Draw Near

January 2012 Prayer Emphasis

2012-01-21T15:30:00.000-05:00

For the month of January 2012 at Royal Ridge Church of God, we will be emphasizing one of our core values: Prayer. The following prayer opportunities will be provided:

Jan. 1st @ 6:30 p.m.: Worship & Intercession Service
Jan. 2nd – 22nd: 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
Tuesdays @ 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Soaking Prayer
Saturdays @ 6:30 p.m.: Groundbreaking Prayer
Jan. 6th @ 7 p.m.: Isaiah Bennett Worship Concert (Isaiah is a worship leader from Bethel Church in Redding, CA.)
Jan. 8th @ 6:30 p.m.: Baptism Service with Dan Merrill leading worship

The following resources are available to assist you as you join us in the January prayer emphasis:

101 Prayer Models by Dr. Randy Turpin
"Fasting" by Dr. Randy Turpin
"What Can We or Should We Pray For?" by Dr. Randy Turpin

Revival Update

2011-11-22T20:47:00.000-05:00

Resources for Congregational Development

2011-10-22T07:49:00.000-05:00

Today I am conducting a leadership training session with pastors in Northern New England. This post serves to make three of my congregational development resources easily accessible to them and others:

Shared Discernment

Prayer Strategy

101 Prayer Models

Miranda's New Faith Adventure

2011-09-01T06:30:00.001-05:00

Throughout our years, Kerry and I have been blessed with the opportunity to commend many young adults to the work of the ministry, but we can think of no greater joy than to set forth one of our own children—our second daughter, Miranda.

Miranda has consistently exemplified a passion for Jesus and a heart for compassionate service. We have on many occasions observed her sensitivity to the Spirit as she has ministered to the afflicted, and her loving concern for the homeless is inspiring.

For the next two years, Miranda will be giving herself fully to a season of ministry preparation at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry in Redding, California. The mission of Bethel to raise up a generation of revivalists resonates profoundly with our sense of destiny as a family.

We would like to invite you to partner with Miranda as she steps into this adventure of faith. Would you pray about what your part in this partnership might be? She would especially appreciate those who would pray for her on a regular basis. Financial support is also needed and appreciated—one-time gifts as well as monthly contributions. Do not feel pressured; the intent here is to provide an opportunity to respond to however the Lord may lead you.

Thanks so much to those of you who have already committed to pray as well to those who have given so generously to Miranda's support. May the Lord bless you greatly.

Here is a link to the site related to Miranda's BSSM adventure: http://drawnear.org/bssm/

New Release

2011-08-13T12:49:00.002-05:00

Order Here

Shared Discernment
A Workbook for Ministry Planning Teams

Authored by J. Randolph Turpin Jr.

This pre-release edition has been made available just in time for the on-campus seminar for Formational Leadership students at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary!

“Shared discernment” is an approach to guiding ministry teams through a planning process that involves (1) listening for the voice of the Spirit, (2) sharing what has been heard and (3) discerning what it all means. On the basis of shared discernment, teams can then set goals and draft plans for the work to which God is calling them.

This manual has been designed to assist ministry teams as they engage in strategic planning in retreat or planning summit settings. Parts Two, Three and Four are presented in a workbook format, making this volume a very practical tool throughout the developmental journey of the ministry team.

The text has been divided into four parts: (1) Introducing Shared Discernment, (2) Pre-summit, (3) The Ministry Planning Summit and (4) Post-summit.

Part One, Introducing Shared Discernment, explains the four phases of the shared discernment process and accentuates the essential role of the Holy Spirit as well as the role of the faith community.

Part Two, Pre-summit, anticipates the bulk of the planning being conducted in a retreat setting. The pre-summit part of the journey involves an initial orientation meeting with the planning team.

Part Three, The Ministry Planning Summit, directs the planning team through the first four steps of a five-step planning process: (1) assess, (2) set goals, (3) plan a course of action and (4) agree and celebrate—a step involving the making of commitments for the developmental journey. Integrated with these steps is the shared discernment process.

Part Four, Post-summit, fulfills the final step in the five-step process: i.e., Work the Plan. Through a series of follow-through meetings combined with work conducted between meetings, the team pursues the goals set during the planning retreat.

Publication Date: Aug 12 2011
Page Count: 192
Trim Size: 8" x 10"
Language: English
List Price: $19.95

Order Here

Revival Update

2011-06-14T18:04:00.000-05:00

Since February the Spirit of God has been moving in remarkable ways here at Royal Ridge Church of God--especially in the Sunday evening services, but it was not until Sunday, June 5th that I felt fully released to call this what it really is: we are experiencing "revival."

A few have been saved, more have received the "blessing" of the Holy Spirit, and a significant number of people are being healed! All glory to God!

During the week leading up to June 5th, Kerry and I participated in a "school of healing" at Bethel Church in Redding, California--a church that has been in revival for a number of years. While there we gained insight regarding momentum. With revival it is important to keep doing and being that which God has set into motion in order to sustain revival.

It is our hope that you can join us here at Royal Ridge as we aim toward the glory of God.

Required Texts for Prayer Ministries Course

2011-04-28T15:27:00.005-05:00

The required texts for the Summer 2011 offering of Dr. Turpin's Developing Congregational Prayer Ministries (an online graduate level course) may be purchased via the links below:

Andrew Murray's With Christ in the School of Prayer

Cheryl Sacks' The Prayer Saturated Church: A Comprehensive Handbook for Prayer Leaders

Kate Turabian's A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, Seventh Edition

J. Randolph Turpin's 101 Prayer Models

J. Randolph Turpin's Prayer Strategy: A Planning Workbook

Two New Prayer Ministry Releases

2011-04-13T19:54:00.001-05:00

Prayer Strategy
A Planning Workbook

By J. Randolph Turpin, D.Min.

This workbook is designed to help ministry teams develop the ministry of prayer in local churches and ministry organizations. It is formatted as a retreat guide, but it can also be used in other settings.

Part One, Pre-retreat, provides a guide for an initial orientation meeting, a personal prayer inventory and a congregational assessment instrument.

Part Two, Retreat, directs the planning team through the first four steps of a five-step planning process: (1) assess, (2) set goals, (3) plan a course of action and (4) agree and celebrate—a covenant-making step. Integrated with these steps is a process for the shared discernment of God’s will.

Part Three, Post-retreat, fulfills the final step in the five-step process: work the plan. Through a series of follow-through meetings combined with work conducted between meetings, the team pursues the goals set during the planning retreat.

Paperback: 150 pages
Order Paperback Edition -- $8.95

101 Prayer Models

By J. Randolph Turpin, D.Min.

This book is both personal and missional. It is a practical resource to help Christians jump-start their personal prayer lives. As a missional resource, it is a concise collection of ideas to help small groups and churches mobilize for the ministry of prayer. It is for anyone seeking to link the power of prayer with the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

101 Prayer Models is a catalog of models designed to involve everyone. Presented as a set of annotated lists, the models are arranged in four categories: personal and family models, small group models, congregational models and evangelistic models.

