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SUNDAY MORNING SERVICES in Apostolic Faith churches generally have a slightly different tone than the evangelistic services which comprise most of our regular church services, although the order is similar. In keeping with the admonition in John 4:24, “They that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth,” the mood is reverent and focused on worship.1 Each aspect of the service—prayer, congregational singing, special music, and the proclamation of the Word—is meant to express our commitment to God and our desire to honor and praise Him.
The Sunday morning service is often the one most frequently attended by both visitors and by regular worshippers. As pastors and ministers, we should be mindful of that fact as we structure the Sunday morning service.
Generally the period of time given to testimonies in an evangelistic service is replaced on Sunday mornings by the reading aloud of a portion of Scripture—often a text that relates to the text of the sermon. Occasionally we may feel led to request a particular personal testimony during this part of the service, so visitors have an opportunity to hear a personal account of salvation.
The special music presented in our Sunday morning services is often more devotional in nature. Anthems on the theme of praise are good, and songs that contain a message of admonition are appropriate as well. Congregational singing should be directed along devotional lines also, as the Spirit leads. Hymns of praise, consecration, worship, and anticipation of the Lord’s coming are always proper, but we want to make sure that the songs selected are varied in musical style. Visitors as well as regular worshipers often welcome this opportunity to sing traditional hymns of the faith, though these may be interspersed with Gospel choruses of more recent composition.
The Sunday morning sermon is the time when we instruct the flock, so the focus may be directed to Christians seeking the deeper things of God, rather than to unbelievers. Thus, doctrinal topics such as the foundational spiritual experiences, prayer, consecration, the coming of the Lord, the call of God to service, and divine healing are among the many appropriate subjects to take up at this time. Each congregation should receive a certain amount of instruction on Christian practices, faithfulness, the trial of faith, godly living, and the warfare against Satan and the self-life, so these can also be used as topics. We must lean heavily upon God for direction in what to teach “for the edifying of the body of Christ,” as our goal is that we might “all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12-13).
1 In 2 Timothy 1:3, we find an emphasis on worship in the Greek word translated here as serve. The word used is latreuo, and it appears twenty other times in the New Testament. In each case, it refers to service offered to God as an act of worship. This kind of service is never directed toward other people, but always toward God. We derive our English word liturgy, which refers to the order and structure of a Christian worship service, from this Greek word. This is why the Sunday morning service has often been referred to as a “worship” service throughout history.
THE MAJORITY of Apostolic Faith services around the world are evangelistic in nature. The Great Commission given to the disciples by Jesus specified that they should go and preach the Gospel to every creature.1 The Apostle Paul instructed the younger minister Timothy to do the work of an evangelist.2 That challenge applies to ministers of the Gospel in our day as well, and the primary way we fulfill that is to hold Gospel meetings where the emphasis is on the need of every individual to prepare for eternity.
A veteran Apostolic Faith minister and missionary to Africa, George Hughes, wrote this compelling description of the goal of Apostolic Faith church services: “The great aim of all our work, either inside or outside, in our own church buildings or in rented facilities at a neighboring community, is the salvation of souls . . . For this reason, it is vitally essential that every service we hold is completely successful from start to finish. The songs, selection of music, testimonies, and above all, the sermon, should be so inspiring and inspired that every unbeliever will receive the impetus he needs to start him on his way to God.” As ministers, the spirit of evangelism should always be with us—a passion, an unquenchable fire, the underlying motive and compelling force behind every undertaking in the work of the Lord.3
The spirit of evangelism must never be missing from our services. The great aim of our evangelistic meetings always should be to present the Gospel that will bring sinners under conviction and ultimately win them for Christ. The songs sung, the testimonies given, and the Word preached, should be with this end in view.
A vital part of our evangelistic services is the time given to personal testimonies—spontaneous accounts given by those whose lives have been changed by the power of God. Typically, Gospel hymns and choruses, sung by the congregation, are interspersed with these testimonies.
The sermon in an evangelistic service should be relatively short and evangelistic in tone, with an earnest appeal to sinners. As ministers, we must keep the sinner and his needs in mind as we pray about and prepare our messages. While many of those in attendance will already be followers of Christ, those in our congregations can still glean spiritual instruction and encouragement from an evangelistic sermon. We must do our best to present the pure Gospel to those who do not know the Lord, and make it absolutely clear to them.
At the close of the sermon, we should always invite the unsaved to come forward and seek the Lord for salvation. We may repeat the invitation between verses of the song, if we feel led to do so. Often this produces good results, as it gives one who is undecided another opportunity to make a choice for God at a crucial moment.
The responsibility for presenting the Gospel message in our evangelistic services rests first upon the ministry, and then upon the workers and people of God. We want to make every effort to communicate in a manner that will convince unbelievers of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment to come.
1 Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:14-20; Acts 1:8
2 2 Timothy 4:5
3 Romans 10:14-15; 1 Corinthians 1:17, 21
SINCE THE 1930s, students have met together in Apostolic Faith Sunday school classes around the world to be informed, encouraged, and inspired by studying the Bible. Classes and curriculum are tailored for the needs of students of every age, with an emphasis on the life-changing power in Jesus Christ. In Sunday school, students become familiar with the themes of the Bible, search its pages for answers, share its principles with others, memorize its verses for their lives, and apply its promises in facing their problems.
We have found that there are a number of compelling reasons for operating a Sunday school.
Sunday school provides an open door for evangelism. Parents may never set foot inside our church, but through the open ears, eyes, and hearts of their children, we can reach into their homes and their lives. Over the years, many individuals and even whole families have come into the Gospel through the Sunday school.
Sunday school encourages Bible knowledge. Students receive an overall grasp of the Scriptures that might be difficult for them to obtain otherwise. In a Sunday school class, people can ask questions. When listening to a sermon, if they have a question, they must wait until later to ask it.
Sunday school ministers to all age groups. The particular needs, concerns, and interests of each age group can be addressed in the context of Sunday school. In addition, grouping students by age offers us an opportunity to teach the Word of God at the appropriate level for maximum understanding.
Sunday school produces future workers in the Gospel. The Great Commission not only commissions us to win people, but also to train them to Christian maturity. In Sunday school classes, future workers, teachers, and ministers are instructed in the Word of God, and grounded in the doctrines and practices upheld by the Bible and our organization.
Sunday school provides good role models. Our Sunday school teachers often develop close connections with their students, especially those of a younger age. This connection often makes them positive role models who have a long-time influence in their students’ lives.
Sunday school involves individuals in the work of the Lord. Not everyone has musical talents or other abilities that lend themselves to participation in Gospel services. However, the structure of Sunday school offers many options for service in the work of the Lord.
Sunday school offers follow-up for new converts. The Sunday school setting furnishes a nourishing and nurturing environment where new converts can be fed spiritually and encouraged to grow in their Christian lives.
Sunday school establishes a network of friends. People interact with each other in Sunday school. Studies prove that people become rooted in churches where they have friends, and Sunday school classes are a place where such friendships are built and developed.
Sunday school extends the pastors’ spiritual care. Our Sunday school teachers have an opportunity to offer individualized interest, instruction, and support that a pastor could not accomplish on his own.
Sunday school brings a sense of vitality to the congregation. The presence of children and young people in a congregation adds vitality and enthusiasm that, when blended with the wisdom and stability of the older ones, makes for a live and vibrant church family.
In our Apostolic Faith churches, the main session is conducted on Sunday, but other Bible-learning sessions are often sponsored or held in conjunction with the Sunday school. These include Vacation Bible Schools, youth camps, Children’s church, community events, and other outreaches.1
Each local Sunday school is organized into departments and/or classes. These divisions are based on need and number of teachers available, and are designated by age, grade level, or interest (i.e. college groups and young marrieds) and sometimes gender. At the headquarters church, the Beginners department teaches those of preschool age; the Primary department takes students from the first through the third grades; and the Junior department starts with the fourth grade and includes the seventh grade. Youth classes are held for grades eight through twelve, and the Senior department includes classes for those of college age, men’s and women’s groups, and the senior adult classes.
The actual structure of the Sunday school session is flexible, but we have found that the following pattern works well.
Opening exercises in the main sanctuary:
Departmental exercises (Beginner through Junior Departments):
Competent teachers are necessary for the success of the work, and it is part of our role as pastor to appoint the teachers needed to staff our local Sunday school. A teacher holds a place of sacred responsibility, so teachers in Apostolic Faith Sunday schools must be born-again Christians. Those selected to fill this role should be mature, faithful Christians, since Scripture puts them in the same company as apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors.2 They should have a clear understanding of the fundamental doctrines and teachings of the Bible, adhere to them, and support them absolutely. They should be able to communicate well, and have appropriate teaching skills or interest in learning them.
Many of our churches have found that regular round table discussions of the lessons, after the teachers have had an opportunity to study the topic privately, are very beneficial as a preparation for teaching. Generally a minister or one of the teachers is appointed as the moderator who leads these sessions. During this session, the objective of the lesson is discussed, key Biblical themes explored, and ideas for visual aids and teaching activities shared between the teachers. This is also a good time for the teachers to plan special programs and discuss departmental activities.
The Bible is the official “textbook” in our Apostolic Faith Sunday schools; we use the King James version in our English-speaking churches. All teaching must be in alignment with the Biblical doctrines and teachings upheld by this organization. Pre-school age classes follow a simple curriculum featuring key Bible stories and basic Biblical concepts such as kindness, obedience, sharing, and loving others. The materials for students of primary school age feature an expanded selection of Bible stories. Middle school through adult curriculum materials alternate between thematic (including Bible character studies) and through-the-Bible textual lessons, with an emphasis on personal application and the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. The various curriculums are all produced at our headquarters and are issued on a quarterly basis. All have accompanying guides with suggestions and instructions for teachers.
In the United States, pastors may request printed copies of curriculum materials for their congregations through our organization website at www.apostolicfaith.org. All materials are also available there for downloading. Churches outside of the United States should connect with their District Superintendent regarding their Sunday school curriculum needs.
One key factor in a vibrant Sunday school is the active and enthusiastic support of the pastor. If that is our role in our local church, we should do all we can to promote Sunday school. Whenever possible, we should take an active part in the actual teaching, and encourage other ministers to do likewise. We need to recognize that this outreach effort, in order to be effective, takes time, money, energy, enthusiasm, and must be demonstrated continually in order for the rest of the workers to feel the same.
Here are some ways we can support our Sunday school outreach and staff.
Our investment in Sunday school will pay dividends in the years to come as young leaders are evangelized, trained, and launched out into the harvest field as a result of what they learned in Sunday school.
FOR MORE COMPLETE INSTRUCTION regarding the organization, staffing, and administration of Sunday school, or to learn more about the various curriculums currently available from headquarters, contact your District Superintendent. You will also find resources by visiting the Sunday school section of our corporate website at www.apostolicfaith.org/library-resources.
WE USE THE SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUMS provided by the Apostolic Faith organization in our Sunday schools, rather than lessons produced by other organizations, since we know our material presents the Bible doctrines we have upheld since our 1906 founding. We cannot risk diluting our teachings. It is acceptable, for teachers to incorporate visuals, objects, and supplementary materials produced by other organizations into their class presentation, as long as the basic lesson and the materials distributed to the students are produced by the Apostolic Faith.
THOSE FIRST FEW MOMENTS when a newcomer walks through the door into your Sunday school are vitally important! Negative first impressions are hard to overcome, but positive impressions will also linger in memory. We should encourage our teachers to be sure that visitors are made to feel instantly comfortable and at ease.
1 See the sections of this manual titled Vacation Bible School, Youth Camps, and Children’s Church for more detailed information about these outreaches.
2 Ephesians 4:11-12
THE EARLY YEARS of a child’s development provide a crucial window of opportunity. This is our best opportunity to impress little ones with the vital truth that Jesus loves them. In these formative years we can establish spiritual foundations that can undergird the rest of our children’s lives. Our work with children is something like that of a bricklayer: each time a Biblical truth is presented and understood, another brick is laid in a child’s spiritual foundation.
