Category: Features

The Official Publication of the Church of God of Prophecy

A Call to Plant New Churches

Jesus said, “I will build My church and the gates of hell shall not stand against it.” The timing of His statement was ironic. One-time followers were leaving in droves. As He grew closer to the cross, people were not willing to pay the price to follow Him. The future of the church looked bleak. …

The Church Involves Children in Rites and Sacraments

At the beginning of each school year I have the privilege, as the children’s pastor, of presenting Bibles to all of the children leaving children’s ministry and joining the youth group. I make a lovely speech. The youth pastor promises to train them well. We say a prayer. It really is a beautiful moment. But …

Raising Believing Children: A Generational Blessing

Even at the risk of sounding pious, I feel compelled to begin by expressing gratitude for a rich Christian heritage. I find great affinity with a Timothy who preceded me by 2,000 years. He is mentioned in the New Testament, mentored by the apostle Paul who acknowledged his believing heritage. The apostle commended Timothy with …

The Church Connects Children with Christ-following Adults

Young people do not grow and develop in isolation. They need to know whose they are, from whence they have come, and why they are here. Caring parents, grandparents, and older adults are in the best position to answer these questions for children. And in doing so, the elders of the community impart knowledge and …

The Church Offers Children a Place at the Table

The following is an interview with three North American pastors: Scott Lee who pastors Bethesda Worship Center in Sheridan, Wyoming; Lloyd Phipps, pastor of  Covington Drive Church of God of Prophecy in Decatur, Georgia; and Frank Smith, pastor of New Horizons Church of God of Prophecy  in Washougal, Washington. What does the phrase “a place …

Taking The Easy Road: Why Does God Make Me Work So Hard?

I felt the call into ministry when I was a mere fourteen years old. I can’t say I was thrilled when I heard it. I was raised in a pastor’s home, so I knew the ups and downs of full-time ministry. But for a couple years I rolled with the punches. At about sixteen, though, …

Being Pentecostal

“Being Pentecostal” has been a lifetime experience for me. Receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the utterance of speaking in tongues occurred in my life when I was eight years old. In my early years, ridicule and prejudice were frequently experienced. Little did I comprehend at that initial stage the impact that empowerment …

A Child Friendly Church

I just browsed through the Internet and discovered that the term “child friendly” is used to describe a multitude of things. There are child friendly advertisements, board games, cruises, dogs, furniture, jokes, movies, nail polish, paint, recipes, scary stories, websites, vacations, and more! The child friendly label implies that these products and services are designed …

2012 General Overseer’s Annual Address

Bishop Randall Howard

This is the full text of the General Overseer's Annual Address that was delivered by Bishop Randall E. Howard during the 2012 International Assembly in Louisville, Kentucky. Bishop Howard explains the vision of the Church of God of Prophecy and the commitments of the church going forward. Vision is a view of where you want to go, a destination where you want to arrive. We can see

He Is With Us

Have you ever felt like you weren’t good enough? You’re not alone. As an entire generation of our Movement leaves for a heavenly reward, Managing Editor DeWayne Hamby reminds readers that the same God who was with them will be with us. “You’re not good enough.” The very first time that doubt crawled into your …