Paperback: 90 pages

Order Paperback Edition -- $7.95

Order Kindle Edition -- $4.99

Strategic Missional Leadership Conference

2011-04-10T13:57:00.002-05:00

Having concluded my work and participation at the Strategic Missional Leadership Conference in Cleveland, Tennessee (April 7-9, 2011), I am now en route returning home to Maine.

It is my understanding that mp3's of the sessions will be made available online. I'll post links right here at DrawNear.org when the audio files for those sessions have been released. My workshop sessions covered the following topics:

Prayer Models
Spirit-Enabled Prayer Ministry

At the conference, I also had the opportunity to introduce two of my books:

101 Prayer Models (released in March)
Prayer Strategy: A Planning Workbook (to be released on April 14th)

Due to the death of Dr. Ray H. Hughes and the memorial service that took place on Thursday morning, I did not speak in chapel at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary as originally scheduled. What a blessing it was to be able to attend Dr. Hughes' funeral. It brought back several great moments and memories that I had with him over the past six years during the time that we lived in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Just Released: 101 Prayer Models

2011-03-22T07:27:00.003-05:00

My new booklet, 101 Prayer Models, has just been released!

This book is both personal and missional. It is a practical resource to help Christians jump-start their personal prayer lives. It is a concise collection of ideas to help small groups and churches mobilize for the ministry of prayer. It is for anyone seeking to link the power of prayer with the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

101 Prayer Models is a catalog of models designed to involve everyone. Presented as a set of annotated lists, the models are arranged in four categories: personal and family models, small group models, congregational models and evangelistic models.

I have been involved with training congregants, pastors and students for the ministry of prayer for the past sixteen years. Over the past ten years, I have produced various hard-copy handouts listing ways to cultivate a culture of prayer among God’s people. In February of this year, I decided to compile those lists and make them available via these 90 pages—101 Prayer Models.

After an initial purchase of one copy, discounted rates for quantities of 10 copies or more are available upon request for use in study groups or prayer ministry planning teams. Submit your request for the discount rate directly to the author, Dr. Randy Turpin, at randy@drawnear.org. In your email, be sure to state the proposed use for the book and an approximate number of copies that you anticipate ordering.

ORDER KINDLE VERSION HERE

ORDER SOFT COVER VERSION HERE

Holy Fire at Royal Ridge

2011-02-20T22:37:00.013-05:00

Lately Sunday night services at Royal Ridge Church of God (Scarborough, Maine) have been unusually powerful.

Over the past three weeks we have witnessed at least ten people receiving the Gift of the Spirit, and most of those encounters have taken place in the p.m. service. Tonight two more people were baptized in the Holy Spirit, and one person was restored in their relationship with Christ. To God be the glory!

In response to questions that have arisen related to this move of the Spirit, we have launched an informative website at...

InternetRevival.org

Awakening Prayer in January 2011

2010-12-30T15:20:00.008-05:00

Here are all of the events and resources related to our Awakening Prayer emphasis at Royal Ridge Church of God (Scarborough, Maine). Take note of the following events, emphases and resources for January 2011:

Saturday Night Prayer. On Saturday nights (Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29) at 6:30 p.m., the Royal Ridge Church of God sanctuary will be opened for an hour of prayer. Attention will be given to praying over prayer requests that have come in during the week. Intercessors will also devote time to praying for the following day of services.

Awakening Prayer for 2011. On Jan. 2 at 6:30 p.m. this special prayer service will be conducted at Royal Ridge Church of God in Scarborough, Maine. The service will be conducted along a Worship and Intercession format with worship being led by Jonathan Zajas, worship leader from Full Life Assembly of God in Franklin, Tennessee. We will be focusing on the following prayer themes:

Prayer for One Another
Prayer for Israel
Prayer for America
Prayer for the Harvest
Prayer for Church Leaders
Prayer for the Rising Generation
Prayer for Revival and Spiritual Awakening

Prepare Your Annual Bible Reading Plan. Here at the start of a New Year, this is a good time to prepare your annual Bible reading plan. You may be interested in following one of the Bible Reading plans found at YouVersion.com.

Submit Your Prayer Requests Online. You may submit your Prayer Requests to the Royal Ridge Prayer Ministry Team by means of this form. NEW

Seminar: Becoming a House of Prayer. On Jan. 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 6:30 p.m., I will be delivering the same seminar and material that I have been teaching across the nation over the past ten years.

21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Jan. 10-30. Throughout the Church of God, our congregations are encouraged to participate in this extended "season" of prayer. We will be giving special attention to this emphasis at Royal Ridge Church of God. Here are a few helpful websites to help you prepare:

Minnesota Prayer Summit. Jan. 14-15. Together with Bishop Randy and Kathy Hamon, I will be facilitating this time of God-encounter with Minnesota's pastors and leaders.

Northern New England Pastoral Covenant Group. Jan. 20-22. Lead pastors serving Church of God congregations in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont will convene at Royal Ridge Church of God in Scarborough, Maine for three days of fellowship, prayer and ministry development.

Pastors Prayer Partners. With the assistance of Jerry Gerlach, Royal Ridge Church of God is launching a new prayer ministry partnership between members of the congregation and the lead pastor.

Returning to Royal Ridge!

2010-08-14T21:16:00.001-05:00

Royal Ridge in the late 1990's

On August 8th it became official. The Turpin family is moving back to Northern New England where I will be serving as the pastor of Royal Ridge Church of God (Scarborough, Maine)! Glory to God!

My first contact with this church was in the summer of 1980 when it was still known as Thornton Heights Church of God (South Portland). Little did I know during that short week of ministry that I would one day be returning to serve the congregation--first as associate pastor (1984-1988) and then as senior pastor (1995-2001 and 2010).

We feel so blessed that the Lord is allowing us to return to witness the fulfillment of the vision that He birthed in our hearts in the early 1980's. To God be all the glory!

(A note to our Seminary and Pastoral Covenant Group friends: I will continue to teach a few of my online courses, and I will also remain connected with the Pastoral Covenant Group ministry, serving as a consultant and occasional trainer.)

Prayer Seminar at River Hills (Tampa, FL)

2010-07-17T03:27:00.002-05:00

On July 23-25, Kerry and I will be returning to River Hills Church of God in Tampa, Florida to conduct another "Praying Church" seminar. This year's theme is "Spirit-Enabled Prayer."

Seminar sessions will be conducted Friday night and Saturday morning. We will close out the weekend of training and ministry with a message in the Sunday morning service.

If you are within driving distance, we hope that you can join us. We would also appreciate your prayer cover.

For more information, please contact the church at 813.985.2388. Pastor J. D. Simmons is the host pastor.

Pastors and Spouses Retreat

2010-04-24T08:32:00.004-05:00

This weekend (April 23-24) Kerry and I ministered at a retreat for pastoral couples in Dandridge, Tennessee. Our session dealt with "Prayer and the Pastoral Family."

