United Pentecostal Church International

General Superintendent Update 1/12/2012

it@upci.org (Super User) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:55:13 +0000

News Bulletin from the General Superintendent
Happy New Year! I hope that you and your church have conducted or will conduct a special time of prayer and fasting for revival in 2012. I would like to mention some resources and update you on developments.

World Network of Prayer
The World Network of Prayer is promoting 30 Days of Prayer in January. The theme this year is "United Prayer" with the acronym "UP." A prayer guide is available here. You can also contribute to the ministry of prayer online at wnop.org and obtain information about the biennial prayer summit, Summons to Sacrifice, which will take place June 7-9, 2012, in St. Louis.

Video Reports
I have prepared three short video reports on the progress of the UPCI entitled "Priorities," "Finances," and "Operations." They summarize my report to the General Board and elaborate on my report to the General Conference in 2011. You may view them at upciministers.com. The first one is available now. The others will be available next week.

Ministerial Training Resources
To fulfill our mission to grow and to plant new churches, we urgently need to train ministers for the harvest and help them launch their ministries. We are now providing tools for this purpose at upciministers.com (available to licensed ministers) and launchyourministry.com (available to everyone). I am now teaching a video series entitled "Ministerial Development." These lessons can be used for personal enrichment or ministerial training in the local church. The first lesson will be available January 11 on the two websites.

General Conference 2012, St. Louis
As in 2011, General Conference will feature worship, prayer, preaching, and teaching. Since the conference is coming back to St. Louis after only three years, the Global Impact committee recommended not having a Saturday night rally but instead focusing evangelistic efforts on street meetings during the week, with the goal of assisting three home missions churches in downtown St. Louis. Therefore, the Conference will end on Friday night. The iChurch seminars will be expanded and are scheduled on Thursday and Friday. The dates of General Conference are Tuesday, October 2, through Friday, October 5, 2012. The theme is "ONE: One God, One Church, One Mission."

Urshan College
We are moving forward rapidly with plans to open our own UPCI undergraduate Christian college this fall, with the goal of obtaining accreditation. We are in the process of making application with the State of Missouri, and we are working with a local college to offer accredited degrees through a blend program until we can obtain our own accreditation.

Administration. We have made the following appointments, effective July 1:
• President: David Bernard, JD, ThD cand.
• Vice President: Bobbi Morehead, PhD
• Academic Dean: James Littles Jr, PhD
• General Education Program Director: Bobbi Morehead, PhD
• Christian Ministries Program Director: David Norris, PhD
• Organizational Leadership Program Director: Thomas O'Daniel, EdD
• Dean of Students: Jonathan McClintock, MA
• Director of Library Services: Gerald Truman, MSBA, MLS
• Business Manager: Rhonda Morley, BS
• Director of Development: Richard Hernandez II, MA
• Director of Admissions: David Molina, MA
Admissions. For more information, go to upcicollege.org. For an application, contact Dave Molina at dmolina@ugst.edu or 314 838-8858.

Support. We urgently need start-up donations, scholarships, and monthly partners. If you would like to support this new endeavor, contact Rick Hernandez at rhernandez@ugst.edu or 314 838-8858.

Sincerely in Christ,
David K. Bernard

General Superintendent Update - 11/23/2011

cclabaugh@upci.org (Colleen Clabaugh) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:01:46 +0000

Affirmation Statement
It is time to sign the biennial affirmation of our teachings on the plan of salvation and the life of holiness as stated in the Articles of Faith. You can sign and return the statement that was mailed to you, or you can make your affirmation at http://www.upciministers.com.

These biblical teachings are important to our Apostolic identity, and it is scriptural to conduct a periodic self-examination and reaffirmation. While there can be legitimate differences of opinion as to the need for, and effectiveness of, such a statement, there should be no dispute among us as to the importance of the truths it seeks to uphold, for every minister has already affirmed them at least once in order to receive license. We recognize that each local church is self-governing; that each pastor has authority and responsibility to lead the local church; and that there is room for diversity of opinion and application in many areas. We also understand the need for wisdom, patience, and tolerance in both evangelism and discipleship, proclaiming the life of faith and not legalism. However, we also affirm the importance of training and using local leaders who serve as good examples of our message.

Review of Operations
We have hired a consulting firm to review all operations at World Evangelism Center in 2012. This process will give us an opportunity to plan strategically for the future, achieve greater coordination and standardization of efforts, and make changes in order to operate more efficiently and effectively. As part of this process, we will conduct a review of Information Technology in order to upgrade and reimplement software or else choose new software.

