You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

It's 3 weeks away, but wanted to extend a warm invitation from our General Overseer, Bishop Ronnie Banks to any and all that may be within driving distance of Nashville.

September 3-7 is the 80th General Assembly of the Emmanuel Churches of Christ (Oneness/Pentecostal), and will be held at the headquarters church in Donelson, TN (Nashville). Business Sessions for delegates and Credentialled Ministers will be held during the day, but services are open to the general public.

Services will be 6:30pm Monday night, and 7:30pm Tuesay-Friday nights. There will be great music and preaching each night, and a great time of fellowship. Church address is 3020 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37214.

Your invited to join us for a great time in Jesus!

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

Just a bump to remind anyone within driving distance of Nashville, you're invited to come join us for our General Assembly that starts 2 weeks from tonight. We're expecting a great time, missionaries from around the world joining us, and powerful services. I'm honored to be preaching the Thursday night service, but every night will be great. If anywhere nearby, please come join us.

Services will be 6:30pm Monday night, and 7:30pm Tuesay-Friday nights. Church address is 3020 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37214.

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

Bro. Robbins, as an organization is this one in the liberal, moderate, conservative, or ultra conservative range of the Oneness Pentecostal world?

Based on you I am guessing more toward the conservative and ultra conservative?

It's a mix. Seriously. Kinda cool.

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

Actually your assumption is wrong, which is why you should never, ever assume anything :heeheehee, lol.

I think I've posted this in other threads, so hopefully the readers will forgive me for the repeat... but the Emmanuel churches are about as wide of a spectrum as you can get, especially considering our small size within the United States. Some interesting information about us....

- We have more women pastors within our organization per capita than any other Oneness organization in the world. Our founding Overseer was actually a lady.
- We have a mix between denomination churches, as well as affiliate churches. There are some churches within the org, that the pastor is apppointed by the Presiding Bishop, the property is owned by the org, any loans for building, etc is under written by the denom, and there are various rights and privileges and safety nets for those churches. But we also have affiliate churches where the pastor holds credentials with us, is able to vote in the International General Assembly, but the church is autonomous in every way.
- We are in KY, TN, MS and AL in the United States, but are in almost a dozen nations, with around 180 churches in Honduras alone. Those are affiliate churches, under a national bishop.
- Our churches range in regards to "the standards". There are churches that you will go into, and no hair cut, no jewelry, the men would never think of wearing shorts or tank tops, etc. And then there are other churches, like the one I am a member of (the headquarters church), and it looks like a baptist church in some ways. 90% of that congregation's ladies have shorter hair, wear make-up and have no issue with jewlery. Each church has it's own culture regarding the standards, and those are items left between that congregation and the pastor in how they "live out" sanctification and lifestyle holiness.
- I am the youngest minister within our organization, and the only Evangelist that we have right now. We have extremely aging congregations, and aging pastors....we are actually in a shortage of ministers right now.
- I minister in all our churches, I don't care what their stand on the standards is... as an evangelist, it's not my place to preach on "lifestyle holiness" issues anyway, that's not my role when helping our churches. When I teach in my local church even, that's not my place... I'm not the pastor.
- The organization experienced a two splits over it's history, the major one being when the pastor of the headquarters church in the 80's was found guilty of murder, embezzlement of funds, and arson of the church. The org is just now beginning to rise above that pain and horror they went through.


Hope that answers your question. It's no secret to our pastors and churches that I'm a conservative man, but I know my place, and what my role is within these churches and this organization. They respect me for my stand, and I respect them for where they are in the Lord... and it really does work for us... honestly, quite beautifully....

At General Assembly in September, you'll see ultra conservatives hugging and loving on those some would consider liberal... shouting together, worshipping together, and doing a work together for the kingdom. That's why I'm a part of this group of great and wonderful folks.

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

And in most UPCI churches there are several per congregation.

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

They were never 'holiness' churches from way back. I remember seeing the founder in the 60's and she didn't look Pentecostal then.

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

Do you guys still teach sanctification the second definte works of grace? This was the only Oneness group I knew of that taught that?

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

Never heard of any Oneness group that did, wow.