Pastoral Covenant Group facilitator, Steve Gardner and his wife, Kelly, were the hosts. The group consisted of Pastoral Covenant Group (PCG) participants and their spouses. Other presenters included Steve Chelette and Pastor Jeremy and Alicia Guyselman.

I believe that this event was especially significant for the spouses of these pastors. Previously these pastors have enjoyed the renewal and development opportunities that their PCG provides. Now their wives have begun a similar journey, thanks to the grassroots initiative of this PCG. Kerry and I are looking forward to seeing what develops from this new endeavor.

A number of you covered us in prayer during this weekend of ministry. Thank you so much! Your prayers made a difference in very specific ways.

Blessings to all of you in Jesus!

Prayer Seminar at Royster Avenue Church of God

2010-04-18T09:48:00.004-05:00

This morning's message at Royster Avenue Church of God (Shelby, NC) concluded this weekend's "Praying Church" seminar. Pastor Richard Shores, his family and his congregation are such tremendous people.

This church already has a good momentum in the ministry of prayer, yet seminar participants were so receptive and eager to build upon the foundation that they already have. Six months from now I'll be interested to hear what new developments will have come to fruition among them.

Prayer Partners, I thank you for praying for this event. God certainly met us. In the final teaching session on Saturday, the Lord powerfully spoke to us as prophetic gifts were manifested. The Sunday morning service was an awesome thing to behold. The adults prayed prayers of blessing over the children and teens, and then the children and teens turned around and prayed prayers of blessing and honor over the adults!

There is no doubt in my mind that the success of this weekend's ministry was directly related to your prayers. Thanks again, and may God richly bless you!

[Photo by Alycia Turpin]

Reflecting on the Open Arms Prayer Seminar

2010-03-13T20:55:00.006-05:00

The March 12-14 Open Arms Church of God (Grasston, MN) prayer ministry seminar is now behind us, but I am expecting lingering effects.

The Open Arms congregation is already a House of Prayer, and there seems to be such a passion for Jesus among these people. They also have a great desire to be more intentional and purposeful in their pursuit of a prayerful life and ministry.

Thank you Pastor Mike and Kim Flynn for your hospitality during my stay, and thank you for your spiritual leadership in the state of Minnesota.

Two of the video clips from the Open Arms seminar are still available:

Multiple and Varied Prayer Models

2010-03-10T11:00:00.015-05:00

Over the years I have learned that the best way to involve the entire congregation in prayer is to provide multiple and varied models and opportunities for prayer. What appeals to one will not appeal to all. What fits one person's schedule will not fit every person's schedule.

What are models, opportunities or ideas for both personal and corporate prayer that you have found to be especially helpful?

(Please post your comments using the link provided below. Thank you.)

Questions about Prayer Ministry Development

2010-03-09T16:13:00.009-05:00

What challenges have you faced in the effort to develop the ministry of prayer in the local church? Are there questions with which you have wrestled?

I don't have all of the answers, but would you consider posting your question as a "Comment" in response to this post? (I reserve the right to edit questions and responses.)

Your question will be beneficial in two ways:

Hopefully it will benefit you and others as solutions are proposed in response.
It will benefit me tremendously as I am attempting to identify the most pressing issues of the church in this area of prayer ministry development.

In a sense, this might be considered a research project--one that is especially needed right now, in view of the fact that I am trying to write a book dealing with developing congregational prayer ministries.

Thanks in advance.

Becoming a House of Prayer

2010-02-11T06:17:00.003-05:00

Because of the fact that I am not always able to cover all of the prayer ministry training content in my seminars, I've decided to prepare a series of video clips to help seminar participants fill in the gaps. Here is the first of those videos--an introduction ("Biblical Foundations") to my "Becoming a House of Prayer" series:

Becoming a House of Prayer: Biblical Foundations from Randy Turpin on Vimeo.

Video Archive

2010-02-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

I am currently in the process of re-recording a number of my older video clips related to prayer ministry and creating some new lessons as well.

In view of the fact that the older clips may soon "pass away," I've decided to post them once again:

Newer material will be coming soon.

Pray for Prayer

2010-02-05T16:42:00.004-05:00

When it comes to local church prayer ministry development, I really do believe in Spirit-led goal-setting and Spirit-enabled planning. However, let us be careful to take heed to these words from Douglas Small:

"Pray. Don't talk about it. Do it.

"Pray before you plan. Pray before you do anything else. Above all, let prayer lead the way in developing a prayer ministry. Tarry in prayer.

"The flesh will want to plan it into being. The Spirit will want to pray it into being.

"Pray for prayer--a spirit of intercession. Pray for pray-ers--an army of prayer warriors.... Pray for God's unique design for the prayer ministry of your church."

(Source: P. Douglas Small in Prayer the Heartbeat of the Church, pp. 75-76.)

Psalm 23 Paraphrased

2010-02-04T09:59:00.006-05:00

In the late 1990s after returning from Israel, I wrote and preached a sermon entitled, "The Lord Our Shepherd." It was based on insights that our study tour instructor had shared concerning sheep and shepherds in the Middle East.

Working on that sermon transformed my understanding of the Lord's care for His people. (I think that it also helped me to be a better pastor.)

That messaged concluded with a paraphrase of Psalm 23 based on my expanded interpretation of the passage. By request, I am making my paraphrase of the passage available here as a PDF Download.

Weekly Prayer Tips

2010-01-25T08:41:00.005-05:00

Every week in my email inbox I receive a "Weekly Prayer Tip" from the National Day of Prayer Task Force. Each prayer tip includes a scripture and a suggested prayer related to the selected scripture. Thus far, I have found every one of these "tips" very relevant and on target--even anointed.

I always encourage pray-ers to get their leading for prayer directly from the Spirit and the Word. However, when we understand that God's will is often discerned best through a shared process involving others, then we can appreciate the possibility that direction for prayer may also come as God works through others--such as the National Day of Prayer Task Force.

To sign up for "Weekly Prayer Tips," go to http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org.

The Prayer-Saturated Church

2010-01-23T17:13:00.007-05:00

One of the central themes in my prayer ministry seminars and the online prayer ministries course that I teach at the seminary has to do with cultivating a culture of prayer in the local church.

Until I am able to publish on the subject, here is a resource that comes very close to where my heart is on the matter: Cheryl Sacks', The Prayer-Saturated Church.

For several years I have been using Sacks' text in the online Developing Congregational Prayer Ministries course that I teach at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary. Even months after completing the course, students report the ongoing impact that The Prayer-Saturated Church has made on their lives and ministries.

The book may be ordered here through our JRT Books and Resources.

Prayer Focus: Rapid Spread of the Good News

2010-01-18T06:08:00.007-05:00

While reading 2 Thessalonians 3:1 this morning, I was reminded that it is okay to pray for the rapid spread of the Good News (a.k.a., the Gospel). In fact, Paul requested that believers would pray for him--"that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored."

In most areas of life, our desire for things to happen quickly is probably not so virtuous; rather, it is indicative of our impatience.

Not so with Good News. The Good News is life-giving; it saves the perishing. Its propagation is driven both by joy and a sense of urgency.

