The following news stories were sent to me by NET Workings--a semi-monthly publication of IPHC Communications Services. NET is New Evangelism Technology. Joe Iaquinta is the Director.
Leadership Changes at the Royal Home
Alternative to Abortion Ministries has announced the return of founders Marvin and Joyce Whitfield. Marvin will serve as the General Coordinator of Alternative to Abortion Ministries (ATAM), and Joyce will serve as the director of The Royal Home.
The Whitfields retired from full-time ministry several years ago. Earlier this year, former director Rev. Jim Hight left to accept a full-time position at a local church, and the ATAM Board of Directors asked the Whitfields to consider returning to the ministry.
The Royal Home is a maternity home located in Salemburg, NC. The home provides housing and education for teenage girls facing unplanned pregnancy. Their mission is to offer Birth Mothers and their unborn babies the necessary support, care, and encouragement to ensure their health and to provide future opportunities to set appropriate goals and make wise decisions that will chart their "course in life."
Podcast Series: Liturgy & Pentecostalism
The spring season is a very special time for Christians. This is the time when we remember Christ’s death and celebrate His resurrection. Along with that celebration comes many traditions. Some, like Easter, are celebrated by all Christians. Other traditions are observed by some groups and vary according to the denominations’ or individual’s beliefs.
Recently, Mégan Alba of IPHC News sat down with four Pentecostal theologians to discuss the liturgy associated with this season.
Rev. Ken Young is a professor of New Testament at the School of Theology & Missions at Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, OK. He served there for 13 years as a teacher and as the Director of the School of Professional Studies. He is also an ordained minister in the IPHC and served as a pastor and associate pastor in the Upper SC Conference before coming to OKC.
Rev. Gary Burchette has been a professor in the School of Theology and Missions at Southwestern Christian University since 1999. He met his wife Stephanie at SCU, and this year marks their 20th wedding anniversary. Gary and Stephanie have three girls: Jessie, Jennie, and Jayden.
Dr. Chuck Chitwood has a Doctorate of Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary. He currently serves as the Registrar and as an Associate Professor at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, OK. He is also an ordained minister with the Cornerstone Conference. Chuck and his wife, Dena, have been married 14 years and have three children.
Dr. Chris Green is a pastor at Divine Life Church in Oklahoma City and is a Seasonal Adjunct Professor of Theology at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK. He is currently completing his Ph.D. dissertation and is writing a Pentecostal theology of the Lord’s Supper.
Listen along as the group discusses traditions and observances affiliated with Lent, Easter, and Pentecost Sunday.
Podcast I: Liturgy & Pentecostalism
http://www.iphc.tv/podcasts/liturgy&pentecostalism.mp3
Podcast II: Easter
http://www.iphc.tv/podcasts/Easter.mp3
*The views and opinions expressed in this series are not intended to be an interpretation of the views and opinions of the IPHC. This podcast series is intended to be used as a launching pad for discussion about topics in Christian history. For the church’s official stance on religious observances, refer to the most recent IPHC manual.
Economy Hits Churches at Unprecedented Rate
Nearly 40% of churches across the country experienced a decline in church giving and offerings last year, marking the second consecutive year of significant decrease.
"Churches today are in unchartered waters financially," says Brian Kluth, founder of Maximum Generosity. "After the October 2008 stock market drop, 29% of churches experienced a decline in giving and this past year the number has climbed up to 38% of churches. Multiple research projects last year documented the sharp decline in church giving and our research this year shows things have only gotten worse for a growing number of churches."
Despite the continued economic decline, many churches have increased their benevolence ministries and missions giving. Many churches are also providing Biblical stewardship education for their members. For more on this story, go here.
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Posted on
Sat, April 3, 2010
by Hugh Morgan