A Word From Our Superintendent
The toughest thing about serving in district leadership has not been the budget challenges, property dilemmas, church conflicts, crisis interventions, or the work load that comes with being a superintendent. Those matters are not even a close second. The #1 toughest thing has been the shipwrecks that have taken place within our ministerial ranks, those who have become casualties because of their failures, colleagues of ours who have fallen into the traps of the enemy. Paul wrote, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27 NKJV). The reality is that all of us are capable of crashing and burning. Our Lord who called us into the ministry wants us to stay healthy in the ministry. We can go the distance and finish the race that has been set before us.
Burnout is real. Sometimes we get burned out in ministry. We become prime candidates for burnout when do not deal with our past, fail to live a balanced life in our present, or by developing relationships that are unhealthy and unproductive. The very nature of our work can push us into isolation or a vulnerable situation. There is a place for help. It can be found by calling the number on the back of your credential card, 1-800-867-4011. The number is Emerge Ministry. I have called it myself. Emerge Ministry was founded by Richard Dobbins to help us pastors, ministers, and missionaries. It has been a great blessing and counseling resource to many. Many have found restoration and recovery through Emerge.
Today, the baton at Emerge Ministry has been passed to John Palmer. He contacted me recently and told me about a new ministry of Emerge Ministry called Broken Windows of the Soul. Tennessee and the Ohio Ministry Network have been chosen as pilots. We have scheduled the “Going the Distance” (Staying Healthy in the Ministry) seminar for this Tuesday, August 16 (see attachment). We have only made this available specifically for pastors under 40 and church planters. However, I have been sensing in my spirit that there could be a few “young at heart” ministers in Tennessee who need something right now to help bring a refocus, balance, and rejuvenation in life and ministry. If that is you and if you will register immediately, I will make a few places available. If you are not attending this seminar, would you please spend time in special prayer for this “Going the Distance” seminar. I believe God is going to use this seminar to literally change lives. We can stay healthy in ministry!
Your fellow servant,
Terry Bailey, Superintendent
About Our Heroes In The Field
Tennessee Valley Teen Challenge, Inc. in Savannah has a 21 bed facility. They run a one year residential program for men called “Men of Excellence” and a six month out-patient program called “Lifeline” in Hardin, McNairy, Henderson, Decatur, and Wayne Counties with approximately 150-200 participants. One of their prayers is to have a Teen Challenge office and Lifeline in Jackson. “We are believing God to build a second building to store lawn equipment and do car detailing. This building will also help with more classrooms, library, etc. and will help them to expand their bed capacity.” (Jim Forakis, Executive Director)
The Transformation Project is an alternative sentencing program for addiction-related offenders and their families. Their mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ by transforming lives through the power of God, thereby reducing repeat offenses and crime. They have 13 small groups each week that meet in 3 churches and 3 jails using the Living Free curriculum with the New Life Bible. They also have 3 communities that meet each week for a meal, praise reports, prayer requests and a bible study. Additionally, they train Volunteers from local churches to facilitate small groups and become a life coach for the program participants. This ministry provides a front row seat to see lives changed and families restored. “We operate year round to go and tell the story of what God is doing and share how the local church can get involved.” (Wayne Keylon, President)
Mike & Cindy King are usually only home one or two weeks a month. They stay busy leading teams and building churches for missionaries. Over the next few months, they will be leading teams in Alaska, Cuba, Burkina Faso, and Belize. Mike & Cindy also work alongside Builders International and MAPS Construction ministry. They need your support as they enter their 10th year of leading the Pathfinder Ministry. “We would be glad to share with our churches or meet with people that are willing to go and serve around the world.” (Mike King)
Chuck & Laurie Lester are currently reaching out to 4,000 new freshmen and hundreds of more international students from all over the world who have come to the University of Tennessee August 13th! They are doing info tables on the walkways, meeting students in the cafeteria, playing ultimate frisbee, cooking late night pancakes, having times of worship in the amphitheater, and having a couple of Sunday Worship Services in the courtyards on campus! They are doing all they can just to meet students! Also, they have contacted the known A/G kids who are here and trying to make them feel welcome and wanted at UT! They are proud of the Chi Alpha leadership team who are building relationships with students, most of the 13 leaders have given their lives to Christ through Chi Alpha, been baptized in the Holy Ghost, and are obeying Jesus’ command to go into all the world and make disciples!!! “We covet your prayers as we work day and night during this busy season of move in. Thank you for allowing us to be your hands extended to students at the University of Tennessee. Go Vols!” (Chuck and Laurie Lester)
Byron & Dee Salmon and their family, are currently state-based World Missionaries working with Network211 (that’s Network Twenty One – One, an internet ministry started by Dr. George Flattery) in Springfield, MO. You can learn more about the ministry at www.network211.com. “We are scheduled to start deputation January 2012. This will be our first deputation in eight years, so our prayer request is services and pledges. At this point it looks as though we will need to raise about $3000 in monthly pledges and a LOT of cash!”(Byron Salmon, Network211 Dir. of Church Relations)
Prayer Needs
The following individuals are in need of special prayer for various needs. Let’s take time to call their names in prayer to our heavenly Father.
