Mark 16:15

            As we continue in our effort to fulfil the Greatest Commission may we also see the need to do exactly as Jesus said – “Go.”  Unfortunately, over the years many have transposed or replaced this word “Go” by the Word “Come.” It is very obvious that in many areas the church, has become more “attractional” than “incarnational.” Could this be the reason in many cases for our non-growth and stagnation, even here in the Northeast?

            We have done the complete opposite of what we were directly commanded to do. It has now resulted in churches that are struggling to survive, churches that are woefully anemic, and which are very much out-of-touch and ritualistic. May the Lord of the harvest help us to see the error of our ways and give us the strength to make the course-correction we so desperately need, especially in last-day times.

            Today we must never lose sight of the fact that we were sent on a mission. This must always remain a church – “called out ones, sent on a mission”. We do not have the leisure or the privilege of setting our own agenda or preaching our own message. It has already been set for us by our great Lord and Savior – the head of the church. He said in no unmistakable terms, Go and make disciples by preaching the only gospel that is able to change peoples’ lives and transform the world.
This we must do until the task is meticulously executed and accomplished. We are image bearers of the Christ and carriers of the good news. As the Father sent Him, so has He sent us – (John 20:21). This remains irrevocable and intractable. The “sent” church cannot change the supreme commission nor the terms – pandemic or not. It is especially in these times that our message becomes even more necessary and potent – in the times of terror, pestilence and death. We must preach, teach, live and witness, now more than ever!

            It almost goes without saying that Jesus sent us not to be aloof and disengaged, but He sent us to become involved, intensely engaged and inculturated. He said to us, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). This is the corresponding scripture to Matthew 28:19. The church is called upon to get into all cultures. It is indeed a cultural mandate also. The church, though counter-cultural is sent to get into all cultures and establish a real presence, in a desperate attempt to reach as many as she can, with the serious message of God’s undying love and grace.

            This church is called upon to do the hard work of local or contextual theology. Jesus calls upon us to get into the community – learn its ways, its lifeways, its values, its beliefs, its language, its communication patterns, its history and most of all its people in relationship in order to bear witness to the gospel. We must do this or die as a church! May God help us here in the Northeast and beyond to establish real presence in our communities. May we really see the need to go native in order to gain those we were urgently sent to reach and win! To reach the masses we cannot be alienated, aloof and far-off from them. The arms-length, parachute- ministry is not for us! We will go as Jesus said.

                                                                 Leroy V. Greenaway
                                                     Regional Bishop – Northeast Region

May 22, 2021

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                                                          PLEASE NOTE

          In collaboration with our District Overseers, the Church of God of Prophecy submits to the wisdom of continuing to ‘Shelter in Place’ for the safety and protection of the flock. This is to be observed until further notice and the present virus is better contained. Should the need arise to meet, we are advised to meet in groups of no more than 10, while we strictly observe the protocols of social distancing, wearing of masks and aggressive sanitizing of our hands and surfaces frequently touched.

          Please let us patiently observe these practices to keep each other safe and alive. We are reminded that we are indeed our brother’s keeper. Stay home! Stay Healthy! Stay Hopeful! We shall soon get through this! Premature re-openings of our churches seem not to be the wisest way to go at this point. Let us continue to pray, caring for each other and staying connected.

Leroy V. Greenaway
Regional Presiding Bishop — Northeast Region