Children’s Church has proved to be an effective adjunct to Sunday school in many of our Apostolic Faith churches where there is a sufficient number of children and staff to make it possible. Typically, Children’s Church is designed for the youngest members of our congregations—those ages two through twelve or thirteen. Although these services follow the general format of a regular church service with singing, testimonies, music specials, a short sermon, and prayer, visual aids and activities are often included to hold the children’s attention. The children are included in the music specials and encouraged to testify. The sermon is presented, at times with an object lesson, and each service ends with an opportunity to pray.
In some of our churches, the youngest children meet with the adults for the first part of a given service (generally Sunday morning) and then are dismissed to their own area for the Children’s Church period. In other cases, the Children’s Church service is at a completely different time than the scheduled adult services.
A quality Children’s Church service must have a solid Gospel message. Every song, object lesson, Scripture passage, and Bible story must present the Gospel in a clear, understandable manner that is appropriate for the developmental level of the little ones in the audience.
To be suitable for Children’s Church services, songs used in that setting should have an easy-to-sing or familiar melody, impart a Bible truth, and be varied. Children respond well to visuals that accompany songs. Songs that involve hand motions and other movement give them a chance to expend some energy in an appropriate manner for church. It is important to use songs with words and concepts that children will easily understand. We encourage our children to participate with enthusiasm, yet in keeping with showing respect for God’s house.
Often the testimony period in Children’s Church consists of giving those who want to an opportunity to speak into the microphone and tell something they are thankful for. Their spontaneous responses to this invitation sometimes amuse the adults present, but they are genuine, sincere—and without a doubt, God loves to hear children express their gratitude for His blessings.
Sermons given in Children’s Church must be wrapped in words and methods the child can comprehend. Isaiah 28:10 tells us to teach precept upon precept, line upon line. It is best to keep the message for little ones simple and consider giving it visual impact by using an object or presenting a demonstration. It is important that any visuals used be sufficiently large and shown at a level that every child present can view. Children cannot comprehend abstract concepts, but they can be taught Bible stories and grasp basic principles from the Word of God. Children have simple faith, so as they learn about the Bible, they will believe it is true. In this setting, the sermon length should seldom exceed ten to twelve minutes.
Every Children’s Church service should conclude with a time of prayer. It is not enough to observe others praying; children need to experience for themselves the power of prayer. The one giving the message should consider the aim of the message and prepare an invitation to prayer accordingly. It is best to use concrete words to explain why we want the children to pray, explaining that Jesus wants to meet with them, and that we can talk to Him just as we talk to a friend. It is important for the workers present to pray with the children.
Keeping in mind the following principles will help us plan an effective Children’s Church service.
Children like to imitate big people. If we put actions to song, they will mimic us. If we talk softly, they will talk softly.
Children enjoy games. Making a game of memorizing a simple Bible verse, or learning a certain Bible principle will help it stick in their minds.
Children learn by doing. The Bible says we are to teach children while we walk, eat, sit, and get up (see Deuteronomy 6:5-7). We can teach them about Jesus and the Bible through activities they can participate in.
Children need to be both active and quiet. Sometimes little ones need to jump and clap and sing. Sometimes they get tired or overly-stimulated, and need to sit and listen to music, or hear a Bible story. There is a place for both as we teach children.
Children learn through repetition. The first time they hear a song, they may just watch. If we repeat the song—or verse, phrase, game, or story—they will join in and love to do it over and over again. Utilize the principle of reinforcement!
Children want to please grown-ups. If we tell little ones when they are being good, they will try to be good again. Sometimes they need encouragement to keep trying!
As we prayerfully invest church resources to nurture faith of the little ones in our congregations, we will help them thrive spiritually—not only in their early years, but also for the rest of their lives.
IN THE APOSTOLIC FAITH CHURCH, we care deeply about the spiritual direction of the young people in our congregations and communities. We recognize our responsibility to point them to salvation, and to encourage and instruct them in their Christian walks. For that reason, we incorporate services designed for youth into our church schedules.
Youth services are conducted and attended by young people. At the headquarters church, spiritually qualified individuals from ages fourteen to thirty-nine years participate.1 Senior adults are encouraged to attend and support the young workers. The meetings follow the same general pattern as other evangelistic services, but young people make up the choir and orchestra, give the testimonies, and provide the vocal and instrumental special numbers. Members of the young adult ministerial staff lead the service and preach the sermon, which is structured with young people in mind.
In addition to giving young people opportunities to be involved in the church, youth meetings prepare them to serve God in expanded roles in the future. As the young workers shoulder the responsibility of their services, they grow spiritually and develop their talents. Many of our present workers and senior ministers were brought to God while they were still young. They received their training and instruction in the practical school of experience, and the value of these veterans to the work of God clearly demonstrates the importance of young people’s work.
Following are some suggestions for youth service leaders.
Eliminate pretense. Speak in real terms and contemporary language. Avoid platitudes—the younger generation sees right through them. Communicate the Gospel to young people in a way that they can understand and engage with. Generalized terms or statements fail to interest them.
Use the right kind of music. Choose songs with a positive, substantive message and energetic melody. There are many praise songs and even some hymns that lend themselves to a more youth-oriented sound. Learn new songs regularly, but perhaps not more than one in a service. You may wish to occasionally add variety by using song sheets or projected visuals.
Relax! Learn not to show nervousness—it draws attention to the minister rather than the One the congregation came to worship. And smile! Looking somber will dampen the mood of the service.
Be yourself. If the leader comes off as different from the person he is known to be out-of-the pulpit, it puts people off. Even if they do not say it, they may wonder who you are trying to impress.
Incorporate variety. Young people readily accept change. In fact, some variation in the exact structure of a service keeps it fresh and interesting. If the Spirit appears to be moving in a different direction, go with it, provided doing so does not distract from the spirit and purpose of the meeting.
Be relevant. Remember, the sermon is directed to young people. Make sure messages are not only theologically sound, but also culturally relevant and developmentally appropriate for the ages represented in your youth group.
As ministers and pastors, there are several steps we can take to encourage and develop youth leaders and the young people of our churches.
As ministers, we want to remember that we have only a few years with the young people to solidly ground them in the doctrines and teachings of the Bible before they move into their adult years and are less open to holy impressions. If a child or young person remains away from Christ, every year he becomes farther and farther away. For that reason, perhaps no outreach of the church is more urgent in nature.
1 This age range is flexible, and changes occasionally. In other localities, it will need to be adjusted based on the size of the congregation. See the section titled Children’s Church in this manual for more information about services for younger children.
HOLIDAY SERVICES and special programs are an effective way to reach into our communities. Even individuals who do not normally attend church often are receptive to an invitation to attend events during principal Christian holidays and seasons of the year.
Commemorative celebrations appear to have been a part of Christianity since the third or fourth century, with Easter being the oldest holiday. Early Christians encouraged the observance of holidays as a way to be reminded of important spiritual matters. They emphasized that Christian observances should be very unlike those of pagans. They were to be characterized by solemnity and decorum, with a focus on the worship of God, and were thus in sharp contrast to the riotous and ungodly behavior at typical pagan celebrations.
Traditional Christian holidays include Christmas, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter, which commemorate significant events in Christian history. Thanksgiving, which originated in the United States as a day to express gratitude for God’s provision, also can be a time of special celebration in the church. Services on other national holidays such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Independence Day can highlight the blessings of God, such as freedom of worship, and honor those who have served our country. Mother’s and Father’s Day services can be structured to encourage parents, and to especially honor Christian fathers and mothers.
From time to time, significant national events may also lend themselves to special services. A day of national celebration at the end of a major hostility, of mourning at a time of national calamity, or a day designated by our government (such as the National Day of Prayer) might be times when a special church service would be appropriate. As pastors, we can consult with our District Superintendent or other pastors if we have questions about the timing or structure of such a service.
Following are suggestions regarding special services at specific holiday times.
Christmas
Christmas offers great potential for evangelistic outreach by churches both large and small. Special church events and programs contribute much toward making this a meaningful time for congregations and communities. They provide an opportunity to focus individuals on the true meaning of Christmas, to invite visitors to share the season with us, and also to unite the congregation as members work on shared projects.
Sunday school Christmas programs. If our local church has a Sunday school, Christmas programs are a particularly effective outreach. Parents will not want to miss an opportunity to see their little ones perform. Sunday school programs provide an opportunity for children and young people to use their musical talents, and should be structured so that all the children have a part, either in solos, recitations, or in songs by the entire group. The children will enjoy participating, but adults will enjoy watching it too. Our goal should be to deliver the message of Jesus’ birth in a manner that both children and adults will find appealing and understandable.
The type and implementation of our Sunday school Christmas programs will depend on the resources available and the ages of the children with whom we are working. While many options for effective Christmas pageants exist, a portrayal of the Nativity adapts itself easily to a smaller congregation. The focus can be on Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus, or can be expanded to include angels, shepherds, and wise men, depending upon the size of our group. One of the beautiful aspects of the Nativity account is that it can be understood at many levels. Children simply delight in the story, while teens and adults can be pointed toward thinking more deeply about how Jesus’ birth impacts their lives.
As plans are made, remember that people enjoy being involved. Even if the older members of your congregation are not participating directly, they can make scenery, create costumes, prepare programs, make treats, greet visitors. . . the opportunities are wide-ranging!
Caroling. One effective seasonal outreach for a congregation of any size is caroling in the church vicinity or at a nursing facility or hospital. Printed song sheets of the lyrics will encourage listeners to join in. (Do make sure that any song sheets are in accordance with copyright restrictions.) We may also want to hand out invitations to our church, as well as a small tract or message about the true meaning of the season.
Concerts, cantatas, or other musical presentations. Since music is such an integral part of the Christmas season, programs featuring the music, themes, and beautiful traditional carols of Christmas have proven to be a successful way of drawing visitors to the church during this time of year. In churches where an orchestra and choir are available, Christmas concerts are always enjoyed. Smaller churches may have more limited resources, but people enjoy even a simple gathering to sing the familiar Christmas carols, perhaps interspersed with a reading of Scripture passages or narrations relating the story of the Nativity.
Candlelight Service. In the midst of widespread focus on secular seasonal activities in our communities, many churches still have candlelight services to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child. These are generally held at night, and are a setting in which groups of people, large or small, can sing or listen to Christmas songs, hear Bible passages describing the birth of Jesus, quietly reflect, and pray together. Usually the lighting in the sanctuary is dim, so the candles will have the most impact. In some churches, candles are held by those in attendance, though this requires great care in terms of fire safety, and must be subject to local fire department approval. (If small children will be in attendance, you may wish to consider using battery-powered candles.) Alternatively, candles may simply be used to decorate the sanctuary, or the choir presenting special music could hold them.
Palm Sunday
As Holy Week begins, many of our churches have special services on Palm Sunday. As Jesus returned to Jerusalem just prior to His crucifixion, the people cried out “Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest” (Matthew 21:9) and laid palm branches down in front of Him. The service commemorating this event generally focuses on both His triumphant entry and the shadow of the cross. Special music often includes anthems of praise and songs which joyously honor Jesus the King. Congregational songs, the Scripture read, and the sermon are carefully chosen and structured to reinforce Palm Sunday’s bittersweet themes and messages.
Good Friday
The death of Jesus Christ is commemorated on the Friday just before Easter. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, so many of our Apostolic Faith Church services hold special services on Good Friday, focusing on the suffering and death of our Savior. While these services may not be attended by many outside of our own church families, they are a special time of remembering what Christ endured to purchase our salvation. Often the usual testimony period is given over to special music that focuses on the cross, and reading of the Scriptures telling of the events surrounding Jesus’ death.
