We were saddened to learn of the death of Carol Schantz’s mother, Margaret Allen. Carol is married to Steve Schantz who pastors GCI churches in Melbourne and Orlando, Florida. We received this announcement from Steve.
Carol Schantz with her mother
My wife Carol’s mother, Margaret Allen, passed on Saturday evening, May 9 after a four-month-long battle with liver cancer. She was 81 years old and surrounded by her children and grandchildren at the time of her death.
Carol is spending time at her mother’s home helping her brothers and family sort through and process the loss—it will take time for all of us. A host of friends and neighbors attended her funeral last week near her home in Springville, Alabama. As I glanced around the funeral parlor I recognized several former WCG pastors and members—ones who were friends of Margaret in the Birmingham, Alabama church: Bruce and Phyllis Gore, Rick and Angela Beam, and Dave Dobson. Her current pastor, Tom Kirkpatrick, delivered the funeral message, and it was my privilege to open with prayer and introduce special music performed by four of Margaret’s grandchildren.
My wife Carol and I want to express our deep appreciation for your prayers for us and for Margaret’s family over these past few months.
Cards may be sent to:
Steve and Carol Schantz 1799 Mallard Lake Rd Viera, FL 32940-6768
There are many themes that are appropriate to preach on the Day of Pentecost: God reverses the tower of Babel; God takes residence in his people; God gives spiritual unity; God gives new identity; God writes his law in our hearts; God reconciles people to himself and more. A theme that has been going through my mind in preparation for Pentecost this year is based on what Jesus said concerning what the Holy Spirit would do following his resurrection and ascension: “He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:14, NRSV). There is a lot in this sentence. We know that the Spirit works to convict us of the truth that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. We also know that he reveals that Jesus is our elder brother who unconditionally loves us and has reconciled us to the Father. But another way the Spirit fulfills what Jesus said, is by inspiring what we do in proclaiming the gospel message through our relationships and interactions with others.
We see a wonderful example of this when we read about the birth of the New Testament church on the day of Pentecost ten days after Jesus’ ascension. You’ll recall Jesus’ instruction to his disciples to wait for what would happen that day: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about’” (Acts 1:4). Because they followed Jesus’ instructions, the disciples witnessed the coming of the Holy Spirit in great power. Acts 2:1-13 describes the gift they received that day, just as Jesus promised. First came a sound like a violent wind, then tongues of fire, and then the Spirit demonstrated miraculous power by giving the disciples a unique way to share the story of Jesus and its purpose for humanity (the gospel). Most, if not all, of the disciples spoke in this miraculous way, and the people hearing were amazed and perplexed to be hearing the story of Jesus in their own language and from people who they considered to be uneducated and uncultured (Galileans). A few in the audience mocked the unfolding event, accusing the disciples of being drunk (mockers still exist today, don’t they?). But the disciples where not drunk in the flesh (and it does violence to the text to suggest that they were “drunk in the Spirit”).
St. Peter Preaching at Pentecost by Benjamin West Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
Peter’s sermon/testimony to the gathered crowd is recorded in Acts 2:14-41. Peter explained the validity of this miraculous event in which the language barrier was supernaturally transcended as a sign that all people would now be gathered together in Christ. In order to show God’s love for all and his desire that all be included in his international people, the Holy Spirit initiated this declaration of the gospel in the native languages of the audience. The Holy Spirit continues in our day to enable the proclamation of the gospel message in ways that are relevant and accessible to all people. He enables ordinary believers to bear witness to that message in ways that pierce the hearts of those God is calling. In doing so, the Holy Spirit points people to Jesus, the Lord of the universe who sheds light on everything and everyone in the cosmos.