Upcoming Events
The Leadership Drive-In is formulated to motivate and further develop leadership skills. There are 3 separate regional “drive-in” dates scheduled – West TN on Thursday, 8/25; Middle TN on Monday, 8/29; and East TN on Tuesday on 8/30. The guest speakers for each date have first-hand experience in developing ministry teams, growing churches, and reaching the goal. Don’t miss this chance to learn and brainstorm with others who share your passion for greater things. Registration is Open! Visit www.tnaog.org/drive-infor details. If you have questions, please contact Shannon at sbrown@tnaog.org or via phone at615.431.0871, ext. 237.
PK Retreat is quickly approaching. Be sure to SAVE THE DATE. Your kids will not want to miss out on this great time of fellowship & fun! The annual “preacher’s kid” retreat is held at Jackson Conference Center and scheduled for September 2 & 3. Visit the TYM website (www.tymyouth.org) for specifics or contact Brenda Sheppard at 615.431.0871, ext. 222, for more information.
Tennessee School of Ministry (T-SOM)registration for the 2011-2012 school year is officially open. You may register for classes atwww.tnaog.org. T-SOM is an affordable method to meet the educational requirements to apply for credentials with the Assemblies of God. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Brenda Sheppard atbsheppard@tnaog.org or you may reach her at615.431.0871, ext. 222. The first class sessions begin September 9 and 10th.
Attention Worship Leaders & Pastors! Make plans now to attend the CryOut Worship NetworkOne Day Seminar & Training on September 12th. This one day opportunity will help equip you with tools for successful ministry, connect you with like-minded leaders, and empower you for next-level ministry. The cost is only $25 per person and includes a full day of training, workshop binder and on-site lunch. For full details and to register online go to www.raleighassembly.com and click on “cryout” under the Current Happenings tab.
The annual Tennessee District Minister’s Retreat is quickly approaching. Info packets were mailed last month and all event details can be found online at www.tnaog.org/retreat. If you have not received the packet, feel free to contact the office and ask for Shannon Brown at 615.431.0871(ext. 237) or via email to: sbrown@tnaog.org. You will not want to miss this year’s retreat! Make plans now to attend. Hotel reservations should be made separately by contacting them directly. Please note … the hotel room reservation cut-off is September 23rd. We hope to see you there!
Announcements
Every 2 years at General Council, a Non-Resident Under Age 40 Executive Presbyter and a Non-Resident Female Executive Presbyter are elected from a pool of nominated candidates. Although Bryan Jarrett of the North Texas District and Beth Grant of the Penn-Florida District were elected to these positions, Pastor Andrew Templeton of First Assembly in Sweetwater andPastor Darlene Miller of New Life Assembly in Heiskell were our nominees and we are very proud of them!
Attention Youth Pastors! Superintendent Bailey is inviting you to join him for lunch on Thursday, October 20th. Pastor Terry would like to connect with the youth pastors of Tennessee and has booked a private room for this special lunch at The Black-eyed Pea Restaurant in Hendersonville at 11:30 a.m. (central time). Please take a minute to send your email RSVP to Shannon Brown atsbrown@tnaog.org if you plan to attend.