Church Advancement Department
At the recommendation of the General Home Missions Division (now North American Missions), the General Board voted to place Building the Bridge Ministry, Church Growth Ministry, Multicultural Ministries, and Spanish Evangelism Ministry in a new department under Church Administration. Their ministries, mission, and leadership will remain the same, and they will still need your monthly support as much as before, but there will be a change in administrative operations. The Executive Committee (general superintendent, two assistant general superintendents, and general secretary) and the Executive Board will have active roles in guiding, supporting, and overseeing these ministries. The goals of this transition are:

To position the UPCI more effectively for growth in each area of ministry.
To focus North American Missions more closely on planting and supporting new works, including new works among all ethnicities.
To give the respective constituencies an increased ownership of their ministries.
To give the entire UPCI and its leadership an increased sense of responsibility for these ministries.

Urshan College
As approved by the General Board, Urshan Graduate School of Theology is moving forward with the start-up of a new undergraduate Christian college program with the goal of accreditation.

Name. The name of the new undergraduate program is Urshan College. This name has several advantages: it is unique; it builds on the credibility and accomplishments of UGST; it communicates our doctrinal identity within the Apostolic movement; and yet it communicates a general,nonspecific identity to society at large. After accreditation and the development of several schools, we will consider changing the designation from a college to a university.
Mission. "The mission of Urshan College is to educate, empower, and equip Apostolics for life and servant leadership in the church and the world."
Curriculum and Degrees. Initially, UC will offer degrees in Organizational Leadership, Christian Ministry (broadly defined), and General Education and will offer several concentrations within these programs. All students will take some required courses in Bible and theology. The college will have a UPCI identity, and the curriculum will be based on an Apostolic worldview. Degree programs will be structured on a general Christian college model rather than a Bible college model. Plans are underway to partner with a local college for accredited degree programs until UC attains its own accreditation. UC will also seek partnerships with other accredited colleges to offer students a pathway to degrees not available at UC.
Admissions. There is significant interest for next year; 110 prospective students registered for the recent preview weekend. For more information, go to http://www.upcicollege.org. For an application, prospective students should contact Dave Molina at dmolina@gatewaycollege.net or at 314 838-8858.
Positions. James Littles Jr. has been appointed as academic dean for both UGST and UC. He has served UGST with distinction since its founding, and he guided the accreditation process. We are now working to fill numerous positions, especially vice president (combined UGST and UC), director for General Education, director for Organizational Leadership, and director of development. For all but the last role, candidates need at least a master's degree in a suitable field and must be willing to work toward a doctorate. Those who are interested in any position should send a resume to Rhonda Morley at rmorley@upci.org.
Support. We need one-time donations for start-up, scholarships, and monthly partners. If you would like to support this new endeavor, please contact Rick Hernandez at rhernandez@gatewaycollege.net or at 314 838-8858.

Sincerely in Christ,
David K. Bernard

General Superintendent Update - 11/10/2011

dkbernard@upci.org (David K Bernard) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:47:16 +0000

We regret to report the passing of former General Superintendent, Bishop Kenneth F. Haney. Brother Haney was a leader of great vision, inspiration, and faith. We will miss him greatly. Please keep Sister Haney, the family, and the church in your prayers.

Arrangements:

Wednesday, November 16
Viewing, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Christian Life Center, 9025 West Lane, Stockton, CA (old campus)

Thursday, November 17
Funeral, 11:00 a.m.
Christian Life Center, 4303 Christian Life Way, Stockton, CA (new campus)

Sincerely in Christ,
David K. Bernard
General Superintendent

General Superintendent Update - 10/31/2011

kbraswell@upci.org (David K. Bernard) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 21:36:28 +0000

J. L. Hall, former editor in chief of the United Pentecostal Church International, passed away Friday, October 28. His funeral will be on Saturday, November 5, 1:00 pm, at Christian Lighthouse Church, 57 Church Street, Mount Clemens, MI. He was an honorary member of the General Board. Please pray for Sister Hall and family.

Sincerely in Christ,

David K. Bernard

General Superintendent Update - 10/21/2011

kbraswell@upci.org (David K. Bernard) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:22:03 +0000

General Conference Report

The recent General Conference in Louisville, KY, was greatly blessed of the Lord. There was a wonderful spirit of unity and worship. Many have remarked that the music, preaching, and teaching were outstanding. The evening speakers came to the pulpit by 8:00 to 8:15, and there was a tremendous response in prayer every night. In last year's conference, we saw an unprecedented breakthrough of people receiving the Holy Ghost in North America; this year we saw a similar breakthrough in healing and miracles.

