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AS MINISTERS AND PASTORS, our material resources—along with every other aspect of our lives—are owned by God and under His control; we are simply His stewards. Thus, our participation in the ministry includes the necessity of careful handling of our personal finances. While the pastors among us have the responsibility of conscientiously overseeing the fiscal affairs of the church,<sup>1<sup> all of us have a responsibility to set a right example in terms of proper stewardship of our personal resources. In 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, Paul said, “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” We have been given a charge and it is up to us to receive with thanksgiving what we have been blessed with and manage it to the glory of God.
As ministers, we should live conservatively and not extravagantly. Our financial affairs should exemplify Biblical attitudes toward our material resources, revealing that our loyalty is undivided and we put God first (see Matthew 6:24, 33), that we are content with what God has provided (see Hebrews 13:5), and that we are not focused on material gain but on eternal treasures (see Matthew 6:19-20 and 2 Corinthians 4:18).
The Bible offers many directives regarding proper handling of our finances. We want to be well-acquainted with Scriptural guidelines regarding money so we can properly guide our congregations. In addition, we should also be aware of the policies noted under the headings below that are specific to those of us who labor in the ministry of the Apostolic Faith organization.
Earning money
Those who are occupied full-time in the ministry may be supported by the church. In Numbers 18:21 we read, “And, behold, I have given the children of Levi [those who performed the religious functions of Israel’s worship ceremonies] all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.” In the New Testament, Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14).
In the Apostolic Faith organization, pastoral compensation is based on the financial status of the church, the average amount of tithing by the congregation, and the actual needs of the pastor and his family.<sup>2<sup> If we are called to serve at a location where the congregational tithing is not enough to support us and our dependents, we must be willing to work at a non-ministry job, as the Apostle Paul did on many occasions.<sup>3<sup> We should in no way feel demeaned by the need to work at a job outside the ministry. We are assured that God will make a way to provide for our needs, for we have the promise, “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Managing money
Financial integrity is a requirement for those of us in the ministry; any carelessness or irregularity in this matter should be scrupulously avoided. All the preaching we do can be negated by a hint of financial impropriety.
Careful planning is a key part of effective money management. The writer of Proverbs wrote, “Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: and by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches” (Proverbs 24:3-4). It is important to think long term. For example, we must look ahead and plan for our eventual retirement, just as secularly employed individuals do—we should not anticipate that the church will be able to provide for our retirement. We may wish to begin contributing to a retirement plan,<sup>4<sup> or building equity in a home where we could eventually live if the Lord tarries.
Disciplined budgeting is another aspect of managing our money well. Jesus asked the question, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” (Luke 14:28). In addition to planned expenditures—the building of a tower—budgeting helps us prepare for emergency or unplanned expenses. It is advisable for all of us to learn to cope with economic restrictions, for monetary challenges may arise at some point in our lives, even if we are not currently dealing with them. It is wise to always make purchasing decisions carefully and conservatively.
Good record keeping is also key to proper management of our finances. We need to know where our money came from, where it has gone, and where it is going. Proverbs 27:23-24 instructs, “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?” The most flagrant financial violation in evangelical circles occurs when leaders fail to keep church finances and personal finances separate. We do not co-mingle funds or allow the church to pay our personal expenses. This is a matter of integrity.
If evaluation of our personal financial status reveals concerns in any of these areas, we may need to obtain advice from a Christian financial planner in how to adjust our spending or develop a budget.
Saving money
We read in Proverbs 21:20, “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.” This verse implies that if we are wise, we will consider the future and maintain a supply to provide for eventual needs. Obviously, this is not a license for hoarding, nor for being greedy or selfish. Rather, it is a matter of wisdom and sound judgment. The biggest issue is the discipline of saving and investing. It is important to spend less than we earn over a long period of time. In this, as in all matters relating to our handling of God-given resources, we want to set a good Biblical example.
Borrowing money
As ministers of the Gospel, it is important that we live in freedom from financial bondage. Both the Old and New Testaments warn against the dangers of being in debt. The writer of Proverbs observed, “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). Paul advised the Roman Christians to “Owe no man any thing . . .” (Romans 13:8), offering a powerful reminder of God’s view of all forms of unsecured debt that are not being repaid in a timely manner.
It should be noted that the Bible does not explicitly forbid all debt. For example, we would not view money owed on a home mortgage as being wrong. Sometimes a decision to obtain a home loan is actually a wise monetary decision. In the case of real estate purchases, the value of the property is security for the lender. The key is in making sure that our resources are being handled prudently and the repayment terms do not leave us with burdensome financial obligations.
When debt of any kind is incurred, regular repayment is a must. If unavoidable circumstances saddle us with obligations we cannot meet, we should take immediate steps to do our best to turn the situation around. These steps would include:
The question may arise as to whether it is permissible for a Christian to file for bankruptcy. A Biblical principle is that we have a responsibility to pay what we owe. Psalm 37:21 states that “The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous showeth mercy, and giveth.”
Many cultures use bankruptcy as a remedy for reckless financial stewardship. Christians have a duty to keep their word, paying what has been agreed upon. Faithful management of financial resources is an attribute of holy living. God will not hold one blameless who sets aside regard for the law of the Lord and takes secular legal steps to be absolved of financial obligations at the expense of others.
At times circumstances may arise, despite best intentions, where an individual cannot meet financial obligations. This is especially problematic for a minister. An attorney should be consulted to address the financial aspect of these circumstances, because certain types of bankruptcy exist which are designed to facilitate repayment of debts over time rather than avoiding them. The courts protect the indebted one while obligations are repaid. These types of bankruptcy provide an economically distressed individual with an alternative to taking measures that would violate the conscience of one who strives to live honorably and keep repayment promises. The pastor or district leader should be consulted to address the ministerial aspect of these circumstances, so the impact on our ministry can be addressed.
Giving money
The cornerstone of God’s plan for financing His work is tithing—returning ten percent of our increase to God, who is the Owner.<sup>5<sup> Based on Nehemiah 10:38, which references the Levites bringing a “tithe of the tithes,” we encourage pastors and ministers who are supported by the church to pay tithes on any personal salary provided by the church, as well as any other income earned by the pastor or spouse.
We also want to set the example of making offerings to further the work of the Lord. Doing so is not only commanded by God (see 1 Corinthians 16:2), but it is also one way of acknowledging that all of our blessings in life come from the Giver of “every good gift and every perfect gift” (James 1:17). In 1 Chronicles 29:3, we read how King David set an example of giving, saying, “Because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, . . . given to the house of my God . . .” The princes of the tribes and the people followed his example and “offered willingly to the Lord” (1 Chronicles 29:3, 9). We read in Acts 2:44-47 that those of the New Testament church who gave of their substance to God enjoyed gladness, singleness of heart, and favor with all the people. We want to be alert to the places and ways God would have us help out, for He commends giving that is regular, in keeping with our income, and generous.
Paying money
Since our civil governments exist by divine ordination, it is incumbent upon us who are in leadership roles in the church to set an example in paying our taxes and meeting any financial obligations established by our government. Jesus taught His followers, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s” (Matthew 22:21). Paul instructed those in the church at Rome, “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour” (Romans 13:7). While we are free to take every tax deduction that is legal and honest, we must not attempt to avoid our duty in this matter. Refusal to obey civil authorities is allowable only when their demand conflicts directly with obedience to God.
In conclusion, financial matters can have a great impact on our witness for Christ, both to those in our congregations and to the community at large. Since we live in a culture that is increasingly skeptical of Christians, we want to be sure our handling of money matters is above reproach so our testimony is not damaged in any way. Again quoting from Proverbs, “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right” (Proverbs 16:8). Integrity of heart and enjoying the favor of God is of far greater value than anything the world can offer us.
FOR PASTORS in the United States, if a salary is offered, it will be based on the size of the church and its ability to provide. If pastors live in a church-owned parsonage, the value of the parsonage and any church payment of utilities is considered compensation. This compensation is generally not taxable for income tax purposes, but it is included in earnings for Social Security taxes. We advise not opting out of Social Security.
For the above items and many other tax issues, we recommend that pastors use a local accountant to make sure they are in compliance.