The creed issued at the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325 has only this brief statement on the Holy Spirit: “We believe in the Holy Spirit.” Though the creed says much more about God the Father and God the Son, we should not conclude that the creed’s authors were giving the Holy Spirit the short end of the stick (thinking that the Spirit should be given short shrift, some, unfortunately, have wandered into tritheism). There is a reason for the relative anonymity of the Spirit in the Nicene creed. As theologian Kim Fabricius rightly notes in one of his books, the Holy Spirit is “the self-effacing and anonymous member of the Trinity.” As the Holy Spirit of the Father and the Son, he does not seek his own glory, but works to glorify the Son, who, in turn, glorifies the Father. One of the primary ways the Spirit does this work, is by enabling, inspiring and guiding us to participate with Jesus in his ongoing ministry to fulfill the Father’s mission to the world. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus does the heavy lifting in this ministry; yet he invites us to participate in substantial ways, including befriending, encouraging, helping and interacting with people—just like he did (and continues to do). When it comes to ministry, we might say that Jesus is the heart surgeon and we are his attending nurses. As we participate with him in his ongoing ministry, we experience the joy of what he is doing and we fulfill his commission to his church.
Nothing in the Hebrew scriptures or in the religious tradition of first-century Judaism would have prepared the disciples for the absolutely unique and dramatic arrival of the Holy Spirit on that day of Pentecost. Nothing in the symbolism of leaven (used by Jews during the Days of Unleavened Bread), would have led the disciples to expect the Holy Spirit to cause them to speak in other tongues so that they would be able to communicate the gospel message across cultural and linguistic barriers. Indeed, on that day of Pentecost, God was doing something new. Understanding this, Peter declared to the gathered audience that the “last days” had arrived (Acts 2:16-17)—a truth even more significant and amazing than the miracle of speaking in tongues.
In Jewish thinking the idea of the “last days” was associated with numerous Old Testament prophecies about the coming of the Messiah and the kingdom of God. Peter was saying, in effect, that a new age had dawned. We rightly call it the age of grace and truth, the church age, or the age of the new covenant in the Spirit. As revealed on that Pentecost, since the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, God is working in the world in a new way.
Pentecost is a powerful reminder of this truth for us today. We do not observe Pentecost as an old covenant festival, nor as a required festival. Celebrating what God did on that day of Pentecost is part of church tradition—not only the tradition of our denomination, but of many others. Pentecost celebrates the saving acts of God in the last days involving a deeper working of the Holy Spirit, who renews, transforms and empowers us to be his witnesses—those who spread the good news in word and deed, in small and even sometimes extraordinary ways, and always to the glory of our God and Savior—Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
I’m reminded here of a grand quote by John Chrysostom. Chrysostom is the anglicized form of a Greek word that means “golden-mouthed.” This nickname came from his fantastic preaching. He said:
So the whole of our lifetime is a festival. For when Paul said, “Let us keep the feast” [1 Corinthians 5:7-8], he wasn’t referring to the Passover or Pentecost. He was pointing out that all time is a festival for Christians…. For what good thing has not already come to pass? The Son of God was made human for you. He freed you from death and called you to a kingdom. Now that you have gained such good things—and are still gaining them—how can you do anything less than “keep the feast” all your life? So let no one be downcast about poverty or illness or the cunning of enemies. It is a festival, all of it—our whole lifetime! (Homilies on 1 Corinthians 15.6).
Loving to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Joseph Tkach
Thanks for your prayers for Arlen Bryant who pastors GCI’s church in Cookeville, Tennessee. As announced in an earlier prayer request, Arlen has a brain tumor. It was removed in surgery a few days ago. It appears that the tumor is cancerous. Not all of it could be removed and so he will likely be having follow-up radiation and chemotherapy. Please continue to pray for Arlen and his wife Jean and for the Cookeville congregation.
Cards may be sent to:
Arlen and Jean Bryant 2054 Benton Young Rd Cookville, TN 38501
Here are excerpts from the May 2015 Update from the National Association of Evangelicals.
Supreme Court Hears Historic Marriage Case
Last week, U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Obergefell v. Hodges, a case that will determine whether states have the right to define marriage and to decide whether to recognize same-sex marriages performed in another state. The NAE filed an amici brief in the case, called for prayer and joined a recent letter defending marriage and the right of religious freedom.
