Voice of Hope

This morning Debra and I were so blessed to worship with the Abundant Grace church in Collierville (formerly known as the East Memphis church). During the service, David M. Wier was ordained to the office of Deacon in the Church of God of Prophecy. Pastor, Bishop Robbie Wier and his wife Kathy were wonderful hosts and we really enjoyed being with the folks. It was also good to see Bishop Jack Pruitt, a former pastor who has now moved back to Memphis and is worshiping with the folks at Abundant Grace.

Last night, Debra and I met with pastors from the two western sections of our churches for a time of fellowship and good food. We joined together at 5:00 p.m. at the Ryan's Steakhouse in Jackson, Tennessee and spend a couple of hours together. Debra and I are so blessed to work with such special ministers and their companions. A special thanks to Bishops Clayton Mahan and Robbie Wier for help to bring the event about.

The Book of Revelation is one that is quite often overlooked by a lot of Christians for one simple reason...it scares them! Coming in at a closed second, is the fact that it seems somewhat cryptic and hard to understand. I find both of these reasons sad for a couple of reasons: REASON ONE " And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:15-17) The entirety of God's Word is given to us for several reasons. God's Word is the "revealed and preserved" will of God for all of us. From the Word of God we find sound doctrine, we find a mirror that reflects our lives in the light of God's Will thus allowing us the opportunity to r...

It all begins next Saturday, October 6th at Pine Grove in Crossville! (CLICK MAP FOR DIRECTIONS) Tennessee's First Women's Leadership Conference Are you in a Leadership position? Do you feel the Lord leading you toward a leadership position? Do you want to be in a leadership? Do you want to be better equipped to minister to women in your community, your neighborhood, your church?? Do you need a “Girls” day out? Set aside 6 hours on Saturday October 6 th for training, direction and inspiration!! It begins at 9:30 a.m. and will conclude at 3:30 p.m. CST God calls & gifts each individual in the Kingdom. You have something to offer! The format includes: Presentations, Group Activities, Discussion, Networking, & Resources Subjects to be addressed include: * TimeManagement*Communication * Relationships *Conflict Management* Group Building *Leadership Essentials You don’t want to miss this power-packed day designed just for YOU !! Make a da...

For many years, the churches of Tennessee have been great supporters of missions around the world. It could rightfully be said that the Gospel has been spread to every continent of the world by people in our great State. Mission giving over the years has probably amounted to millions of dollars in direct financial assistance and the man-hours expended by mission teams cannot be measured. One of the burdens on my heart is that while we have given of our time and resources around the world, there is a real mission field around each and every one of us. Our neighbors and friends around us may have never heard the Gospel message even once, and I'm not talking about the people who have immigrated here in the last few years. At our State Convention I shared that we must move away from being a denomination and return to our roots as a missionary movement. It was not my intention to imply that our mission efforts outside the United States should stop, only that we have a ready harvest ...

Earlier, I posted about visiting the Lakemoore church last Sunday. During that service, I was privileged to ordain two new deacons in the local church. Travis Overbay and Joe Conway. I've included a photo of the entire group. From left to right, Mrs. Travis Overbay, Deacon Travis Overbay, Bishop E.C. McKinley, Pastor Robert Carpenter, Deacon Joe Conway, Mrs. Joe Conway and Deacon Ernie Moore. I apologize for the delay in posting this story.

For the past week, I've been conducting an informal, online poll concerning the location for our next State Convention, which will convene in the summer of 2009. Here are the results: Chattanooga 17% Jackson 15% Knoxville 9% Memphis 3% Nashville 53% This is a purely "unscientific" poll, but does give an idea of how 106 voters expressed themselves. Please note that another poll begins tonight, and I am asking you to express yourself by checking it out on the left. Thanks and God bless!

Back to School Bash at Crossroads on Saturday, September 29th at 3pm. Join us for fun, food, fellowship, and worship. Let's prepare our children to remain focused on Jesus in our schools this year. For further information, please contact Kim Batson 615-604-7484 or kim.batson@comcast.net .

Many of you have asked about our appointment list. This list is available for download by clicking on the DOWNLOAD link to the left, or CLICK HERE

Yesterday, Debra and I attended the Homecoming Services at the Lakemoore church, where I was privileged to minister. There was a special presentation from a group of CLOWNS (and no I don't mean the overseer) that the children loved, followed by spirited worship and the word. Afterwards, there was a wonderful meal prepared and served to all in attendance. There was a large crowd, special musical guests and just plain fellowship! I've included just a few photos for your enjoyment.