1 Read the section of this manual titled Oversight of Church Finances for more on this topic.
2 In the United States, the Internal Revenue Service determines what qualifies as compensation (both taxable and non-taxable). Compensation includes: gross pastoral compensation, parsonage allowance, health insurance allowance/allotment, personal use of church-owned vehicle(s), and unaccountable reimbursement from the church.
3 See Acts 18:3; 20:33-35; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; and 2 Thessalonians 3:8.
4 The IRS allows a variety of plans designed to assist in preparing for retirement. If you are employed full or part-time outside of the church, it is advisable to take advantage of any retirement benefits offered through your employer, especially those which match contributions.
5 Read the section of this manual titled Tithes and Offerings for more on this topic.
WORKERS OF THE CHURCH are a vital part of the Apostolic Faith organization. In many ways, they are the backbone of the efforts we make to spread the Gospel. As pastors, we have the responsibility of identifying areas in our local church where workers are needed, and then appointing individuals from those in our congregation to fill those positions.
The Word of God gives guidelines regarding the qualifications for those who labor in the work of the Lord. First and foremost, all who participate must be born-again Christians, for the basis of all true Christian service is relationship with God. Jesus himself taught, “Ye must be born again” (John 3:7), and Paul told Timothy, “Be thou an example of the believers. . .” (1 Timothy 4:12). Those who serve in the church must first be partakers of the grace of God, and rightly and experientially understand the Gospel before they present it to others.
In 1 Timothy 3:8-13, Paul instructed Timothy regarding the requirements for a deacon—a word derived from the Greek diakoneo, which means “one who serves.” In the early church, these individuals were chosen to assist church leaders with particular situations in the congregation, in order that the leaders might give themselves to prayer and ministering the Word (see Acts 6:4). Paul asserted that these workers should be grave (serious-minded), honest, abstinent from strong drink, not greedy, and possessors of a blameless witness before others. They were to be grounded in the faith, having an established and proven testimony. Their marriages and family life were to be in accord with Biblical standards.
We know that the furtherance of the Gospel requires commitment, dedication, and self-sacrifice. So we look for workers who not only have the necessary skills, but also are faithful, supportive of the ministry and the entire work, and people of faith and prayer. They should be open to the Spirit of God, have willing hearts, and subject themselves to the authority of the church.
As pastors, we need to challenge our congregations with the fact that all believers have a call and a responsibility to offer themselves in service to God. Christianity is a working religion. No one who bears the name of Christ can afford to be inactive in the Lord’s work. Paul wrote to the Ephesians that our salvation is “not of works, lest any man should boast,” but he added that believers are “created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:9-10). While works do not produce salvation, salvation produces good works.
It often may seem there are more positions to be filled than spiritually qualified individuals—especially if we are pastoring a smaller congregation. Jesus expressed this need for laborers when He pictured the world as a great spiritual harvest field. He told His disciples, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38). If the need for workers was great when our Lord walked this earth, we can be sure it is no less today, as we draw near to His return. We must simply follow Christ’s admonition, and pray to the Lord of the harvest to send us workers. God is faithful, and just as He provides for the material needs of the work, He will in His own time provide the right people to fill needed positions as we bring the matter before Him in prayer.
As pastors, we are called to serve not only as leaders, managers, and teachers, but also as facilitators. It is our responsibility to make sure workers in the church are trained and equipped for the task they have been asked to do. This means, for example, scheduling time for musical rehearsals and Sunday school roundtables, arranging for proper instruction and training of ushers and Gospel team members, making sure the janitorial crew has the equipment and supplies they need, and many more administrative tasks of this nature. It is perfectly appropriate to delegate responsibility to other ministers, elders of the church, or department leaders, but it is ultimately our duty to make sure that those who are involved in church work have what they need to function in their appointed roles.
As we do our best to properly assign, motivate, instruct, and supervise the efforts of the workers in our church, we will be dealing with individuals who have a wide range of personalities and abilities. God’s plan is for all of us to work together in harmony as “labourers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Just as each member of the physical body has an individual place, responsibility, opportunity, and duty, so it is in the work of the Lord. As we lead by example, offer appreciation and encouragement, and intentionally and prayerfully do our best to inspire and motivate those who work with us in God’s service, we can be assured that the Lord will bless our efforts.
FROM TIME TO TIME, it is good to bring the ministers and workers together to discuss matters pertaining to the work, apart from the remainder of the congregation. For more on this subject, see the section of this manual titled Workers Meetings.
WE WANT TO DO ALL WE CAN to encourage church workers to devote time to prayer—not only in personal devotions, but also before and after church services. While we must be understanding of the fact that family responsibilities can make this a challenge, parents of young children sometimes take turns caring for the children, allowing one parent to go to the prayer room before the service or have time at the altar afterward.
SPECIAL NUMBERS in Sunday school, youth events, or children’s church services may at times include young people who are not involved in the regular work of the church. It is important for pastors and youth activity leaders to keep a clear distinction between participation in these special events, and participation in the ongoing youth work. While some allowance may be made regarding dress, behavior, or spiritual qualifications for children who only take part in a specific event, the spiritual qualifications and expectations for workers must be fully understood by those who are asked to take a role in regular services or ministries.
PAUL TOLD TIMOTHY, “Do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5), so since the time of the Early Church, evangelism has been part of our pastoral job description. As those who serve in this role, and as individuals committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we have a responsibility to reach out into today’s world with the life-changing message given us.
The Apostolic Faith organization has undertaken many different approaches to outreach in its more than one-hundred year history.1 For example, many of our churches have held Gospel services in jails and other correctional institutions and detention centers. In harbor cities, workers have visited the ships tied up at the docks and invited thousands of men into church services. Gospel teams of musicians, singers, and ministers have taken the Gospel into hospitals, convalescent homes, and retirement centers. Music has been a very successful outreach tool in Apostolic Faith circles: most of our churches have orchestras or smaller instrumental groups, as well as choirs, vocal ensembles and soloists who provide music in each of the services. People love music, and music programs attract visitors. Outreach efforts among young people have also been a primary way of touching the neighborhoods around our Apostolic Faith churches. Sunday schools, Vacation Bible School, and youth camps have been instrumental in bringing many souls into the Kingdom.
Methods of evangelical outreach change from decade to decade and from region to region, but our commitment to reach the lost remains the same. Part of our pastoral role is supervising the outreach efforts of the local congregation where we serve. Our responsibility in this matter encompasses several aspects.
Allocating resources. As pastors, we do our best to properly apportion our financial resources and available workers between sustaining the local church and advancing outreach endeavors. We do not ignore the fact that there are many needs to be met within the Body of Christ. At the same time, we must balance those needs with the desire to fulfill the Great Commission in reaching out beyond ourselves.
Teaching the congregation. We want to be sure that our congregations are aware that reaching out to the unsaved is a mandate for every Christian. By far, the best “tool” in terms of evangelistic outreach is the personal witness of individuals. For that reason, we should preach from time to time on the subject of soul winning, challenging our flock with the biblical mandate to share their faith. We will also want to keep our congregations informed about the various missionary and outreach efforts undertaken by our organization as a whole.
Enlisting workers. As pastors, we have the responsibility of selecting and equipping individuals in our congregation to participate in the outreach efforts of our church.2 We must encourage our flocks to go out into the community and share their faith with everyone in their personal circles of influence. We should make it a point to lead by example and challenge others to do the same.
Assessing efforts. From time to time we will need to assess the existing outreach efforts of our church to determine if they are still effective and a wise investment of resources. We will also need to assess if the program needs modification or expansion to function more successfully.
Holding meetings. As we consider options for outreach in our church, we should keep in mind that our primary outreach endeavor is holding Gospel meetings. In most Apostolic Faith services, those who attend will hear that God offers salvation and deliverance from sin, and empowers individuals to live victorious lives. Our services are not designed to be entertainment, but to deliver the message of this Latter Rain Gospel, and over the years, God has certainly blessed this approach.
Impacting our communities. In addition to regular church services, we should be alert to possibilities for extending the Gospel into our own communities. A veteran missionary in the Apostolic Faith work once said that vision is the ability to see the opportunities within our current circumstances. While we can learn by discussing with other Apostolic Faith pastors what has worked for them, or even by reviewing methods used by churches outside our organization, we should be aware that God has a perfect and individual plan for our church. God has not called us to be like other churches. We must search out what God would have us to do.