Please take a moment to pray for the rapid spread of the message of the Lord, and that this message be honored by its hearers.

Pray for Haiti

2010-01-14T08:47:00.006-05:00

On Tuesday I had just arrived at the Minneapolis airport after conducting the Minnesota prayer gathering with the Church of God. There it was on every flat screen: the earthquake in Haiti.

My friends, let us pray for God's mercy to be showered over that nation. May an anointed compassion arise in us; may we intercede fervently; and may we respond obediently to the Holy Spirit's leading.

For a Church of God report related to this disaster, go to http://bit.ly/58g5ne.

January Ministry Events

2010-01-03T15:11:00.007-05:00

Dr. Turpin will be ministering at the following events in the month of January:

AM Service (Jan. 10)
Solid Rock Church of God
Grand Rapids, MN

Solemn Assembly (Jan. 10-12)
Minnesota Church of God

PM Service (Jan. 17)
Hopewell Church of God
Cleveland, TN

PCG Facilitators Consultation (Jan. 19)
Tennessee and North Georgia Facilitators
Pentecostal Theological Seminary
Cleveland, TN

New Student Orientation Retreat (Jan. 20-22)
Cohutta Springs Conference Center
Crandall, GA

Fall 2009

2009-10-16T16:09:00.004-05:00

Fall is a wonderful time here with the Turpin Tribe in East Tennessee.

It is at this point that I typically come to the end of my busy travel season, and the teaching part of my ministry at the seminary picks up speed.

This is also a time for planning our adventures for the coming year. Several local church "Prayer Ministry" seminars are in the works, and I really hope to complete two books related to prayer and the Spirit-enabled life in 2010.

Aside from all of that, I appreciate all of the normal stuff just like anyone else: autumn leaves in these East Tennessee mountains, brisk morning air (yet to come), and more time with the family.

Life is good.

Summer 2009 Training Schedule

2009-06-11T15:48:00.003-05:00

The summer training schedule for the 2009-2010 Pastoral Covenant Group project has begun. I will be serving as a trainer at the following training events:

June 15-17, 2009
Southeast Facilitator Training Retreat

July 13-15, 2009
Mid-USA Facilitator Training Retreat

July 27-29, 2009
Florida Facilitator Training Retreat

August 11-13, 2009
Mid-West Facilitator Training Retreat

August 19-21, 2009
West Virginia Facilitator Training Retreat

August 24-26, 2009
Southwest Hispanic Facilitator Training Retreat

Your commitment to cover this ministry in prayer is greatly appreciated.

Good Reading: Andrew Murray's With Christ in the School of Prayer

2009-03-30T12:51:00.005-05:00

It's an old classic, but when it comes to the subject of prayer, this book remains relevant for our generation. I'm talking about Andrew Murray's With Christ in the School of Prayer.

Every student in my Developing Congregational Prayer Ministries course is required to read this text, and I highly recommend it to all. The chapters are short, making it very readable during personal devotional time.

This text can by purchased on our bookstore page, and because it is in the public domain, it is also available as a free pdf download through Google books.

If this book has made an impact on your life, please post your own reflections using the "Comments" link below.

Video Test

2009-03-10T19:04:00.001-05:00

The following is a test of the DrawNear video stream.

Live Broadcasting by Ustream

March Consultation and Seminar Schedule

2009-03-02T20:57:00.004-05:00

Two major events have been scheduled for March 2009:

State Coordinators Consultation. State Coordinators for the Pastoral Covenant Group initiative have been invited to join us March 4-6 in Atlanta, Georgia for a project consultation.

Prayer Ministries Seminar (Phase 2). I will be conducting a Prayer Ministries Seminar on March 21-22 at the Davis Creek Church of God in Charleston, West Virginia. Here is an added blessing: Unlike most of my training trips, Kerry and three of our children will be joining me for this one!

I would appreciate the prayers of our ministry partners for both of these events.

February Consultations

2009-02-11T04:49:00.009-05:00

In the remaining days of February, I will be involved with the rest of our team in conducting consultations with Pastoral Covenant Group faciliators from West Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, North Georgia and Alabama.

Our work will involve providing further training in facilitation skills, assessment of the project process, and personal affirmation for all project leaders in the field.

My consultation schedule:

West Virginia Consultation
Thursday, February 12th

Florida Consultation
Tuesday, February 17th

Southeastern Consultation
Thursday, February 19th

We cherish your prayers as we continue to minister with and to over 900 pastors in twenty states and regions. To God be the glory.

It's All About Jesus

2009-02-09T05:30:00.003-05:00

Our ministry is first and foremost ministry unto the Lord.

"Minister to Jesus? How can I minister to Jesus?" you may respond. "He is in need of nothing from me."

True. He is the all-sufficient One. True. He needs nothing. But it is also true that He desires everything from me. From you. From us all.

It's all about Jesus.

2008-2009 Pastoral Covenant Groups Launch

2008-11-03T09:27:00.005-05:00

This fall 126 Pastoral Covenant Groups from 20 states and regions are launching another one-year process of pastoral development and renewal. An estimated 1000 Church of God pastors will be participating.

A number of groups have already conducted their covenant-making retreats. One participating pastor stated to his group, "I didn't trust you guys before, but now I do. I trust everyone of you."

Another pastor left revival services at this own church just to be at his group's retreat, stating,

"I need this! You don't get this at Campmeeting or Prayer Conference where we sit down and talk about ministry at a deeper level."

Draw Near and the Center for Pentecostal Leadership and Care invite you to pray throughout this coming year for the sustaining of this Pastoral Covenant Group initiative.

Training Southwest Hispanic Pastors

2008-09-25T16:57:00.003-05:00

From September 28th through October 2nd I will be on the road (and in the air) training facilitators for Pastoral Covenant Groups in the Southwest Hispanic region (California). Dr. Milton Carter will be joining me in the work. Both of us would greatly appreciate your prayers.

Training DelMarVa-DC Pastoral Facilitators

2008-09-13T18:26:00.003-05:00

A Facilitator Training Retreat will be conducted September 15-17 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for pastoral facilitators serving in the DelMarVa-DC region. Dr. Randy Turpin and Dr. Milton Carter will function as trainers for this event.

This fall these trained facilitators will launch their own Pastoral Covenant Groups with a covenant-making retreat. Over the next year DelMarVa's groups will work together for the purpose of cultivating and sustaining pastoral excellence.

For more information on this Pastoral Covenant Group initiative, see www.pentecostalleadership.org.

August and September Training Schedule

2008-08-14T08:43:00.006-05:00

New students are on their way to the Church of God Theological Seminary; Pastoral Covenant Group facilitators are being trained in twenty-two states and regions; and Covenant Making Retreats are already being scheduled for pastors across America.

All of these happenings add up to a very busy time here at the seminary's Center for Pentecostal Leadership and Care. We are gearing up for the following training events:

August 21, 2008
New Student Orientation Retreat
Cohutta, Georgia

August 25-27, 2008
Eastern North Carolina Facilitator Training Retreat
Salter Path, North Carolina

September 8-10, 2008
West Virginia Facilitator Training Retreat
Fayetteville, West Virginia

As always, we cherish your prayers as we continue to serve the renewal and development needs of Christian leaders.