Christian Persecution in Kenya and Libya
The NAE grieves the recent loss of lives in Kenya, where gunmen targeted Christians killing nearly 150 students at Garissa University, and in Libya, where the Islamic State killed several Ethiopian Christians. NAE President Leith Anderson said, “Christians have become the most persecuted people of faith in today’s world. From almost every nation in the world we hear reports of those who are threatened and injured because they are followers of Jesus.” (read the NAE press releases on Kenya and Libya)
NAE Leaders Support Action on Clean Air, Water
On the 45th anniversary of Earth Day (April 22), the NAE released results from its survey that focused on the government’s role in cleaning up the environment. (read more)
Protecting the Unborn From Toxic Chemicals
Galen Carey, NAE vice president, and Mitch Hescox, president of the Evangelical Environmental Network, sent a letter to ranking members of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works regarding the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. They ask the senators to include protections for unborn children in the legislation. (read the letter)
Webinar for Pastors on Immigration
On May 19 at 2 p.m. EDT, the Evangelical Immigration Table will host a free webinar for pastors and Christian leaders with Ed Stetzer, executive director of LifeWay Research and NAE board member. The webinar will focus on new survey findings about evangelicals and immigration, as well as resources for pastors and church leaders. (register now)
Prayer is requested for Charles Taylor, lead pastor of GCI’s congregation in Miramar, Florida (Miami area). On May 11, while cooking dinner, Charles suffered severe burns to his forearm and hand from a stove fire. It appears that he has some nerve damage. Charles’ wife Keysha gave this report:
Charles was transported to Ryder Trauma center at Jackson Hospital in Miami. The pain meds they are giving him are really strong, so he’s nauseous, but otherwise comfortable. He was originally scheduled for surgery on May 12, but they are holding that off for at least a day. Praise God—the area to be grafted is getting smaller because his skin is healing itself!
Cards may be sent to Charles and Keysha at:
Charles and Keysha Taylor 9650 Dunhill Drive Miramar FL 33025
Please join us in offering condolences to David Howe, lead pastor of GCI congregations in Fort Wayne and Elkhart, Indiana. David’s father, Howard Howe, died recently.
Howard Howe
Howard, who was a GCI member, was born in Holly, Michigan, in 1946. He graduated from Grand Blanc High School and in 1965 married Susan Lynn Rainbolt. He retired in 1994 from GM’s V-8 Engine Plant.
Surviving are his wife, Susan; two sons, David Howe (Ann), and Paul Howe (Bekkah); eight grandchildren; two sisters; three brothers and several nieces and nephews. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister.
Cards to David and his family may be sent to:
David Howe 24465 Country Road 18 Elkhart, IN 46516-5942
Last week I reported on two GCI conferences I attended recently in South Africa. The first was for our International Mission Developers who met in Johannesburg with some of our national leaders and representatives from our home office. The second (called the Pan-African Conference) was for our pastoral leaders from throughout Africa who met in Bela-Bela (north of Pretoria) with those who attended the first conference.
We met for the Pan-African Conference at the Linga Longa Retreat Center, which is operated by our South Africa churches (that’s me at right, pointing the way in). The conference started Thursday evening and continued through Sunday, with about 110 attending conference sessions and over 170 at the Sunday worship service.
Among other topics, the conference addressed how the Holy Spirit affects traditional African religion, church planting, updates from various African regions, ministerial training and education, children and youth ministry, and a Q&A on how to teach GCI beliefs. It was a grand event!
One of the conference sessions at left. Sunday worship service at right (which was held in a tent).
Spending time with our wonderful pastoral leaders from Africa (pictured above and at the end of this letter) was a reminder to me of the value of viewing church leaders as faithful shepherdsof God’s flock. This imagery is common in Scripture.
The Good Shepherd (stained glass window at St. Johns Ashfield), Wikimedia commons, with permission
In the ancient middle-east, raising sheep and goats was an important part of the economy (it still is today). Sheep, goats and chickens were some of the first animals to be domesticated. Fairly low maintenance (“easy keepers,” we’d say), they yielded a high return for nomads and people with a more settled agricultural lifestyle. As noted in the Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, the term shepherd was used historically (including in the Bible) to refer to leaders:
Because of the fundamental role of shepherding in the ancient world, the word “shepherd” became a common term for a ruler. The kings of Assyria, Babylon, and Egypt were often referred to as shepherds who protected their people. This imagery formed the background for the Old Testament, where the same usage is found. God is pictured as the shepherd of Israel, concerned for every aspect of his people’s welfare. Rulers and leaders of the people are often referred to as shepherds (cf., e.g., Numbers 27:17; 1 Kings 22:17; Jeremiah 10:21; 12:10; 22:22; 23:1-2).