Acquiring local insight. Matthew 11:1 tells us that Jesus departed “to preach in their cities.” He went to local neighborhoods, recognizing that there was a harvest to be gathered where He was. Insight about our locality may be gained by analyzing the community in which our church is located. Who lives in the area? In the United States, statistics regarding median income, number of children, racial mix, crime rate, social needs, etc. of a target area can be obtained at www.census.gov, and this information could suggest possible outreaches. Most importantly, we must pray! The availability of workers and the skills of our congregation will also factor into outreach decisions. Our evangelistic opportunities will not be the same as another church’s, but every location has some attribute they can highlight.
Supporting and encouraging. Finally, it is also our responsibility to support and encourage those in our congregations who are engaged in the evangelistic efforts of our church. Our people should be assured that they are a vital part of our outreach. We labor together in a great missionary field that is “white unto harvest,” and we are all missionaries in our corner of the great harvest field.
When the twelve spies went out to explore the land of Canaan, ten of them focused on the high-walled cities and the giants that inhabited the land. Only two voiced the assurance, “We are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30). Let us purpose to be like the two, who saw the challenges but focused instead on the God they served. We do face challenges, but we can take the land! As we follow the admonition in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,” we can be assured with the Apostle Paul that our “labour is not in vain in the Lord.” God will bless our efforts!
WHEN THOSE IN THE CHURCH have seen God bless a particular outreach method in the past, they naturally have a strong bond to it. Change is necessary at time, but we should be aware that it can be threatening. When we implement a change in strategies or direction, our goal must be to help the ministry and workers feel affirmed about the past, objective about the present, and inspired about the future.
WE MUST KEEP IN MIND that results in spreading the Gospel are not always immediately apparent. Often a person’s journey to salvation is a process of the Holy Spirit’s striving with their souls. Paul pointed out, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Our efforts may be part of the planting stage, and time must elapse before harvest. We must not be discouraged or assume our methods are not working just because we are not seeing immediate results.
AS PASTORS, we must be sure that we do not overload willing individuals, to the detriment of their families.
1 More specific information regarding these and other evangelistic outreaches undertaken over the years by the Apostolic Faith organization is available in our history book, titled The Apostolic Faith—History, Doctrine, and Purpose.
2 For more on this topic, see the section of this manual titled Appointing Church Workers.
EVANGELISM through the production and free distribution of quality Gospel literature has been a part of the Apostolic Faith organization since our beginning. The magazines and tracts produced by our organization have been a key component of many of our outreach methods, both in the United States and other parts of the world. Printed religious publications have led countless souls to the Savior, brought entire families into the church, and have been instrumental in establishing congregations around the world.1 For that reason, the literature aspect of our evangelistic efforts merits our careful attention, thought, and prayer as pastors.
We have several responsibilities related to literature distribution.2
Order literature supplies. Supplies of The Apostolic Faith magazine, tracts, Sunday school curriculum materials, and other printed materials can be obtained through the district headquarters. As pastors, we will need to review our church’s literature usage on a regular basis, in order to make sure that adequate supplies are available to our congregations. However, production and postage are increasingly expensive, so we should be careful not to request more than we can use.
Pastors of our churches in the United States are encouraged to establish a standing order with the headquarters distribution department for regularly-printed publications such as The Apostolic Faith magazine and curriculum materials. We should update headquarters regarding changes in literature needs through the Ministers Page on our corporate website, or by mail or phone. In areas outside of the United States, pastors should communicate their church’s literature needs to their district headquarters.
Maintain a tract rack. Free Apostolic Faith magazines, tracts, booklets, and invitational flyers should be made available to visitors. Many of our churches have a tract rack located near the entry that has been especially designed to hold an assortment of our publications. The literature display should be kept neat and well-supplied, with current issues of the regular publications featured.
Announce and promote new publications. As pastors, it is our responsibility to announce and promote new publications as they become available from headquarters. We will want to familiarize ourselves with each publication so we can point out some highlight and effectively stimulate interest in our congregations. You may wish to promote a tract of the week occasionally, but do not make this so much a part of the routine that people fail to respond. Encourage the church ushers or greeters to offer guests and congregation members the tract of the week or other publications that you have mentioned in the service.
Encourage literature use. Part of our pastoral role is to encourage our congregations to use the literature in both their personal contacts and as a means of outreach in the community. Gospel teams who visit hospitals, care facilities, senior centers, prisons, or take part in other outreach ministries should be supplied with appropriate papers and tracts. When literature is used as a means of evangelizing in our local communities, each piece should include the local church’s contact information.
We want to challenge our congregation members to view our tracts and other publications as a key part of their efforts in personal evangelism. When they are prepared with an appropriate piece of Gospel literature, God will give them many opportunities to share! A tract offers many advantages in reaching out to unbelievers: it can get into homes and stay there until it is read, it can be read many times over, it can target the recipients personal questions or background, it serves as a reminder of spiritual needs, and its message is always clear and compelling.
In order to make tract usage most successful, we should teach our people to do the following:
IN ADDITION TO MAKING full use of printed Gospel literature, the church website at www.apostolicfaith.org has resources easily accessible. We can remind our congregations from time to time that our literature can be accessed online.
MAKE CERTAIN that those in your congregation who distribute literature understand that they must not leave literature in people’s mailboxes. In the United States, it is a federal offense to place materials in a mailbox without affixed postage, and doing so could result in the church being fined.
1 More information regarding the literature distribution work of the Apostolic Faith organization is available in our history book, titled The Apostolic Faith—History, Doctrine, and Purpose.
2 Though we may delegate some of these tasks to responsible workers in our church, we are ultimately responsible to make sure they are dealt with in an appropriate manner.
IN ORDER TO MAXIMIZE our church’s outreach efforts, we must make sure that people know of our existence. For this reason, promoting our church and its events is a part of our pastoral responsibilities.
The Bible says believers are to be light (witnesses to the joy of fellowship with God), salt (symbolic of purity, preservation, and flavor), and Christ’s messengers (those charged with spreading the news of salvation).1 We are to go into all the world and “teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). God could have used any marketing tool He wanted to communicate His message, but He chose to commission His followers to carry out that task.
When we publicize our church or church events, we are not promoting ourselves. We are holding out Jesus to a world in need of a Savior! The goal of every promotional effort is to build relationships, with the intent of winning souls to God. People do not connect with a mission statement, a logo, or a church building as much as they connect with other people. Promotional strategies are simply tools to introduce people to individuals who are functioning as light, salt, and Christ’s messengers.
As we consider ways to make our church known in the local area, we may also want to think about something that makes our congregation stand out, and use it as a feature. Rather than being identified simply as “the church on Second and Main Street,” we want to be the church on Second and Main Street that has the “wonderful music” or the “friendly people,” or the “great Sunday school.” The Lord asked Moses, “What is that in thine hand?” (Exodus 4:2), and the same question could be asked of us. While our emphasis on sound doctrine and holy living sets us apart from the other churches in our communities, people will not be aware of that until they connect with us. What special feature does our church have that we can feature in order to stimulate interest in our community?
Personal contact is always the most effective way to introduce people to our church, and this is a promotional effort that every church can do, no matter what limitations we face in terms of financing and personnel when it comes to other methods. As pastors, we need to equip our members to invite others to our services. If we give them the tools they need to be effective, and lead by example in promoting our church and its activities, they will be encouraged to do the same. Those one-to-one interactions are invaluable.
Although word-of-mouth and some other forms of publicity are inexpensive or free, at times we will want to consider options that have a price tag. Making promotional decisions and assessing the results of our outreach methods is part of our pastoral responsibility. Our choices will depend upon a variety of factors, including the size of our community, the event we are publicizing, the cost of the various options, availability of workers and other needed resources, and our careful analysis of past efforts.
Before we begin any type of publicizing, we must identify our audience. Jesus always tailored his message to those with whom He was speaking. When He was around fishermen He talked about fish, and when He was around farmers He talked about farming. As we consider how to promote an event, we should ask ourselves, “Is this event designed primarily for our own church families, for individuals in the community, or for an entirely new field?” Identifying our target audience will help us focus our resources.
