An Urgent Appeal

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:16

An Urgent Appeal

This is the most appropriate passage of scripture that I could find from which to make this appeal. In the verses leading up to my text, the apostle Paul raises such issues as love, and unity, and humility. He then addresses the structure and purpose of church leadership. Finally, he turns his attention to how ultimately each of us has a vital role in making ‘church’ happen as God envisioned the Church.

The body of Christ at peak effectiveness is to be a collaborative effort with every member contributing to the accomplishment of the mission which is of course, the saving of souls. The Church is not to be like “...the man who once flung himself upon his horse and rode madly off in all directions”. It is rather to be a deliberate, and intelligent joining together of those of ‘like precious faith’ who do not approach church activity with a ‘what’s in it for me attitude’. The attitude of a committed saint is always, what’s in it for God. With this attitude, submission is never a problem, because submission only happens when we recognize a cause that is greater than my own personal agenda.

It should be noted that submission is always a voluntary act. Which is why governing by appeal is always better than governing by mandate. Submission is made of two words, ‘sub’, meaning under, and ‘mission’ which is defined by the Oxford University Press as “the vocation of a religious organization to spread its faith”. If that definition does not capture the essence of why we exist as a Council, then I’m afraid nothing will.

I belong to my church because I believe in her mission. When I speak of church, I’m talking about everything. The local church, the Council,  the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith, and even the body of Christ at large. Because I believe in the mission of that to which I belong, my commitment must go beyond merely showing up and enjoying what I can and complaining about the rest. I have set myself to take the ultimate responsibility for the overall success of my church.  That takes in everything that God has put in me must subject to the mission.

If I can sing, then I ought to be in the choir, recognizing that our song may be just the instrument that God will use to open someone’s sin hardened heart to hear and obey the word of God. Who knows but that just my little insignificant harmonic contribution, may be the straw that breaks the camels back. What ever I have to offer I must offer. Every body can pray. Everybody can give. Everybody can witness. There can be no stopping a church where the whole body is fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies. Every member working, praying, giving, singing, asking what else can I do around here. ...according to the effectual working in the measure of every part... But are you a part?

As the Chairman of this Council it is my job to ask you this question. Are you a part? Are you a member of this Council? I mean are you officially a member of the Illinois State Council? Do we have your application on file? Have you renewed your membership this year. Why is all this important? I’m so glad that you asked that question. The answer is because we are on a mission. We are on a mission of spreading our ‘apostolic’ faith. Because the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, we must be about our Father’s business. We must be about the business of building the God the best church we possibly can build. Locally, on the Council level, and the Council supporting the National body.

Many changes are coming to this Council. I believe that we must control what changes come and not allow changes to be foisted upon us by those who do not love God or this Council. I need the immediate help of all who want to see this Council reach it’s fullest potential to partner with us in every respect.

With the help of God we will be producing a gospel recording this year. What a great boost that will be for our Council. It is my desire also to establish a new church this year as a Council project. I am committed to helping our existing churches in every way that we possibly can. This February session will see the Saturday night service held in a hotel. The is the result of the growing pains that we are currently experiencing. If this vision that I have for this Council are realized, in a very short time none of our churches will be able to hold the Council. These are not changes to be feared, but embraced as recognizing that the hand of God is good upon us, as Nehemiah said.  Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. Nehemiah 2:18

Do you consider the Illinois State Council to be a good work? Do you see the possibilities that are before us? Then I make this urgent appeal to all of our Pastors, and to every member of our respective Churches. We must register with the Council. Become a member today. You have elected me to be your servant to this Council, but you must also empower me to pursue the vision that God has given for this time. If every saint will become an official member of this Council supporting with your twenty dollar annual dues, we will be more than able to do everything that God has set before us to do. And in so doing we fulfill apostle Paul’s

expression by making ...increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Come on Let’s Go Higher In The LORD!