Attendance

The peak attendance was 7,000 to 8,000, with an estimated total of 10,000 during the week. About 1,500 were present for the ministers communion service, which was a highlight of the conference. Over 1,000 attended the daytime ladies events; and over 1,000 attended the iChurch sessions, including 300 for the classes on women in ministry. The preregistrations and ministerial attendance were similar to last year, but the nightly drive-in attendance was not as great.

Annual Report

The annual report is published at www.upciministers.com. Here are some highlights from my letter:

Worldwide, including North America, we now have almost 40,000 churches in 195 nations.

After three years of small declines, this year we experienced a net growth in the U.S. and Canada of 1.5% in number of churches (including daughter works and preaching points).

In two years, we have seen an improvement of over $3 million in our consolidated bottom line, from a deficit of $1.4 million in 2009 to a surplus of $1.8 million in 2011.

We were able to reduce accumulated deficits by $1 million this year.

The Pentecostal Publishing House earned a profit for the first time in 10 years.

Last year, I felt impressed to stress three themes throughout our fellowship: apostolic identity, apostolic unity, and apostolic revival. This year, I have sought to extend these themes by emphasizing the importance of planting new churches, daughter works, and preaching points. If we are to grow, which is the will of God, then we must start new works everywhere. As an illustration, the population of the United States and Canada is approximately 350,000,000. Assuming an average church constituency of 100, to have enough churches for 1% of the population we need 35,000 churches instead of our present 4,300. There is great opportunity for growth in every state, province, and territory.

To be successful in planting new works, we must become more effective in recruiting and training ministers. We especially must involve younger ministers. These efforts need to be a priority in 2012.

Elections and Appointments

The results will be published in the Forward and at www.upciministers.com. All general officials were returned to office except for the director of the Sunday School Division. (This office was subject to term limits.) Steve Cannon, Sunday School director for Mississippi, was elected to serve, and we welcome him to the team. We appreciate the faithful, diligent service of the outgoing director, Gary Erickson, who served for a total of fourteen years as secretary and director.

Endorsements

The conference approved four new endorsed organizations:

Compassion Services International: relief agency started by the Foreign Missions Division, which now operates both domestically and overseas and has been established as a separate corporation in order to obtain public and corporate funding.

The Jesus Message: radio ministry that continues this aspect of the former Media Missions Division.

Life in Focus Education (LIFE): training institute started under the Home Missions Division that offers programs for alcohol and chemical treatment (ACTS), anger management, money management, and employment.

Purpose Institute: ministry and leadership training program approved by the Division of Education that partners with local churches and districts.

Resolutions

The conference passed all five resolutions that were mailed to ministers and posted at www.upciministers.com. They will be published in the Forward. Most notably, the conference approved changing the name of "Foreign Missions Division" to "Global Missions" and "Home Missions Division" to "North American Missions." It also approved two amendments to the Articles of Faith, one adding a statement of belief in the Atonement and one recognizing diversity of conscientious scruples with regard to bearing of arms. These two amendments must be approved by a two-thirds vote in two-thirds of the district conferences before they take effect.

Evangelism at General Conference

Report from the Global Impact team, chaired by Jack Cunningham:

605 registered guests at block party

152 filled with the Holy Ghost on the streets

16 water-baptized on the streets

281 registered volunteers handed out 10,000 pieces of literature

Lee Stoneking interviewed on local radio station, replayed 3-4 times

Purchased 150 radio spots

81 altar workers trained

7 water-baptized during the crusade service

88 filled with the Holy Ghost during the crusade service

11 filled with the Holy Ghost in the children's crusade

251 total filled with the Holy Ghost in 2 days

58 notable healings during the crusade service, documented in writing (not counting hundreds of hands lifted to signify healing)

New Undergraduate College

The General Board approved for Urshan Graduate School of Theology to start a new undergraduate Christian college program on the current UGST campus in Florissant, MO (St. Louis area). The UGST Board will be the governing board of the entire institution, and I will continue to serve as president. Classes for the new program will begin in the fall of 2012.

Purpose. The goal is to provide an accredited undergraduate college education in an Apostolic, Spirit-filled environment, as an alternative to either secular or Christian colleges of other denominations. The new program is distinctly Apostolic with a core curriculum that includes Bible and theology. An Apostolic worldview forms the basis and context for study. The college has a specific UPCI identity with regard to organization, doctrine, and lifestyle.

