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• PASTOR'S REPOR��
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PUBLISHED BY THE WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD
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VOL 2. NO 21
PASADENA. CALIFORNIA
JUNE 13, 1978
Greetings Again Fellow Pastors:
I am writing this letter on a plane while returning to Pasadena
from New York City. Yesterday we had a combined service in Manhattan
with approximately 2000 people observing the day of Pentecost -- the
birthdate of the Church of God.
The overwhelming impression that left its mark on me as we obser
ved this annual Holy Day w�s the strength and durableness of God's
people. The brethren in the greater New York City area are solid in
the faith. In this they are representative of all our brethren -
God's children -- around the world. They are tried and proven, having
already been tested in about every conceivable way. Yet, they remain
basically stable, responsive, loyal and always anxious to see God's
Work move forward, with new programs developed as needed, and the Work
being done.
These remarks are intended as a sincere tribute and recognition
of the faith and dedication of the people of God around the world.
The members of God's Church have, in the main, done their part well
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by their faithful prayers and generous support through troubled times
as well as times of blessings and rejoicing. They remain committed
to seeing this Work grow and reach out to humanity with God's message
more effectively. They certainly deserve our expression of gratitude
and encouragement.
Motivation, conviction, second and third effort are natural by
products of action, accomplishment and success. The greater the
Work's effort in genuinely trying, and the more we actually do, the
greater the enthusiasm, support and motivation we have among our
people. But whenever we bog down or spin our wheels, when programs
become st�gnant or don't bring adequate results, then the people begin
to lose momentum. They tend to languish, grow indifferent-
, lose the
will to press on, wondering whether it's all worth it or not.
We have seen this phenomenon in action for some years. The
Church seemed to lose its way. Growth was minimal and finally became
nearly non-existant over the last year. Our efforts to accomplish
seemed to fizzle out. Drastic changes were sometimes effected in the
hopes we would recapture a winning way. But you ministers, more than
any others, know we have been struggling to once again establish a
winning combination. Because of this, your work of keeping a "turned
on" membership, a "with-it" support base, "a motivated people of God" C)
has been increasingly difficult.
I sincerely believe this will be turned around. I am convinced
that through Jesus Christ our Head and Master directing His servant
Mr. Herbert Armstrong, the collective work of God's church will bear
,, 1971 Dy WfftldwtO• Chu,c:n ol God