As we consider how best to publicize our church outreaches, we must keep in mind the basic principles of effective advertising. A good promotional device will do four things:
Some methods to consider include the following:
Newspapers. Daily papers can a good way to reach large numbers of people, but the cost of advertising in the metropolitan dailies may be high. In large cities, neighborhood publications often go to homes in the immediate vicinity of the church, and these smaller papers often are more willing to print news write-ups regarding church events. Be sure to make the article interesting and provide a photograph if possible.
Some large daily papers provide places (neighborhood sections, arts section, religion section, etc.) for community announcements. We should familiarize ourselves with the options available in our area.
Radio and TV advertising. When we think of radio and television advertising, we generally think of paid spots. If our congregation has the financial resources available, broadcasting the Sunday morning service, or hosting a regular program of music and testimonies can be a successful way of acquainting those in our locality with our church. However, while these are valid options, they will be costly. There are also some free ways to advertise via this media. Many television or radio stations have a “community corner” where they publicize events in the community. Others will provide public service announcements for nonprofit efforts; usually these PSAs are free. Check with your local television, cable, or radio station to find out what is available in your area.
Electronic media. The Internet is a powerful tool that continues to change the way people obtain and use information. For that reason, we need to explore ways it can be utilized in spreading the Gospel and acquainting people with our church.
If we pastor in the United States, we should be sure our local church contact information on the corporate website at www.apostolicfaith.org/our-churches-map-of-locations is kept up-to-date, and that we contribute items to the news section of that site related to our local church events. If someone in our congregation has the skills to create a website for our local church, this could be a means of reaching those in our communities. If our church does not have resources for an independent website, we could consider opting for an account on one of the free social networking sites.
Church signage. We want to make sure that our church is clearly identified by good signage on the church property. If space permits, we should include our service schedule and contact information. Our church’s sign is an expression of our identity to everyone who knows us as well as to all who pass by, so we want to make sure it is attractive and well-maintained.
If the church is located on a main thoroughfare, reader board signs can afford an opportunity to offer short Gospel messages in a concise and captivating manner.
Invitational flyers. Many of our churches have invitational flyers that provide information about location and service schedule, as well as highlighting special features about the church that would be a “draw” to those who receive the flyers. The flyers should be of good quality, with a design that reflects the conservative, godly organization we represent. Encourage visitors and members in your congregation to take them for distribution to their friends, business associates, and individuals with whom they come in contact.
Promotional flyers. Many desk-top publishing and word-processing software packages can produce highly attractive tri-fold (an 8.5 inch by 11-inch sheet folded in thirds) brochures. Brochures can contain a great deal of information if designed well, and are a common and relatively inexpensive method of advertising. Computer-generated posters publicizing an upcoming event can also be a great way to inform those in our areas about what is taking place at our church. We can encourage our whole congregation to take part in distributing the flyers or posting them at local schools, stores, or businesses that have a place for such announcements.2
Direct mail. Advertising with direct mail postcards is another advertising strategy to consider. Direct mail zooms in on a target audience—for example, people who have recently moved into the area around the church. Postcards can be designed and printed through online sources at reasonable rates, and addressed to pre-selected individuals, or unaddressed and delivered on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis. The United States postal system offers lower rates for buyers of bulk mail permits.3
Directories or programs. Advertising in directories or programs varies in value, depending upon the number of people who read or refer to them. Advertising in the local Yellow Pages is typically quite costly; we may want to opt for free local community or neighborhood papers, or online directories.
Business cards. Business cards are not only for retail businesses anymore—they can be a good addition to the evangelism tools we offer our congregation members. The card’s small size offers a convenient and cost-effective way of introducing our church. Magnetic business cards are durable and increase the probability that your contact information will be readily available.
Community events. Many of our churches schedule some form of community outreach event, such as a concert, fall festival, Vacation Bible School, church picnic, or something of that nature.4 This provides a non-threatening venue where people in the neighborhood can come and learn more about our church.
How do we know if our promotional efforts are reaching people? The best way to evaluate effectiveness is to track the results of each method. This information can be gathered in a variety of ways. We may wish to include a “How did you hear about us?” line on a response card included in our welcome materials. When we host a community event, we could put a similar question on the registration form. Our church greeters could be trained to include that question in their conversations with visitors. Compiling the acquired information will help us know which methods were most effective and make relevant adjustments based on what we have learned.
In conclusion, we want to frequently remind our people that the best advertisement for the work of the Lord is the godly life lived by those who make our church their place of worship. Paul the Apostle challenged believers of all times by telling us that we are living epistles “known and read of all men” (2 Corinthians 3:2). A godly life, accompanied by a desire to reach out to others, is a winning combination! When our church becomes known as a place where people’s lives are changed for the better, marriages are restored, and broken homes and lives are mended, people will take notice. Let us purpose to be a beacon of hope for the lost and hurting in our community!
AS PASTORS AND MINISTERS, we must not be discouraged if it appears that our advertising efforts are not instantly successful. We are responsible to assess and evaluate our methods of promoting our church and church events, and we want to be good stewards of our financial resources. However, we cannot assume that we have failed if we do not see a tremendous influx of visitors as a result of our advertising. Paul the Apostle had his share of disappointments, and so will we. It takes time for a seed that has been planted to germinate and sprout, and one invitation or bit of information about our church may need to build upon another. We do our best to make wise decisions, and then leave the results in God’s hands.
Our pattern is found in Acts 2:42, “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” As we faithfully preach the apostles’ doctrine, maintain a holy way of life, and do our best to effectively present this pure, Latter Rain Gospel, we know that truly hungry hearts will find this way appealing.
1 See Matthew 5:13-16 and 1 John 1:5.
2 Federal law in the United States prohibits placing material of any kind in mail boxes, so we should be sure to advise our people about this restriction.
3 In order to qualify for these rates, the mail must be formatted and sorted in specific ways that reduces the handling required by the postal service. Check online at www.usps.com or with your local post office for requirements.
4 For more information on this topic, see the section of this manual titled Supervision of Outreach Efforts.
THOSE OF US WHO SERVE as pastors in the Apostolic Faith have a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. As stewards of God and representatives of this organization, we are charged with overseeing the fiscal affairs of our local church. Our financial system is built on trust. The congregations we serve have confidence that we are dealing with monetary issues in a meticulous and circumspect way, and operating in a manner consistent with the guidelines and expectations of the organization. We have a solemn obligation to do so.
As the primary financial officer of our local congregation, we will have oversight over several functions, including the following:
Whether our church is large, small, or any size in between, we should base financial management of our local church on the instructions summarized in the following areas.
Annual Church Budget
We should put together our annual church budget with long-term goals and a strategic plan in mind, and with appropriate consideration given to projected expenses over the next several years. The budget should be based on the prior three year’s usable income, and be developed with the goal of building up and maintaining a cash reserve equal to at least twelve months of our church’s average income. We will also want to start setting aside funds for known upcoming repairs, purchases, and expenditures on the church, parsonage, or church vehicles. Our actual budget performance should be monitored on a monthly basis.
Tithes and Offerings
The Word of God teaches that the work of the Lord is to be supported financially through tithes and freewill offerings.1 As pastors, we have a responsibility to preach occasionally on these subjects, as they are a command of God to His people and we know that blessings accrue to those who obey Him.
In the Apostolic Faith organizations, we do not make solicitations of the public, nor are collections taken in any of the services.2 God is well able to provide for the furtherance of the Gospel, and does not need our promotional abilities to improve the financial outlook of the church. Our manner of collecting offerings is to provide boxes in each of our churches where tithes and offerings may be placed. Gathering and depositing to the church account what is placed in those boxes is one of our duties as pastor. If we are temporarily away from our local church for any reason, we should assign that task to another minister or trusted church elder.3
The payment of tithes and offerings is strictly between the individual and God. If a person desires to give something toward the work of the Lord, God will bless that one for doing so, but such gifts are not presented or acknowledged at a public meeting. We must never publicly or privately reprimand a person for non-payment of tithes nor for failure to make an offering.
Offerings that are designated for a particular use should be used for that purpose. Missionary offerings should be sent through headquarters for coordination purposes, rather than directly to the recipient.
