According several websites which track religious
denomination statistics, it has been estimated that the Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus is approximately 130,000 members (which, by the way, is 0.00216% of the total world population of approximately more than 6,000,000,000 people.)
(For all you trivia buffs - Moses brought more people out of Egypt then we have in our Assembly. The 12 tribes of Judah represent more people then we have in our assembly.)
Various challenges present themselves amongst our organization:
1. The requirement to minister to both in Spanish and English
The Assembly is predominately hispanic and its emphasis is on the spanish speaking individuals and families. Statistic show that the first generation hispanic's primary language is spanish. By the third generation the spanish language is almost not spoken or understood. However we continue to maintain the the emphasis in ministering in spanish while the future generations lose interest not for lack of desire but for lack of comprehension. Wiki states: "The newer generations do not always share the same cultural values and language as old and new migrant members".
2. "The [AAFCJ] denomination is also challenged by its organizational capability."
This an obvious statement by the mere fact of why we are reading these blogs because of our lack of organizational capability. The organizational leaders have failed (and not just the current leaders-many previous iterations of leaders are at fault) to developed the organizational leadership and management to provide a clear and defined path for growth and retention of its constituents. Because you have a good idea doesn't make it so, it is the processes and procedures and consistent actions by realizing strengths and addressing weaknesses. Through a simple SWOT analysis I can tell right off the bat our threats and weaknesses but we (leaders) do not want to admit and much less address them.
3. HOLD ON TO YOUR SEATS,THIS ONE IS GOING TO HURT:
"The Apostolic Assembly is challenged to raise it's educational and theological levels. This is due to that initiation and ordination rules are not as demanding in this area as they are in other Oneness Pentecostal Denominations, thus raising the probabilities of ministerial unpreparedness to congregational and spiritual needs".
We love popularity contests. We love the flashy suits, the shiny cars and smooth talkers and crooners. But look where that has gotten us: Right smack dab in the middle of two groups of flashy suit wearing, shiny car driving, smooth talking, popular vote getting politicians.
Are those flashy suits, shiny cars and smooth talker fit to lead our organization? Let's look for some substance - education, experience, vision and ability to develop processes and procedures for membership retention.
Organizational Management - I've taken many classes on the topic, I've practiced and implemented many theories to varying success. I know what it is and I know what it is not. Please don't be surprised when I tell you this is what is it is not!
(I know a young man in Lordsburg, NM who is studying at Harvard. I will be willing to wage that there will be corporations that will be vying for his education, knowledge and skills. They know that in the long run he will benefit their corporations strategic growth plans. Let's recruit him and those like him, move them into positions where we can learn and benefit from them. Oh but no, he's to young and doesn't have gift of pulpit pimpology. ...Wait a minute who are the ones getting pimped? But that is another topic).
One of our problems is that we turn inward for help. We assume that we, the 0.00216% of the world population, have all the answers - theologically, organizationally, socially, and what ever other "lly's" you want put in yourself. We fail to strive for the best.
As a matter of fact, our best strive for the best...and move on.
Let's look at things from a different perspective,
How many members have we LOST?
How many members have we hurt because of our ignorance?
Have many members have gone AWOL?
How many members have gone MIA?
How many members have we kicked out?
How many more members are we willing to sacrifice?
Is some one keeping track?
We at Apostolic News do not take sides in this present 2006 General Election Irregularities issue, however there are some tough questions that need to be asked. After all "We Report, You Decide".
