there.

Joshua 1:9 says, “…Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

In spite of my upside down world, going from $6,000 a month income to 4.8 cents an hour, from praying with presidents of countries to being a convicted felon, from stepping out of the presidential limousine in front of where Osama bin Laden once lived to a total loss of freedom, from a happily married husband and father to living with several strangers, through His Holy Spirit, I remained an overcomer.  God’s light can still shine in dark places!

Romans 8:28 became my life’s verse: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

But I had to make a choice.  I had to choose forgiveness to those who had wronged me.  Forgiveness is the key to total freedom.  That freedom is accentuated when one is in prison.  I had to forgive the person who caused me to be in prison; otherwise I would have been unable to be totally free myself.

 “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” --Ephesians 4:32

Paul J. Meyer’s book on forgiveness said it all: “Forgiveness has an uncanny way of bringing incredible good out of incredibly bad situations.  It’s amazing – nothing less than a miracle.” My choice to forgive or not to forgive will impact me for the rest of my life and the life of my family.  I had to ask God to help me to forgive.

In your situation, you must make a choice between: (A) Your thoughts, reflections, hurts, pain, fears and circumstances…VERSUS (B) What God’s Word says about YOU!  I will never forget the very first hymn that I sung that first Sunday in the prison chapel: “We are standing on holy ground…”  I admit, that was a hard lesson for God to teach me!

“I had to do something to get your attention to slow down,” God spoke to me while in prison. No matter what you have done, always realize you are special in God’s sight.  Whatever your circumstances are, do not be deterred from His purposes and His call upon your life.  Look at other people’s perspectives.  Understand that much of America does NOT think like you do!

In spite of my dire circumstances, God communed with me.  No matter what you’re facing, God wants to commune with you.  And He wants YOU to “Bloom where you are planted”---whether that means you are on the mission field, in your church, on the golf course, in a nursing home, at the supermarket, or even in prison.

God covets, the Bible says, to have a communication and a relationship with you.  All it takes is an open heart and an open spirit to permit God to personally speak to you.  This can happen in a church, in your bed, on the street, or even in a prison cell.  PAY ATTENTION to that “still, small voice” that sits on your shoulder and questions something you are about to do!

Listen to the Holy Spirit when you are doing the mundane.  If you pay attention and listen to the Spirit speak to you while you are addressing the supposedly insignificant details, when the big tasks come, you will be able to make the prudent, right, correct and Godly decisions.  YOU are a distinctive representative of the King of Kings. 

I used to think that God wanted me to pray fervently to Him about the major decisions that I had to make in life:  my wife, my job, my home, etc.  But no, God wants you to “commune with Him” on the day-to-day matters.  What God sees you do in the small things; He will reward you in the big things.

Pay attention!  Listen!  God covets a personal, intimate relationship with you.  A wise person once said, “Doing the right thing under pressure IS leadership, even without saying a word.”

I was hurt.  My wife and daughter have suffered so because of the circumstances.  But, through it all, they’ve been made stronger.  I’ve been made much stronger in my faith and in the anointing on my ministry.

Whatever you are facing, God can help you.  You don’t have to go to prison to discover that.  You can discover that right this very moment.  Experiencing His Spirit within you on a continual basis will cause you to be an overcomer.

But, most importantly, commune with Him, personally.  Pay attention to Him.  Listen to Him.  Don’t just produce a “laundry list” of bad things in your life that He needs to take care of or cleanup for you.  Put that aside and take the time to actually listen to Him.  He wants to speak to you, even today. Listen to that “still, small voice.”

And wherever you are:  BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED!

Psalm 40:2-3 reads: “He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps.  He has put a new song in my mouth -- Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD.”

 Rev. Bob Armstrong is an ordained GCMF minister who founded Love-Link Ministries, an evangelistic and humanitarian organization, and has worked in over 44 countries.  He has provided training for over 49,000 pastors and leaders in 13 different countries.  A graduate of Oral Roberts University, he has edited numerous Christian periodicals and books.  Visit his website www.lovelinkministires.com.