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The State of the Apostolic Nation—“Everyone Wants What We Have” Evaluating the 21st Century’s First Decade
By the staff and
contributors of ninetyandnine.com
Sometimes it’s
wisest to step back and get some perspective. We decided to ask Apostolics from
around North America, from different organizations and a variety of
demographics, to share their thoughts about where we are at the end of the 21st Century’s first decade.
Take your time and
enjoy the ideas and evaluations, then share
your thoughts on these questions.
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Robert Martin is the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ and pastor of the Voice of Pentecost in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The biggest change(s) in the Apostolic movement over the
last decade, include(s): One
of the biggest changes I see in the Apostolic movement is a growing willingness
to use progressive means, including the many various forms of media, to
reach the world. Apostolics seem less inhibited in their efforts to use any and
all means necessary to reach a media-savvy age. For example, the
Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ has taken the lead in television
advertisment, having created commercials designed to reach the hurting.
Also, many churches are live streaming their services, reaching multiplied
thousands of formerly unconnected peoples. I think we will see
more gospel saturation via radio and television, the Internet
and viral media, as well as other rapidly-developing
mediums.
One (or more) highlight(s) of the past decade for the Apostolic Movement include: One encouraging development over the last few years is the creation of the Apostolic Fellowship Summit. The summit is an annual meeting of the leaders of the largest Apostolic organizations in the United States. We meet at Urshan Graduate School of Theology and share ideas in attempts to facilitate united efforts to reach the world. We feel that together we can make a stronger statement and have more influence in our world.
The Apostolic Movement’s biggest challenge in the coming decade is: Our challenge remains the need to reach more people with the gospel. And a part of that challenge is to maintain our unique identity as we more vigorously reach into previously unexplored areas and newly-developing modes. I suppose it is a common saying, yet it is still quite true—the message doesn’t change, but the methods do. The church must be strong enough to embrace change without forsaking our cherished doctrines and standards. As the population of the world grows and changes rapidly, the church must work feverishly to remain attractive and relevant without compromising its core beliefs.
Jaime Morgans is an Apostolic in Moberly, MO who divides her time between youth
pastoring, a marketing, PR and community arts advocate career and now is preparing
to add the title of “mama” to her already full list of identities. She is the
wife of one husband, Johnathan
The biggest change(s) in the Apostolic movement over the last decade, include(s): the acceptance of various forms of technology and the active use of them from the top down.
One (or more) highlight(s) of the past decade for the Apostolic Movement include: Being considered mainstream in the Christian movement. There isn’t the huge divide between Apostolics and the rest of the Evangelical world anymore. Everyone wants what we have.
The Apostolic Movement’s biggest challenge in the coming decade is: Remaining current yet steadfast in the beliefs and doctrines which have made us and kept us who we are.
Stephen Cousino lives and works in northwestern Vermont.
The biggest change(s) in the Apostolic movement over the last decade, include(s): The advent of the World Wide Web, and how churches and individuals are using it; also, the influence of relativistic thinking on the movement as a whole.
One (or more) highlight(s) of the past decade for the Apostolic Movement include: Young people becoming more interested in living out their faith in practical ways that help others (e.g. missions trips, community service, scholastic activities, etc.); also, the establishment of the Urshan Graduate School of Theology.
The Apostolic Movement’s biggest challenge in the coming decade is: Figuring out its identity in the 21st century, without coming a part in the process; also, developing more young ministers who will replace those who are aging, so that there will be a greater ratio of younger to older ministers.
Author Gwyn Oakes is a licensed minister with the UPCI, instructor
for “Women In Ministry” at Gateway College of Evangelism and has been President
of the Ladies Ministries for the UPCI since 1993.
The biggest change(s) in the Apostolic movement over the last decade, include(s): (1) The biggest noticeable change is in the area of the music of the church. Not that it is bad, but that there is a definite change. (2) Church organization is much stronger and more focused on world evangelism.
One (or more) highlight(s) of the past decade for the Apostolic Movement include: (1) Women in ministry have moved more to the forefront as ladies conferences, seminars and freedom in the pulpit has increased. Some of the finest ministers and teachers of the UPCI are women. Women in ministry is moving from the minority to becoming more commonly accepted. (2) The fact that ministry continues to have the anointing of the Spirit of God rather than the current trend toward charisma and showmanship which contributes to the obvious lack of the anointing.