Most Apostolic Faith branch churches in the United States send headquarters ten percent of the tithes money that they receive.4 These funds help defray the cost of the publication work and other organizational efforts. Branch churches also make offerings from time to time, when doing so is feasible for them financially.
Disbursements
The tithes and offerings, along with any other funds that are received, should be deposited in a church account in a reputable bank. These accounts are to be set up in the name of the Apostolic Faith Church. Disbursements such as rent or loan payments on church property, church utility bills, furnishings or equipment for the church, and repairs to the facilities will be made from this account. If the church is financially able to support a pastor, disbursements may also include pastoral compensation, rental or purchase payments on the parsonage, church vehicle, and/or utility bills for the parsonage.5
We should make sure that all bills are paid in a timely manner, as not doing so would be a poor reflection on the church. Each congregation is expected to be self-supporting.
With accountability in mind, it is organizational policy for every check drawn on church accounts to require two signatures. In most cases, this will be our signature, as the pastor, and that of one other minister or trusted church elder. It is best if the second signer is not a relative, though in a small congregation, this may be unavoidable. The second signer should see the filled-out check before signing it; we should not ask anyone to sign blank checks. The Superintendent General or District Superintendent may also be authorized on the bank files as a third signer in case of emergency or the decease of one of the signers.
Bookkeeping and Record Keeping
As branch church pastors, we are accountable to our headquarters. Our congregations rely on the fact that headquarters is aware of the finances at each location. That is to our advantage as pastors, for if questions pertaining to fiscal management ever arise, our organization headquarters will be able to verify that matters have been handled according to established procedure. This system unifies us in that we are not only one in doctrine, but we are also one in mode of operation.6
We should train ourselves to make records with the thought in mind that a third party will examine them at some point. This means being clear and consistent in our notation method, and making sure that all entries are complete and accurate. We want to remember that if the Lord tarries, we will not be the only pastor of our current congregation. It should be our goal to leave the pastor who follows us with a sound, well-documented foundation.
Computer reporting is not mandatory, but if we choose to use that method, we will want to check with headquarters to see what software is recommended.
Financial Reports
Pastors in the United States are asked to submit financial reports to headquarters on a monthly basis.7 The report should provide details of income (such as tithes, mission offerings, and other receipts) and expenses (disbursements for purchases, church building expenses such as utilities, pastor and parsonage expenses, and so forth). Assigned accounts should cover all recurring expenses and most non-recurring expenses. Miscellaneous/other expenses must be kept to a minimum, as this is the first place where accountants or auditors look for impropriety; anything recorded in that category must be properly explained and documented.
Reports should be submitted in a timely manner, within thirty days of the end of each month. The reports should provide enough detail to be useful in making decisions, but not so detailed as to be cumbersome. Basically, each monthly report should offer a “snapshot view” of our church’s current financial situation. This report assists the headquarters operation in understanding the needs of each local body. It is also required for insurance purposes and for the sake of accountability.
Provision for Special Needs
Where a construction or church project necessitates that a specific amount must be guaranteed ahead of time, occasionally pledges have been taken from those who voluntarily desire to give them. This is a means of knowing how much will be available to spend on the specific project, rather than an attempt to solicit funding. Some congregations have pledged amounts to be used for missionary activities, support of a full-time Gospel worker, or other specific needs that are ongoing in nature.
In conclusion, there are many benefits to maintaining a uniform method of handling finances. A standard approach makes the training of new pastors easier. It also facilitates communication between pastors about financial issues, and makes pastoral transition to a new location go smoothly.
The history of the Apostolic Faith work clearly demonstrates the fact that God’s blessing has been upon the methods employed. The volume of work that is accomplished annually without mention of money or financial needs substantiates that God provides for His work and His people.
AT TIMES THERE WILL BE more requests for funds in the local church than there are resources available. Leaders in various departments may suggest projects or expenditures they feel should be funded by the church, and in a desire to support the workers and give them what they need in their respective areas, we may be tempted to promise more than should be delivered. Be careful not to make hasty decisions regarding proposed expenses. Spend time observing, asking questions, and evaluating priorities before making any major commitment of funds. We want to avoid making financial decisions that would hold our successors hostage.
1 For more information on the principle of tithing, see the section of this manual titled Tithes and Offerings.
2 From the beginning of the Apostolic Faith work, Florence Crawford, our founder, took a firm stand on the issue of taking collections. She asserted (and this remains our position today), that we must depend upon God to provide for needs and direct in the financial matters of His work. In the first meetings, held in Portland in an old blacksmith shop, the person who had invited Sister Crawford wanted to have an open collection in order to obtain money for maintenance of the work. Sister Crawford firmly refused to have any part in the services unless the practice of taking collections was discontinued. The gentleman yielded to her conviction, and God vindicated her determination by supplying more through freewill offerings than ever had been received in collections prior to that time.
3 In some cases, it is advisable to appoint a member of the congregation to take charge of the financial and property interests of the work. Naturally this person must be one who possesses the necessary bookkeeping skills, is of proven integrity, and one who has already demonstrated faithfulness to God over a period of time.
4 Pastors in other countries should connect with their district superintendent to learn how they can help in their own regions.
5 See the section of this manual titled Personal Financial Stewardship for more detailed information about compensation for pastors in the United States.
6 This also serves as a safety net in the eventuality that either a pastor or a local church member exerts an inordinately strong will related to financial decisions, independent of others involved in the financial matters at hand.
7 A sample of the current financial report form can be found on the Ministers Page of our website.
OVERSIGHT OF THE ACQUISITION and care of church property is another responsibility that rests upon us as pastors. It is vital that we carefully and prayerfully consider every decision of this nature. As we look to the Lord, keeping in mind our primary purpose and core values, and operating in accordance with the principles established by the Apostolic Faith organization, we can be assured that God will give direction.
Several important aspects must be considered when contemplating the purchase of real property for the church.1
Funding of the purchase. We must not assume more debt than our church can reasonably repay, or incur such large payments that we severely limit funds for ongoing expenses or outreaches. All financial decisions should factor in the possibility of unanticipated expenditures or a decrease in tithing; we should maintain enough reserve to meet financial obligations if that should happen. It is never advisable to operate at the upper limit of projected income or available funds.
Gathering of input. Wise decisions are based upon factual and comprehensive information. Major purchases should never be impulsive, casual, or based upon emotional judgments. Rather, we should investigate any proposed acquisition of property thoroughly before we move forward. Information obtained must include:
Agreement between leaders and workers. We will need to ascertain if the key workers and elders of our congregation, after having time to evaluate the matter and pray, are in agreement that the proposed purchase is a wise decision. In most cases, we will want to especially consult with individuals in our congregation who have real estate and/or business finance experience.
Authorization of purchase. The acquisition or purchase by a congregation of any real property, whether vacant land or an existing building, must be authorized by headquarters. In the United States, it is our task as pastors to submit information regarding property to the Superintendent General. He in turn will present it to the Board of Trustees for review, and solicit their recommendations and authorization.2 (In addition to purchasing decisions, the Board is legally required to authorize property sales, mortgages, refinances, leases, or other actions that would encumber the real property of branch churches.) In countries outside of the United States, pastors should submit purchase proposals to their district leader for approval.
Registration of property. In the United States, deeds for real property owned by the church are to be registered in the name of The Apostolic Faith Mission of Portland, Oregon, an Oregon Corporation, with headquarters at 5414 S. E. Duke Street, Portland, Oregon 97206, U.S.A. In areas outside of the United States, the deed or title to each piece of property is to be registered as stipulated in the constitution and bylaws for Apostolic Faith churches in that country.
At times, there will be a need for Apostolic Faith churches to procure vehicles or other major pieces of furnishings or equipment, either for the church building or the parsonage. As pastors, we are responsible for the oversight of those decisions. However, as in the purchase of real property, it is recommended that we first confer with key leaders and workers in our congregation to obtain their input and recommendations. It is especially advisable to discuss the matter with those who have knowledge regarding the item we are considering. Once a purchase has been made, we should inform headquarters regarding what has been procured. Pastors working in countries other than the United States should report purchases of this nature to their district leader.
