ALIGNED FOR MISSION
by Rev. David Wells,
PCCNA President


As a leader in the contemporary Pentecostal-Charismatic church, one is captured by the strong voice of the Spirit speaking to multiple fellowships, networks, and ministries, regarding the spiritual harvest that the global church will realize over the next decade. In the midst of experiencing the signs of the times that Jesus mentioned in Matthew 24, we also are anticipating what He spoke of in verse 14, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
 
We in the Spirit-empowered, North American church have a God-given opportunity to be “aligned for mission.” The PCCNA’s annual gathering, February 22–23, 2023, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, will have an interactive environment of unity as we consider the various initiatives and resources that are in place or being developed and how we can participate together. Commissions, denominational leaders, and other working groups will give prayerful input and consideration to what the Spirit is saying to God’s missional people in North America at this time. Aligned for mission is about unity, not uniformity. Plan to be a part of contributing to this dynamic convocation of key ministry leaders.
IT'S TIME FOR
A NATIONAL ABOUT FACE
by Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President NHCLC

Over the past two years, many of us have reevaluated our priorities, beliefs, attitudes, and desires for the future, especially regarding our lives here in the United States.

As we have faced a horrific global pandemic, social unrest, and divisive politics, we have realized that our actions in this generation have consequences for the next—for better or worse.

Founding Father and second president of the United States John Adams once said, “Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law Book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged in conscience, to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness, and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love, and reverence toward Almighty God . . . What a Eutopia, what a Paradise would this region be.”

Practicing righteousness—living for and investing your resources in God’s purposes—can cause a national about-face and leave a legacy of liberty for future generations. Let us consider how we can celebrate our freedom and develop the next generation by giving our time, attention, and treasure.
TREASURE IN HEAVEN
by David C. Nitz
Church of God Publications

In the rolling hills overlooking the Sea of Galilee and the little village of Capernaum, Jesus stood among a growing crowd and delivered His greatest message. Probably taking no more than 20 minutes, Jesus delivered His “Sermon on the Mount” to common people, addressing issues everyone faces.

The message was not delivered as a list of dos and don’ts. Jesus did not offer things to check off as He spoke. Instead, He presented words of inspiration and instruction designed to help people lead victorious and meaningful lives. He spoke with authority and love.

The setting was perfect for living illustrations. Jesus used the surrounding flowers and birds to drive home points about the Father’s love and care. He also addressed difficult issues like sin, lust, money, and more. He mentioned fasting and prayer, love and hate, forgiveness and judgment, and the kingdom of God.

Near the middle of His message, Jesus said: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV).

What was Jesus talking about? Heaven is not a financial institution where investments can be made. Jesus was certainly not appealing for funds or goods from the people for Himself. A closer look reveals He was addressing the bigger idea of two kingdoms—the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of God. One of these kingdoms will be dominant in our lives, and Jesus urges us to choose His kingdom. In doing so, He used the idea of making investments in Heaven.
AFTER ROE, WHAT?
by Doug Clay, General Superintendent
Assemblies of God

On Friday, June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization: “The Constitution does not confer a right to abortion; Roe and Casey are overruled, and the authority to regulate abortion is returned to the people and their elected representatives.”

Dobbs is a momentous legal decision. For too long, the court’s rulings in Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992) placed constitutional obstacles in the path of legal protections for unborn children. Dobbs clears the path.

It does not end abortion, however. Debates about our nation’s abortion laws now shift from courtrooms to legislatures. Missouri, where the Assemblies of God national office is located, became the first state to outlaw abortion, except in cases of a medical emergency.

Our Fellowship is committed to the sanctity of life. “By making human beings in His own image, God set them above all other forms of life on earth,” says our position paper on abortion and reproductive issues. “Every human life, from conception through death, is, therefore, to be valued, respected, nurtured, and protected.”
LEADING IN CHALLENGING TIMES
ADDRESSING PASTOR BURNOUT PODCAST
by Glenn Packiam
National Association of Evangelicals

Whether it’s addressing a variety of complex social issues or discerning how to handle a pandemic in church contexts, pastors have been asked to lead in very challenging times. The pressures of the last few years have taken a toll on those called to shepherd, as evidenced by a dramatic increase in the number of pastors who have given serious consideration to leaving vocational ministry—from 29 percent in 2021 to 43 percent in March 2022, according to Barna research.

NAE President Walter Kim talks with Dr. Glenn Packiam, pastor and senior fellow at Barna Group, in Today’s Conversation podcast. They discuss:

  • The top reasons pastors give for wanting to leave the ministry
  • How pastors can grow in stress management
  • What churches can do to support their leaders
  • How to build resiliency in pastoral and church ministry
CHRISTIAN UNITY COMMISSION
Summer 2022 Update
by David Cole, Chairperson // Christian Unity Commission

Your PCCNA Christian Unity Commission Liaisons have not been spending the summer months on a long holiday! On your behalf, since our annual gathering in February, our Liaisons have been involved in multiple initiatives of significance regarding unity and cooperation in the larger body of Christ.

We encourage you to read the full article for the highlights of activities in which our Christian Unity members are engaged, both in North America and internationally.
LOVE THOSE VACATIONS
by George Shaw
ACOP Blog

Vacations—God is pleased when families and individuals take time for relaxation and rest. The time factor can vary. But we do need those times when we can be refreshed in body, soul, and spirit. It is during these vacation times that we gain a fresh appreciation for home and work.

Vacations can be quality times for the family. While the children are still home, I believe God wants parents to include their children in holidays. Some parents go off leaving the kids behind—and they feel left out. The summer holidays can be fun times for the whole family.

I remember when our children were younger and all at home. We had some great times as we travelled and camped each summer. It was exciting to get away from school, work, and the garden. It was the change we all needed—and that’s what vacations are all about.

Our vacation usually began quite early on the first day so that we could arrive early and pick that “perfect” campsite! The closer to the water the better.

We would put up our tent trailer, fix the beds for the evening, swat flies and mosquitos, get the camp stove going, and the open-air supper cooking! Most important of all—build that campfire—mainly to watch and enjoy, but sometimes roasting weiners or marshmallows over it.

These were special times of fun for us as parents and the children to experience—and to remember. They are important in building lasting family ties and relationships.

Vacations can help to relieve built-up pressures. It was Jesus who felt that His disciples needed a break. They had been out ministering to the needs of others, and they were feeling the pressure of having people around them continuously. We read the account in Mark…
TEN STEPS TO
PROVEN LEADERSHIP
YOU MUST KNOW
by Rev. David Koop // Coastal Church

While many great theological and spiritual lessons can be drawn from the book of Nehemiah, this message focuses on the very practical leadership lessons that can be gleaned from studying the methods and outcomes of Nehemiah. He is surely one of the Bible’s greatest leaders.
UKRAINE RELIEF UPDATE
by Pentecostal Church of God

Upwards of 10,000 refugees cross the Ukraine-Romania border every day, and the PCG response team on-location has been assisting individuals through that process by providing food and other essentials. In fact, as Russia begins to choke off the food supply and electricity, our teams have been helping to load pallets of food and deliver those by the truckloads into the Ukraine.

Thank you again for your continued prayers and giving. May the end of this awful war come quickly.
We invite our PCCNA member organizations to let us know how you are responding to the crisis in Ukraine. Tap the "EMAIL US" button below to submit articles or updates that we can share in one of our upcoming Communiques.

Your annual member and organizational contributions make a difference! PCCNA is a member of the ECFA.
 
Have you given your 2022 annual member contribution?
Donate Online or mail to:

Pentecostal Charismatic Churches of North America
P.O. Box 3986 | Cleveland, TN 37320-3986