Though in our day it’s popular to think of sheep as dull or silly, studies show that they are actually quite intelligent. The Bible talks about sheep as hearing the master’s voice—able to distinguish their shepherd from all others. The Bible uses sheep and shepherds as metaphors to portray two truths: the helplessness of humanity to save itself, and the goodness of God, who lovingly cares for his sheep—especially those that are lost. The New Testament refers to Jesus as “the good shepherd” (John 10:11), “the great Shepherd” (Hebrews 13:20) and “the Chief Shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4). To serve his flock, Jesus calls some people to serve as under-shepherds (called pastors)—joining with him in leading, protecting, feeding and caring for his sheep, including seeking after those that have gone astray.
I realize that serving with Jesus as an under-shepherd is not always easy. When I travel and meet our pastors around the world, I’m reminded of the struggles they face daily. In some cases we can offer them material assistance, and in all cases I try to give them encouragement by reminding them that they are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. They are not alone.
Like us, Jesus had many struggles, including conflict among his first disciples. Yet he shepherded them sacrificially: “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:14-5). He also said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28). He then spoke of them as the Father’s gift to him (John 10:29). Such statements reveal the heart and the commitment of our Chief Shepherd—the heart and commitment shared by his faithful under-shepherds.
The Christian life is not only knowing about our union with Christ. It’s also about living into that union, in communion with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As pastors, we’re called to lead people in the way of communion—joining with Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, in caring for his flock. I’m thankful for the shepherd-leaders that our triune God has provided within GCI, including those I met with recently at our Pan-African conference. I ask that you join with me in not only in praising God for these pastoral leaders, but also in praying for them.
Thanking the Chief Shepherd, Joseph Tkach
PS: On our way home from South Africa, Tammy and I joined GCI’s Northampton, England, congregation in celebrating its 40th church anniversary. Over 160 attended a service with great singing and special music from two choirs. Roger Clark, John O’Donovan and Maggie Mitchell did an extraordinary job planning and coordinating the event.
Here are pictures of some of the shepherd-leaders who attended the Pan-African conference:
Left to right, top row: Emmanuel Okai and his son Nana Yew (Ghana); Joseph Tkach preaching at the Sunday worship service. Left to right, bottom row: Tim Maguire (South Africa) addressing the conference; Rigobert Rafiringason (Madagascar) addressing the conference with his son Lova translating.Left to right, top row: Conference praise team – Lova Rafiringason (South Africa), Myma Mantey (Ghana), Megan Maguire and Caleb Makhela Jr. (South Africa); Mutinta Nyumbu (Zambia), James Henderson (UK), Joseph Tkach, and Mutinta’s husband Inyambo. Left to right, bottom row: Manuel Vasco and Mariano Maganizo (Mozambique), Charles Albrecht (home office), Kalengule Kaoma (Zambia), and Oliviera Kitambala and Henrique Mananga (Angola); Kalengule, Susan Williams (home office) and Kalengule’s wife Nsama.
In a recent post on the Exchange Blog entitled, “4 Necessary Mindsets for Developing Transformational Leadership,” Ed Stetzer of LifeWay stated this:
I am convinced that gifted and well-equipped leadership is absolutely essential for every church. Biblical leadership is taught clearly in the Scriptures but perhaps often lost in the application of the local church.
Baptism of Christ by Davezelenka. Used with permission, Wikimedia Commons.
In GCI we baptize both believers and infants. When the person being baptized is a minor, certain approvals are necessary as noted in section 3.7 of the GCI-USA Church Administration Manual:
Minors (those under age 18) may be baptized and/or become members (including youth members) only with the approval of a parent or legal guardian. When a youth under age 12 is baptized, a parent or legal guardian must be present at the ceremony.
GCI in Spain extends to GCI members and friends a warm invitation to come to Majorca this fall for a worship festival celebrating God’s love and grace in Christ. The festival will be held at the Barcelo Ponent Playa Hotel (pictured below). For additional information, including the offer of an early-bird registration discount, click here.