Please see this news release from Pastor Milton Gordon: Delilah Mummel and Denise Pyburn, [a] new duo called Sisters In Grace, were chosen in the second round of the Grace Broadcasting gospel talent search (94.5 FM, 93.7 FM, both contemporary and 93.1, Southern Gospel). They will be singing in the final at the Community Center in Miftin, Tennessee about 20 miles from Jackson on Saturday, September 29, 2007 starting at 6:00 pm. The two ladies are not only sisters in the Lord they are biological sisters and daughters of Alton and Donna Crossno. Delilah is lead singer in our local praise and worship team and sings some great solos as well. Denise and Delilah grew up attending the Church of God of Prophecy in Huntingdon. Denise now attends the Pine Grove Baptist church in Lexington with her husband and three children. Sisters In Grace will be traveling with the Grace Broadcasting Gospel Tour this coming Fall and Spring. They request prayer to be an ambassador for Christ in their music mini...

This morning, I was blessed to meet with our Youth Camp Directors at the Murfreesboro church to review last year's camps and look forward to the future. I have high hopes for our camping program for this next year, and I am thankful to our Coordinators, Mike and Kathy Burton for arranging the meeting. I've included some photos from the meeting and our lunch afterwards.

Next week there will be a Youth Workers Conference in Kingsport, Tennessee, sponsored by the International Youth Ministries Department of the Church of God of Prophecy. CLICK HERE to be taken to our State Youth Ministries website where you can find registration details and other pertinent information.

I have been working on an update for our state website for some time. You might have noticed that if you type in the address (www.tncogop.org) that you are taken to my daily blog. This is so you will have a continual flow of information without interruption. It is my hope to have the site back up before the weekend is out. The new site will make it easier to find our departmental websites and will have a listing of the changes of appointment from our recent State Convention. Thanks for your patience as I work to keep you informed of the events going on across the State of Tennessee. God bless!

On the left side of the page you see a poll question about our next State Convention. So far, we've had 76 votes (as of this writing). I encourage you to vote!

A few-days-ago, I added a "poll" question to our blog concerning the location for our next State Convention. I invite you to vote in this poll, and to see the results. You will find the poll question on the left side of the page, below our "favorite links" section.

I just learned of the arrangements for Sister Helen Beasley of the East Nashville church. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8: p.m. on Wednesday and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at: Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetary 5110 Gallatin Pike Nashville, TN 37216 (615) 865-1101 Click on the address above for a map

If you will scroll to the bottom of this page, you will find a poll that I am conducting concerning our state convention locations in the future. I invite you to participate in this poll to give me an idea about future locations.

Please note that the Ministerial Intensive is listed as January 1 & 2, 2008. THIS IS A MISPRINT: IT SHOULD BE February 1 & 2, 2008 Will you please help me get this word out?

I just learned a few-minutes-ago of the passing of Sister Helen Beasley of the East Nashville church. Sister Beasley and her husband, Deacon Auda Beasley have been a great blessing to the work of the church in Nashville for many years. Please join me in prayer for the family.

Today, Debra and I were blessed to visit with two churches. This morning, we took part in the celebration of 50 years of ministry at the Springplace church in Cleveland. The entire worship service was exciting as we worshiped in the recently renovated sanctuary, a task that was undertaken under the leadership of Pastor Paul Holt. I was thankful that he and Barbara were able to be at the service. Pastor Eric Washburn and the congregation worshiped in the "old" and "new" style, as a balanced service was presented. My favorite part must have been the children's portion of the program, especially as the children sang songs the children sang when the church was started in 1957. After the worship service, there was a WONDERFUL spread of food laid out in under the pavilion, and the Lord gave us a great day with a cool breeze blowing. This evening, Debra and I were blessed to be with the church a Madisonville. The people gave us a wonderful welcome as we discussed wh...

Just a quick post to remind all of you in our churches in Tennessee that Debra and I are praying for you. In that vein of thought, I am believing for 3 John 2 to be fulfilled in each of your lives and by extension in our churches. Listen to John's prayer (under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost): "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." I enjoy the reading of this verse in 3 John 2 in the Amplified Bible: "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers." God's desire for each of you is to "PROSPER" in every way, and that is my prayer for you!