Easter
Easter, which commemorates Christ’s resurrection on the third day after His crucifixion, can rightly be regarded as the central day in the entire Christian calendar. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Early Church members in Corinth, “If Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins (1 Corinthians 15:17). The resurrection accounts by Christ’s disciples are read every Easter Sunday in Christian churches around the world. In early Christian history, celebrations of Easter were tied to Jewish celebrations of Passover. For Jews, Passover is a celebration of deliverance from bondage in Egypt; for Christians, Easter is a celebration of deliverance from sin and death.
Traditionally, many people who rarely attend church come to Easter Sunday services. For that reason, Easter services are always a part of Apostolic Faith Church schedules. Easter services typically feature triumphant Easter music, and congregational hymns continue the theme of Christ’s victory over death. Often, Scripture readings and narrations are woven together with the music. Occasionally, our churches may present a Resurrection cantata or musical which combines musical numbers and drama or projected visuals to trace the way in which Christ’s redemptive sacrifice brought hope to humanity. The sermon should focus on the Easter story, and should be clear and passionate, keeping in mind that many present are in church only infrequently.
While doing our best to create programs that are memorable, care must be taken to keep a balance between performance and presenting a clear account of the resurrection and what it means to us. The service should be done with excellence, but it is the Gospel message that matters.
Thanksgiving
Grateful Pilgrims declared a three-day feast of thanksgiving, starting on December 13, 1621, to express their gratitude for God’s providence and the bountiful harvest He had blessed them with that summer. This was America’s first Thanksgiving festival. In 1789, following a proclamation issued by President George Washington, America celebrated its first Day of Thanksgiving to God under its new constitution. Thanksgiving Day was permanently established as a national holiday in 1941.
God has blessed our nation and our personal lives, and we encourage our congregation members to keep an “attitude of gratitude” on Thanksgiving Day and every day. At times, Apostolic Faith churches hold services on Thanksgiving Day itself, which is on the fourth Thursday of November. However, more typically, the Sunday morning service before Thanksgiving is especially centered on expressions of gratitude for what God has done. In these services, we offer thanks to God for temporal blessings—for liberty, for shelter and food, for family and health. But we also recognize that many live without those benefits, so the praises we offer God include gratitude for the blessings which are not measured by this world’s values. No matter what our circumstances, we are grateful for God’s forgiveness, for the gift of eternal life, and for an eternal home that is being prepared for us in Heaven.
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
On May 9, 1914, United States President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day, establishing it as a time for “public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” While Mother’s Day is not a religious holiday, many of our Apostolic Faith churches use that opportunity to recognize and affirm the tremendous influence mothers have in the lives of their family. Songs in these services usually focus on the Christian home and the importance of godly parental examples. If the church budget permits, it is a thoughtful touch to present a single flower or small gift to mothers in attendance. Some of our churches also have great-grandmothers, grandmothers, and then mothers stand to be acknowledged. Special mention may be made of those who have become new mothers or mothers again during the past year. At times, we may feature the testimony of a mother in the local church, or of someone who was greatly influenced by a Christian mother. The message of the service should be designed to encourage and affirm godly mothers.
In 1972 President Richard M. Nixon established a national Father’s Day to be observed annually on the third Sunday in June. However, the first Father’s Day observance was actually held on July 5, 1908, at Fairmont, West Virginia, in recognition of 210 fathers who had lost their lives in a mining accident just a few months earlier. In our Father’s Day services, we recognize the vital role fathers play in God’s plan for the family. Songs chosen often challenge the men of the church to recommit themselves to being loving leaders of those in their care, as well as dedicated doers of the Word of God.
National Holidays
Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Independence Day are national holidays in the United States that remind us of the privileges, resources, and freedoms we share and should never take for granted. Of the three, Veterans Day and Independence Day occasionally fall on a Sunday, and those Sundays are especially appropriate times for some sort of patriotic observance in our church services. National holidays—and not just the United States holidays, but the national holidays of every nation—bring out our deepest feelings of gratitude and love for our countries. However, services are not just expressions of patriotism or opportunities for flag-waving; they are also occasions for reflection and prayer for our nation.
Our purpose in holding services on holidays and other special occasions is always to glorify God and to avail ourselves of every opportunity to bring men and women to Him. Times of celebration can provide excellent opportunities to present the Gospel, and we should do our best to follow the leading of the Lord to determine when and how to use holiday services as a form of outreach.
A WIDE SPECTRUM of family and cultural traditions surround calendar holidays. As a church, we do not dictate how holidays should be celebrated within the family. However, particularly in homes with young children, we recommend that parents carefully consider the effect that family customs have upon impressionable children. Biblical principles must be applied to all holiday observances, and emphasis put upon the spiritual aspects of traditional Christian holidays whenever possible.
OVER THE YEARS, Christmas has become an increasingly secular event in our society, with a mixture of religious and folk customs and traditions. We should encourage parents in our congregations to emphasize to their children the spiritual nature of this holiday, to counteract the attempts of secular society to replace the religious significance with neutral or even non-Christian symbols and customs.
IN THE APOSTOLIC FAITH organization, we do not normally observe the traditional rituals of Lent, which occurs on the forty days prior to Easter. Churches that observe Lent make it a time of fasting, doing penance, and abstaining from worldly amusements in preparation for Easter. While we obviously support appropriate fasting, repenting from sin, and abstaining from ungodly activities, we teach that self-denial and holy living should be a lifestyle rather than just something we do once a year.
Some in our congregations may question the advisability of Christian families adopting secular traditions surrounding the Easter holiday. We counsel Christian parents to make sure they instruct their little ones in the true meaning of Easter, and emphasis in the church setting always should be placed on the Resurrection and what it means for our salvation.
WHILE EXPRESSING APPRECIATION for mothers, especially Christian mothers, is appropriate, we should take care that our church celebrations on Mother’s Day do not cause pain for women dealing with fertility issues, or for mothers who have lost children. Some of our churches have chosen to make Mother’s Day Sunday a time to honor the women of the church, in addition to those who have children. However, we must do so in a manner that avoids drawing attention to their circumstances as much as possible.
THE SYMBOLISM AND PRACTICES that are part of the American holiday of Halloween concern many Christian parents. While harvest-related symbols such as pumpkins and leaves are harmless, a focus on witches, goblins, and ghosts of departed persons is problematic. And any practices related to the occult, or depictions of evil monsters, devils, and other characters associated with satanic influences should never be allowed in Christian social activities. Therefore, we do not celebrate Halloween in a church setting.
WHEN THERE ARE a sufficient number of trained musicians in one of our Apostolic Faith churches to present a concert, such programs have been an effectual means of bringing people into contact with the Gospel. An interest in music is one of the marks of contemporary culture, and the ease with which it is possible to listen to music via electronic media has in no way diminished the enjoyment of attending live concerts. Musical events give those in our congregations a logical reason to invite their friends who have other church connections; they are also an excellent way to appeal to people who do not ordinarily go to church but who appreciate good music. And while the concert itself is the attraction, attendees also have an opportunity to learn about the Apostolic Faith work and feel the Spirit of God in our midst.
Following are guidelines for presenting a concert in an Apostolic Faith Church.
Choose musical selections carefully. A key factor in ensuring that all of our musical programs can be blessed by the Spirit of God is the selection of pieces appropriate for a church setting. Vocal numbers are generally sacred in nature; instrumental numbers drawn from the classics can be suitable in programs of this type. In addition, cultural music can be appropriate. In keeping with the conservative nature of our organization, there is no showmanship on the part of those who perform. Honoring God and bringing glory to Him is the goal of our musicians, rather than drawing attention to their personal talents.
Advertise effectively. It may be beneficial to print up fliers with information about the upcoming concert and post them a couple of weeks in advance in local supermarkets, community centers, libraries, and/or shopping malls. Additionally, consider contacting your local media outlets in order to have your event advertised in the community. You may be able to arrange for public service announcements (PSAs) to be broadcast in the days leading up to your concert. A brief summary of the program, highlighting numbers that will be familiar to many concert-goers, can be a draw. It is also advisable to state that the event is free and that no collections will be taken.
Offer programs. Printed programs convey an impression that the concert is a quality event. Along with a list of the titles to be performed, programs may offer the words of the song, information about the theme, style, or background of the piece, and the name of the composer. It is a good policy to reserve one page of the program for an invitation and service schedule of the local church, since we want to make sure that concert attendees know they are welcome to return for regular church services. Make sure that your program is carefully proofed before printing, and that all of the information is correct.
Have ushers available. Ushers play an important role in making visitors comfortable and making sure their needs are met. They should be available to distribute programs, answer questions, offer assistance, and generally make sure that everyone enters and exits the sanctuary in a safe and timely manner. Those who have this responsibility should be instructed to wait to seat late comers until the interval between numbers, when attendees can be directed to a seat without distracting from the performance. In the event of an emergency, ushers should be trained to help concert-goers move calmly and quickly toward the exits.
Make sure guests are welcomed and invited to return. Often in our concerts the pastor comes forward after the opening number to welcome visitors and make announcements. After the close of the last number, the pastor may choose to voice the appreciation of the audience for the music and singing. If a closing prayer is how the concert is scheduled to end, the pastor may call upon another minister to give a benediction, or do so personally. The tone of the number at the end of the program will suggest whether or not a formal dismissal benediction is the appropriate conclusion.
Permit applause. It is customary for concert audiences to express their appreciation by applause, and this is permitted in our church concerts except when doing so would distract from the sacred message of a particular number. In such cases, the pastor should request prior to the performance that the audience hold their applause.
Invite audience participation. Under certain circumstances, audience participation is appropriate. For example, at some concerts the entire audience joins in singing the national anthem. In an Easter concert, the final number may be a Gospel anthem that proclaims the joyful news of the Resurrection, and the audience could be invited to join in a verse or two. In such cases, it is helpful to print the verse(s) in which the audience will participate on the program.
While concerts are a means of interesting visitors in our church, the musicians who work together on a concert also benefit. Practicing for a special event builds musicianship. When working on the repertoire for a concert, musicians concentrate on a piece of music over a period of weeks, adding polish and nuance to their performances. Choir members not only learn the music, but they also have time to pay attention to details such as mood, tone, balance, melodic shape, vowel production, and breathing. Orchestra members can perfect complicated passages and refine their united efforts more extensively than when the focus is on getting ready for each Sunday’s services. The heightened inspiration and concentration that precede a concert enable the choir and orchestra to achieve a heightened level of performance.
THOSE WHO ARE COMMITTED to the Gospel of Christ look for opportunities and ways to share it with others. In the Apostolic Faith work, many types of outreach services have been held over the years to present the message of truth to groups of people unable to attend services at the church. Not only are these endeavors a blessing to those who attend, but they also bind the workers together in fellowship and their common goal of spreading the Gospel.
These outreach efforts will not be practicable in every location, but where circumstances allow, they can be effective means of reaching souls for Christ.
Services in Retirement Homes or Assisted Living Facilities
Outreach work in retirement homes or assisted living centers includes facilities where public services can be held, as well as those where personal visitation is the only means of connecting with the residents.
When a facility is open only to personal visitation, special singers may sometimes be taken to sing in individual rooms if the management of the home approves. Workers who visit the residents should take along a sampling of Gospel literature and offer it to those who are interested. Authorization to hold regular services is often preceded by a period of time when only personal visitation is possible. Workers visiting the homes should be encouraged to watch for an interest on the part of the management to schedule a service for any who wish to attend. Arrangements can then be made by the pastor or by someone he appoints.
Services in retirement homes or assisted living centers are generally held in a common meeting area or dining room where residents can gather. The service should be structured in a somewhat informal manner, since attendants in the home may be bringing residents in and out as the service progresses. They should consist primarily of testimonies, special songs, and a brief message.
Residents in these places particularly enjoy music, and may appreciate the opportunity to sing along on some of the old Gospel hymns. It is best if even the special songs are familiar. Prayer by a minister or worker should always be included in the services. The sermon should be comforting and reassuring in nature, but should also lead those who listen to an understanding of the importance of making sure that they have a connection with God and are assured of where they will spend eternity.