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

That is not within the Articles of Faith no.... however, Sanctification prior to Holy Ghost baptism is still preached pretty heavily in some of the churches. The Articles of Faith simply state that we believe Holiness to be God's standard of living for His Church... therefore, you can see there is great liberty (maybe that's good, maybe that's bad) for the individual congregations to take their own interpretations of that doctrine and how it should be preached/lived.

To Brother Epley's earlier comment, yes, Sister Pierce (from all I've learned) did not preach Lifestyle Holiness very much... or not to the degree as other Oneness organizations at that time.

The Emmanuel Churches though are a very, very different animal than they were even in the 80's.... our government, culture, etc. is very different. That is obvious when you look at our churches that are very conservative, and then go down the road and see one that isn't conservative at all... used to, Sister Pierce wanted everybody to look and act just a like... that's not expected in this day.

Also, our government changed a lot. With the bringing in of affiliate churches and not requiring all churches to be owned by the denomination was something she probably would have never, ever, went for.... the orginzation is almost night and day difference than it was in it's beginning... but there again, that can be said of many org's.

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

Does this group have a web presence ?

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

I assume this brother is a part of this org.
http://conceptsintheword.com/

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

I had a preacher friend(who had fallen) that became a member of the group in fact he taught their Bible College for a season. I think he thought he would become chairman(honestly). But in a conversation I had with him concerning this teaching he told me he was trying to change them but it was very indoctrinated in the group. This is the only Oneness bunch I know that teaches sanctification second definte works of grace a fictious experience at best and false doctrine at worse.

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

I equate sanctification as a second work of grace to the light doctrine, something created due to all the changes in early 1900's. Sanctification was equated to Holy Spirit baptism until so many started speaking in tongues around Azusa St.

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

All I know is that I firmly believe that If I asked God to forgive and save me and IF I died prior to being baptized or speaking in tongues I would see paradise with him.

Simple really.

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

He is.. he is our General Secretary. Some of our church's have websites, but we are so small, and there honestly is no one to maintain a website for us as all of our pastors are bi vocational. I may at this General Assembly volunteer to try and do something... I'm hoping we can move forward like that.

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

We do not have a Bible College, never have in the history of the organization. There is another Emmanuel Group as well in this area... and they did at one time have a school. Also, our organization does not have a Chairman. We have a Presiding Bishop/Overseer.

Brother Epley, I respect you... but I'm within the organization, and you are not... therefore as I hold in my hand the official teachings of the organization and our Articles of Faith, I think I know a little better what the org teaches and doesn't. After I state that Sanctification as a second definate work of grace is not one of our Articles of Faith, you then post to the contrary. Again, respectfully, that is just deceitful. There were leaders at one time that held that belief, but it was never an Article of Faith. Therefore, it was not an official teaching of the organization, and therefore you're presenting a false witness of our organizational stance on the doctrine. Surely, you understand the difference between a teaching the organization holds (Articles of Faith, Doctrinal Commitments and Practical Commitments) and just a common belief among a group of it's preachers???? I would think.

Within our organization, what we must all to be a part hold in common is our Articles of Faith, i.e, Acts 2:38 as the Born Again Experience, Holiness as God's standard for living, The Bible is the infallible Word of God, The Oneness of God, etc. However, there are other areas of difference that is well tolerated within the organization and causes no issues.... i.e., women pastors, pre-millenial, post millenial, a-millenial, sanctification as a second work of grace, lifestyle holiness standards.....

So again, for you to present "sanctification as a second definate work of grace" as one of our "organizational teachings" is a false hood..... as it is not part of our Articles of Faith, Doctrinal Commitments, or Practical Commitments.

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

Great response, but Epley has never allowed himself to be confused by the facts! :happydance

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

MY friend I was not condradicting you and just saying what I knew from their history they definitely taught sanctification was the second definite work of grace whether it is in the bylaws or not. Ms. Pierce taught it and thise preachers I met years ago. I asked the question if they still did?
Jerry Hayes was over the Bible School at Huntsville, Al. this was better than 20 years ago. I met several of those preachers better than 40 years ago(how old are you?) and yes it was clearly taught among them. Since it is such an oddity among Oneness folks it stood out like poop in a punch bowl. You are new to the group and it is possible they no longer teach it. If I have offended you it was not intentional I apologize. Several years ago I had a home mission work between Lebanon and Murfreesboro and some of their saints visited us on ocassion and in their testimonies they testified about their sanctification experience I explained the way more perfectly to them and they did not return.

