Center for Spiritual Renewal Appoints Wilson Executive Director
The Center for Spiritual Renewal (CSR), a parachurch ministry organization in Cleveland, Tenn., has named Rev. Billy Wilson as its new executive director.
The appointment of Wilson by the Center's board capped a year of significant events for the CSR which began with the death of the center's founder, Dr. Robert E. Fisher, on September 28, 2005. His death came after substantial planning had been made toward the 100 year celebration of the Azusa Street Revival, which took place on April 25-29, 2006 in Los Angeles. The CSR was the primary planning entity of the event, which ended up attracting over 50,000 people from over 100 countries.
"The success of the Azusa Centennial was the result of hundreds of people and churches coming together and stepping up in the months following Dr. Fisher's death," Wilson stated. Wilson, who served as executive officer for the Centennial following Fisher, reported to the board that four months after the event letters, e-mails and residuals are still coming in. He also reported that several "Azusa" follow-up events have been scheduled around the world over the next several months including locations in Mississippi, North Carolina, and overseas in Ghana, Germany, South Africa, Indonesia, Uganda and Europe.
Along with Wilson's appointment as executive director, Jim Bolin, pastor of Trinity Chapel in Powder Springs, Ga., was elected chairman of the board. He replaces Carl Richardson who completed his term and will focus on other ministry interests. Richardson, who has served as CSR's chairman since its inception, was recently named chairman of the Church of God Care Ministries board. Rev. Sam Crisp, pastor in Kannapolis, N.C., also completed his ministry as a board member this year. Continuing as board members are Bobby Collins, pastor in Virginia, David Ferguson, founder of Intimate Life Ministries in Austin, Texas, Mary Fisher, ambassador ro the Center for Spiritual Renewal, Barry Ray, owner of Vision SeniorCare Partners, Lamar Vest, chancellor, Church of God Division of Education and Mark Williams, administrative bishop for California/Nevada. According to Wilson, new Board members will be announced at the January, 2007 meeting.
Also during the meeting Wilson announced Mary Fisher will become Ambassador to the Center for Spiritual Renewal. The wife of Dr. Fisher, Mrs. Fisher will serve in a public and community relations role, as well as assist in CSR events, resource development and donor relations. She will remain a member of the CSR board.
Among the highlights of the Center for Spiritual Renewal's Statement of Purpose, established in 1999, is "to acknowledge, celebrate and record the unprecedented move of God that is now taking place around the world," "promote an understanding of the need to respond to the move of God through humility, prayer, fasting, repentance and reconciliation," and "to engage in research and encourage study of the various outpourings of the Holy Spirit around the world." The Statement also refers to publishing materials and conducting special meetings and events to strengthen and perpetuate the spirit of revival.
"At the center of the Center will be the cross with it's vertical and horizontal dimensions," Wilson stated "We will approach our mission through 'vertical renewal,' by leading and participating in crusades, revivals, Solemn Assemblies and other ministry events along with developing resources to assist the individual in enriching his/her relationship with God. We will also participate in "horizontal renewal" by creating and participating in activities that encourage relational, spiritual unity in the Body of Christ."
Wilson is an ordained bishop in the Church of God of Prophecy and serves as International Minister of Outreach, an initiative which was formed three years ago by leaders of both the Church of God and Church of God of Prophecy as a joint global evangelistic venture. The initiative is a practical demonstration of the common purposes and spiritual heritage of the two church groups. He also serves as minister for Voice of Salvation Ministries and the television program, World Impact.
"The appointment of Billy Wilson is one my father would have initiated and supported," stated Cameron Fisher, son of Dr. Fisher and coordinator of communications and internet ministry for the Church of God. "Rev. Wilson is best equipped to carry on the ministry of the Center at this time and the family is confident of his spiritual sensitivity and ability to get the job done for the global harvest." (1)
(1) This is an article posted on Faith News Network
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