Degree Programs. We will start with degree programs that serve the greatest amount of students and will strategically expand the offerings as God directs and provides. We are currently exploring degree programs such as A.A. and B.A. in General Studies, B.A. in Business, and other vocational and religious degree options.

Accreditation. The college plans to seek accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, drawing upon the experience and knowledge of UGST, which has accreditation with the Association of Theological Schools.

Personnel. We will be hiring personnel for the new college as well as administrators for combined operations. Our current priority is to fill the following positions for the entire institution: vice president, academic dean, and director of development. If interested, please send a résumé to Rhonda Morley, rmorley@upci.org.

Support. We need one-time sponsors and monthly partners to help us fulfill this exciting vision. For more information or to make a contribution, visit www.ugst.edu or contact Rhonda Morley, rmorley@upci.org.

Enrollment. Students may apply at any time for the fall 2012 semester. For more information, visit www.upcicollege.org or contact Admissions at (314) 921-9290, or email rmorley@upci.org.

Sincerely in Christ,

David K. Bernard

General Superintendent Update - 7/29/2011

dkbernard@upci.org (David K Bernard) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 05:00:00 +0000

"Let's Have Church"

As you have probably heard, General Conference has been moved up one day, convening on October 11-15, 2011, in Louisville, Kentucky. The conference will begin Tuesday night and will end with a Holy Ghost and Healing Crusade on Saturday night. The business session is scheduled for Wednesday. The theme of "Let's Have Church" was chosen to reflect an emphasis on worship, preaching, and prayer. To see a full schedule and to register, go to http://louisville11.upcigc.com/. Register by August 31, to receive the discounted rate.

iChurch at General Conference

There will be an expanded schedule of seminars on Friday and Saturday morning for ministers and lay leaders, so please make plans to attend and to bring a staff member with you.

Registration for Streaming Video

We are introducing a new high-quality service for live streaming video of the conference services. To register for viewing of all services, go to http://upci.globaldatalink.net/index.php.

Business Meeting

In a previous newsletter, I described some resolutions that are being submitted by the General Board. The Resolutions Committee met to consider all resolutions that were turned in, and all licensed ministers will soon receive in the mail a copy of those the committee is forwarding to the General Conference. In addition, four ministries are seeking endorsement from the United Pentecostal Church International as provided in Article XIX of our Constitution.

The Jesus Message: This radio ministry has been established to help further the work of the former Media Missions Division.
Compassion Services International: The Foreign Missions Division has established this international relief agency as a separate nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation so that it can obtain multiple sources of private and public funding.
Life in Focus Education (LIFE), which includes the Alcohol Chemical Treatment Series (ACTS): The Home Missions Division has approved this ministry as a separate nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation so that it can interact directly with churches and legal authorities. It offers training programs for alcohol and chemical treatment, anger management, money management, and employment.
Purpose Institute: The Division of Education has recommended this ministry training institution. It partners with local churches and districts to develop Apostolic leaders.

Proposal for an Accredited Undergraduate Christian College

Gateway College of Evangelism has offered for Urshan Graduate School of Theology to acquire Gateway in order to start a new undergraduate program with the goal of accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In the summer of 2012 Gateway would close and the new entity would open under the administration of UGST. It would be a Christian college, different from a Bible college, offering the Bachelor of Arts degree in several majors including general studies. As part of UGST, it would be owned and operated by the UPCI and have a UPCI identity. For more information and to provide input, go to http://www.upcicollege.org/. This proposal will be considered by the General Board, so you are also welcome to provide input to your district superintendent.

Flooding in North Dakota

Jesse Starr, North Dakota district superintendent reports historic flooding in Minot. This flood has displaced as many as 33% of the families in the Minot church. Please keep this congregation and the residents of this city in your prayers. For more information or to contribute go to www.minotafc.com

Sincerely in Christ,

David K. Bernard

General Superintendent Update - 5/24/2011

dkbernard@upci.org (David K Bernard) — Tue, 24 May 2011 21:42:35 +0000

Tornado in Joplin, MO
As you have probably heard, the city of Joplin was devastated by a tornado on Sunday night, May 22. The buildings of the two UPCI churches in Joplin were not damaged, but the homes and businesses of many members were damaged or destroyed. A family in Christian Life Church (Pastor Tony Stoddart) suffered the loss of their mother and young son, and another son is in critical condition. Pastor and Sister Frank Buchanan Sr. of Peace Tabernacle suffered extensive damage to their home. Another Apostolic church suffered major damage and some loss of life. Please pray for these churches and families. The UPCI's international relief agency, Compassion Services International, is assisting with the needs. If you would like to help financially, you can do so by clicking here.