Vehicles purchased in the United States should have the title registered in the name of The Apostolic Faith Mission of Portland, Oregon, an Oregon Corporation, with headquarters at 5414 S.E. Duke Street, Portland, Oregon 97206, U.S.A. Outside of the United States, vehicle titles should be registered as stipulated in the Constitution and Bylaws for Apostolic Faith churches in that country.
In addition to purchasing decisions, it is also our duty as pastors to see that the church grounds, furnishings, vehicles, and mechanical equipment are all given proper care and maintenance. When major repair or improvements are needed, it is good policy to seek input from headquarters or our district leader. No matter what our church’s financial position, we want to do our best to make sure that our church properties are kept clean and in good repair, both inside and out. Our properties create an impression on visitors and those who live in the neighborhood, and we want that impression to be positive and a good reflection of the Gospel. We should be especially watchful regarding anything that might be hazardous, and provide equipment and supplies that will protect the health and safety of our congregation members and visitors.3 Regular preventive maintenance will guard against unnecessary depreciation, and thus protect the church’s investment.
1 Real property is defined as property that includes land and buildings, and anything affixed to the land.
2 Authorization by the Board is a legal requirement because we are a corporation.
3 For more information on this topic, see the section of this manual on Maintaining Church Safety.
WE SHOULD ALWAYS BE ON THE ALERT for prospective ministerial candidates, as there is an ongoing need for those who are qualified and willing to serve the Lord in this capacity. As we interact with the members of our congregation, we will observe those who have received the three foundational spiritual experiences of salvation, sanctification, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and are good followers, demonstrate a consistent prayer life, show leadership ability, are faithful in their attendance and service, clearly have the interest of the Lord’s work at heart, and who in all things show “a pattern of good works” (Titus 2:7).1 If we suspect that God may be calling such a one into the ministry, we should begin by taking the matter before the Lord in prayer.
As we continue to observe the individual and pray, in time we may feel led to discuss with our District Superintendent or the Superintendent General the possibility that the Lord may be calling that person into the ministry. This step is necessary because they may be aware of situations that would suggest a need to wait, or possibly even disqualify the candidate from service in the ministry. Upon approval, we are then free to initiate a conversation with the person regarding whether he or she feels that God is calling them to a new field of service as a minister of the Gospel. The timing of this discussion is discretionary.
If the prospective ministerial candidate is married, we should also consider the individual’s spouse. Before moving forward, we will want to be sure of the spouse’s spiritual qualifications and support for the ministerial call. We should also confirm that the candidate’s home life is in accord with Biblical standards.
When we see the evidence of a divine call on an individual’s life, we have a responsibility to do all we can to encourage that one and to provide opportunities for his or her talents. One part of Paul’s challenge to Timothy was the instruction, “The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). Training a new minister takes time, commitment, and energy, but it pays great dividends. Just as well-trained marathon runners have a better chance at finishing the race, well-trained ministers have a better potential for success in ministry.
Ministerial training, like any other type of training, is an activity involving instruction, implementation, observation, and evaluation.
Instruction: Perhaps the first step is to provide the ministerial candidate or new minister with a copy of the Apostolic Faith Minister’s Manual. This book will review the basic doctrines upon which this work was founded, and will also give insight into the Biblical qualifications for one entering the ministry, the duties of a minister, general instructions regarding services, and many other necessary topics. When the minister has read through it, you should make yourself available to answer any questions, and discuss the topics covered. You will want to be sure that he or she thoroughly understands and supports the doctrinal position of the Apostolic Faith organization.
You will also want to make sure that the beginning minister signs up on our corporate website at www.apostolicfaith.org/minister-resources and registers as a minister. That grants access to the various ministerial training sessions that have taken place at the headquarters in Portland, Oregon over the past number of years. A number of other instruction tools that equip a minister for this God-given role will also be found there.
Encourage prospective and new ministers to make every effort to attend the camp meetings and special services held at the Portland headquarters, or their nearest district headquarters. These sessions provide invaluable opportunities to immerse ourselves in the study of God’s Word, fellowship with and learn from other godly men and women, and observe firsthand what it means to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).
A very critical part of instructing new ministers is to be good role models ourselves. They will learn much by watching us, so we must be very careful regarding what we teach by example! We will be instructing them to:
Let us make sure that we lead by example in these and other aspects of effective ministry, so that we can say with Paul the Apostle, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Implementation: There are several steps we can take to prepare prospective ministers for preaching. They should be used in teaching Sunday school classes; this will be especially beneficial if they can teach in the adult age groups. They may be able to lead a Vacation Bible School event, give a devotional in a Youth Camp setting, or be a part of an outreach team. Ask them to share in other aspects of your worship services, such as leading in prayer or reading a Scripture passage. If your local congregation holds meetings in jails or care facilities, this can be a good place to ask them to offer a short message.
If the ministerial candidate is of an appropriate age to participate in youth events and services, these can be excellent training grounds. If the local congregation is small and no youth services are held, arrange for the new minister to bring the Word one of the weeknight services, which typically are attended for the most part by regular church members.
We should remind ourselves that training a new minister means trusting an inexperienced person with opportunities for significant service assignments. However, we can be assured that the God who equipped a shepherd boy to be a king, and entrusted a young Jewish maiden to raise His only Son, will be there to help, guide, and strengthen the dedicated but inexperienced new preacher who accepts the challenge of delivering the Word of God.
Observation: As the new minister begins to accept more responsibilities in God’s service, a necessary part of our mentoring role is that of observation. We will need to unobtrusively monitor how he or she is doing, noting particular strengths and talents as well as areas where instruction is needed. As we meet with the person one-on-one, we should do our best to establish a level of trust and friendship that will give the beginning minister freedom to express his concerns and questions. It will be important to offer encouragement at this stage. We should be sympathetic, supportive, and give attention to feelings of inadequacies or uncertainty that emerge.
Since God made us unique individuals, the new ministers we train will not necessarily have our personal strengths, preferences, or way of doing things. While there is room in the Gospel for a variety of styles and manners of expression, it will be vital for us to both verbalize and consistently model loyalty and whole-hearted commitment to the Apostolic Faith doctrine and practices.
Evaluation: We want to be sure that the evaluation phase of the training process is done in a spirit of love, fairness, compassion, and humility. No matter how many years of experience we may have in the ministry, we are all still learning. Even Paul the Apostle, after exhorting the believers at Philippi, acknowledged, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12).
At times, the evaluation phase may be most useful when our own thoughts, observations, and impressions are combined with feedback from others. For example, if we do not have the opportunity to directly observe the new minister in the role of Sunday school teacher or Gospel team participant, it would be appropriate to ask the department head or team leader for his or her input. Obviously, this must be done tactfully, and care taken to preserve confidentiality and the spirit of unity.
Some points to consider in the evaluation stage are:
After we have had a sufficient period of time to observe and evaluate the new minister, we will want to update our District Supervisor or the Superintendent General of how that one is progressing.
As we do our best to identify individuals who may have a call to preach the Word, we look to God for direction and wisdom in this important task. While our goal is to guide new ministers in the path of growing spiritual maturity and the development of ministerial skills, their ultimate success is not our responsibility. We may have a part in watering the seed, but it is God who gives the increase.
It is very rewarding to see ones we have mentored grow and develop their talents, and become capable workers in God’s harvest field. When that happens, we will say with the Apostle John, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:4).
THERE MAY BE OCCASIONS when an individual approaches us and indicates that he or she feels a call to the ministry, or asks how a person knows if they are called to preach. Even if we feel assured that the person is spiritually qualified, it is advisable to refrain from moving forward with a commitment without first consulting with our District Superintendent or Superintendent General.
At times when such an approach is made, we may feel certain the person is not spiritually qualified, or there are other reasons why he or she would be ineligible to participate in the ministry. Such cases must be handled carefully and with compassion and tact, so we do not discourage that one in their spiritual walk with God. We may wish to point out that everyone is called by God to serve in His kingdom, so in one sense of the word, every Christian is a minister. No task in God’s service is “above” other tasks. Preaching the Word is not a goal to achieve; rather, we must all humbly submit ourselves to God and be willing to serve in whatever capacity He deems best.
Many times those in spiritual authority in the church must wait before God to discern His leading before a clear conclusion can be reached regarding whether a person who feels he is called to preach should join the ranks of the ministry at that time.
