Church Advocate

Though you can't tell it by the cover, the latest Church Advocate is exactly what I've been asking for. For those who don't know, the Church Advocate is the bi-monthly magazine of the Churches of God General Conference. The writers/editors have always been good, but the media has shown no vision or mission, reflecting not the writers/editors, but the denomination herself.

Born Again -- pages 2-3

Ed says on page 3, "The reason the CGGC exists (other than to glorify God) is to help churches do just that, make disciples. This happens best via a growing network of healthy reproducing churches. So, inherent in the disciple making mission is the vision for more and better churches which in turn requires more and better leaders."

A few flaws (IMHO) with Ed's Born Again article -- not sure 2025 celebration should occur at the site of Winebrenner's grave.

And he closes with "The rebirth of our CGGC mission and the realization of the vision for more and better churches will require a team of committed leaders. Here's good news. All willing players are welcome on the team." This is the shepherd's heart. Everybody should get a place at the table. But leadership requires that some be raised up and some be asked to step aside. These are the tough calls I haven't seen the CGGC make.

But overall, this is the right theme and should be the flavor of all Ed's communications.

Field Director Update

And I quote, "For example, there's a need for apostolic oversight of CGGC-USA Haitian ministries..." Did he say APOSTOLIC?!

And I like the idea of field directors as long as we don't use "All willing players are welcome on the team." To get this leadership to rise that Ed wants will require some tough love.

An Interview with Jeff Rockey, pages 6-8

A nice interview with a guy who is making smart transitions within a church. I'd actually like to hear more.

Planning for Leadership Development, page 9

Ed says, "If the purpose of the Church is to make more and better disciples, then somebody must lead the change, but not just anybody."

And "For broad based themes emerged:
1. Seek Spiritual Vitality [Is Jesus Enough?]
2. Clarify Denominational Identity
3. Release Apostolic Leadership
4. Harness Youthful Zeal"

Did he say APOSTOLIC?! Also he said, "Release." There is a recognized sense that apostolic leadership is restricted at some level in the Churches of God.

My encouragement to Ed is to heavily recruit these leaders to be developed. This is good talk, but please, please, please... make this into something more than a bumper sticker. The CGGC leadership has to be proactive to make this happen.

Ed actually makes me want to join in on this leadership development.

The rest of the magazine puts some opportunities at the end. Very well done.

Three recommendations for further Advocates.
1. The content is just right. Do it again! Mission/Vision/Practical Implementation. Ed, Lance, and Don should continue to write strong missional pieces and interviews.
2. The cover should highlight this visionary/leadership content, not "Get Ready for Summer."
3. Make the content of the Church Advocate the Home Page of www.cggc.org.