Christians can be grouped in various "tribes"--groups of people with whom they share a particular cultural, and sometimes theological, heritage, and with whom they continue to partner for present, and possible future, goals (whether these goals are self-, group-, and/or world-serving).
Our particular tribe is the "Church of God", but because that is such a generic (albeit, Biblical) name, which is also simultaneously used by as many as 18 other officially recognized religious organizations (so I've been told), we further designate "Church of God" with "Reformation Movement" or more technically, "Church of God, whose general offices are in Anderson, Indiana, USA).
I grew up in the Church of God (ChoG)--my parents, grandparents, and many family members through have served/participated in various congregations. Oddly enough, it wasn't until I went to Anderson University (the ChoG's largest college, 40 miles northeast of Indianapolis), that I spent significant time and fellowship with Christians from various other tribes; at that time (and maybe still true today), more than 50% of the student body were from outside the ChoG tribe. This is where Keli and I met--she was one of those outside the ChoG tribe, coming from a much more diverse Christian upbringing than I; in fact, she didn't even know what the ChoG was until she started at Anderson University!
One of the foundational statements of the ChoG tribe is "we reach our hand in fellowship to every blood-washed one" - a line from an Andrew Byer's hymn, "The Church's Jubilee". This emphasis on unity has remained one of the most attractive and important values that has led me to stay a part of the ChoG as I searched through various faith-issues in my life.
Though we have served three ChoG congregations prior to this current assignment, we have always sought to keep fellowship and work closely with groups/tribes different than ChoG, to make a Kingdom difference in lives and communities. Even as we are now "employees" of Church of God Ministries, we work primarily with Christians who come from Coptic and Catholic backgrounds here in Egypt. Many of the Lebanese Christians I met last summer were from various tribes, too.
As a result, I do not often write/speak primarily about ChoG issues or events; I tend to focus on larger Kingdom issues--we represent Jesus Christ first and foremost, and it is by His grace and calling that we seek to share His Good News and teachings where ever and whenever. From time to time, I do reference special news as it relates to the work we are doing locally, or when it happens to speak to the larger Church. This post offers a little of both...
First, this summer's Global Gathering. Each year, for nearly a century, the ChoG in North America
have descended upon the minor city of Anderson, Indiana for what was once called "Campmeeting" back in the Americana revival era, but more recently dubbed "North American Convention". This year, the NAC also serves as the restart of what as an every other year global event known as the "World Conference" in which the international ChoG would gather--this event was halted after 9/11 and never restarted until now. More than 80 countries have a ChoG congregation, and I believe a representative from each country will be brought to Anderson this summer to participate. We have been working with more than a dozen potential particpants from Egypt, attempting to help them get their necessary paperwork for visas to the USA, as well as helping to understand the various instructions for registering and making various reservations. Unfortunately, we have just learned that several have been denied a visa, and another 2 have had to cancel their plans due to health. Another 5 are still attempting to gain the visa, while 2 already have their visa and are making their flight and lodging reservations. The event, as it is annually, will be held on the campus of Anderson University; the O.C. Lewis gymnasium will be transformed into a mini-world's fair with each region offering information on cultural issues and ministries. If you are in the ChoG tribe and planning to make the annual pilgrimage, look for the Eiffel Tower and say hello to our 3W friends and teammates who will be there with news, pics, and videos (Kelley Phillips, Daniel & Christy Kihm, and Zach & Audrey Langford).
Also this year at the NAC / GG, the General Assembly (composed of pastors and selected
representatives from national agencies and congregations) will be ratifying the new General Director Designate, who happens to be Rev. Jim Lyon. Jim has been a long time friend, mentor and supporter of us--even before we were appointed to this role; in fact, Jim officiated our wedding. Jim's appointment surprised us as he has been engaged in a great ministry at Madison Park ChoG (in Anderson) for more than 20 years. He is a gifted communicator, particularly when it comes to the Church and vision for the future--these are gifts that are definitely needed at this time in the life of our tribe. He has been willing to answer as many questions as he can ahead of Town Hall meetings where there will be face-to-face Q&A opportunities--dozens, if not hundreds, of questions were submitted. The answers to those questions are being shared--not to each specific question--but according to general themes. I offer the link to those answers here because among the questions were two hot-button topics related to all Christians, particularly at this time and for those Christians from Wesleyan-holiness backgrounds such as the ChoG: those topics are homosexuality and alcoholic drinking. Jim gives a (not necessarily "the") Biblical answer to each question--I share these not for their content, but for the spirit of his answers, which is the greater example. Jim is not "preaching" or pushing for his agenda or perspective; he shares background, scripture, and his understanding, but he does so in a non-confrontational way that opens the door for dialogue rather than slamming the Bible down on the table as an emphatic end to all further discussion. This is one of the reasons I admire Jim--we Christians, of any tribe, would do well to seek to be humbly open with our understanding and convictions without being condemning of any who may see (or struggle) with issues differently. Regardless of your tribe, pray for the ChoG as they make decisions about future leadership.
As always, thank you for your ongoing thoughts, prayers, and encouragement -- we appreciate each of you and how you enrich our lives...
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