R. Franklin Cook, Editor in Chief
May 2001
Anticipating the Gathering:
25th General Assembly Of The Church Of The Nazarene
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COVER STORY
"Holiness, Extravagance, and General Assembly " by Wesley D. Tracy General assembly provides the Nazarene family a forum for purposes that cannot be written into a Manual. Rising above the debates and elections will be opportunities to rehearse the mighty acts of God and the faithful acts of saints since we last gathered -- stories of extravagant devotion, immoderate courage, abundant mercy -- stories that can be explained only by God’s unconditional love in Christ. Read this story now... |
FEATURES
• "If Necessary, We'll Use Words," by Fletcher L. Tink. Once again 50,000 Nazarenes from more than 120 world areas will fill the hotels and keep the restaurants buzzing in Indianapolis. What will we come to do, and what will we leave behind?
• "Getting Down to Business," by Jack Stone. Amid the general assembly reunion of the worldwide Nazarene family, inspirational praise services, and acts of selfless service to the city of Indianapolis, there is important business to conduct. Capable men and women chosen as delegates will gather in assembly to consider legislation on a plethora of subjects.
• "When Christians Gather: Conferences that Shaped Nazarene Life," by Stan Ingersol. Important things can happen through Christian conference. As the Church of the Nazarene prepares to meet in assembly again this summer, consider these historical conferences that had a profound effect on the Church of the Nazarene.
• "John A. Knight: A Nazarene," by Bonnie Perry.After 50 years of ministry, retiring general superintendent John A. Knight defines life's work: "I asked the Lord to give me the ability to make clear and attractive our distinguishing doctrine -- holiness.
• "William J. Prince: The Man From Altus," by Mark Graham. "He is spiritual, and he is authentic. He practices what he professes. His testimony is his life." He is William J. Prince, retiring general superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene.
COLUMNS
• Heartbeat: "Is the Holiness Movement Dead?" by Louie E. Bustle. We must see a renewal of the holiness message from our pulpits and a resurgence of testimonies to the experience from our people.
• Editor's Forum: May's forum answers several questions about general assembly.
• Gen X: "A Timeless Truth," by Frank Moore. The biblical message of holiness captures timeless truth for human hearts that have changed very little since the garden Fall. Let's continue to reach out to the next generation with this wonderful message.
• In the Mirror: "On Elephants and Parking Tickets," by Martha Bolton. A humorous look at man-made laws compared to God's timeless law.
• Change Agent: "Our Ultimate Transition," by Jon Johnston. In spite of a preoccupation with the next world, most people don't seem impatient to make the trip.
• Interconnected: "Would You Take the Cure?" by Larry Hull. If there were a cure that could make you more confident, more relaxed, less depressed, less anxious, and more fulfilled, would you take it?
• Portraits: "Doc and Charmayne Old: Bringing Children Into the Light," by Debbie Salter Goodwin. If someone had told Doc and Charmayne Old that retirement would send them to a Polynesian island six months out of the year to help handicapped children, they would have never believed it.
• Touching: "’Can't Miss' Investing," by Dick Stellway. A more appropriate way of comprehending God's favor is to view His blessing in terms of dividends from investments made in people other than ourselves -- an enlightened holiness perspective.
• Family Tree: "Don't Shame the Name," by Dan and Kay Croy. When we respond to such issues as abortion, homosexual rights, and sex education, let us determine our response so as not to shame the name of Christ.
• Essay: "Getting Assembled," by Jeff Crosno. Christians are intended as Exhibit A that Christianity actually works. Unfortunately, the best evidence that faith does not work can usually be found among us as well.
• Commission: "Three Cheers for the People Called Nazarenes," by John A. Knight. As Nazarenes from the four corners of the earth prepare to gather for their 25th General Assembly, there is a word of hope from the Lord -- three cheers!
SPECIAL EDITION COMING IN MID-JUNE: 25TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
• "Jesus . . . The Hope." Jesus. You see His name on books, posters, mugs, and T-shirts. You hear His name in the media and on the lips of believers. On the eve of the new millennium, Time gave its cover to Jesus. In fact, in one year's time, He appeared on the covers of Time, U.S. News and World Report, Newsweek, Life, and Atlantic Monthly. What's so special about Jesus?