July Training Schedule

2008-07-12T14:18:00.001-05:00

In the month of July (2008), our team is scheduled to train Pastoral Covenant Group facilitators in several states and regions:

July 14-16, 2008
Mid-America Facilitator Training Retreat
West Harrison, Indiana
(Facilitators from Indiana, Northern Ohio, and Southern Ohio)

July 21-23, 2008
Florida Facilitator Training Retreat
Clearwater Beach, Florida

We cherish your prayers for our ongoing ministry toward pastoral development and renewal.

Focus and Clarity

2008-06-30T08:11:00.003-05:00

1 Peter 4:7 says, "The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray."

Here Peter elevates the indispensable role of prayer as we approach the end of the age.

Pray-ers, let us always keep the end in view. Our ultimate destination should motivate every aspect of our lives. We cannot afford to become absent-minded regarding the eternal implications of our life-mission.

We have been given the Spirit of a sound disciplined mind (2 Timothy 1:7), and we have been enabled by the Spirit to be self-controlled (Galatians 5:23). May we by faith access these resources of the Spirit so that we will in fact be clear-minded and self-controlled.

May we keep in step with the slightest promptings of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). In doing so we will have the focus and clarity required of twenty-first century prayer warriors.

Pray-ers, This Is Essential

2008-06-17T18:51:00.002-05:00

Jim Cymbala on "The House of Prayer"

2008-06-09T10:09:00.004-05:00

I would like to share with you a powerful message delivered by Jim Cymbala calling the church to embrace its identity as a "House of Prayer."

Upcoming Special Events

2008-04-12T18:21:00.006-05:00

I will be conducting prayer ministry training seminars and other ministry/ leadership events at the following locations over the next several months:

Charleston, WV - Prayer Ministry Training. Davis Creek Church of God with Pastor David E. Wall. April 17-20, 2008.

Baltimore, MD - Special Services. Church Location to be Announced. Hosted by Pastor Oliver Subryan. May 18, 2008.

Knoxville, TN - Prayer Ministry Training. Christ the Rock Church of God with Pastor Steve Gardner. June 6-7, 2008.

If you live near the location of any of these events, you are invited to participate.

JRT Books and Resources

2008-03-15T12:14:00.011-05:00

JRT Books and Resources is an online bookstore that has been set up to provide a convenient way for our readers and supporters to access items that we recommend.

If you are looking for an item but don't see it in our collection, you may be use the "Search" feature. Should you need further assistance in finding a resource, email us. We may be able to locate it for you.

To access the bookstore, go to JRTurpin.com.

Consultation at New River Ranch

2008-03-13T20:50:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday, March 4th I had the opportunity to conduct a consultation at New River Ranch (Fayetteville, WV) with a group of pastor-facilitators who are leading Pastoral Covenant Groups in West Virginia.

These leaders are part of a nationwide pastoral development and renewal initiative administered by the Center for Pentecostal Leadership and Care--a ministry of the Church of God Theological Seminary.

To Make Christ Known

2008-02-24T07:28:00.008-05:00

What is the Christian church supposed to be doing?

Here at the beginning of the 21st century, the North American church appears to be struggling for its sense of purpose. It is time to return to Jesus’ basic mandate to His followers. [Complete Article]

Online Course Announced

2008-02-19T14:40:00.006-05:00

I have just received word that my online course, Developing Congregational Prayer Ministries, will be offered through the Church of God Theological Seminary this summer (June 3 - August 31, 2008).

Details are available in the Course Syllabus.

This graduate-level course was designed for individuals who already have a college degree; however, a limited number of qualified applicants may enroll as special students (not requiring a college degree). For application and enrollment information, call the Church of God Theological Seminary toll free, 1-800-228-9126.

Presentations of Conference Teachings

2008-02-13T18:19:00.017-05:00

Here are a few video recordings and PowerPoint presentations of the teachings I delivered at the recent 2008 Equippers Conference in Michigan. The videos are not actual recordings of the live sessions, but in these clips I do cover the same material. On a few points, I actually go beyond what I was able to deliver in the series of live presentations:

Cultivating a Culture of Prayer in the Local Church

PowerPoint

Developing Congregational Prayer Ministries

PowerPoint

Spirit-Enabled Prayer Ministry

PowerPoint

Prayer Ministry Resources

2008-02-05T19:17:00.007-05:00

There are plenty of prayer ministry resources available on the Internet and elsewhere. However, I have a few items that I would like to add to the list. Here are some of the materials that students taking my Developing Congregational Prayer Ministries course use:

"Friends of God" and "Friends of the Bridegroom"

2008-02-04T19:56:00.004-05:00

Last year J. D. Simmons and I released a series of training booklets designed to address some of the heart issues essential to faithful and effective service in local church leadership:

Friends of God: Growing in Life's Most Essential Relationship. This booklet is a study that elevates the priority of our relationship with God. It is out of our relationship with God that we are enabled to properly discern God's vision for His Church. Readers will also learn how to cultivate a deeper relationship with God through the practice of spiritual disciplines.

Friends of the Bridegroom: Partnering with Christ in His Devotion to the Church. Through the imagery of the bridal paradigm, leaders are encouraged to relate and minister to the Church on the basis of Christ’s affections for her. Biblical guidance is offered for cultivating healthy relationships with church constituents. The authors promote an approach to ministry that intentionally draws upon the power of the Holy Spirit.

A third booklet in the series, Are You Ready for Church Leadership?, was written by Randy Dye. This booklet speaks of the joy of serving, essential relational keys, the embracing of the pastor’s vision, and what it means to be an armor bearer. The writer also calls for adequately honoring, respecting and providing for the pastor and his family. He closes with a frank, yet affirming, message directed to pastors.

All three booklets are available through Life Worth Living Ministries.

Beyond Goal Setting

2008-02-03T10:35:00.004-05:00

Many pastors set goals only to find themselves frustrated months later with their lack of progress in reaching them. The Pastoral Covenant Group (PCG) process initiated by the Church of God Theological Seminary provides a way for pastors to break through barriers that prevent projected goals from becoming fulfilled goals.

In addition to the relational benefit of the PCG, pastors are also (1) identifying personal and ministry development needs, (2) setting goals to address those needs, (3) crafting plans to reach stated goals, and (4) making covenant to support and resource one another in their development.

Participants for 2007-2008 have reported that they are in pursuit of goals in a broad range of areas, such as the following:

Community outreach
Evangelism and church growth
Staff development
Church administration
Leading change
Family ministry
Doctrinal fidelity
Preparing for retirement
Spiritual vitality
Stewardship
Team ministry
Dealing with stress
Worship and prayer ministries
Assimilating newcomers
Increasing biblical knowledge
Cultural issues and challenges
Ministry to blended families
Building programs
Conflict ministry
Congregational health
Counseling
Continuing education
Financial issues
Technology and ministry
Personal health
Spouses in ministry

To date in this year's project, 89 covenant-making retreats have been conducted, and an estimated 800 project participants are following a covenant-based plan in their pursuit of pastoral excellence.