One indicator that an individual is called to preach is that nobody in the congregation is surprised when that individual steps to the pulpit for the first time to do so.
1 For a more complete description of the qualification of a minister, see the section of this manual titled Spiritual Qualifications.
OUR ROLE AS PASTORS (or ministers) in the Apostolic Faith organization at times may include guiding groups of individuals who have been appointed to perform some service or function. Whether these groups are identified as committees or teams, are structured formally or informally, or are comprised of many individuals or few, our interaction with brothers and sisters in Christ has spiritual implications.
Implementing the following guidelines will help to increase your church committee effectiveness.
Remember, those who participate on committees generally are doing so as volunteers. We want to appreciate their efforts and treat them with respect and consideration.
ONE OF THE PRIMARY PURPOSES of the Apostolic Faith organization since our inception has been to lead men and women to the place of repentance and forgiveness for sin, and to an understanding of the Latter Rain Gospel. This necessitates being alert to opportunities to expand our outreach into new fields.
Typically, establishing a church in a new area begins with interest expressed in our organization. The initial contact may have occurred when an individual or group received Gospel literature printed by the Apostolic Faith, visited our church website, or had a personal contact with someone connected to this work. Often, there is a period of correspondence with headquarters, in which the Biblical doctrines and practices upheld by this organization are explained in greater detail. Gradually, this correspondence provides insight about the group’s understanding of our doctrinal position and its willingness to follow the practices and guidelines of the Apostolic Faith work. In time, this may lead to a visit from a representative of headquarters, at which time the possibility of the group becoming a part of the organization may be explored as the Spirit leads.
In a case where a group of associated groups or church congregations has expressed interest in becoming a part of the Apostolic Faith, it may take a number of visits from a headquarters representative before we can be assured that they are all one with us in doctrine and are willing to adopt our methods of operation. This Minister’s Manual may serve as a basis for explaining in detail what we stand for and how we operate. Leaders of the congregations can also be encouraged to view the services posted on our organization’s website as a means of gaining understanding about how we conduct our services.
Meetings in Homes and Temporary Facilities
Many Apostolic Faith branch churches started from gatherings of believers in private homes. We encourage this method, especially in locations where there are only a few believers. Holding Bible studies, prayer meetings, or even simple church services in a home, and inviting neighbors, friends, and relatives to attend, is in accord with the pattern established in Scripture. Members of the Early Church taught the Gospel in private homes as well as in larger assemblies.<sup>1<sup> In some towns, private homes served as meeting places for smaller churches,<sup>2<sup> while at other times, groups simply gathered in a home. According to Acts 10, it was in one such meeting in the home of the Roman centurion Cornelius that God revealed to Peter that the Gospel message was for all who would believe in Jesus Christ.
Obviously, any home meetings held under the auspices of the Apostolic Faith organization must uphold the doctrines and practices of this organization, and operate under the supervision of the nearest District Superintendent.
Church services in homes usually are quite simple. Sometimes they are structured along the lines of a Sunday school class or informal Bible study. If there are enough people present, the program may consist of singing, perhaps a testimony or two, Bible reading, a brief message, and a time of prayer. In some cases, small groups have found that watching services on the corporate website at www.apostolicfaith.org/video-archive can be a real blessing and uplift. Workers from an Apostolic Faith branch church can also go, whenever that is possible, to support the efforts of those holding meetings in areas where there is no established church as yet.
If space constraints permit, those who attend home meetings should be encouraged to invite others who might be interested in gathering with the group of believers. If the numbers grow and a solid foundation of workers develops, it may be possible in time to secure a larger facility where Gospel services could be held.
Most new churches meet at least for a time in rented facilities such as schools, hotel conference rooms, or community centers. Though the meeting location is temporary, those in charge should make every effort to create a warm and inviting environment. The facility should be clean, provide comfortable seating and adequate parking, and be equipped with a suitable sound system. Signage directing visitors to the meeting area, along with flowers and a display of Gospel literature, can help to create a friendly atmosphere. The goal should be to make visitors feel welcome and encourage them to come again.
Evangelistic programs/outreaches
Conducting evangelistic campaigns is another form of outreach into a new field that has brought fruitful results in the Apostolic Faith organization. Typically, we hold campaigns of this nature to ascertain whether there is interest or potential for developing a work in a particular location. In years past, churches of a neighborhood or community nature occasionally have opened their doors to us. However, we have found that it is often best to conduct our campaigns in rented conference rooms or other community facilities, in order to avoid restrictions on our preaching or manner of worship.
A well-organized evangelistic campaign will have at least five major components:
Expansion into new fields takes far more than simply seeing opportunities. We must be certain that our timing and the steps we take toward evangelizing and/or establishing a work in a new location do not get ahead of God. Wherever God guides, He provides. Ultimately, the work will grow and expand according to local response in any given area, and God’s sovereign will. If He wants us to move forward, He will open the doors, and we must always align ourselves with His purpose and timing. When we do, a small seed sown in good soil and watered with prayer can result in a bountiful spiritual harvest for God’s kingdom.
IT IS IMPORTANT for us to remember that while growth is the natural state of a healthy organism, there are different kinds of growth, some of which have nothing to do with numbers. A church can be alive and growing spiritually even though the number of people attending remains constant. If those in the church are growing “in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18), and following His will for their lives, both individually and corporately, that church is experiencing true growth. Conversely, a church can see its numbers increase, and still be spiritually lifeless. While expansion is important and we should always be alert for outreach opportunities, numerical increase in our numbers is not our primary goal.
WE HAVE FOUND that entire sanctification and the sanctity of marriage are two doctrinal teachings that we must explore especially carefully and thoroughly with those who express an interest in becoming a part of the Apostolic Faith work. It is necessary to be certain that we are unified in understanding, as some people who generally agree with our teachings have a slightly or totally different view of these two doctrines.
1 See Acts 5:42 and 20:20.
2 See Romans 16:5, 1 Corinthians 16:19, and Philemon 1:2.
IT IS BIBLICAL for the church to set apart individuals in the ministry for special tasks of leadership.1 In the Apostolic Faith organization this is done through ordination and/or installation. Ordination Services and Installation Services are handled in a similar manner.
Ordination Services
Ordination is the public ceremony by which leaders of the church authorize a minister to serve as a pastor or other designated role in the Apostolic Faith work.2 While ordination does vest in that individual the legal authority to perform certain civil duties and conduct business as a representative of the organization, we view the event primarily as a solemn, spiritual charge and commissioning as much as a legal or liturgical rite. It is important as an acknowledgement of the prior divine call, commission, and qualification of the person, though it is not a requirement for serving as a minister.3
In the Apostolic Faith organization, we typically hold ordinations during a regular church service or during an ordinance service. At the appointed time during the meeting, the Superintendent General or the District Superintendent presiding over the ordination ceremony announces to the congregation that the designated minister is to be ordained at that time. Often, he gives a brief explanation of the Scriptural purpose and basis for ordination. Then, in accordance with examples provided in the Word of God,4 members of the ministry and elders lay their hands on the minister, and pray together for divine anointing upon him or her.5 Those who are present join in prayer that God’s blessing will rest upon the life and service of the one being ordained.
We believe that it is the Holy Spirit who confers authority and power for ministry, rather than those who participate in the ordination ceremony. No particular person or group of individuals is essential to the ordination process; it can be done by any minister or ministers who have been granted permission to do so by the leadership of the Apostolic Faith organization.
Installation Services
Installation is similar to ordination in that it is a public ceremony by which leaders in the Apostolic Faith organization appoint a minister to a designated leadership role in our work. The main difference is that an installation does not include legally-issued credentials or certification; rather, it represents a corporate appointment or designation within the organizational structure of the Apostolic Faith. Often, installation appointments relate to supervision of geographic districts where our churches are located, or serving on a Board of Trustees.
In some countries or regions of the Apostolic Faith work, installation services are held for pastors, though this is not required when a minister assumes a pastoral role. At the headquarters church, installation services relate specifically to the appointment of District Superintendents.
The service itself is generally conducted much like an ordination, by the laying on of hands by qualified ministers and elders.
