Greetings, Everybody:
Wednesday evening we concluded the Western Conference for 2001. Thursday morning we had a special meeting with the International Regional Directors. We discussed their special needs for 2002 and ways to meet them.
The opening message by Mr. Meredith focused on growing the Work. He stressed the need of faith in God and Christ to do the very BIG WORK at the end of this age. He followed this on the second day with an important reminder to the ministry to exercise "Servant Leadership," and a review of "Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible." Mr. Meredith concluded the conference exhorting us to "Become a True Bondslave of Christ."
Mr. Dibar Apartian introduced the International Directors for reports on their respective regions. He personally reported on the growth of the Work in Europe and the Caribbean area for Mr. Jonathan McNair who was not in attendance.
Mr. Richard Ames presented a very interesting lecture entitled "The Fundamentals of Prophecy." Mr. Fred Dattolo reported on the growth and the needs of the Work.
Mr. Doug Winnail gave a lecture on the "Roles of Men and Women," within the context of the Word of God.
This has been a very enjoyable, harmonious conference. At the commencement of the last meeting on Wednesday, Mr. Meredith led in an ordination of two Evangelists and three Pastors.
Ordained Evangelist were:
Mr. Syd Hull, Regional Director of the Republic of South Africa
Mr. Bruce Tyler, Regional Director of Australia and Southeast Asia
Ordained Pastor were:
Mr. Glen Gilchrist, Pastor of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Denver Colorado area
Mr. Mario Hernandez, Regional Director of Latin America, Pastor of Mexico City
Mr. Eng Monson, Pastor of Regina Area.
Congratulations to each of them. The ordinations are not "elevation to positions of praise" but recognition of the work they are actually doing. Jesus warned His disciples not to be like the Gentiles who lord it over their subjects, then expect them to praise them as "benefactors." He commissioned His disciples to offices of SERVICE (Matthew 20:25-26). The Apostle Peter learned the lesson well, for later in his life he wrote to the Church, "The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away" (I Peter 5:1-4).
Furthermore, Peter wrote to all: "Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you" (vv. 5-7).
If we look at "hierarchy" or "ranks" of the ministry as a means of organizing and administering the Church — which is another way of saying Service and Leadership — rather than as the Gentiles' practice of "overlordship," which is oppression and self-service, then we are in sync with Christ and God the Father. There is no alternative for us.
MEDIA UPDATE:
This week saw the publication of our twelfth booklet since the Living Church of God was founded. Mr. Meredith's "Fourteen Signs Announcing Christ's Return" has been printed in a new Living Church of God edition, which Mr. Meredith will offer on the April 29 Tomorrow's World telecast. Like the other booklets, it can be downloaded or viewed online from the Church Web site, at URL: www.lcg.org/booklets.htm
Since most members already have an earlier version of the booklet, printed copies will not be mailed out automatically, but those who would like a copy can request one by phone, by mail or by using the online order form at www.lcg.org
CONCLUSION:
Three weeks from tonight is the Passover! We in San Diego are excitedly looking forward to traveling out to selected Church areas for the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread. We will see you in those areas very soon!
Have a GREAT Sabbath and safe weekend.
Carl E. McNair