The
Apostolic Movement’s biggest challenge in the coming decade is: To be careful to not become too
fragmented with programs instead of the power of God.
Programs are important but the more important thing is to heed the words of
Hebrews 10:23: “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without
wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”
Eric Morley lives in Virginia where he
works as a military lawyer.
The biggest change(s) in the Apostolic movement over the last decade, include(s): not adapting to new communication technology and the resulting lack of shared vision and identity.
One (or more) highlight(s) of the past decade for the Apostolic Movement include: increased ministry emphasis on singles, young adults, students and professionals.
The Apostolic Movement’s biggest challenge in the coming decade is: Growth in non-traditional geographic and demographic areas (such as cities and higher income suburbs). Also, engaging the talents and ideas of the average church member for ministry.
Todd Gaddy lives in Towson, Maryland with
his wife and two daughters. He serves as pastor of The Life Church, loves
running, and believe it or not, still cheers for the St. Louis Rams.
The biggest change(s) in the Apostolic movement over the last decade, include(s): One of the biggest changes in the Apostolic movement over the last decade is the renewed appreciation of and creativity generated from the local church. It’s not unusual to see single churches (or a small network of churches) venturing into events, training, missions, and other opportunities that used to be more nationally-driven in the past.
One (or more) highlight(s) of the past decade for the Apostolic Movement include: One of the highlights of the past decade for the Apostolic Movement is the advancement in internet-influenced ministry. Everything from weekly blogs, which highlight the power of the written word and engender much-needed discussion and reflection, to webcasting, to fundraising are now normative rather than experimental. Such advancement is vital to effectively communicating with rapidly-advancing communities.
One of the Apostolic Movement’s biggest challenges in the coming decade is: maintaining and enhancing an appreciation for the wide breadth of types of ministry. Interestingly, this is in no way a challenge unique to the 21st century, but was significantly wrestled with from the first century church through the 20th century, and beyond. A respect and appreciation for the myriad forms and approaches to ministry is crucial to maximize the cumulative impact of what God is doing in the world.
A second challenge that’s coming is following a biblical model for conflict resolution. Ironically, what makes the Internet so appealing for effective and efficient communication also presents one of the greatest threats to biblical conflict resolution. Adherence to the principles found in Matthew 18 for example, will continue to require an intentional, and consistent God-centeredness on the part of each of us. I think we’ll find great gain as we purposely pursue God’s agenda, for dealing with conflict.
On retiring from her secular job earlier this year, Marjorie Kinnee desires to adapt to the ensuing changes with grace, aplomb, and an extra measure of Holy Ghost wisdom.
The biggest change(s) in the
Apostolic movement over the last decade, include(s): The deaths of so many of our pioneers
and elders and the “passing of the mantle” movement. Each has had a
profound effect on our direction as a whole. (Note: Rehoboam was in a similar position. David was long
dead, Solomon had passed off the scene. Now, Rehoboam found himself in the big
middle of a “paradigm shift.” To his credit, he sought for advice; he did not
try to make the decision alone. First, he consulted the remaining
elders, then his peers, asking, ”How should we proceed?” If
he had accepted the counsel of the elders, he may well have kept his
inheritance. But God already knew what Rehoboam would decide, His
purposes were not thwarted. Still, Rehoboam’s decision set his course,
rupturing the kingdom into two unequal pieces, and sending
each into a vortex resulting in assimilation and captivity.
Jonathan Walker lives in beautiful Long Island, NY and is married
to the best Youth Pastor’s wife around, Lindsi. ( He also enjoys combo #3
at Taco Bell.)
The biggest change(s) in the Apostolic movement over the last decade, include(s): How we communicate. One might question how this could affect our Apostolic movement. Communication is foundational to a society. It shapes and defines nations and governments. The social networking explosion fundamentally transformed communication for this generation. The change has been extremely positive and negative. The best of times and the worst of times. The positive impact is we can do more and reach more with minimal effort. The negative impact is choosing to transfer our fast, easy, non-transparent communication into our relationship with God. It is difficult to be transparent. God requires it. God deserves more than a quick text. The change in communication has been dynamic for human interaction, but spiritual communication must not change.