In the United States, the credentials and authorization of both ordained and installed pastors can be revoked at any time by the Superintendent General if the minister’s faith and practice fail to align to the Gospel of Christ, or cease to be in accordance with the doctrines, constitution, and bylaws of the Apostolic Faith organization. In countries outside of the United States, the District Superintendent is authorized to do this.
1 See Acts 1:21-26; 6:1-6; 13:2-3.
2 See the topic Ministerial Credentials and Ordination for more information on this subject.
3 In some cases, individuals in our work have assumed the role of pastor because a sudden vacancy in the pastoral ranks necessitated immediate placement of a minister in a particular location. In those cases, unless the pastoral assignment is designated as being only temporary, the acting pastor may be ordained at a time of the District Superintendent’s choosing. During the interim, he is allowed to perform all of the functions of a pastor except those for which the State requires an ordained minister.
4 See 1 Timothy 4:14 and 2 Timothy 1:6.
5 In light of the Biblical role of women in the church, the Apostolic Faith organization makes no distinction between men and women in the work of the ministry. Godly women who give evidence of the call of God upon their lives, and who qualify spiritually, are accorded the same privileges as men to labor in the ministry. See the topic Women Preachers for more information on this subject.
MINISTERS MEETINGS are regularly scheduled events in the Apostolic Faith organization. At these sessions, those who serve as ministers and pastors in our work gather to study topics relevant to our ministerial responsibilities, and to hone our abilities through structured training, that we may be “able ministers of the new testament” (2 Corinthians 3:6).
At the headquarters church in Portland, ministers meetings are held every year during the spring special meetings and the summer camp meeting. All ministers and pastors, both active and retired, are encouraged to attend. These times remind us that we are not serving in isolation, no matter what our geographic location or proximity to other Apostolic Faith churches. Rather, we are part of a divinely ordained and God-commissioned group, and we approach the responsibilities of our calling shoulder to shoulder with fellow ministers from around the world. As we share plans and goals and learn together, we come away feeling better equipped and inspired to putting our best efforts into moving the Gospel forward.<sup>1<sup>
In addition to the sessions held during special meetings and camp meeting, the ministerial staff in Portland meets from time to time throughout the year. Ministers meetings are also held during regional camp meetings and at district meetings, and should be held in individual churches where there are several on the local ministerial staff. Even if there are only two or three ministers at a given location, it is a good plan to meet occasionally to discuss ideas, plans, and details of the work.
Godly counsel is of particular benefit to those of us in the ministry. We need one another! Often the issues which face us cannot be shared with our families or the flock of God, but Scripture records numerous examples of spiritual leaders who conferred with each other regarding matters affecting the church. For example, the disciples discussed with elders of the early church the appointment of deacons to care for the widows (Acts 6), the prophets and teachers at Antioch sought God’s direction together until the Spirit revealed that Barnabas and Saul were to be sent out as missionaries (Acts 13), and the apostles and elders in Jerusalem came together to confer about the danger of reverting to the law of Moses (Acts 15).
All of us can learn from the experiences of others. When we face challenges in our work for the Lord, those challenges are not unique—very likely some of our peers have been through similar circumstances. Older ministers can offer insights and perspective based upon years of experience in the Gospel. Proverbs 27:17 tells us that “Iron sharpens iron,” and the guidance and advice of seasoned Gospel veterans is an invaluable resource. Ministers meetings are one venue where we can tap into that experience.
The ministers meetings held in Portland during special meetings and camp meeting have an annual theme. Over the years, these themes have included: Higher Ground, Sharing God’s Love, Follow Me, Hold the Fort, America’s Mission Field, Lessons in Leadership, The Art of Preaching, God Gave the Increase, and Equipped to Serve. Individual sessions under these headings have developed topics such as evangelism, helping troubled people, marriage and family issues, financial planning, enduring hardness, ministerial protocol, holding funerals, and a wide range of other topics. Various ministers are selected to act as facilitators/speakers for the sessions. In many cases, handouts and topic summaries are distributed to attendees. Transcripts and videos of these sessions are posted on the minister’s page of the website at www.apostolicfaith.org.
In conclusion, the benefit of gathering together as ministers is much more than information shared or techniques we learn. An additional benefit comes in the cultivating of our unity of purpose. We are persuaded that this work has a unique calling in the world, and that the teachings and way of life the Latter Rain Gospel advocates are relevant today. Ministers meetings help us to keep moving forward with a unified purpose. Unity is not a goal that can be achieved once and then relegated to the sidelines for a number of years. It requires a constant process of communicating, adapting, evaluating, and learning. To walk in unity, we must have a shared understanding of how we operate, and ministers meetings are one of the ways we achieve this.
<sup2>1<sup2> For more information regarding interaction between pastors and ministers, see the section of this manual titled Relationships with Other Ministers.
THOSE OF US who serve as pastors in the Apostolic Faith organization occasionally hold meetings specifically for the people of God who are part of our church. We refer to these gatherings as “Workers Meetings.” At times, we open such meetings to all who are involved in any capacity in the work of the Lord. In other circumstances, we invite only a particular group, such as the ushers, Sunday school teachers, or musicians. While our workers meetings may include instruction and challenge, our goal always should be to uplift, appreciate, and inspire our companions in ministry, remembering that we are all “labourers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9).<sup>1<sup>
Workers meetings are held for a variety of purposes.
Plan. When the local church undertakes a construction project, seasonal program, or community outreach, planning must occur. We often gather small groups of individuals from the church family who have appropriate skills or backgrounds, and work with them to establish direction, discuss implementation, assign tasks, and track progress, for Scripture tells us, “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established” (Proverbs 15:22).
Through the years, workers meetings have sometimes been held to discuss the purchase of a piece of property, securing of a different facility, refurbishing the sanctuary, or other business matters. We recommend using ordinance meetings as a time to accomplish this.
Inform. Those who are involved in the work obviously have an interest in the forward movement of the Gospel, so it is appropriate to bring them up-to-date occasionally on what has been happening in other locations around the world. Presentations related to a newly-emerging branch of the international work, the outreach at headquarters, or a particular missionary trip goal has proved to be a blessing and inspiration to the people of God. We have found that the more the people of God are informed about a particular outreach, the more wholeheartedly they will support it.
Encourage. Challenges come to every congregation. In such times, we may feel a need to gather those who carry the burden of the work and do what we can to encourage hearts. There are many Scriptural precedents for this. When the Children of Israel faced the Red Sea, Moses reassured them, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13). On the eve of crossing over into Canaan, Joshua encouraged the people that God “will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites” (Joshua 3:10). The Apostle Paul’s letters often included words of support to his fellow workers. Encouragement has strengthened many an individual and group to overcome hard places.
Equip. As pastors, we have a responsibility to facilitate the efforts of the workers in the church. Meetings with groups such as Sunday school teachers, custodial staff, greeters, and musicians will help us understand their challenges and respond to their needs as God directs. In the spiritual realm, workers meetings offer a setting where we can teach and equip those involved in the work to be good altar workers, to give a strong testimony, to be friendly and welcoming to visitors, and other “family matters” of this nature.
Admonish. The New Testament is full of admonitions given by the Apostles to various groups in the Early Church. Peter taught, “All of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Paul exhorted believers in Philippi to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27), and instructed the Ephesian church to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). We too have a charge to “reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2). Admonitions given in a group setting may eliminate the necessity of dealing personally with challenges that could otherwise come up. It will also band the workers together as a united force for God, and in unity there is strength.
Warn. There may be times when, as shepherds of the flock, we must identify errors that could threaten the spiritual well-being of our congregations. Paul cautioned the elders at Ephesus, declaring that after his departure “grievous wolves [shall] enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also, of your own selves shall men arise…” (Acts 20:29-30). Like Paul, we must warn the people of God about harmful influences that can come from both outside and inside the church. Workers meetings traditionally have been the place where this is done, as such matters are best handled when only the family of God is present.
In conclusion, laboring together in the church with the saints of God requires unity, cooperation, and commitment to a common purpose. Workers meetings are one way we can cultivate these attributes, and thus influence God’s people to continue to move forward in alignment with God’s purposes for our organization.
<sup2>1<sup2> For more about our connection with those in our congregations, see the topic Relationship with Workers in the Church in this manual.
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