August 7th, 2023
Written by Devon Bowman
I am thankful to be part of the Assemblies of God. I know that some people may not realize that we are an Assemblies of God church or you may not know what the fellowship is. The Assemblies of God is a cooperative fellowship of Pentecostal churches that come together to serve the Lord together and send out missionaries. This week we had our General Council that happens every two years. This year was in Columbus, Ohio, and over fifteen thousand adults and teenagers came together to worship, compete in fine arts, and vote on church business. I just want to share a few reflections from this week.
First, I am thankful for unity in our fellowship. I think it is important to emphasize unity and not uniformity. Unity implies differences. Although there are different opinions on a whole host of issues, the Assemblies of God remains united. This is so important in the church today. Lately we have seen so many times where major denominations are splitting and splintering because of a lack of unity. I am happy this is not the case in our fellowship. We remain unified in purpose and desire even if there are differences in methods and secondary doctrine.
Second, I am thankful for the continued commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission. All throughout the week you could see just how committed our fellowship is to missions. Hundreds of missionaries were in attendance from all over the world. These individuals encouraged, guided, and taught pastors and students alike on how they could participate in the spread of the gospel. I have no doubt that through their efforts there were students who were confirmed in their purpose of spreading the good news of Jesus. We continue to desire to be the “greatest evangelism that the world has ever seen.”
Third, I am thankful for relationships in the body of Christ. It is amazing just how much of a reunion these conferences can be. It is a time we get to meet new people and grow in relationship with others. Relationships are essential to everyone and ministers are no different. To have fellow workers to uplift one another and walk together is priceless. Geo and I walked away refreshed and encouraged by the countless people that we call mentors and friends.
As I walk away from this week I am encouraged and refreshed. I am thankful for the countless people who throughout the week made a difference for my family. I am thankful for the heritage that I and my family have in our fellowship. I am thankful to be part of the Assemblies of God.
I am thankful to be part of the Assemblies of God. I know that some people may not realize that we are an Assemblies of God church or you may not know what the fellowship is. The Assemblies of God is a cooperative fellowship of Pentecostal churches that come together to serve the Lord together and send out missionaries. This week we had our General Council that happens every two years. This year was in Columbus, Ohio, and over fifteen thousand adults and teenagers came together to worship, compete in fine arts, and vote on church business. I just want to share a few reflections from this week.
First, I am thankful for unity in our fellowship. I think it is important to emphasize unity and not uniformity. Unity implies differences. Although there are different opinions on a whole host of issues, the Assemblies of God remains united. This is so important in the church today. Lately we have seen so many times where major denominations are splitting and splintering because of a lack of unity. I am happy this is not the case in our fellowship. We remain unified in purpose and desire even if there are differences in methods and secondary doctrine.
Second, I am thankful for the continued commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission. All throughout the week you could see just how committed our fellowship is to missions. Hundreds of missionaries were in attendance from all over the world. These individuals encouraged, guided, and taught pastors and students alike on how they could participate in the spread of the gospel. I have no doubt that through their efforts there were students who were confirmed in their purpose of spreading the good news of Jesus. We continue to desire to be the “greatest evangelism that the world has ever seen.”
Third, I am thankful for relationships in the body of Christ. It is amazing just how much of a reunion these conferences can be. It is a time we get to meet new people and grow in relationship with others. Relationships are essential to everyone and ministers are no different. To have fellow workers to uplift one another and walk together is priceless. Geo and I walked away refreshed and encouraged by the countless people that we call mentors and friends.
As I walk away from this week I am encouraged and refreshed. I am thankful for the countless people who throughout the week made a difference for my family. I am thankful for the heritage that I and my family have in our fellowship. I am thankful to be part of the Assemblies of God.
1 Comment
Thank you Pastor Devon and Pastor Geo for your commitment to and love for the Lord. It shines in all that you do.