For more information about this Pastoral Covenant Group initiative, visit the website for the Center for Pentecostal Leadership and Care--a ministry of the Church of God Theological Seminary.

Prophetic Directives for 2008

2008-01-22T14:37:00.001-05:00

J. Lee Grady, editor of Charisma Magazine, summarizes eight prophetic directives for 2008:

1. We must have personal revival.
2. We must embrace humility.
3. We are experiencing gracious judgment.
4. We must balance the prosperity message.
5. It's time to get back to evangelism.
6. We must root out racism in the church.
7. Holiness is not an option.
8. God is calling us to transform society.

For the complete article, visit Faith News.

Culture of Generosity

2008-01-18T14:56:00.003-05:00

Once in awhile I will hear a sermon that I never want to forget. This past Sunday I heard such a message delivered by the senior pastor of City Church of Chattanooga--Pastor Michael Chapman. This message is part of a series of sermons entitled, "Culture of Generosity." Here it is:

(Posted by permission of Dr. Michael Chapman)

D.Min. Seminar in Session

2007-10-18T13:33:00.005-05:00

The 2007 Doctor of Ministry Seminar is in session at the Church of God Theological Seminary.

Students who are currently engaged in ministry from locations all over the world are on campus. At lunch today I had several very interesting conversations with students from Canada, South America, Africa, South Korea, New Orleans, and other parts the United States. These students are primarily pastors, chaplains, and educators. They are bringing such a wealth of ministerial experience and insight to the table.

My role is to guide them through the project dissertation process. It was not too long ago that I was the one sitting on the other side of the podium. Although I am facilitating a process of guidance, I truly feel that they are blessing me more than I am blessing them.

I am so grateful to God for the opportunity to serve Him by serving these wonderful servants.

Chapel at COGTS

2007-10-11T21:08:00.001-05:00

The Spirit of God is moving in remarkable ways this semester in our chapel services at the Church of God Theological Seminary (COGTS). Over the past several weeks, every sermon has pierced the heart, and our times of worship have ushered us into the throne room of the Almighty.

If you are a student at COGTS, come with expectation. If you are not a student here, we cherish your prayers. We yearn to fully participate in what God is doing in our day.

To God be the glory!

Fall 2007 Prayer Gathering

2007-09-20T21:11:00.003-05:00

On Tuesday, September 18th, the students, faculty, staff, and administration of the Church of God Theological Seminary gathered at the International Prayer Center (North Cleveland Church of God) in Cleveland, Tennessee to pray for pastors, their congregations, their communities, and their families.

The event was facilitated by Dr. Randy Turpin and the leadership team of the Center for Pentecostal Leadership and Care (CPLC). Dr. James P. Bowers (Executive Director, CPLC), Dr. Milton D. Carter (Associate Director, CPLC), Dr. Ron Cason, and Douglas Holland led in prayer at key points in the service.

Jonathan Zajas led in worship; he led in the fall 2006 and spring 2007 Prayer Gatherings as well.

Prayer themes included:

Prayer for One Another in the Seminary Community
Pastors, their Families, and their Ministries
The Rising Generation of Pastoral Leaders
Pastors in the Pastoral Covenant Group Project

We invite you to covenant with us on an ongoing basis to pray for pastors. For more information, please contact Dr. Turpin at pentecostalleader@gmail.com.

Chattanooga Prayer Ministry Teams to Launch

2007-07-23T14:54:00.001-05:00

City Church of Chattanooga (TN) will be launching a new Sunday morning prayer ministry on August 12, 2007. During each of the two Sunday morning services while worship is still in progress, trained prayer ministers will position themselves inconspicuously near the front of the church to pray with people at the altar.

Over the past two months, three teams of prayer ministers have completed basic training and orientation for this new ministry. Particular attention has been given to the use of Spirit-enabled prayer models.

For more information on providing prayer ministry training for your congregation, contact Dr. Turpin at rturpin@cogts.edu.

Ministerial Education: Online Opportunities

2007-05-16T20:46:00.001-05:00

Online training opportunities are becoming increasingly more accessible for individuals desiring a ministerial education. Here are a few options available through institutions associated with the Church of God:

Take note of my article below entitled, "Dr. Turpin's Upcoming Courses at the Seminary."

Tiffany Turpin and Jonathan Zajas to Wed!

2007-05-09T12:27:00.001-05:00

Wonderful news! Our daughter, Tiffany, and Jonathan Zajas will be getting married on July 28th!

Jonathan is the worship leader at Hamilton Life Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Tiffany also serves at Hamilton Life; she is their drama director. They met at Lee University about eighteen months ago.

After their wedding, both Jonathan and Tiffany will continue their studies at Lee.

Dr. Turpin's Upcoming Courses at the Seminary

2007-05-07T14:58:00.002-05:00

This summer and fall (2007), I hope that you will be able to join us for at least one of the masters level courses that I will be teaching through the online program of the Church of God Theological Seminary:

1. Developing Congregational Prayer Ministries is a new course that familiarizes the student with a broad range of prayer models. Course work includes reading assignments, small group exercises, prayer assignments, reflective writing, and the crafting of strategies for applying prayer as a personal discipline and as a function of ministry.

Through this course, the student will form his/her own Prayer Action Team for the purpose of assessing prayer in the local context and developing prayer strategies to respond to the unique needs of the student's setting.

2. Pentecostal Foundations for Theology, Study and Ministry is the first course that students are encouraged to take when they enroll at the seminary. This course is designed to equip students for theological study and ministry. It involves orientation to the seminary curriculum, assessment of the student's capacities and calling, and an overview of the nature of education within our seminary. (This is a hybrid course involving a short on-campus seminar in addition to the online work.)

3. Formational Leadership is a course where I have been able to integrate many of the Spirit-enabled ministry concepts that were so vital to our work in our pastoral years. In this course, the student forms and facilitates a ministry planning team and walks them through a development process that intentional integrates prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit. (This is a hybrid course involving a short on-campus seminar in addition to the online work.)

In a addition to these online courses, I also facilitate one of the Community of Faith Groups. This group is more of a fellowship than it is a course. With a group of eight to twelve students, we take a journey in which we experience what it means to be a "community of faith."

To enroll, visit http://www.cogts.edu.

To Know Him Better

2007-02-08T08:42:00.001-05:00

In those moments when we sense the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit, do we pause to ask Him, "Lord, why are you here? What do you desire to do?"

At times He may be moving upon us and within us to motivate and anoint some word or deed that He desires from us. On other occasions, He may be drawing us into prayer. At yet other times, perhaps something much more personal is going on.

There have been those moments when I have felt His nearness, and I have stopped to ask Him that question: "What do you desire of me Lord?"

I have almost been surprised to hear Him whisper, "I just want to be with you."