One (or more) highlight(s) of the past decade for the Apostolic Movement include: the rise in youth conferences. I felt burdened to start a youth conference at the beginning of the decade while living in Cincinnati. I had no clue it would grow and have the impact it did over the years before I relocated to New York. This happened many places across the country and the world. The highlight was not just the rise in quantity, but the rise in quality. My wife and I went to France this year for their version of Youth Congress. The power and presence of God was so dynamic. This generation came together at youth forums/conferences around the world with expectation for the things of God. You can’t have success with God only thru experiences and not relationship, but these forums challenged and empowered young people on a deeper level.
The Apostolic Movement’s biggest challenge in the coming decade is: understanding our called, God-appointed identity in our postmodern culture. Will we be tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine? Will we mask our churches with a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof? Subscribing to a belief based on absolutes in a relative world will become more quarantined with every passing year. Jesus said, “Broad is the way that leads to destruction and many there be that find it. Narrow is the way that leads to life everlasting and few that be that find it.” The reality Jesus expressed is not popular with emerging Christianity. The words of Jesus went against the grain of his culture, why can’t ours? Our challenge is to be a people called out from among the people. The power of God’s spirit changes lives more than any relative scheme of human enlightenment. We have an undeniable, transformative gospel. Methods change, the message cannot. The challenge of the decade is not to dilute the truth of the gospel.
While there may be a string of fancy titles for him, Hiro
Nishi simply desired to be recognized as a Kingdom builder.
The biggest change(s) in the Apostolic movement over the last decade, include(s): (1) The music portion of praise & worship. (2) Growing number in educated professionals. (3) Acceptance of change in technology and culture
One (or more) highlight(s) of the past decade for the Apostolic Movement include: (1) Every Youth Congress. (2) Revival throughout the world.
The Apostolic Movement’s biggest challenge in the coming decade is: Living Romans 12:2—We must learn to have genuine walk with God and allow God to define who we are while living in our worldly culture through being media-wise, holiness-minded seekers that can interact with the world and help others to encounter with Jesus Christ.
Chantell Smith is a traveler (presently) in
Montgomery, Alabama.
The biggest change(s) in the Apostolic movement over the last decade, include(s): the beginnings of a shift towards focusing on church outside the four walls of the building with respect to community action and involvement.
One (or more) highlight(s) of the past decade for the Apostolic Movement include: the establishment of the Urshan Graduate School of Theology.
The Apostolic Movement’s biggest challenge in the coming decade is: striking a balance between traditionalist and progressive approaches in the movement.
Tim Massengale is an instructor at Indiana
Bible College, church growth consultant, author, editor of the IBC
Perspectives Magazine, and Director of
the Apostolic Information Service.
The biggest change(s) in the Apostolic movement over the last decade, include(s): The influence of the Internet, both for good and for ill. Over the past 10 years the Internet has grown to become an integral part of our daily lives. Pastors, parents and youth leaders deal with problems caused by the Internet on a regular basis: erroneous rumors, false doctrine, pornography, immoral entertainment, illicit chat rooms, and more. On the other hand, the Internet has provided unlimited and amazing opportunities for evangelism, education, and communication. But whether we like it or not, the Internet is here to stay and we must now deal with it with Godly wisdom through the eyes of the Spirit.
One (or more) highlight(s) of the past decade for the
Apostolic Movement include: (1)
A renewed awareness that the end times are upon us, along with a sense of
urgency to do the work of God. (2) A willingness to try new evangelism methods
to reach the lost. (3) A renewed emphasis upon prayer and faith in many of our
churches has resulted in many miracles and a great in-gathering of souls. (4)
Limitation of office in UPCI has brought about many leadership changes,
The Apostolic Movement’s biggest challenge in the coming decade is: Maintaining our doctrinal distinctives, and to stand strong upon these doctrinal positions as essential for salvation. Our doctrine is not just truth, but essential truth. This includes our positions on Oneness, baptism in Jesus Name, the receiving of the Holy Ghost, tongues as the initial evidence, and maintaining a clear standard of separation from the world. This is our greatest challenge: to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3).
Gary D. Erickson is the General Sunday School Director for the UPCI.
The biggest change(s) in the Apostolic movement over the last decade, include(s): Believers have become more autonomous thinkers and performers. Pastors continue to be spiritual leaders, but not with the same influence as in the past. Advances in communication technology has increased exposure to a smorgasbord of opinions. The philosophy of postmodernity has also increased our acceptance of diversity and diminished our appreciation for tradition.