During the holiday season especially, retirement homes and assisted living centers often welcome groups of musicians who are willing to provide a program of special seasonal music for the residents. Offering to present a program of this nature may result in additional open doors for services in the facility.
The work among the sick, aged, and infirm has been a fruitful one for the Kingdom, and every effort must be made to bring the Gospel to those who will soon step into eternity.
Mission Meetings
Mission meetings are one way that a number of our Apostolic Faith churches reach out to the homeless, troubled, and needy in their local communities. We know that redemption and transformation are possible for every individual. The message of hope through Jesus Christ, when acted upon in repentance and belief, impacts every aspect of life—physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual—and that is the theme which we do our best to communicate when holding mission meetings.
Like most of our regular services, mission meetings should incorporate music, Spirit-anointed testimonies of God’s power to deliver, and an evangelistic message appropriate to the individuals who attend.
A few simple guidelines will equip ministers and workers to truly help the troubled people present in such services.
Understand that holding a meeting is a privilege. Follow the instructions of the staff at the mission. Be sure to begin and end services at the appointed times. If it is necessary to cancel a meeting for any reason, we should let those in charge at the mission know about the cancellation as soon as possible.
Never give cash to those who attend the meetings. Even when hard-luck stories are true, well-intended gifts can be readily converted to drugs or alcohol. Often, the local mission provides meals or connects the individuals with resources where those needs can be met, so if needs are expressed to workers, we should convey them to the mission staff.
Talk with respect to the individuals who attend. Communicating with a homeless or troubled person in a friendly, respectful manner not only shows the love of God, but it can give that person a sense of civility and dignity. Genuine friendliness breaks down barriers and opens hearts to the message we bring.
Recognize that the problems facing these individuals vary. Street people are as diverse as the colors of a rainbow. Not all of the people who attend a meeting are convicted felons or drug addicts. The person we converse with may be a battered woman, a disabled veteran, or someone who simply is lacking the job skills necessary to find employment.
Avoid any kind of argument or altercation. We should never take it upon ourselves to chastise individuals who attend the services. If a disturbance occurs during a mission meeting, it is best to simply ignore it and/or let the mission staff deal with it. Remember, those present will be watching us, and we must ensure that our conduct does not undermine the effectiveness of our efforts for God.
Pray for those who attend. God can use your prayers to bring broken lives to Himself. Often our mission meetings include a time when those who attend can share their personal prayer requests. Be faithful in bringing these needs—and the individuals who expressed them—before the Lord in prayer.
Take precautions regarding safety. Some of those we encounter in mission meetings may be ex-offenders or individuals running from the law. Always be prudent while talking with those who attend. Stay in areas where other people can see you, and do not take unnecessary chances. Travel to and from the meetings together with other workers if at all possible.
Services in Correctional Facilities and Penitentiaries
The Apostolic Faith organization has held services in correctional facilities since 1907, at times contacting over 500 inmates in one day. While permission to conduct services is not always as easily obtained as it was in years past, when the opportunity exists, we have found it an effective way to reach out to individuals in need of a Savior.
Generally, services in correctional institutions are under the supervision of the facility chaplain. The application process, along with the clearance procedures for those who will be involved, varies from institution to institution and from state to state. In the United States, contact information for detention facilities can usually be found by looking online for the state’s Department of Corrections website.
Once permission has been granted to hold services and a time slot allotted, it is our responsibility as pastor or minister in charge to be certain that workers scrupulously comply with official regulations regarding those who enter the facility, and the conducting of meetings. Information regarding regulations pertaining to visitors can be found online. It is advisable to check the dress code for visitors and make workers aware of the requirements, as there may be restrictions regarding the color and types of clothing that can be worn.
Certain other rules apply to all correctional facilities and must be observed by our workers and leaders even though they are not mentioned specifically by the officials at an institution being entered for the first time. Workers should be cautioned that they must have no communication or conversation with the offenders unless it is cleared through official channels and meets with the approval of the officers in charge. Taking letters, notes, or any other material in or out of the prison at the request of an inmate is strictly prohibited.
Distribution of our tracts and papers must be authorized by the facility. In some cases, the procedure would be to give a supply to the prison chaplain and allow him to distribute it once the material has been cleared. In other cases, our workers may be allowed to bring it in and make a supply available to those who are interested. Whatever the case, in each service we should let those attending the service know that free literature is available through our organization, and encourage them to write to the headquarters office with a request to receive it through the mail.
Generally, services in detainment facilities will be conducted much like our other Gospel services. Selected groups who visit these institutions include a minister, musicians, and other Christian workers. Each service is a musical program interspersed with personal testimonies telling of the deliverance the workers found when they surrendered their lives to God.
If it is possible for the offenders to join in the congregational singing they should be encouraged to do so. Books or song sheets can be taken for their use, if that is permitted at the prison, and it is also good to allow inmates to suggest songs of their own choosing. If workers can bring instruments into the facility, instrumental accompaniment or special numbers adds a great deal to the service.
The service ends with a brief, evangelistic message from the Word of God, and then those attending may be given an opportunity to share prayer requests. These are brought to the church members at the next regular service. When prison routine requires the prisoners to leave the auditorium before the workers do, the musicians may play a hymn, or a group of singers may sing an appropriate number as they leave.
Interference or disruption by inmates at any point in the service is usually taken care of by the prison officials in charge. Ministers and workers should immediately comply with any instruction given by prison administrators.
Through the years, prison outreach efforts have been rewarding. Men and women have been saved and truly delivered from evil habits and sinful behaviors that had them bound for years. On several occasions, the message of hope brought to men behind bars resulted in the conversion of notorious offenders, even some who were awaiting execution. While on death row, they were truly converted and wrote wonderful letters telling of the transformation in their lives.
Juvenile Home Services
Workers from Apostolic Faith churches also hold services similar to the ones held in the adult detention facilities at juvenile correctional institutions. At the Portland headquarters, groups of two to four adults hold informal group Bible discussions each month with youths ranging in age from nine to seventeen. Sometimes several meetings are held at each visit, reaching many young people at a time. Topics ranging from God’s love to the Great Tribulation are discussed. Often, one or two of the young people want some one-on-one talk time, or indicate their desire to pray. The session is closed with prayer, but before workers leave, tracts and Gospel magazines are distributed to those who are interested. Most of these troubled young people ask to be remembered in prayer.
THE ESTABLISHMENT of a church building is an important event in a church’s history. When Apostolic Faith congregations purchase a building or complete the construction of a new church, they traditionally plan a dedication service.
Scripture establishes a precedent for dedication of a church building. When the tabernacle in the wilderness was completed, God commanded Moses to anoint the altar and all its vessels. We read, “And thou shalt sanctify them, that they may be most holy” (Exodus 30:29). Moses did according to God’s instructions—he sanctified them, or set them apart—and that is what we do when we hold a church dedication service. In 1 Kings 8, we read of the dedication of Solomon’s Temple, and how the glory of the Lord filled the place in such a manner that the priests could no longer minister before the altar. Solomon blessed the whole assembly of Israel at that time, and acknowledged God’s faithfulness in the completion of the house built for Him.
The dedication of a church sanctuary for the worship of God is a special occasion and requires wise planning and careful preparation. A special dedicatory service is a way to document and preserve a record of this unique event.
It will be important to establish the date of your dedication service as soon as it is practicable to do so. Communicate with the Superintendent General or your District Superintendent regarding a suitable date, as you will want to avoid a conflict with other scheduled events or series of meetings in the Apostolic Faith work.
Printed invitations are appropriate for an occasion of this nature. These may be mailed out to the surrounding community, local officials, and individuals who have had a connection with the Apostolic Faith Church. If a church has been newly built, the tradespeople and building supply companies who were involved with the project will be interested in the event. Those in the neighborhood of the church should be notified as well. Many will respond to an invitation to attend the dedication service, as it is a community event as well as a time for celebration and thanksgiving on the part of those who will make the new building their church home.
The service typically begins with a musical anthem or fanfare as a prelude. Opening remarks by the pastor should include a welcome to visitors, and a brief summary of what has led up to dedication day. At some point in the service, it is a polite gesture to introduce the key people who helped in construction of the building and express appreciation for their efforts. It is also appropriate to recognize everyone who participated in any part of the project by asking them to stand while the congregation applauds.
A church dedication is a time when the congregation reflects on its history, so the service may include a timeline of events leading up to the special day, a description of significant dates in the construction project, photos, and comments by key individuals in the church.
Services of this nature are usually filled with expressions of worship and thankfulness. Music and singing should play a significant part in a dedication service, since this is a time of rejoicing and praise to God for His blessings. We would typically select hymns and choruses with dedication, new beginning, or consecration themes.
The Scripture reading or sermon text should be on a subject appropriate to the event. Portions of 1 Kings 8, and 2 Chronicles 6 and 7 are good choices. Other suitable verses may be selected from Ezra 6; Psalms 26, 27, 84; and Matthew 16:13-20. The sermon can be on the subject of personal consecration and dedication, the needs of the world and our purpose to fill those needs wherever possible, a call to evangelism and zeal for God, or other subjects in keeping with the particular event, as led by the Spirit of God. Dedication sermons are brief and not as long as regular service sermons.
The message is typically followed by the dedicatory prayer, which should consecrate the new facility for God’s service, ask for His presence to dwell in the sanctuary being dedicated to Him, and invoke His blessing on those who will attend there. We should acknowledge His faithfulness and provision, and ask for the Spirit of God to rest upon all that happens within the church’s doors.
As a rule, there is no altar service at the conclusion of a dedication service. Following the formal event, visitors may be invited to tour the building. Often, refreshments are served if there is a suitable space in the new facility that makes this possible. This gives the congregation an opportunity to greet visitors and express appreciation to those who participated in the construction project. It is a time of rejoicing and fellowship and an opportunity to foster a sense of community with those who live in the neighborhood.
Following is a sample order of service for a church dedication.
WHEN A CHURCH reaches a significant milestone in its history, such as its twenty-fifth, fiftieth, or seventy-fifth year of existence, it is appropriate to plan a special commemorative service recognizing that event. As with a church dedication, this is a celebratory occasion, and a time that is especially meaningful to the church family.
As you and your congregation members plan and prepare for this event, there are several steps you can take at various stages in the process to make your anniversary successful and meaningful for all who attend.
As you begin planning:
Establish the date well in advance of the event itself. Pastors should confer with the Superintendent General or their District Superintendent to set a date that will not conflict with other church events in neighboring branch churches.
Decide on the nature and scope of your celebration. Will it be a one-time event, or is this an opportunity to have a weekend of special meetings, or other activities in conjunction with the main anniversary service? Will it be for the church family only, or will all events be open to the general public? As you plan the activities for the observance, you may want to consider such options as a church open house, a pageant depicting historical events from the history of the church, a fellowship dinner or reception to honor special guests from the church’s past, a multi-media production featuring photos and video clips from church history, or a reenactment of early services in the church.
Compile a history of your church since its inception. Organize the historical material you have available in your church records, and track down information to fill any gaps in the timeline. You may be able to get information from the archives at the headquarters church in Portland or your District headquarters. Consider preparing a brochure or booklet with the history of the church to distribute during the anniversary observance.
Establish a church archive. Gather significant artifacts from members of your congregation. An anniversary year is a good time to make sure that the church has a complete record of all former pastors and their dates of tenure, along with collection of all past newsletters, invitations, programs, directories, and similar materials on file and safely stored away. You may wish to start or continue a church scrapbook. Gather news clippings, photos, letters from members, and other memorabilia.
Start an oral history project with older members of the congregation. Talk to them individually and collectively about what they remember most about the church, events in its history, and congregation members. Be aware that when two or more members get together, they often are catalysts for one another, since one memory triggers another. Record your sessions so their accounts are preserved.