It reminds me of Paul's prayer for the Ephesians:

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better" (Ephesians 1:17, NIV).

Should you sense the Spirit's nearness today, inquire of His intentions. Allow Him to draw you into a more intimate knowledge of God the Father and Jesus the Son.

2007: Changing Priorities and Paradigms

2007-01-08T08:41:00.001-05:00

The recent prophetic insights for 2007 shared by J. Lee Grady (editor of Charisma) are worth pondering. He foresees specific ways in which this new year will be (or should be) a time for changing priorities and paradigms.

See the article as it appears in Faith News.

Family First

2006-11-15T15:35:00.001-05:00

Family first? What is meant by that title?

Oh, I realize that usually this matter of priorities is stated this way: "God first, family second, ministry third."

I understand and affirm what is intended by that "1, 2, 3" way of prioritizing things, but I do view it a little differently.

God is absolutely first in everything. He is first in my personal life, He is first in my family, and He is first in whatever assignment or task of ministry that is at hand. I have a difficult time just leaving Him as number one at the top of a list. Yes, He belongs at the top, but He belongs everywhere else in that list as well.

Okay, but what about "Family First"?

When I say "Family First," I am referring to the number one priority that God has entrusted to me in ministry. If I can't faithfully and effectively minister to my own household, how can I minister to anyone else? According to the Scriptures, faithful and effective ministry to one's family is a pre-requisite to being a congregational leader (1 Timothy 3:5).

My wife and I are committed to keeping our family as our first priority in ministry, but we are quick to admit that it has not always been an easy task. Vocational ministers are all too familiar with the "tyranny of the urgent" and the challenge that it brings to trying to maintain the health of the ministerial family. We know what it is like to hear many other voices crying out "Me first! Me first!" Every one of those voices deserve to be heard. Every one of those people are precious in God's eyes, and we should be very careful and sensitive in the way we respond. However, let us not consign our own families to some place of lesser importance for the sake of what we call "ministry."

An Opportunity for Pastoral Renewal

2006-11-11T19:10:00.001-05:00

Pastors may find this item to be of great interest. Lilly Endowment has announced its 2007 National Clergy Renewal Program. Over the next several months, up to 120 congregations will be selected to participate in 2007.

"Pastors and congregations both benefit from this period of renewal," said Craig Dykstra, Endowment senior vice president for religion. "They are given a rare chance to get away from the demands of daily parish ministry and explore 'what makes their hearts sing.' The renewal of a pastor's heart and spirituality is part of his or her 'job description' and is essential to the spiritual quality of a congregation's life.

"That is why we suggest that, before they move too quickly to figure out the details of their renewal proposal, pastors reflect carefully about what kinds of experiences will touch them most deeply and connect them most closely with the enthusiasm that led them to the ministry in the first place," he said.

Most pastors spend three to four months away from their churches, and their experiences both open their minds to new possibilities and connect them more deeply with what truly matters to them. They travel all over the world, study subjects they really care about, and reconnect with family and friends from years past.

"As they explore the roots of their religious traditions, write poetry, practice contemplative prayer, or spend weeks or months in significantly different cultural contexts," Dykstra said, "they come to see their ministry with fresh eyes. At the same time, the congregations often come to see their pastor and themselves in new ways as well. The planning process itself gives them a better understanding of what their pastors do, and their appreciation for them grows.

"Sometimes congregations decide to undertake a spiritual journey of their own alongside the pastor; they may read some of the same books the pastor is reading or form discussion groups around the sabbatical theme. Comments from former recipients prove to us that both pastors and congregations find the whole experience empowering and exciting," he said.

As many as 120 congregations will be chosen for the 2007 program. Each grant proposal may request up to $45,000; up to $15,000 of that may be used for congregational activities during the pastor's absence.

The brochure/application is available on the Endowment's Web site, http://www.lillyendowment.org/. Interested persons may call 317/916-7350, e-mail clergyrenewal@yahoo.com, or write Lilly Endowment, 2801 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208.

To be eligible, ministers must be ordained and have earned a master of divinity degree from an accredited theological seminary or divinity school. The program is open to all Christian congregations in 49 states and the District of Columbia. (The Endowment administers a separate, similar program for Indiana congregations.)

The deadline for proposals is May 15, 2007.

Praying for Pastors

2006-10-14T17:03:00.001-05:00

On October 23, 2006, the Church of God Theological Seminary’s Center for Pentecostal Leadership and Care (CPLC) partnered with North Cleveland Church of God to host a Fall Prayer Gathering for the purpose of “Praying for Pastors.”

Particular attention was given to praying for the hundreds of pastors participating in Pastoral Covenant Groups through the 2006-2007 Covenant Pastoral Leadership Development Initiative.

The Prayer Gathering was conducted at the International Prayer Center (North Cleveland Church of God) in Cleveland, Tennessee.

The following represents a few of the prayer themes highlighted at this gathering:

Pastors and their Walk with God
Pastors and their Families
Pastors and their Congregations
Pastors and their Communities
The Rising Generation of Pastoral Leaders
Pastors in the Pastoral Covenant Group Project

Scores of individuals who were not able to attend prayed in their local settings on the evening of October 23rd.

This event was a strategic part of the Center's effort to cover Pastoral Covenant Group project participants in prayer throughout the 2006-2007 year. For more information, e-mail me: turpinplace@yahoo.com.

Corinthian Chaos?

2006-05-21T18:37:00.001-05:00

When teaching on the essential role of the charismata in the church, on occasion some object that an emphasis on the charismata can lead to chaos in the church. Turning to Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians, they attempt to make the point that the manifestation gifts were the cause of much trouble for the Corinthian church.

My response?

First, the manifestation gifts were not the source of chaos among Corinthian believers. The problem in Corinth had to do with their carnality and relational dysfunction (i.e., lack of deference, love, and humility).

Second, look closely at the text (1 Corinthians 14:3, 12, 26 for instance). The purpose of the gifts is to strengthen and edify the church, not to tear it down.

Take a fresh look at 1 Corinthians chapters 12 through 14. Is Paul downplaying the gifts of grace (charismata), or did he have such a high regard for the charismata that he found it necessary to correct Corinthian disorder so that the integrity of the gifts might be upheld?

Yes, there was chaos in Corinth, but the gifts of grace most certainly were not the cause.

Is God Up to Something?

2006-02-12T21:25:00.001-05:00

For about a week there has been a deep stirring in my spirit... a sense of being drawn by the Spirit... a deepening of spiritual desire. God must be up to something.

Then just this morning I received an email from a good friend in Florida: "Have you heard about the revival that has broken out at Asbury College in Kentucky?"

No, I hadn't heard. So I immediately Googled "Asbury revival," and there it was. It all started just a few days ago.

Here are a couple of links referencing the revival:

Read, rejoice, and be encouraged in your pursuit of the Holy!

Glorious Move of God in Ecuador

2006-01-31T14:42:00.001-05:00

Faith News Network reports that a glorious move of God is taking place among Church of God congregations in Ecuador. In November and December of 2005, a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit began, resulting in over 7,000 coming to faith in Christ. Over 2,500 were baptized in the Holy Spirit, seven new churches were planted, and the momentum continues. In this same period of time, one congregation of thirty members grew to become a church of over 500. To God be the glory!