Hello Pastor, We are offering to the local church here at Lakeside, and especially those in teaching positions, the Bible portion of the Church's Foundations course with the possibility of completing all of the Foundations books at a later date. Sister Karen Jent, Lakeside's Leadership Development Instructor will be teaching this course here at the local church. If you have teachers or any persons who would like to attend this course you may let us know and we will include them in the nights of study. This is a short notice but classes begin on Monday night, September 17th., at 7:00 and ending at 8:30. The instructor will provide a study guide for each class session with handouts with fill in blank statements for each student. You may call the office 9:00 - 2:00 and ask for Melissa. E-mail the pastor at flg@nctc.com Karen Jent at jenteagle44@nctc.com and we will include you.

Send your comments and thoughts by emailing us at connections@cogop.org . Global Outreach Ministries Greece On Fire: An UpdateRead an eyewitness account of the recent fires that devastated parts of Greece. To read this excellent report and prayer directives for Greece, click here .A Helping Hands/One Child Fund ChristmasYou can be a part of making Christmas especially meaningful for an orphaned child or mission family. To read how, click here . Leadership Development & Discipleship Ministries Tomlinson Center: Plan Now to be a Part of the Spring 2008 ClassesClasses begin for the Spring 2008 semester on January 9, 2008. To learn more about these classes or to apply online, click here . North Carolina Training Event Developing Effective Leadership ConferenceThe North Carolina State Office will be hosting the Developing Effective Leadership Conference, for pastors only, October 19-20, 2007 at Camp Maranatha in High Point, North Carolina. For more details, including conference s...

I just learned that Pastor Danny Walker at Liberty Worship Center (formerly known as Twin Cities) has just undergone knee replacement surgery and is currently hospitalized recovering. I am requesting you to join me in prayer for Brother Danny and his family. I will post more information as I receive it.

Folks, Joe and Barbara Watson are doing a new church plant work at Henderson, Tennessee. I was blessed to be with them recently. They have a new website that I wanted to share with you today. Why not check out their site? http://livingwatersfellowship.mysite.com/ Click on the link above to go there. Great work Joe and Barbara!

We are in the process of beginning a Beacon Ministry Institute extension school in our local church. Tennessee Presiding Bishop, Dr. E. C. McKinley is promoting Beacon University and Beacon Ministry Institute. We plan to offer biblically, evangelically, and spiritually relevant courses for equipping those who desire to become more capable of ministering in the kingdom of God. There are several tracts available and each tract has the courses needed to receive a diploma of completion. The courses are well written, taught by qualified, degreed professors on DVD and/or video and will be accomodated and facilitated by the Huntingdon Church of God of Prophecy. The cost is $125.00 per course* including the book, workbook, class time, instructor, and facilitator. The courses general run 10 hours in length and plans are to begin on Monday evenings in November from 6:30 – 8:30 pm for 5 weeks. At the end of the course, with a C average, the participant will be refunded $25.00. The following...

Greetings Dr. Mckinley, On Sunday, September 9th the Joelton CoGoP (Formally West Nashville) celebrated with a ground breaking ceremony. The rain held off while we praised our God for what he is doing at Joelton. The afternoon was met with excitement and fellowship as all enjoyed breaking ground for the future. While we were enjoying the scenery some mentioned they can already see themselves and there families coming and worshiping God in the new building. The new location is 5606 Clarksville Highway in Joelton. The Joelton CoGoP members would like to take this time to praise God for what he has done, what God is Doing, and what God will do. I have also included some pictures. Pastor Terry Swaw

An Invitation Are you called into a ministry and need more opportunities to fulfill your calling on Sunday morning? Time is available for you at the Pikeville Church Ministerial Training site. We need you! Contact Dr. Freddie Harding (Plateau District Presbyter) for mentoring or scheduling your ministry time at this location. Email harding@blomland.net or call (931) 946-7541.

The Tennessee Department of Women’s Ministries (“Women of Grace”) is pleased to announce a NEW OPPORTUNITY THIS FALL: Women’s Leadership Conference (Leadership Essentials for Women) Saturday, October 6th Pine Grove Church of God of Prophecy (Crossville area) Saturday, October 27th Paris Church of God of Prophecy Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Cost: $20.00 (includes lunch on site) Have you been placed in a leadership position and do not know where to begin? Do you have a desire in your heart to do something for God, but lack direction and training? You are invited to set aside SIX hours in October to join other ladies with the same challenges and dreams. God calls and gifts each individual in the Kingdom. Every Child of God has something to offer. Frustration comes when we fail to recognize and use those gifts. Women are unique in the Family of God with much to offer. Register NOW for a day that will inspire, train, and motivate you to greater serve the Savior! Brochures with information a...