Shortly before the event:
Put together the service program. Generally, an anniversary service follows a similar format to a church dedication service. It should include special music with the theme of thanksgiving and praise, a welcome to visitors, recognition of former pastors and those who have participated in the work through the years, and a brief message. As with a church dedication service, the sermon can focus on personal consecration, the needs of the world and our purpose to fill those needs wherever possible, a call to evangelism and zeal for God, or other subjects in keeping with the particular event. The service should close with prayer.
Consider producing a printed invitation. These could be mailed out to all members, present and former, informing them of the upcoming celebration and inviting them to attend. You should also send the invitation to the headquarters church in Portland or your District Headquarters, as well as any other nearby Apostolic Faith Churches. You may also wish to invite neighbors who live in the vicinity of the church.
Create a portrait gallery with good, portrait-quality photographs of all pastors and/or ministers who have served the congregation. Have this displayed on a board or wall of your church entryway during the celebration.
Appoint an official photographer, perhaps a member of the church, to take photos during all the events, especially on the day of the main event. Consider having an official portrait made of all present, or of all former pastors and spouses who attend.
Arrange for videotaping of the event. Many members of the church may own camcorders and will probably shoot some film at some point. If your budget allows, you may wish to hire a professional to video on the day of the main event. Make sure to have your videographer shoot the invitation, brochures, signage, etc. so it can be included in the photo record. Have a studio combine the professional footage with scanned images from your archives to make into an “official” celebration video for members to purchase.
Immediately prior to the event:
Hold a work day to tidy up the church yard, plant flowers and shrubs, wash windows or pressure wash the church, clean out the basement and attic (you might find something interesting!), paint areas that need freshening up, etc. Appoint someone to identify projects ahead of time so needed supplies can be purchased in advance. You’ll want the building(s) to look their best for the celebration.
Put up a sign or banner announcing your anniversary celebration date and time in front of the church. It will tell your neighbors that something exciting is happening at the church.
Following the event:
Supply audio and video recordings of the celebration to shut-ins and former members who cannot return for the celebration so that they can share the special time.
Save copies of everything produced during the anniversary celebration. File in boxes or cabinets as your church Anniversary Celebration Collection. Include any mementos ordered, newspaper clippings, invitations and announcements, photographs and negatives, posters, flyers, videos, newsletter accounts, everything.
Thank individuals who participated. While the praise and glory goes to God for His blessing through the years, it is a thoughtful gesture to send a note of thanks to former pastors who traveled a significant distance to participate, or to those in your own church congregation who carried the load of organizing the anniversary celebration.
Church anniversaries are exciting times. They encourage congregation members to look back and acknowledge God’s blessings and to look forward in anticipation of God’s continued presence in your midst. When properly done, an anniversary can be a bonding experience for your congregation, and can have many lasting benefits.
BIBLE TEACHING SERVICES are a part of Apostolic Faith camp meetings held around the world. In these services, the ministers who bring the Word of God focus on vital doctrinal topics, with the objective of ensuring that the people who make the Apostolic Faith their church home are fully grounded in the truths of God’s Word.
Bible doctrine is the foundation of our Christian lives and ministry. The Apostle Luke recorded that Early Church members “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42). The Apostle Paul indicated that one of the marks of spiritual maturity among believers was that they were not “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). That type of stability is built in part upon careful and comprehensive spiritual instruction.
The English word doctrine is derived from a Latin term which means “teaching.” Part of our responsibility as pastors and ministers is to teach “the things which become sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). When we teach doctrine, we follow the example of Christ himself. As the Master Teacher and our teaching model, Jesus told those who followed Him, “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me” (John 7:16). When Jesus concluded His Sermon on the Mount, we read that “the people were astonished at His doctrine: for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matthew 7:28-29).
When we study and teach doctrine, we are studying and teaching the Word of God on some topic or theme. Doctrinal teaching is not an expression of our own thoughts on a subject. Rather, our purpose must be to communicate what the Bible teaches about the topic as accurately as possible. The Scriptures are our source in both the study and teaching of doctrine.
The structure of a camp meeting Bible Teaching service is much the same as that of an evangelistic service, including a musical prelude, congregational singing, prayer, and personal testimonies interspersed with special numbers by soloists or vocal ensembles. The Bible teaching message is generally a bit longer than a typical evangelistic message, and is built on a series of Bible texts concerning the doctrinal point being studied. The congregation is encouraged to follow the reading of each reference in their own Bibles, the teacher indicating the Scriptures before reading each passage, allowing those in the audience sufficient time to locate the verses. An altar service follows the Bible Teaching.
Every minister should qualify himself by personal study and prayer to teach the doctrines of the Bible. Giving an effective Bible Teaching requires thorough preparation. As with every sermon, we must begin by seeking the mind of the Lord regarding the topic to be considered. Many of the subsequent steps we take to prepare are similar to those we take in preparation for any sermon, but some differences exist.1
In a typical evangelistic sermon, our message will be built around one text, with supporting Scriptures. When a potential subject is laid on our hearts for a Bible Teaching, we will need to find and study a range of Biblical passages that relate to that topic. This can be done by searching a concordance for key words. We may also find it helpful to consult a good topical Bible under the heading of the doctrinal point we are considering. Many study Bibles include cross-references designed to lead the reader through a study of Biblical topics; these can be another good source to compile our list.
Careful study of the verses we find related to our topic will help us formulate key points that will make up the basic structure of our Bible Teaching. Our next step will be to select the clearest and strongest verses to substantiate these points, avoiding verses that might tend to distract from the intended topic. We should also delete references that are the same material in different forms, texts that must be interpreted or “stretched” to adapt to the point, verses not suited to the needs or understanding of the congregation for which we are preparing, and any verses that we are uncertain about with regards to their message. We must resist the urge to present everything we find on the subject—more is not always better.
Our Bible Teaching will be more cohesive and easier for the congregation to follow if we seek connected lines of thought. We should attempt to bring together points that naturally go together and, as far as possible, have each point lead naturally to the next point. In some cases, it will be effective to build to a good conclusion by placing the strongest point last. We should develop a closing that will motivate our listeners to take action.
In addition to camp meeting Bible Teaching services, there may be times when as branch church pastors, we determine that a series of Bible Studies would be profitable for the local congregation. These will generally be scheduled on weeknights when fewer visitors would be likely to attend. In these cases, the structure of the service will be slightly different. While we might arrange for a congregational song or two, or perhaps a special number by a vocalist, most of the time would be given over to a Bible study on the chosen topic, somewhat like an adult Sunday school class session.
THE QUESTION ARISES from time to time if ministers are permitted to use PowerPoint or other means of electronic media for presenting Bible teachings during camp meeting. A variety of presentation methods are acceptable in a non-camp meeting setting, but at camp meeting, we want to maintain the traditional evangelistic spirit and flavor rather than adopting an approach that seems more appropriate at a seminar.
If you have questions regarding whether a particular method of presentation is appropriate at a given time, check first with the Superintendent General or your District Superintendent.
WHEN BIBLE TEACHING SERVICES are held in the evening, it is important not to extend the service beyond the scheduled time. We want to encourage children and young people to attend the evening services, and if a Bible study goes too late on a weeknight, it may discourage those who are in school from attending. Many parents adjust scheduling so their children can attend services on a school night, in order to allow time for the students to complete their homework and get their necessary sleep. We do not want to make that even more challenging by extending the length of the service.
EACH SUCCESSIVE GENERATION of young people is present in camp meeting Bible teaching services for only a brief window of time before they take summer jobs and cannot attend these morning sessions. If our young people do not hear the core doctrines of the Bible expounded during that brief timeframe, they may never hear them. If it falls on us to give a camp meeting Bible teaching, we should consider preaching on doctrinal subjects first. Textual studies or expository teaching on a passage such as the Beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer, or a particular Book of the Bible may also be considered. This type of message may not be as easy as a simple devotional study, but it is needful in terms of stabilizing individuals’ walk with God.
1 Review the sections of this manual titled Sermon Preparation and The Message for more detailed information on how to prepare a sermon.
THE APOSTOLIC FAITH ORGANIZATION sprang from a prayer meeting in early 1906 where the power of the Holy Ghost descended, and from our inception until now, we have emphasized the importance of prayer. The first part of our mission statement instructs us to “Pray!” It goes on to say, “We make prayer the basis of every ministry, and encourage communion with God as the way to grow to spiritual maturity in Him.” Prayer always has been and, by the grace of God, always will be a cornerstone of Apostolic Faith practice.
There are times when the people of God gather with the exclusive purpose of devoting themselves to prayer, and we refer to gatherings of this nature as prayer meetings. Prayer meetings are usually held on a week night. Generally about midway through the allotted time period, when the greatest numbers of people are present, the pastor or minister in charge reads written prayer requests that have been placed on a pulpit in the front of the sanctuary or meeting place. The leader may also feel the necessity of exhorting the people to lay hold of God for a particular need, and this he should be free to do. Occasionally, he will suggest that those present join in a song or two, but our prayer meetings typically do not include special musical numbers or a sermon. Following the reading of requests, those who have gathered return to their knees, and bring these needs before the Lord.
In addition to scheduled prayer meetings, Apostolic Faith churches worldwide have times of prayer before and after each Gospel service. In these prayer services as well, workers and ministers join in united prayer for requests that have been submitted, and to ask God for the anointing of His Spirit to rest upon the activities of the organization.
“Men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1), for fervent prayer is behind every work that is powerful and effective against the powers of sin and Satan.
THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN truly born again and are living lives free from sin are eligible for the ordinance of Water Baptism. New converts should be baptized in water as soon as possible after their conversion.1
In the Apostolic Faith organization, we generally hold water baptismal services toward the close of each of our annual camp meetings. However, it is a good practice for pastors to arrange for water baptismal services in their local church when there are new converts, as not everyone will be able to be present at the camp meeting. If the local church does not have a baptistery, pastors may be able to arrange to use another church’s facility for that purpose.
In some countries it may not be possible to make provisions for indoor water baptismal services. In these cases, the water baptismal service can be conducted at any suitable body of clean water. Fresh water is preferable to salt water for many reasons, but when fresh water is not available, ocean beaches may be used. If the baptismal service is to take place outdoors, tents or dressing rooms to accommodate the candidates should be arranged at the scene of the service.
It is preferable for candidates who desire to be baptized to indicate their intention prior to the baptismal service. At camp meeting baptismal services, candidates register ahead of the time at the campground office. When baptismals take place in local churches, the pastor should be aware of those who desire to be baptized, to be sure they are eligible and that they understand the meaning of this ordinance.
Some may question whether young children should be baptized. We do not baptize infants; individuals must have a definite experience of salvation in order to be eligible for water baptism. If a child is old enough to repent and believe unto salvation, we would not deny them the privilege of being water baptized, for Scripture does not indicate an age requirement for baptism.2 We would, of course, want to be sure that the parents are aware of the child’s desire to be baptized, and be in agreement with that step being taken.
A water baptismal service in the Apostolic Faith usually begins with a musical prelude. After congregational singing and prayer, a vocal solo or ensemble precedes a short message in which the minister addresses the individuals awaiting baptism. Typically, this message will emphasize to these new converts the fact that the step they are taking is a command of Scripture, and is an outward symbol of the inward work which has been accomplished in their lives through justification. If the candidates are unfamiliar with the actual baptismal procedure, the minister may briefly explain how they will be baptized.
Following the message, baptismal candidates form a line near the baptistery or body of water where the baptizing will take place. Typically children are baptized first, followed by the women, and finally the men. The beauty and sacredness of this time is enhanced by vocal or instrumental music rendered softly during the baptizing.
If there are a number of individuals to be baptized, it is advisable for two ministers to officiate together, one on each side of the candidate. The minister or ministers will enter the water ahead of the baptismal candidates. Then the candidates will approach the ministers one by one. If hundreds are being baptized, several pairs of ministers officiate simultaneously as space allows.