Friends, I share all of this just to demonstrate that it can happen! Revivals resulting in a great harvest still occur in our day! Be encouraged. Do not quit praying and laboring for the portion of the harvest to which you have been entrusted.

For more information on the Ecuador revival, go to Faith News Network.

21 Days of Prayer and Fasting

2005-12-29T17:14:00.001-05:00

Once again we are offering encouragement and support to our ministry partners who want to join us on this 21-day spiritual adventure of prayer and fasting. Even if you can only fast for a small portion of this time, we want you to participate. The journey begins on Monday, January 2 and ends Sunday, January 22nd. A free prayer and fasting guide is available via the following link:
PDF Download: 21 Days Prayer and Fasting Guide

The Spirit-Enabled Church

2005-12-29T15:39:00.001-05:00

Over the past five years the theme of the "Spirit-enabled" church has occupied a lot of my thinking. There are a lot of good "ways of doing church" being promoted these days, but Pentecostals in particular would do well to consider the possibility that the greatest "model" of ministry has been within their reach all along.

What is needed?

Programmed approaches to ministry have become burdensome. Copying the ideas of other popular and successful ministries can seem a bit shallow. The "Seeker-Sensitive" approach has a lot of merit, but sometimes it feels like Somebody is missing. The "Purpose-Driven" model has benefited many, but even that approach falls short of integrating some of the essential ingredients of New Testament ministry.

Allow me to jump to the heart of the matter. Ministry must function through an intimate and dynamic relationship with God. To state the point another way, true New Testament ministry calls for the intentional inclusion of the dynamic of the Holy Spirit. I am talking about deliberately engaging Him in everything that we do.

Oh, most of us probably realize that an intimate and dynamic relationship with God is important for our lives, but we often fail to carry that dynamic over into the way that we conduct ministry.
We know how to be spiritual in our personal walk with God, but why do we think that something different or more is needed for the practice of ministry? We run to corporate business models for our answers. We search the Internet for the latest ideas. We browse the Christian bestsellers list for the most popular trends.

Why not the Spirit? Why not His gifts? Why not His presence and His power?

I believe that the twenty-first century church can effectively and faithfully reclaim the person, presence and power of the Spirit in the conduct of ministry.

For the past six months I have been relatively silent on this subject. My aim for 2006 is to fully embrace the calling to carry the message of the Spirit-enabled church.

The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand

2005-11-23T09:25:00.001-05:00

This morning while having coffee with my wife, she asked this simple yet profound question: "What would happen if we all would just start being exactly what God wanted us to be? What would happen if we would just start doing what we know we should be doing?"

"You know," I responded, "It's much closer than most of us think. It is 'at hand'."

'The kingdom of heaven is at hand!'" This proclamation was the message of John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, and the first disciples of Jesus. It was most often preceded by a call to repentance: "Repent... start thinking and acting differently... turn around... do a one-eighty... for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"

Sometimes we may feel like we are a million miles from where we need to be in our walk with the Lord, when in fact, if we would just make a slight turn, we would be right there. The kingdom of heaven is that close; it is "at hand."

Be encouraged. The distance between where you are right now in your walk with the Lord and where you should be is probably a lot shorter than you think. Just take one step in the right direction, and see what happens.

The Spirit of Intercession

2005-09-27T14:33:00.001-05:00

Let me describe to you this morning's chapel service here at the Seminary.

Our campus pastor, Lee Roy Martin, stood to read the opening Scripture passage from Exodus 2:23-25,

"And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.

"And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

"And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them."

Then Dr. Cheryl Johns stood to call us to prayer, exhorting us to intercede for those for whom we were burdened in heart.

We prayed. The student-led praise and worship began, and the Spirit of Intercession enveloped us.

People began pacing the aisles as they worshipped and prayed. Several spontaneously moved forward to the altar. Some just stood there with hands uplifted. Others fell to their knees.

I just bowed down at my seat weeping and praying at the same time -- praying some with the understanding, but praying mostly in the Spirit.

I was not entirely sure what my own desperate crying before the Lord was all about. I am not sure that it was necessary for me to know.

What does the Bible say?

"The Spirit helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" (Romans 8:26).

Dr. Ron Cason was scheduled to preach, but all he could say was "Who am I to interrupt the work of the Holy Spirit? Come, let us intercede with desperate hearts before the Lord."

O Lord, increase in us such a work as this. May we live our lives in continual engagement with the intercessory ministry of Jesus through the power and presence of the Spirit. Amen.

Simplify! Simplify!

2005-09-26T22:33:00.000-05:00

It is time to simplify!

I have been creating Internet content since about 1998. It all started with a site called "Church of God and Friends." Then came "DrawNear Ministries" and the launching of our webhosting and audio/video webcasting.

With our attempts at e-commerce came something called "JRTurpin.com." Of course, email bulletins/newsletters such as DrawNear Update and PrayerForce Update have continued as well.

Now I am managing the content for the Center for Pentecostal Leadership and Care plus the content for the Seminary's new online course, "Formational Leadership."

Am I boasting in my "work-aholic" tendencies? No, I'm just leading up to a point.

Obviously, all of these ventures add up to a state commonly known as "Too Much."

It is time to simplify!

What does all of this mean?

Well, for those of you who have supported us through DrawNear Ministries,... for awhile www.DrawNear.org is going to point to this spot. The good news is that actually I think you will find this blog to be a lot more interesting than much of the static content on the old DrawNear site anyway.

For you who are my online students, you and I are just now meeting for the first time, so all that I have said here won't make much difference to you anyway.

For our JRTurpin.com customers, we will provide links from this page that will take you directly to the products for which you are searching.

You see, I am not really eliminating much at all. It's called consolidation... and simplification.

Thanks for being so understanding. Who knows... maybe I have even inspired some of you to simplify as well.

First Online Course Is Launched!

2005-09-19T00:04:00.001-05:00

Monday, September 19, 2005 marks the beginning of what I believe will prove to be a wonderful journey. That is the date for the start-up of the first online course that I will have the privilege of teaching at the Church of God Theological Seminary.

What is the course? It is Formational Leadership -- a course originally developed by Drs. Jackie and Cheryl Johns.

As a result of the scholarship and ministry experience of Dr. James P. Bowers, Academic Dean for the Seminary, the online version of Formational Leadership will now take on a new dimension. We are integrating into the course much of the ministry development process that Dr. Bowers has developed for the "Sustaining Pastoral Excellence" project.

What am I contributing? I will be the primary instructor, and I will serve as the facilitator of a retreat that will be part of the course as well. I am also contributing an expansion to part of Dr. Jackie Johns' model. I have added what I call a "Prophetic Cycle" to ministry planning. This added component emphasizes listening for the voice of God and then acting on the basis of what He says.

If you are one of my new students, Welcome! If you are not one of my students, I hope that you will be soon.