New UPCI Websites
We have redesigned our website, www.upci.org, and added new features. It includes a church locator, an events calendar, explanations of what we believe, information about our ministries and missions, articles, resources, the general superintendent's news bulletin, and links to other UPCI-related sites.

We also have a website for UPCI ministers, www.upciministers.com, and we are using it to build a database for ministers' e-mail addresses so that we can send relevant information more efficiently. If you have not already done so, please sign up to give us your e-mail address and gain access to resources and functions for ministers.

Sincerely in Christ,
David K. Bernard

General Superintendent Update - 5/2/2011

dkbernard@upci.org (David K Bernard) — Tue, 03 May 2011 20:24:55 +0000

Tornado damage and relief efforts
Many have asked about the effects of the recent tornados in Missouri and Alabama. Our headquarters office, World Evangelism Center, did not sustain any damage from the F4 tornado that hit the St. Louis area, and no lives were lost. However, the airport took a direct hit and suffered tremendous damage. Many homes were destroyed and several neighborhoods were flattened. Several members of our churches lost homes, and the church in Bridgeton was damaged. The home of Sister Catherine Chambers, wife of our former general superintendent, was destroyed, but thankfully she was not home at the time. The home of Brother and Sister Ray Agnew, former manager of the Pentecostal Publishing House, had some damage, but many homes around them were totally destroyed.

Alabama was hit hard with an F5 tornado, and many of our saints and churches suffered losses. David Hall, a newly licensed minister, is in critical condition, and his wife was killed in the tornado that hit their home. A twelve-year-old girl from the Moulton church was also killed. Please keep Brother Hall and these two families in your prayers.

Compassion Services International (CSI) has been in contact with district superintendents from the hardest hit states including Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Georgia. Brother Scotty Slaydon is now visiting the affected areas. CSI will send funding immediately for those who have requested it, but there is an immediate need for bottled water, as some areas will be without electricity for another week or more. To donate funds toward relief in these states you may do so through Compassion Services at www.upci.org. You may also donate by text. For general text donations, simply text "CSI" to 85944 and reply "YES" to confirm your gift. A one-time donation of $10 will be billed to your mobile phone bill.
(Messaging and data rates may apply. Donations are collected for CSI by mobilecause.com. Reply STOP to 85944 to stop. Reply HELP to 85944 for help. For terms, click here.) To become part of the CSI broadcast list and be updated via text whenever new alerts are sent, text "CSIHELP" to 27138.

Planting Daughter Churches
At homemissions.com I discuss "The Why and How of Planting Daughter Churches" with Carlton Coon, general director of Home Missions.

Update on Foreign Minister
Late last year I reported to you concerning a minister in a totalitarian country. He was arrested and sentenced to death. He is still in prison, but thankfully his execution has been postponed indefinitely. We would appreciate your continued prayer for this country and for this minister and his family.

Sincerely in Christ,
David K. Bernard

General Superintendent Update - 4/21/2011

dkbernard@upci.org (David K Bernard) — Tue, 03 May 2011 20:24:11 +0000

In March and April I have traveled extensively to district conferences and other special meetings. Everywhere I go, ministers are excited about revival and growth. Even though we have faced various challenges, including adverse economic conditions, faith is rising! Many districts have adopted goals and strategies for planting new preaching points, daughter works, and home missions churches.

Under the auspices of the Stewardship Department, directed by Steve Drury, we have recently established a UPCI-owned insurance company and a UPCI-owned loan company. United Insurance Solutions will enable us to benefit from the commissions on the insurance policies that we currently purchase for ministers and employees. In the future, we will also be able to receive commissions from property and casualty insurance offered in partnership with regional agents.

The United Pentecostal Loan Fund, operated under the United Pentecostal Foundation by a separate board and a separate loan committee, will provide a vehicle for investment in loans to UPCI churches already made by America's Christian Credit Union. Investors will be able to purchase loan certificates in the aggregate loan fund (not individual loans) at a fixed rate that is much better than CDs currently offer. In addition, they will have the satisfaction of knowing that they are advancing the kingdom of God through the construction of new buildings, purchasing land, remodeling, and refinancing. With this new initiative the UPCI will receive a portion of the interest payments that would otherwise go to an outside lender.