If two ministers are baptizing, they will stand facing each other. When the candidate enters the water, the ministers should guide him into a position between the two of them. The ministers will lock hands behind the candidate’s upper back, and the candidate will fold both arms across his chest. The ministers will then place their other hands on top of the individual’s forearms where the arms intersect. (Even if only one minister is baptizing, the same position is used.)
After asking the full name of the individual, the minister repeats the Biblical baptismal formula aloud, for the benefit of all who are witnessing the baptism. “Brother (or Sister) ______________, we baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”3 This same formula is repeated for each candidate. Then, with a gentle downward pressure, the candidate is immersed once, face upward in the water. If the person does not go completely under the water, the immersion should be repeated immediately, before the candidate steps out of the water.
We keep a record of those baptized in the Apostolic Faith organization. This is necessary for several reasons, among them being that a baptismal document giving the birth date and full name of an individual is often accepted as legal proof of identity. A sample baptismal card can be found in the section of this manual titled Suggested Legal and Business Forms. Pastors may obtain a supply of these cards from Headquarters.
In the United States, a copy of the baptismal registration card should be sent to the headquarters in Portland, Oregon following the baptismal service, and the original retained in the branch church files. In countries outside of the United States, the duplicate copy should be sent to the District Headquarters.
IF BAPTISMAL ROBES are available for baptismal candidates, they help promote modesty when the candidates come up out of the water. If robes are not available, candidates may be baptized in their normal attire, but it may be helpful to advise them not to wear sheer or lightweight clothing.
Some candidates will want to hold their noses as they are placed under the water, to avoid getting water into their nasal passages. This is allowed.
It may be helpful to instruct the candidates ahead of time to bend their knees slightly just prior to being immersed, as this will make it easier for the ministers to make sure they go completely under the water.
1 For information regarding the doctrine of water baptism, see the section of this manual titled Water Baptism.
2 In some cases, young children may ask if they can be baptized, especially after seeing a baptismal service in the church. If a parent is uncertain whether the child really understands salvation and is ready for baptism, we may suggest that the parent talk with the child about what baptism represents, and then wait. If the child brings it up again after a period of time has elapsed, that might be an indicator that God is dealing with the child’s heart and that he or she genuinely feels the need for taking this step.
3 See Matthew 28:19.
THE OBSERVANCE OF THE LORD’S SUPPER, a practice referred to in some religious circles as Holy Communion, is a regularly scheduled event in the Apostolic Faith organization.1 We often allude to this special time, which occurs in conjunction with the foot washing service, as “Ordinance” or an “Ordinance service.”2 The Bible does not specify how often this observance should take place, but we typically hold ordinance services on a quarterly basis. The exact date of each observance should be decided by the local pastor, and announced well ahead of time to the congregation, so those in the church family have the best opportunity to arrange their schedules to make attendance possible.
All those who have been truly born again and are living free from sin are eligible to partake of the Lord’s Supper. The Apostle Paul told individuals in the Early Church, “As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come,” so we encourage followers of Christ not to absent themselves from the table of the Lord without valid reasons. The deliberate, ceremonial partaking of the emblems is a vital expression of our faith and commitment to the Gospel. It is a time of fellowship with each other and communion with God, and should be regarded by all believers as a glorious privilege.
As pastors, we should attempt to avoid scheduling our ordinance services at a time when visitors most likely would attend. However, if visitors happen to be present, we should explain in the announcement period that this is an ordinance service and is for those who are Christians. We do not restrict visitors who remain from taking part, but the Lord’s Supper message should clearly explain the qualifications for participation. When this has been done, we have discharged our obligations before God in the matter.
The emblems we use in this sacred observance—unleavened bread and unfermented grape juice—symbolize the broken Body and shed Blood of our Savior. We do not use wine or juice that is fermented in any way. In countries where grape juice is impossible to obtain, powdered grape juice or frozen concentrate may be used, mixed with water to the correct strength.
The unleavened bread, or wafers, should be freshly made for each service. The wafers are often prepared in the minister’s home or the church, but if this is not possible, preparation can be entrusted to a spiritually qualified member of the congregation. (The recipe we use for unleavened bread is provided below.) We should arrange to have the wafers (on plates) and the grape juice (in small cups) placed on a table in a room adjacent to the sanctuary prior to the public meeting.
Ordinance services generally begin with a musical prelude, and perhaps a congregational song or two.3 At times there may be matters of a business or church family nature which the pastor chooses to take up with the congregation. Since those in attendance at an ordinance service are primarily individuals who make the Apostolic Faith their church home, the announcement period is a time when such matters may be presented to the congregation. We should address items of this nature as briefly as possible in order to keep the congregation’s focus on the spiritual and sacred nature of the ordinance service. Another hymn may be sung at the close of the business portion of the service, or a special number presented, before the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper is observed.
The sermon prior to distribution of the emblems should be relatively brief, and be based upon explanatory Scripture passages such as 1 Corinthians 11:23-34. Since the slaying of the Paschal lamb at the Jewish Passover foreshadowed the death of the Lamb of God, ministers may also allude to the account of the original Passover found in Exodus 12, or Scriptural accounts of the original institution of the ordinance. Other suitable texts are Matthew 26:17-29; Luke 22:7-23; and 1 Corinthians 10:16, 21.
At some point before the sermon on the Lord’s Supper, two of the ministers or workers carry in the table bearing the emblems and place it in front of the pulpit. The same ministers will take the table back to the adjoining room at the conclusion of the Lord’s Supper portion of the Ordinance service.
The congregation members kneel at their seats for a period of prayer following the sermon. At this time, the ministers gather around the table holding the emblems and consecrate them, asking God to bless them to the spiritual and physical needs of the people. The ministers then serve the emblems to the congregation, passing a plate containing the unleavened bread, followed by the juice, along each row of kneeling saints. Often the ministers quote a short, encouraging Scriptural passage as they distribute the emblems, such as: “As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come.” Or they may choose other appropriate phrases such as: “In remembrance of Jesus,” “In remembrance of Jesus’ broken body,” “In remembrance of Jesus’ shed blood,” or “Until He comes.” These words remind the individuals receiving the emblems of the sacred nature of this holy ordinance.
Over the years, ordinance services have been especially blessed by God in the healing of the sick. The emblems bring to our remembrance the Atonement, purchased for us on the Cross, which includes the healing of our bodies as well as the salvation of our souls. It also reminds us to look for His return. God often meets with His people in a special way in these services, and faith takes hold of the promises. Blessings accrue to those who obey God in observing this ordinance of the Lord’s Supper!
In the days following the ordinance service, ministers may offer to bring the emblems to shut-ins who were not able to attend. Any unused portions of the bread or juice (other than that which is distributed to shut-ins) should be disposed of rather than consumed, since the emblems have been consecrated.
Lord’s Supper Wafers
1 cup flour
1/4 cup shortening or butter
3 to 4 tablespoons water
Blend the flour and shortening until the mixture is crumbly, and then moisten with water until the dough gathers together into a clump. Roll dough out to a very thin sheet and place it on a baking sheet. Perforate the sheet with the tines of a fork to allow steam to escape; this will prevent air pockets from forming on the surface. With a sharp knife, score or cut the sheet of dough into 1/2 inch squares. Bake at 325 - 350 degrees until quite crisp. Separate the squares when cool. This recipe will make enough unleavened bread wafers for approximately 150 persons.
1 Read the section in this manual on The Lord’s Supper, under the heading Doctrines of the Holy Scriptures for more information on this Bible doctrine.
2 The word ordinance means “A direction or command of an authoritative nature; something ordained or decreed by God; an established religious rite.” Both the Lord’s Supper and Foot Washing were practices established and ordained by Jesus Christ the night He was betrayed, so we have chosen to follow that Biblical pattern in the Apostolic Faith by observing these two ordinances together.
3 In some of our churches, the ordinance service may follow an evangelistic service. When this is the case, the pianist or organist will begin playing softly as the normal altar service concludes. At that point, the audience and ministers will resume their seats and the ordinance portion of the meeting will begin.
JESUS HIMSELF instituted the ordinance of foot washing.1 We read in Scripture, “He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded” (John 13:4-5).
Since Jesus washed the disciples’ feet directly after establishing the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper, in Apostolic Faith churches we follow the same order, washing one another’s feet immediately after partaking of the Lord’s Supper. We refer to these two observances together as an “Ordinance service,” and schedule such services on a quarterly basis.
While many religious organizations in our day observe the Lord’s Supper (or Communion), the ordinance of foot-washing is not as commonly practiced. We do so in obedience to Christ’s express command: “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14).2 We believe that it is incumbent upon all followers of Christ to observe this ordinance, for Jesus said, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me” (John 13:8).3
Like the ordinances of the Lord’s Supper and water baptism, the ordinance of foot washing is for the truly born- again. Blessings are promised to those who observe this command of our Lord, for the Bible says, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:17).
In Apostolic Faith circles, the foot washing service begins after the congregation members resume their seats following the Lord’s Supper. Often this portion of the Ordinance Service is opened with the singing of a hymn. Typically, the minister who brings the message on the washing of the disciples’ feet will read John 13:2-17, which describes the institution of the ordinance. He explains its significance and obligation on the part of all Christians to observe it. It is also appropriate to remind the people of God regarding their duty to obey all of God’s commands, and to rehearse the rewards that are promised for obedience.
When the sermon is concluded, the pastor or minister in charge appoints attendants who will bring the basins of water and towels to the congregation. At the headquarters church, orchestra and choir members are often asked to serve in this manner, but any group of truly saved individuals may do so. A curtain is then drawn through the center of the sanctuary, or the men and women move to separate rooms. The women take one location and the men the other, since men wash men’s feet, and women wash women’s feet.
A few inches of water (preferably tepid or lukewarm) is placed in each basin,4 and the basins and towels are distributed. The people of God pair off, gird themselves by tying towels around their waists, and then wash and dry one another’s feet.5 If there are not a sufficient number of basins and towels for all of the participants, when one pair is finished with the basin and towel they may be passed on to the next in line so everyone has an opportunity to obey God’s command. As we wash one another’s feet, we pray for each other, encourage one another, and enjoy that special bond of fellowship that exists between those who love God and have a purpose to follow Him wholeheartedly.
God blesses when a body of believers obey His Word in the observance of this ordinance. In the Apostolic Faith organization, we look back on many glorious times of fellowship at these events. For that reason, we do not regard the washing of one another’s feet as a mere ritual. Rather, we view it as a great privilege. As such, it is an act of service rather than an act of humility. It is an opportunity to obey God and do for each other what Jesus did for His disciples.
During the foot washing portion of the ordinance service, Gospel songs and hymns can be sung by the congregation, or soft organ or piano music can be provided as a background. When all the participants are finished, the men and women may gather together again for a time of singing, or the service may simply be closed with a brief benediction.
IF THERE ARE CONCERNS about sanitation, household chlorine bleach is a powerful disinfectant that is inexpensive, easy to obtain, and strong enough to kill germs. Bleach is also very caustic and emits potentially lethal fumes, so bleach water should be mixed in a well-ventilated room and should never be used full-strength. When using bleach as a disinfectant, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends using a 1:10 solution.
As an alternative to chlorine bleach, tincture of iodine can be used as a disinfectant, at a ratio of 5 drops per liter. If iodine is used, you must allow the water to sit for thirty minutes before use. It works best if the water is over 68° F (21° C). Iodine is light sensitive and must always be stored in a dark bottle.
1 Read the section in this manual on Foot Washing, under the heading Doctrines of the Holy Scriptures for more information on this Bible doctrine.
2 The word ought in Jesus’ day was a binding word, just as it is in our day. The dictionary definition is, “to be held or bound in duty or moral obligation: to be necessary.” Therefore, we are duty bound and under direct command of Jesus Christ to wash one another’s feet. The Apostle Paul, in his instruction to the young minister Timothy, tells him that for a widow to receive the benefits of widowhood within the church, she must meet the requirements and qualifications as recorded in 1 Timothy 5:9-10, one of which was that she must have “washed the saints’ feet.”