This morning, I was blessed to minister in the City Life Church in Des Moines, Iowa where Pastor Tim Shipley serves as the Senior Pastor. The Leadership conference we conducted on Friday night and Saturday was hosted in this church, and we stayed over after the conference ended to minister at Pastor Shipley's church. We had a great service this morning, and the worship service was excellent. Afterwards we dined with the Regional Overseer Bishop Steve and Latanya Madrid. As I write this entry, Debra and I are at the Des Moines airport and will be flying out shortly to be back in Tennessee tonight. We are thankful for the opportunity to come and share in a region with a great harvest ready to come in. God is good!

A couple of years ago, Debra taught at the Ladies Retreat in Iowa. At the time she was not at the age of a "Red Hat" lady, but had to don a pink hat instead. Since she has now had enough birthdays, the ladies in the Iowa Region made she Debra graduated to the "Red Hat" status. Pictured here are the ladies posing in their hats for the camera.

Debra and I flew into Des Moines, IA yesterday to be with Bishop Steve & Latanya Madrid for a Leadership Conference. I was blessed to minister last night at the City Light church and this morning Debra and I will be ministering in the morning session. The conference ends this afternoon, and we are staying over to minister in the Des Moines church in the morning. The conference is well-attended and we have been able to connect with some of our friends, Marvin and Virginia Sheurer (formerly of North Dakota) who now live in Omaha, Nebraska. We also were able to see Pastor Stan and Virginia Gravvitt, who worked with us when they pastored the church in Gillette, Wyoming. We are so thankful for the opportunity to minister to such precious people.

From Kim Batson: Would you mind to put something on your blog announcing our Back to School Bash on September 15th at 3pm at Ridgely Church of God of Prophecy at 312 Church Street. Everyone come expecting fun, food, fellowship. Most importantly, we will be equipping our children to return to school. For more information, please contact Kim Batson at 615-604-7484 or kim.batson@comcast.net . Thanks for doing this. I know a lot of people that just jump on and check out your blog instead of surfing all of our sites. Thanks for your help.

When I was first converted, my pastor spent some time giving me good advice. He said, "God didn't save you to sit on a pew, but he saved you to be a soul winner." I will never forget that advice, and I have tried to follow it throughout my ministry. In the early days, I followed several methods of presenting the gospel to people needing the Lord. The first was from a man by the name of Leon Kilbraith, then by Nate Krupp. However, the best material I learned was developed by Dr. D. James Kennedy of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Florida. His outline made sense, and allowed you to continue to present the gospel, even when distractions would take place. This approach was known as Evangelism Explosion (EE). I learned of his passing this week, and could only imagine the greeting he must have received in heaven from so many people who came to the Lord through Dr. Kennedy's ministry. I am forever grateful for his labor of love, and know that he has made it home.

Today, I spoke with Brother Richard Neal, our pastor at Erin concerning his parents. Since suffering a stroke, Brother Neal's father is still paralyzed and the family is doing an admirable job of trying to look after him. Last week, Brother Neal's mother suffered a stroke too. While indications are that it was a minor one; coupled with Brother Neal's Father's condition, you can see the obvious need of prayer. Also, I visited with Pastor Glen O'Kain today at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Over the weekend, he apparently suffered a heart attack, even though he was unaware of it. As most of you know, Brother O'Kain hs been in and out of the hospital for quite some time now. Please join me in prayer for these special needs.

I could spiritualize this picture and give you a sermon on teaching our children/grandchildren the difference between right and wrong, or making sure they have a good Biblical foundation....but a picture is worth a thousand words! SORRY, I COULDN'T RESIST "Big Daddy" loves Reagan....

On Saturday Debra and I attended the funeral services for Sister Peggy Wynn, whose husband Ray served for many years as the President of Bible Training Institute in Cleveland, Tennessee. The funeral was conducted by many of the senior ministers at the Peerless Road Church, Senior Pastor Tim Coalter and VOS speaker, Billy Wilson. Yesterday morning, Debra and I were privileged to be with the church at Sunbright. That afternoon, we traveled back to Cleveland for visitation and a memorial service for Sister Lois Smith, a retired minister. Much of the service was conducted by Sister Lois' family, however, the officiating minister was Pastor Luther Massengale of the Crab Orchard church. Every time I watch our ministers serve the congregations there is a deep sense of pride that I experience....especially as I watch the compassion they demonstrate. We are blessed to have so many quality ministers in Tennessee. God bless each and every one of you.

The Springplace Church of God of Prophecy will be celebrating 50 years of ministry on Sunday, September 16th from 10:30 to 12:30. Guest Speaker will be E.C. McKinley.