The Executive Board approved the formation of a Young Ministers Advisory Council. Composed of ministers under 40 nominated by the Youth Committee and the General Board, it will meet at least once a year to communicate with and advise the general superintendent and the General Board.

In recognition that the UPCI has become a truly international body and is operating with a global perspective, the General Board adopted several resolutions that will be presented to the General Conference. (As usual, UPCI ministers will receive the exact resolutions this summer as adopted by the Resolutions Committee.) First, upon recommendation from the Foreign and Home Missions Divisions, there is a proposal to change their names respectively to Global Missions and North American Missions. When working overseas and especially when dealing with officials from various governments, the phrase "foreign missions" is confusing and sometimes disadvantageous. Likewise, the term "home missions" is sometimes misunderstood to mean family ministry. If the name change is approved, the two divisions will continue to operate with the same policies and jurisdiction as at present. Second, a policy of International Transfer of Ministers was adopted. Third, the General Board voted for an amendment to the International Articles of Faith that was approved unanimously by the Global Council. It would add a statement that salvation is based on the atoning blood of Jesus Christ through His death, burial, and resurrection. When the Articles of Faith was originally written, everyone understood that this was our belief, but on the international scene many have never heard of the UPCI or the Oneness Pentecostal movement generally and need to know what we believe on this matter.

The General Board also recommends that this statement be placed in our UPCI Articles of Faith. It further recommends that we adopt a clarifying amendment to our article on Conscientious Scruples to reflect existing interpretation and practice. Namely, we support all who conscientiously object to the bearing of arms in time of war, but we also recognize that some conscientiously participate in the military under such circumstances.

The General Board has approved two projects to present to the General Conference for endorsement: Purpose Institute, a training program that operates through districts and local churches, and The Jesus Message, a radio ministry that continues some of the work of the former Media Missions Division.

The name of Black Evangelism Ministries has been changed to Building the Bridge Ministries to recognize our progress in this area and to refocus our mission. As African Americans have become numerous in all aspects of church life, including district and general leadership, we don't want to give an impression of a segregated focus. Instead, we want to continue celebrating and encouraging the participation of African Americans but also other races and ethnicities as well, and we want to use our experiences to enhance cross-racial and cross-cultural communication and evangelism more generally.

Plans for General Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, are well under way. Please click here to see the schedule of services and speakers. I hope to see you there!

Sincerely in Christ,

David K. Bernard

General Superintendent Update - 2/23/2011

dkbernard@upci.org (David K Bernard) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:11:07 +0000

2/23/2011
Recently, I mailed a letter to all ministers of the United Pentecostal Church International concerning goals, progress in 2010, and plans for 2011. If you would like to view it digitally, login to the UPCI ministers website, www.upciministers.com.

In January I had the opportunity to attend Because of the Times, a conference for ministers and spouses in Alexandria, LA, hosted by Pastor Anthony Mangun and the Pentecostals of Alexandria. I was asked to speak about 15 minutes to cast vision for our fellowship and movement. My message, entitled "New Paths," can be heard on the UPCI main website, www.upci.org.

Also in January, the Home Missions Division aired an interview with me on the progress of the UPCI, ways to minister effectively in the modern cultural context, and growing churches in North America. To view this interview, go to www.homemissionsdivision.com/hmlive and select "HM Live January 04, 2011."

In 2010, at the request of Pastors Tim Dugas and Scott Graham of The Sanctuary in Hazelwood, MO, I taught three lessons on the topic of holiness, covering the biblical foundation for holy living, the distinction of sexes, and modesty. These lessons are available as a three-disk set entitled The Life of Holiness. Videos of the lessons are on two DVDs, and customizable teacher's notes and PowerPoint presentations are on a CD-ROM. Many pastors have used these lessons for midweek Bible study, adult Sunday School, or discipleship classes. The set may be obtained from the Pentecostal Publishing House at www.pentecostalpublishing.com.

As a reminder, the General Conference has been changed to meet Tuesday night through Saturday night, October 11-15, 2011, in Louisville, KY. The business session will be held on Wednesday, October 12. The conference will feature preaching and training, with many seminars for ministers and lay leaders on Friday and Saturday, October 14-15. Please make plans to attend and to bring church staff members with you. Registration is now open for all ministers at www.upcigc.com.

The Executive and General Boards will meet on February 28-March 3. Please pray for God to direct our leaders as they make decisions for our fellowship. After the meetings I will update on our plans.

Sincerely in Christ,
David K. Bernard