RENEWAL TOGETHER:

AN UPDATE FROM THE PCCNA

CHRISTIAN UNITY COMMISSION

by David Cole, PCCNA Liaison to the Greater Christian Community

Your PCCNA Christian Unity Commission is engaged in regular and ongoing work for unity in the Body of Christ as we bear witness to the renewal of the Holy Spirit across our PCCNA landscape and build bridges of relationship and understanding with other ecclesial families. The following are representative testimonies and updates concerning our Christian Unity Liaisons.

For many years, PCCNA has enjoyed a fraternal relationship with Christian Churches Together in the USA (CCT), a forum/organization that promotes fellowship and cooperation among Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Evangelical, Pentecostal, and Historic Black churches. Several PCCNA member churches have also participated in CCT initiatives. Currently, two PCCNA members are also members of CCT: the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) and Hope for You. The PCCNA Christian Unity Commission (CUC) has enjoyed many visits from several CCT leaders, most recently CCT executive director Dr. Monica Schaap-Pierce. After fruitful conversations at our most recent CUC meeting and follow-up communication that included PCCNA President David Wells, the executive leadership teams of both PCCNA and CCT have approved the designation of official observer status for a PCCNA representative at the CCT annual forums. This allows learning and understanding between the two ecclesial fellowship groups while individual PCCNA member churches continue engaging on behalf of their constituents. This October, Dr. David Cole will represent PCCNA as an official observer at the CCT annual forum in Savannah, Georgia. In addition, Dr. Harold Hunter will attend on behalf of IPHC, and Dr. Funmilayo Adeyemi on behalf of Hope for You. Dr. Adeyemi serves as president of the Evangelical-Pentecostal family on the CCT steering committee.

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AI AND CHRISTIANITY

by Cynthia Thomas, AG News

As awareness of artificial intelligence grows, many Christians wonder about its use in personal and professional life and church ministry. Are there ethical concerns? Is it different from other time-saving technology? What does the Bible have to say?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is generally defined as computer systems capable of performing tasks historically requiring human intelligence, such as perception, interacting with an environment, solving problems, or creativity. The launch of chatbot programs and image generators, such as Open AI’s ChatGPT, made AI accessible to average computer users and has drawn a wide spectrum of responses from ministry leaders and faith-based groups.



Gloo, a technology platform dedicated to building connections and collective might across the faith community, worked with several partners, including Barna Group, to conduct an “AI & the Church” survey. The results, shared in August 2023, indicate that many respondents see value in AI as a time-saving tool, but 54% stated they are “quite” to “extremely” concerned about ethical or moral issues related to its use in church ministry; another 40% are “slightly” to “somewhat” concerned. A search of related articles yields similar comments.

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THANK YOU

by Andrea Johnson, Open Bible

Writing my last article as editor of the Message before I switch gears caused me to think back a "few" years. The Open Bible College was my introduction to Open Bible Churches. Randall Bach was president of the college when I was a student. I was privileged to travel in musical groups for which he and Barbara, his wife, were sponsors. We had an inside peak into their private lives, which were led with the same integrity as their public lives. (On those trips, I learned how to play Rook from Barbara!)

After college, when my life took some turns I had not planned, Randall and Barbara lovingly reached out to our family. Throughout the last 26 years that I have served at this office, they have also been a major influence—on me and on my family. Even though part of that time they were serving in the East Region, I watched them interact with all kinds of people in all kinds of situations, rejoicing with those who were rejoicing, weeping with those who were weeping, and lovingly counseling and even correcting those in need. I love hearing Randall pray. He always seems to hear a person’s heart, not just their words. (I’m guessing that’s the Holy Spirit’s anointing!) 

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PCCNA PRAYER COMMISSION

ZOOM MEETING



THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

11 a.m. CDT // 12 noon EDT

Summer 2023 is officially past. This is a great time to pray! The PCCNA Prayer Commission will host a prayer meeting on Thursday, September 28. You do not have to be an active member of the Prayer Commission to join the meeting. You are welcome to come and go as needed. Don't miss this opportunity to fellowship as we unite in prayer and align for mission!

ZOOM DETAILS:

CLICK HERE to join the meeting or log in with the following credentials:

Enter Meeting ID: 901 337 6194

Passcode: 123

“Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name” (Malachi 3:16).

Carol Leake, Chairperson 

PCCNA Prayer Commission

caroljanee@comcast.net

CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

FRESH ANOINTING

CONFERENCE 2023

with Bishop J. Drew Sheard,

Presiding Bishop COGIC

"PHYSICAL SOLUTIONS WON'T SOLVE A SPIRITUAL PROBLEM!"

- Bishop J. Drew Sheard

STARTING AT THE ROOTS

by ORU News

Growing up, Lillian Uwanjye always believed she could change the world. In her homeland of Rwanda, Lillian witnessed the transformative power of education in her own life and the lives of those around her. With a desire to create change, Lillian set her sights on pursuing a degree at Oral Roberts University (ORU). Lillian believes that education, coupled with unwavering faith, can bring about positive change and empower people, particularly children. 

“I've always believed in changing the world,” Lillian said. “So, I thought, what's the best way to do this? God gave me an idea. If you want to change something, you must change it from the roots. To me, the roots would be the children. If we invest in children—in their future, what we teach them, empowering them as individuals— we can impact the world.”

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RIGHT NOW MEDIA HAS A MASSIVE GIFT FOR

OUR PCCNA MEMBERS!

RightNow Media, an official PCCNA sponsor, is the world's largest streaming library of discipleship content, 400 Christian publishers, tens of thousands of Bible studies, conferences, training sessions, kid’s cartoons, and much more! More than 20,000 churches, schools and ministries partner with RightNow Media. Thanks to RightNow Media, PCCNA members and Albuquerque annual conference attendees will receive FREE personal access to this incredible resource! 

The RightNow Media App gives you instant access to thousands of Bible study videos, and kid's episodes as well as the ability to watch content offline. Access biblical video content anywhere, anytime for you and your family! 

Your user account cannot be shared or given away to your church. It is a gift to you and your family to use for your marriage, finances, Bible study, etc. However, because RightNow values the partnership with PCCNA, our members also qualify for a significant discount, so you can offer the same incredible benefits to the churches and pastors you're caring for. If this resource is a blessing to you and your family, then just imagine how valuable it could be to your local churches!

To get started, simply email Barb Gray at: pentecostalcharismatic@gmail.com to confirm your PCCNA membership and receive your RightNow Media account information and instructions.