3 Jesus washed the feet of all His disciples, but the minister does not wash the feet of all in the congregation. He commanded us to wash “one another’s feet” (John 13:14).
4 The basins may be filled ahead of the service if a central water supply is not available in the church.
5 In some instances there will be an odd number of participants. It will then be necessary for three to wash each other’s feet instead of the usual two.
IN LUKE 2, we read that the earthly parents of Jesus brought Him as an infant to the Temple in Jerusalem “to present Him to the Lord” (Luke 2:22). Later, the Gospels tell us that little children and infants were brought to Jesus for Him to bless them.1 (Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17). In accordance with this example, many parents in our Apostolic Faith churches want to publicly dedicate their children to the Lord.
Pastoring affords many joys to a minister, and one of the great privileges we have is that of dedicating babies. Standing beside the new parents, and holding their precious child in our arms, we bring the little one to the Lord in a prayer of commitment and consecration. Our sincere pleasure in participating in this event not only is meaningful to the parents, but it affects the congregation and increases their interest in the parents and children in our church family.
The dedication of a child to the Lord does not ensure that child’s eternal destiny. The Bible teaches that forgiveness of sin is granted to those who recognize their need, come to Christ with a repentant heart, and believe unto salvation. No ceremony or religious observance can bring salvation. Thus, when parents come to us with a request to dedicate their child, we must be sure they understand that dedication has no moral significance in itself, but simply is a commitment to raise this child in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
In the Apostolic Faith organization, baby dedications are generally conducted as part of a regular service.2 This often takes place immediately after the prelude which begins the meeting, or directly following the announcements. Typically, the baby dedication portion of the service follows this pattern.
The pastor or minister in charge announces that __________ (parents’ names) have requested that their child __________ (baby’s name), be dedicated to the Lord.
He gives a brief message relaying the Scriptural basis for this practice. This may include: citing examples such as that of Simeon (Luke 2:28) or Hannah (1 Samuel 1); the fact that dedicating a child to God reflects the parents’ purpose to raise the child to obey and honor God; Jesus loved and placed special emphasis on children, so we should follow His example; and an admonition to those in the church family to support and pray for God’s guidance of the parents, and for the infant’s future.
Often following the message, a family member or one of the musicians sings a special song related to children or specific to child dedication. Then the minister asks the parents to bring the baby forward to the pulpit. While they make their way to the front, he may give the baby’s full name and the date of birth. It is also tactful to mention other siblings.
The pastor takes the baby, and offers the dedicatory prayer while holding the infant.3 He then presents the parents with the certificate of dedication. At times, the parents may be asked to share a brief testimony before they return to their seats in the congregation and the regular meeting resumes.
1 See Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; and Luke 18:15-17.
2 Occasionally, parents may wish to have the dedication prayer prayed at home, and we should arrange to do this if that is their desire.
3 It is advisable to turn the baby’s face away from you as you prepare to say the prayer. This lessens the likelihood that the child will be frightened by someone who they do not know well holding them. However, if the baby does cry, simply continue on with the prayer. If the child seems very frightened when you first reach for him, it is fine to simply place one hand gently on the baby’s head or back, and say the prayer while the parent continues to hold him.
YOUTH CAMPS in the Apostolic Faith have proved to be an excellent environment for addressing eternal matters. This type of outreach builds on relationships already established within the church family, addresses spiritual needs that are already known, and provides the church with a natural follow-up opportunity. Over the years, many young people have been saved and received their deeper Christian experiences at youth camps. For these reasons, we have found that incorporating them as an integrated part of our efforts for the youth of our church is very beneficial.
The focus of these events is always on leading young people to salvation, for statistics indicate that more young people are saved at age eleven than at any other time. Young people in the age group that typically attends youth camp are emotionally ready to receive the Gospel—after high school, young people are far less likely to respond to the call of God. With this in mind, we do our best to create an atmosphere at youth camp where attendees can feel free to talk about their spiritual needs, ask questions, seek God, and worship.
Our youth camps are designed to be places where young people who regularly attend our Sunday schools can get together to enjoy good food, plenty of activity, and focus on the things of God. Each day’s schedule is packed with various outdoor sporting events such as swimming, volleyball, and basketball, and indoor activities like board games and crafts. These recreational activities are interspersed with chapel services, Bible lessons, and in-cabin devotionals.
If a youth camp outreach is feasible for your local church, there are several steps that you will need to take.
Get authorization. Discuss with your District Superintendent the possibility of holding a youth camp and with his help, determine the basics. Discuss whether the youth camp would be for your local church only or in conjunction with other nearby Apostolic Faith churches, and establish when it would be held. You should plan this initial step at least one to one-and-a-half years in advance of the projected camp dates.
Evaluate child/youth risk management issues. A youth camp setting is potentially a high-risk environment for children and youth. It is imperative that camp directors scrupulously implement the guidelines established in the Apostolic Faith Safety and Security Manual regarding such matters as staff selection, required training, supervision, discipline procedures, the two-adult rule, etc.1
Establish parameters. Determine what will your budget be, and what ages will be invited to participate,2 and dates that will not conflict with any other organizational event nearby.
Find an appropriate camp location.3 Investigate camp and conference facilities in your area, evaluating fees, types of accommodations, recreational opportunities, etc. Plan to tour the camp before reserving it.
Choose a camp theme. This should be a phrase the campers will relate to, that is age appropriate, and that can be easily developed by your youth camp staff. It could be based on a passage of Scripture, a line from a Gospel chorus or song, a play on words, etc. Relate to this theme as many of your activities, chapel services, and in-cabin devotionals as possible. The more you emphasize it, the better the campers will retain it.
Determine cost for campers. Our goal should be to make the camp as economically feasible as possible. In addition to the fee charged by the camp itself, you will need to factor in costs of transportation, crafts and supplies, food, etc. Announce the cost when you begin promoting the youth camp, to allow students and families enough time to plan for the expense.4
Recruit staff and ensure proper training. As well as appointing a camp director and finding counselors, you will need to consider guest ministers, safety and medical staff, an audio/video coordinator, a music leader, sports and recreation directors, lifeguards, craft supervisors, bus drivers, and cooks and kitchen staff (if food service is not provided by the camp managers).5 Create lists of duties for all involved so that everyone knows their responsibilities. Make sure that all staff members are informed of and fulfill all training requirements established the Apostolic Faith Church Safety and Security manual.
Plan and delegate oversight of recreational activities. Organize or assign the planning of sports activities and competitions, crafts, and evening events.
Prepare for camp chapel services. Select and contact ministers who will participate. Arrange for a song leader, instrumentalists, and someone to arrange special music for the services. Be sure that all participants are aware of the camp theme so your chapel services emphasize the focus of the week.
Promote. You may wish to print posters advertising the youth camp and display them in your church. Include information in the church bulletin, mention it in Sunday school classes, and call teenagers in the church to personally invite them. You may also wish to post information on your church website or Facebook page.
Prepare and distribute application forms to prospective attendees. Be sure the application form includes at least two emergency contact numbers, insurance information, and an authorization/consent to treatment by the parent/guardian. It should also obtain information regarding allergies or medical concerns, and provide space for parents to list any restrictions (such as no swimming) or other instructions that will assist the staff in keeping the child safe and well.6
Arrange transportation. In addition to transportation of campers and staff and their luggage, you will also need to provide for the conveyance of craft supplies, sporting equipment, concession goods, food and cooking equipment, etc.
Prepare and distribute handouts for campers and staff. These may include:
Host a pre-camp staff meeting. Use this session to discuss camp rules and implementation, distribute schedules and other camp information, assign camp duties, explain the camp theme, etc. A unified approach is essential to a good camp! Encourage your staff to prepare for youth camp by praying, reading through all of the provided materials, studying the camp theme and devotional material, planning Bible learning activities for their group of campers, and knowing the campsite and rules so that they can guide decisions and answer questions by the campers.
Register the campers. Appoint an individual who is good at detail and accounting to be responsible for the registration process. Set up the registration area well in advance for early arrivers. Make sure that you have complete information for each child before they are taken to the camp.
Encourage counselor/camper interaction. Counselors should do their best to learn the spiritual condition of each camper in their cabin as soon as possible once the youth camp begins. They should watch for opportunities to have conversations with each student, and be alert for areas where they can be of help or offer guidance. Encourage staff members to do all they can to pray with and support those who are seeking the Lord.
Plan for appropriate follow-up. As pastors, we should have a general, flexible plan in mind of how to use our Sunday school, youth services, or church gatherings to deepen the connections and encourage spiritual growth among the young camp attendees as they move into a new school year. Urge your staff counselors to capitalize on the spiritual momentum generated by youth camp by following up with the students who were in their cabins. There is probably not another time of year when young people are more enthused about the Gospel and ripe for spiritual growth, and we should do our best to make the most of it.
The exact structure of each day’s activities at youth camp is flexible, but a typical youth camp schedule could be developed along these lines.
The health and safety of those attending our youth camps is of prime importance. Campsite facility managers are responsible for meeting state requirements regarding sanitation, insurance liability, food preparation and handling, safe facilities, and items of this nature. However, as youth camp site users, we also have responsibilities. We must make sure that we are in compliance with state standards regarding background checks of staff, adequate supervision of camp activities,7 safe use of recreational and other equipment, proper fire and safety precautions, sufficient medical staff, and proper water safety procedures for swimming pools and natural bodies of water in the vicinity.
To make sure that your camp attendees stay safe and well, give your camp nurse a list of students with allergies and medication needs. Ensure that no medications are kept in the cabins—the camp nurse should be responsible for making sure these are properly administered. Over-the-counter medications brought to camp by students should be turned over to the camp nurse so a record can be kept of what medications are being taken and when.
You should provide the food preparation staff with a list of students with food allergies ahead of time, so substitutions can be made. And you will also want to give your camp sports and activity directors with a list of those who have restrictions in terms of physical activities, such as swimming.
In conjunction with the safety measures employed by staff members, it will be helpful to establish a code of conduct for both the staff and the campers. The camp director should make sure all those who attend the youth camp know the camp boundaries and are familiar with the regulations so that everyone has a safe and enjoyable camp experience. While we try to have as few rules as possible, willful violations must be dealt with. While some regulations may vary from location to location, based upon the particular environment, the following are general guidelines which pertain to all of our youth camps.
Because we are a Christian organization, we encourage including a dress code for the camp when the application materials are distributed so attendees can bring appropriate attire. Staff members at our church youth camps are examples to the young people as to what constitutes acceptable dress for a Christian, so their casual apparel needs to exemplify modesty. Youth camp staff members should encourage the campers to follow through by observing the guidelines provided.
In the dress code, we ask that those who attend Apostolic Faith youth camps wear only modest swimming apparel. Two-piece or skimpy suits are discouraged for girls, as well as extremely brief or tight swim trunks for boys. Swimsuits are only for swimming, and are not to be worn as play clothes. Shorter shorts and tank tops are only allowed for swimming. When students are finished swimming, they should be instructed to change back into other recreational clothing.
We also ask that our campers do not wear items such as halter tops, tops that expose the midriff, spandex-type shorts, short shorts, tight or revealing clothing, sleeveless t-shirts, or t-shirts with logos that displays or promotes tobacco, alcohol, controlled substances, or inappropriate language or pictures. All shorts and dresses should be of a modest length. Campers should be instructed to bring appropriate clothes for chapel, recognizing that this is a church youth camp, not a recreational summer camp.
Our goal is that the young campers will emulate the staff’s consistent example of Christianity in action. One of their most lasting memories of youth camp will be the loving example the staff set before them each day during the camp.
