Church of God pastors and laypeople who descended on Fairfax, Virginia, and Safety Harbor, Florida, in September were the last to experience the impact of the Church of God Regional Conventions this year. By no means, however, were they disappointed. They were, in fact, the first to hear featured speaker Kevin Earley and regional guest speaker Brad Lomenick. The tested strategies and insights of host pastor Rod Stafford were only available in Virginia, and the deeply personal dare to dream came only from host pastor Terry Rolen in Florida. Jo Anne Lyon and Jim Lyon spoke at all five Regionals, but instead of tired, overdone messages, they brought refined words, fresh with content, anecdotes, exhortations, and inspiration. After the third 2018 Regional, the events took a three-month hiatus. But based on the new life breathed into the Movement this September, it was a busy summer for the Holy Spirit.

It was a unique blessing to be led in worship by the music ministries of Fairfax Community Church and Celebration Church at Columbia, Maryland, in Virginia; and by that of Bayside Community in Florida. It was a unique blessing to receive the warm hospitality of the volunteers and staff of the host churches, and to gather in such stunningly beautiful facilities. After all, it was only this year that Fairfax Community Church completed their expansive addition for youth and children, and only a few months ago that Bayside Community Church renovated their sanctuary. One of the greatest wins of the five 2018 Regional Conventions has been hearing and seeing firsthand the ministries of five very different, incredibly dynamic Church of God congregations. Hearing God’s Word taught in these spaces served as a constant reminder that God has been, and continues to be, doing a mighty work in each host church.

Drawing from God’s Word, each anointed speaker delivered messages that were both memorable and meaningful.

“We all want resurrection, but no one wants to die. Resurrection requires dying first!” —Rod Stafford

“When the people of God begin to dream again and step out, God will unleash resources you have no idea about!” —Terry Rolen

“Pastor, God has called you not just to shepherd your congregations; he’s also called you to pastor your communities!” —Jo Anne Lyon

“We are carriers of a gospel of hope, so let’s be Chief Inspiration Officers!” —Brad Lomenick

“I’m here to tell you that the church isn’t a cruise ship, but it is a battleship!” —Kevin Earley

“We’ll never take any risks, nor even know what those risks are, without the lens of the Holy Spirit! —Jim Lyon

At the close of the final session of the final 2018 Regional Convention, Jim Lyon dismissed the crowd with the following inspirational words of benediction:

“As Jesus stood in the colonnade of the temple, he said, ‘The thief—the enemy of our souls, Satan the adversary—comes to rob, to kill, and to destroy. But I have come to bring life and life abundantly.’ As we began our meetings yesterday, I observed, even walking with Jesus, that we are in a world that takes life away from us. Yet, we want to receive life and give life as Jesus has done. If Jesus is the subject, we must be bold. If we’re to be bold, we should be taking back what hell has stolen. And if we’re going to take back what hell has stolen [especially life!], then we must give life.”

Register now for the Church of God Convention 2019 and General Assembly.