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

Bro. Phelps I asked him early on is they still taught this? I KNOW they did at one time I knew Ms. Painted face Pierce and some of her minions and yes they taught sanctification second definite works I wasn't talking to a book but to them. Those are the facts.:highfive My friend here is new in the group and the group may no longer teach this false doctrine they taught for decades. Good.

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

Could you relate what they said? thanks

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

I'm just messing with you, Elder. :highfive

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

Brother.. you said the "organization taught"... that doesn't mean bylaws (bylaws have nothing to do with doctrine, but to do with church polity), it means Articles of Faith, Doctrinal Commitments, Practical Commitments. I can only take you at the words you posted, and you said the orginazation taught it. It was a very prominent teaching yes, but never an organization teaching. The Founding Overseer (Sister Pierce) did teach it, but it wasn't an official organization teaching... and that is a huge difference brother.

There was a Bible School yes.. but never a Bible College... again, big difference. I just try to be very careful with words and make sure we present accurate pictures of the truth... and the fact is that though it was a very prominent teaching... it wasn't an official doctrine of the Emmanuel churches.

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

If you do, please do so in another thread... would be more appropriate to start a new thread on the topic of Sanctification as a second definate work of grace than to go off topic from this thread... please. I just wanted to invite folks out to the meetings next week, and would like to keep that the topic of this thread if at all possible... thanks.

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

I apologize Bro. I didn't mean to hijack your thread.

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

No worries.. just hoping anyone nearby will come see us Labor Day week... expecting a great move of God!!!

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

It is refreshing to me to see that kind of openness and tolerance among ministers, churches, and people. I wish more of us were like that.

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

Many years ago (late 1950's or early 1960's) I used to receive a magazine from an organization in Tennessee. The leader was naned Pierce (I think the first name was Nina). I don't remember how they got my name and just when I stopped getting the magazine. Of course I don't have any copies of it to check this out now. If I remember correctly the leader wore makeup and the magazine spoke of salvation, sanctification, and the Holy Ghost Baptism. I wonder if this is the same organization? I think they used the term Eldress for lady ministers. I just figured they believed in sanctification as a second work of grace while other OP groups did not --like the Church of God does and the Assemblies of God does not. Not long ago I was wondering if this organization still existed.

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

That is this same organization... and yes it was a major teaching in those days, but never in the Articles of Faith, Doctrinal Commitments, or Practical Commitments. There are other teachings like that as well, like the End Times. The Articles of Faith merely state that we believe in a physcial return of the Lord and the end of time, but there is room in our organization for pre trib, post, mid, and even some amillenials.

Sister Pierce did not preach the Lifestyle Holiness. Our Articles of Faith state that Holiness is God's standard of living for all, but does not give a list of do's and don'ts. We have some former UPC preachers, former ALJC, etc... therefore, our organization looks a lot different today than it did when Sister Pierce was alive, and much of that is a good thing.

Also, something many of you will find interesting. Though we were founding by a woman, and have many women pastors today, including the wife of our Bishop Pastors a small church.... our Bishop teaches as I do, that it was never intended that women pastor... but women have had to because men wouldn't step up and do what was needed. He like I, believe in women preachers, but don't believe God ever intended for women pastors.

That is a very odd thing for an Overseer to believe when the original founder (that he grew up under) was a woman and his own wife pastors.

The organization has changed much since Sister Pierce was alive.... Thank God.

Yep

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

General Assembly starts Monday.... with services Monday Night @ 6:30pm and every other night Tuesday - Friday at 7:30pm. If you're anywhere within driving distance of Nashville, you have a warm welcome to attend.... and I'll buy ya a meal after service even. Would especially love to see you there Thursday night, lol.

Re: You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC
 

Just a quick note...

The business sessions went well, as we were able to bring in two churches within the US, as well as new ministers. We're very thankful.

Also, we have churches in Haiti and the Philippines that were lost in the Hurricane, so we are working this week to get some additional help to those folks. Unfortunately some of our missionaries weren't able to make it in due to that.

In addition, the worship services have been amazing. Great, and challenging messages brought by our Bishop on Monday night and one of our ministers last night. Looking forward to the rest of the week.

Again, anyone in the area is more than welcome to come over and worship with us. Tonight thru Friday night at 7:30pm nightly. Come worship with us.