One (or more) highlight(s) of the past decade for the Apostolic Movement include: 1. The loss of the Ethiopian church to “Divine Flesh” doctrine. 2. The death of Nathaniel Urshan. 3. The creation of the Urshan Graduate School of Theology. 4. The organizing of the Worldwide Pentecostal Fellowship.
The Apostolic Movement’s biggest challenge in the coming decade is: To train, equip, and motivate the younger generation to overcome the negative influences of postmodernism—salacious sexuality, negativity, ambiguity about moral truth, disillusionment with the church, pluralism, secularism, relativism, and so forth.
Rachael Hartman is blessed beyond words, and is also very thankful that big-hair-poufs are not still the style.
The biggest change(s) in the Apostolic movement over the
last decade, include(s):
One (or more) highlight(s) of the past decade for the
Apostolic Movement include: I’d say our advancement into education is
the biggest highlight. We have more authors, singers, speakers, ministers, and
artists who are true professionals. Jeffrey E. Brickle is an assistant
professor of biblical studies at Urshan Graduate
School of Theology and a Ph.D. candidate at Concordia
Seminary, St. Louis.
The biggest change(s) in the Apostolic movement over the last decade, include(s): (1) A growing awareness of the pluralistic nature of our world and that we no longer live in the 1950s. (2) In some sectors of our movement, a regrettable letting down of true biblical standards of holiness and modesty. (3) In other sectors, an equally regrettable response to external cultural challenges through isolation, triumphalism, and attempting to revert to an unrecoverable, bygone era.
One (or more) highlight(s) of the past decade for the Apostolic Movement include: (1) The passing of Nathaniel A. Urshan, a long-serving, iconic figure in our movement. (2) The appointment and leadership of the very capable Kenneth F. Haney, now followed by the upcoming term of the equally-capable David K. Bernard. (3) The founding of Urshan Graduate School of Theology. (4) The divine-flesh controversy. (5) The controversy surrounding the breakaway and formation of the Worldwide Pentecostal Fellowship. (6) The formation of the Apostolic Fellowship Summit, providing a forum for discussion and unity among the leadership of the largest Oneness Pentecostal organizations.
The Apostolic Movement’s biggest challenge in the coming decade is: (1) True biblical literacy among our constituents, including the internalization and accurate interpretation of the whole canon of Scripture. (2) Maintaining a close, faithful, obedient relationship with Jesus. In other words, walking in the Spirit. (3) Being real and not afraid to ask hard questions of ourselves. (4) Upholding our Apostolic identity while resisting inroads being made by ungodly elements of the world. (5) Effective evangelism within a world that is becoming increasingly global, diverse, pluralistic, and complex. (6) Discipleship, integrating church and home, and training and equipping of the ministry.
Verlon Blackwell and his wife Kayla live in Springfield, Missouri and attend Truth Community Church pastored by Tyler Padgitt and are involved with different ministries of the church.
The biggest change(s) in the Apostolic movement over the last decade, include(s): (1) The changing of leadership within in the UPCI. (2) Most people would not think of this, but being a graduate I would have to say the closing of Jackson College of Ministries. JCM had been a part of the Apostolic movement for years. Many of its alumni have made a tremendous impact on the Pentecostal movement as a whole.
One (or more) highlight(s) of the past decade for the Apostolic Movement include: (1) The passing of a resolution to allow UPC pastors to use television for advertisement purposes. (2) The electing of Rev. David Bernard as the new General Superintendent of the UPCI. This, of course, will be realized more so in the years to come.
The Apostolic Movement’s biggest challenge in the coming
decade is: Not only seeing, but also being willing to make the necessary
changes for both spiritual and numerical growth. In North America, while the
Pentecostal movement itself is growing, the traditional Apostolic movement has
had little-to-no growth.
Robin Johnston is committed to the value of memory in the forward progress of the church.
The biggest change(s) in the Apostolic movement over the
last decade, include(s): The
Y2K buzz inaugurated this past decade with a heightened awareness of the return
of the Lord. Pentecostals have always understood
themselves to be endtime people. Interest in this doctrine faded as the decade
passed. Only in a decade or two will we be able to understand the impact of
this fading of a core doctrine on Pentecostals. In the midst of Christmas shopping, decorating, cooking
and stressing, Jill Fiergie frequently needs to remind herself
”it is the most
wonderful time of the year.”