In conclusion, we should depend on prayer as our source of strength and wisdom in all of the efforts associated with youth camp. The opportunity to win another soul for His Kingdom should be exciting and challenging to all of us. Youth camp may well be the starting point for a young person’s walk with the Lord that will end in a glorious eternity, and with that goal in mind, it is worthy of our best efforts to make it a success.
IN THE PAST, some of our Apostolic Faith churches have considered purchasing a youth camp facility. However, in most cases this is not financially prudent. In addition to the purchase cost, a chapel, food service area, and sleeping facilities would need to be constructed. In addition to that initial outlay, it is very expensive to maintain such property and pay for the necessary insurance, and so on, when the use is only occasional.
If property is donated to the church for the purpose of a youth camp, the practicality of maintaining it should be discussed with the Superintendent General or your District Superintendent.
1 For more information regarding safety procedures and guidelines for youth camps, see the Procedure Guidelines for Youth Camp Personnel. This document is available through the headquarters office, and is posted on the church website at www.apostolicfaith.org.
2 At the headquarters church, youth camp is held for those from fourth grade through high school. However, factors such as number of potential campers in various age groups, what type of camp accommodations are available within a reasonable distance, and how many staff members you have available will all impact the final decision.
3 You should begin this process a year and a half or two years ahead of your first camp, as many retreat or camp facilities book a year in advance, and the best and most economical facilities are reserved long in advance of the summer season.
4 Some churches have organized efforts to help the young people earn their way to camp.
5 Nearly half of the states in the United States require criminal background checks for anyone who works in a day camp. If you are unfamiliar with your state’s regulations, contact the officials of your state or your legal representative to be sure that you are in compliance with all regulations. Even if your state does not have such a requirement, we want to be absolutely certain that those who take part in staffing our youth camps has a clear and clean Christian record and testimony.
6 A sample youth camp application form can be found on the safety section of the church website at www.apostolicfaith.org.
7 As part of the license requirements, some states have counselor-to-child ratios for youth camps, in order to ensure that the children are well-supervised. States may also have ratios for specific activities, such as a counselor-to-child ratio while young people are swimming. The facility director should inform you of these regulations when you reserve the camp, but if you have any doubts or concerns, it may be advisable to personally check state regulations or consult with your legal representative.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS) is an outreach tied to Sunday school in a number of our Apostolic Faith Churches. It is often held in the summer or other school vacation times. Each year’s program has a Biblical theme, which is presented by a crew of enthusiastic volunteers ranging from high school age young people through grandmothers. They spread the Gospel in a setting complete with games, skits, crafts, music, and life-changing Bible stories.
Year by year, the numbers attending these neighborhood events have increased. However, enrollment numbers are not what is ultimately important, but the number of children and families who hear and respond to the Gospel as a result of VBS. Some of the children who come do not attend Sunday school regularly, and may have little or no understanding that they are in need of a Savior. When they attend a VBS in one of our churches, we want them to hear about Jesus and what He can do in their lives.
If you feel a VBS outreach is a possibility for your local congregation, there are a number of steps you will need to take.
Make prayer a part of your planning. In order for any outreach effort to be successful, prayer needs to be a part of every step. We need God’s help if we want to achieve results that will count in eternity.
Consider the basics. Evaluate your support base, making sure that you have enough volunteers in your congregation to staff this type of effort. Establish a budget, factoring in not only the curriculum cost, but also such items such as decorations, props, and snacks. Determine what ages of children to invite, and what rooms in your church to utilize.
Decide on a date. Work with those in your church who will oversee this event to determine the best date. In addition to considering organization events and your local church schedule, you may wish to give thought to major occurrences in your community and when other local churches are planning their VBS programs.
Choose your curriculum. Some churches opt to create their own VBS programs. However, while we rarely recommend using material not published by the Apostolic Faith organization, VBS is one area where it may be considered. Many curriculums are available for purchase from independent publishing houses, and these offer a wide range of presentation materials and marketing tools.1 You will be able to review many of these and see sample lessons online. Bear in mind that most VBS programs do allow you to purchase a basic kit without all the optional components. Whether you choose to make your own or purchase a curriculum, make sure your choice is fun, engaging, and most importantly, Bible-based.2
Recruit volunteers and ensure proper training. In addition to a VBS director, you will need to find group leaders, a music/song director, Bible story tellers, an audio/video technician (if you plan to incorporate the song videos that are provided with some curriculums), and game, craft, and snack supervisors. If possible, enlist someone with a camera to come and take pictures each day. Since most schools are not in session during the summer months, you may be able to use your high-school age young people as assistants. Parents of children who will attend might be able to invest an evening in making goodie bags, setting up classrooms, or making decorations. Make sure that volunteers are informed of and fulfill all training requirements established the Apostolic Faith Church Safety and Security manual.
Plan the activities, crafts, and snacks. Make sure the craft activities you choose are age-appropriate for the children who will attend your event. Craft supplies can be a major expense, so you may wish to skip the expensive craft kits that are offered with the major VBS curriculums, and find a craft-oriented person in your congregation to devise your own. Plan games and activities that can be adapted to various age and skill levels. And be sure to evaluate each aspect of your program in regard to ease vs. complexity. We all have to negotiate time in our busy lives, so be sensitive to how much you are asking from your volunteers.
Invite congregation members to contribute. Those in your congregation who cannot directly participate in VBS may be happy to provide paper goods, snack items, or craft supplies. Make a detailed list of what you can use, and post it on your church bulletin board, along with information regarding where to drop them off and the date by which you need them.
Publicize the event. Many of our churches have found that signage in the church yard is a good way to inform children in the neighborhood of the upcoming VBS event. Be sure to send home notices with the children who already attend your Sunday school, and encourage them to invite friends. Ask your members to invite neighbors or young family members. If the budget allows, you could also consider a mass mailing postcard, door hangers, flyers, or other advertising strategies.3
Communicate the plan. You should plan to meet with all of your VBS volunteers a few days before your event begins. Distribute the daily schedule, give out group assignments, and make sure everyone knows their roles. You may wish to do a walk-through to be sure group leaders know the routes to take between the rooms where the different activities will take place. If your curriculum plan includes learning new songs, it is helpful if staff members know the lyrics and actions ahead of time.
Adjust as needed during VBS week. Even the best thought-out plans will probably need to be adjusted as the week progresses. If you allow drop-ins or late registration, your numbers will fluctuate and adjustments to your groups of students will need to be made. For that reason, the VBS director should delegate all the teaching responsibilities in order to be free to make decisions during the week.
Evaluate and make notes. The director or an appointee should keep ongoing notes throughout the week. Observations about registration streamlining, quantities of supplies needed, staffing adjustments, traffic flow, types of games, etc. will be invaluable when you begin planning your next year’s VBS program. Some churches have found it helpful to plan a “post-event” session where staff can evaluate together what worked well and what could use improvement.
Follow up. Some of our churches hold an “end of VBS” service to which they invite parents. The children sing the songs they learned during the week, and recite the Scriptures they memorized. If someone took pictures of your VBS, parents will enjoy seeing pictures of their children participating in the various events of the week. The message of the evening should be simple, child-friendly, and reinforce the principles learned during the week. Plan to make a follow-up contact with each child who attended, and include an invitation to Sunday school. And do not forget to express your appreciation to all of the volunteers for their long hours and dedication.
Jesus demonstrated His concern for children, and we want to do the same. Hosting a VBS is one way we can do so.
MOST VBS PUBLISHERS attempt to minimize doctrinal distinctions, because they want to make their material usable in all denominations. However, we must not assume that every VBS curriculum is doctrinally sound. Before you purchase a curriculum, it can be helpful to check to see if the publisher has a statement of faith. And be sure to read the Bible stories samples carefully and with discernment.
Also, be aware that many purchased curriculums do not use the King James Version of the Bible. Although some of the project visuals, posters, and craft materials may use other versions, we suggest that when feasible, you convert the Bible texts and memory verses to KJV.
1 Another advantage of purchasing a curriculum from an established publisher such as Group, David C. Cook, or Gospel Light is that you may be able to get secondhand props and extra supplies from another church that held their VBS event prior to yours. Also, most major VBS publishers have forums on their websites for churches to share ideas about how to implement the curriculum. This can be a great source of ideas. However, we must be certain that we do not present Calvinistic material; if you purchase a curriculum, you will need to review each segment and edit or delete as needed to make sure that what we teach the children is doctrinally sound.
2 You may be able to obtain materials that another Apostolic Faith church used in a prior year. Connect with your headquarters church or District Superintendent to find out what materials might be available.
3 For additional information on possible methods of promotion, see the section of this manual entitled Promotion of Church Events.
THE APOSTOLIC FAITH ORGANIZATION sprang from revival meetings which took place in the early part of the twentieth century. Known as the Azusa Revival of 1906, the infilling of the Holy Spirit empowered many individuals in those services, and created an evangelistic fervor that quickly spread worldwide. It is no wonder, then, that the tradition of holding an annual series of special meetings continues to be a practice in our organization.
In the evangelical community, the phrase “revival meetings” refers to a series of Christian religious services held in order to inspire a church congregation and to win new converts. In the Apostolic Faith organization, a series of specially promoted meetings—many times featuring a visiting minister—are more typically referred to as “special meetings.” If several branch church congregations gather at a host church for a series of meetings, these services are called “combined meetings.” Both special meetings and combined meetings are very closely related to revival meetings, as the majority of our services have an evangelistic theme. The length of such a series of meetings varies. Currently three or four days is typical, although week-long sessions are still held in some of our churches.
There are a number of reasons why it is good for a church to occasionally schedule a series of special meetings.
In the United States, scheduling should be coordinated with the District Superintendent in order to avoid conflicts and to space the services in the various locations far enough apart on the calendar to allow for maximum participation. In countries outside of the United States, the District Superintendent in each area will work with local pastors to develop an appropriate schedule for special meetings.
It is the pastor’s responsibility to oversee special meetings at the local church. This includes notifying neighboring branch churches, making arrangements for a visiting minister, and coordinating all activities during the series of meetings. No specific format is designated for the series of meetings; it is up to each pastor to determine what will be included. In addition to church services, often a youth rally, concert, prayer breakfast, Bible competition, or other activities are planned. In many of our churches, a theme is chosen for the series of meetings. Typically, this would be a phrase or portion of a Scripture verse.
What the host church offers in terms of accommodations varies from church to church. In some locations, the congregation is able to provide housing for guests who attend, while other churches do not have the resources to do this. In those cases, the host church should provide a motel list with their flyer so people can make their own arrangements. If some housing is available, usually the first priority is to house the youth who will attend, because they are less likely to have the means to make their own arrangements. Often, the congregation members at the host church combine their efforts to provide a few meals at the church during the series of meetings.
The host church should reimburse the visiting minister for out-of-pocket expenses. This would include travel, meals, motel, etc. It is also thoughtful to give a token gift of appreciation.
Flyers with dates and a summary of the special activities can be sent to nearby branch churches. The same information should be emailed to events@apostolicfaith.org to be posted on the international calendar. Any decisions on local advertising are made by the pastor, but options include postcards or flyers for congregation members to distribute, a banner for the front of the church, online free local listings, announcements on local radio stations and community calendars, or advertising in a local newspaper.
Pastors should post any flyers or information pertaining to special meetings being held in neighboring branch churches. If the church is within reasonable distance, the local pastor should encourage all who are able to attend the meetings, and encourage those who are not able to go to be supportive with their prayers. This is a vital part of supporting the family of God.
WE MUST GUARD against a tendency to measure the “success” of a series of meetings by what is happening to people rather than how the Holy Spirit works in people. God’s greatest works are usually done internally, not publicly. A Gospel service is effective when Jesus is lifted up (John 12:32), and people worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23). While periods of outpouring and revival from God are precious and deeply appreciated, the ongoing development of a close walk with God comes in small increments, “precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little” (Isaiah 28:10). These quiet, inward works of the Spirit may not be immediately obvious.
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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