Reclaim 2016 Energizes Movement as First Regional Wraps Up
By Carl Stagner
“If we’re going to reclaim the neighborhood, we have to stop keeping people at a safe distance, and let them in.” Steve Arterburn’s profound, yet simple words seemed to echo in the expanse of Vancouver Church in Vancouver, Washington, during the last week of April 2016. It was the first of three Regional Conventions challenging the Church of God to reclaim our neighbors—and our neighborhoods—for Jesus Christ. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Steve’s message wasn’t the only one cutting to the core of who we are as a movement. Milton Grannum, Ben Hardman, Arnetta McNeese Bailey, and Reggie McNeal also delivered God’s Word with conviction and clarity to the several hundred Church of God people gathered from up and down the West Coast and beyond. Social media lit up during the event, offering those waiting for the Anderson or Philadelphia conventions a foretaste of the movement-energizing experience.
Photo: Reggie McNeal speaking in Vancouver.
One Facebook user commented, “This was fantastic to be a part of. The Vancouver Regional Convention has been a convicting, challenging, and encouraging experience. I’m blessed to be a part of the Church of God!” Another said on Twitter, “So blessed by this past week. I am so happy to be a part of this amazing movement. Thank you! My husband and I are excited!” Yet another posted, “So glad that Jesus is the subject in Vancouver,” while another simply expressed, “Amen! God is on the move!”
Attendance at the first-ever Regional Convention and the CHOG Table that followed spoke volumes about the bright new day dawning in the movement. The Western Area Regional Ministerium (WARM), which usually holds its conference every year, decided in advance to merge its event with Reclaim 2016. Not only did participation increase several times over this year, but reports on the ground also indicate that their pastor appreciation dinner during Reclaim 2016 was sold out!
Alanna Story, products of the Church of God themselves, led convention-goers in Spirit-filled times of worship. Many of the songs they incorporated into the sessions are featured on a new hymns CD and worship-leader resource they introduced in early April. At a pause between powerful moments of worship and teaching, Global Strategy commissioned Jason, Abby, and Josiah Torgeson as missionaries to Costa Rica.
Photo: Alanna Story leading worship in Vancouver.
Milton Grannum stated boldly in his message that “if we are not making meaningful investments in the lives of others, we are serving ourselves.” Ben Hardman pointed out that we too often “assimilate people into the church, rather than train them to be like Jesus.” Arnetta McNeese Bailey informed us that she’s “stopped praying that people come to church” but instead “that they come to Jesus.” Reggie McNeal reminded us that the “Good Samaritan story teaches us that nobody gets help until somebody gets down off their donkey.”
These quotes fail to tell the whole story or paint the entire picture of Reclaim 2016. The good news is that the convention program is the same at each location! You can register for the Regional Convention in Anderson, Indiana (June 21–23), and/or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (September 27–29), at www.chogconvention.org. Learn more about the CHOG Table at www.chogtable.org.
#Reclaim2016