The biggest change(s) in the Apostolic movement over the
last decade, include(s): The
leadership of the UPCI. During my formative years, the only general superintendent I can remember was Bro. Urshan.
We had a change in 2001 with the election of Bro. Haney, and now we will have
another superintendent to begin the next decade. Bro. Urshan, with all due
respect, seemed content to leave things the same for 50 years. Bro. Haney was
much more visionary, and shook things up a bit, but he could be polarizing to
the older generation. A person was just never quite sure how far Bro. Haney
would go in his efforts to reach the lost (which is not necessarily a bad
thing). However, due to the uneasiness within our ranks, we have had a lot
of turmoil. I think Bro. Bernard will be a nice balance of the two former
superintendents. Bro. Bernard is still young enough to use innovative ideas and
be culturally relevant, yet is solid on doctrinal issues and appears
conservative in areas that are important to many elders.
One (or more) highlight(s) of the past decade for the
Apostolic Movement include: 90&9 covering Youth Congress! I
loved it! Atlanta West cleaning up in the choir department.
The Apostolic Movement’s biggest challenge in the coming decade is: Being culturally relevant, yet true to our apostolic identity and holiness. The Scripture is clear that we are to be a separated people, yet how does that translate to this generation? When the UPCI began, in the mid-40s, it seemed to be an era of “Father Knows Best,” and people generally had no trouble with authority. So, if a pastor or leader said, “Don’t do this, or don’t do that…” it was enough. People were okay with “obeying.” Then we hit the “rebellious” 60s-70s where “Father Knows Nothing.” Everything was either black or white. I either will choose to live a separate life and serve God as the generation before me did, or I will choose to live like the devil and have no part of God. Then we move to the generation now: “Father Knows Something, But May Need to be Enlightened on Other Things.”
This generation may not be in total rebellion (many do wish to serve God, just in their own “emerging” way), but they want to know why they do what they do (separated lifestyle). I think this wanting to be sure of your beliefs can be a good thing. It is not enough to just say “because your pastor said so.” We need to explain to this generation why your pastor says so . . . and then you obey. It is important to know Scriptures and know why you believe what you do. Unfortunately, perhaps some things that were taught as “doctrine” in the early days (i.e. no red shoes, no open-toed shoes, white shirts only) may have not had much Scriptural foundation. We finally reached a generation that said, “I am not just doing this because someone said to do it, please explain why.” So, the challenge is explaining what we can, allowing some personal liberty, yet not taking things to extreme.
A challenge is respecting others personal convictions, but realize there are some things that are true for all Christians. An example is an elderly cousin of mine who fought in WWII. He would play cards and gambled heavily. After the war, and after salvation, he would never play with any type of playing card or dice. He did not insist that his children follow this conviction, but, for him, the cards and dice brought back too many memories. Too many may have a personal conviction similar to this, which God gave, yet they wish to force it on many others. However, I am not one of those ready to throw all personal holiness (both inward and outward) to the wind either because “God didn’t give me that conviction.” It will be quite challenging to find the balance in this questioning generation.
Another challenge is the “tolerance” message we are constantly fed. When is tolerance merely showing compassion and Christ’s love, and when is “tolerance” ignoring and/or condoning sin?
Kent d Curry is executive editor of ninetyandnine.com.
The biggest change(s) in the Apostolic movement over the
last decade, include(s):
After virtually ignoring them for our first 100+ years, there is a glimmering interest in unleashing the arts to share the Gospel. There are undernoticed efforts throughout our movement (writing, video, graphic design, live theatre), going on right now. I’m optimistic this will blossum in the next decade. After all, we have the better story.
One (or more)
highlight(s) of the past decade for the Apostolic Movement include:
You can’t attend a North American Youth Congress without realizing it defines highlight.
The Apostolic
Movement’s biggest challenge in the coming decade is:
I’m unconvinced we’ve solidified the most important aspects of our Apostolic identity for the 21st Century. That might be the result of the yawning generation gap. What most senior leaders seem oblivious to is experienced as an impassable abyss by a majority of the under 40 crowd. Everything from church music to the use of technology to reaching souls to standards to belonging to an organization is understood differently. Can it be overcome? Of course. But first it must be recognized for what it is.
What do YOU think the answers are? Leave your
comments here!
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