Richard Ames Joins Global Church of God
COG Update
his decision to transfer his ministry to the Global Church of God.
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March 13, 1996
Dear Family, Friends, and Fellow Ministers,
This letter is to inform you that after much prayer and consideration,
Kathryn and I have decided to transfer our membership and ministry to the
Global Church of God. We are excited about participating in the preaching
of the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the "full counsel of
God," which we feel Global is accomplishing very effectively under the
inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We continue to love and pray for our
friends, brothers, and sisters in other Churches of God, and we hope you
will continue to call upon us for prayer and encouragement whenever you
are in need.
When the World Tomorrow television program was being phased out, I
accepted the pastorate of the Glendora congregation. We appreciated the
excellent leadership and the friendliness of the brethren. As pastor, I
encouraged the setting of congregational goals and implemented progressive
programs such as public Bible studies, outreach programs, personal
evangelism, and neighborhood groups, which most of the brethren supported
enthusiastically. Nevertheless, as foundational doctrines of the church
were systematically reversed or completely overthrown during the trying
months of 1995, I did not think I would last as pastor for very long. But
God does have His purpose and timing in each of our lives and I feel Jesus
Christ kept me as pastor for His reasons and purpose until my
responsibilities ended on January 12, 1996. Since I had refused to preach
what I felt were erroneous concepts of "New Covenant" teachings, Church
Administration gave me a few options to consider in place of pastoring,
and I decided to accept "retirement."
As a result of my last sermon in Glendora on January 13, in which I
affirmed among other foundational truths my Sabbatarian belief, I was made
"inactive" by Church Administration. I was told that I "was drawing a
line in the sand" by affirming my belief. This, of course, was a double
standard - Sabbatarian members supposedly were welcome in the fellowship
of the Worldwide Church of God, but ministers were now to be censured (at
least in my case) for publicly stating such a belief.
When I was made "inactive" I had six weeks of vacation time accrued.
Thus, my official "retirement" will have lasted only a couple of weeks. I
do not believe God is leading me into retirement at this time, and I am
confident that Jesus Christ will lead us to serve Him, whether as pastor
of a congregation or in some other function where there is a need to be
fulfilled.
I have observed over the past year or so the growing effectiveness of the
World Ahead television program. Dr. Meredith's conviction, zeal, and
sincerity in preaching the truth of the Bible are refreshing. And while
the telecast and publications are not perfect, the quality and
effectiveness of the World Ahead television program and magazine continue
to improve. What is most impressive is that both the television program
and the magazine are appealing to new viewers and readers. I feel that
Jesus Christ is leading the Work of the Global Church of God and inspiring
the development of the Christian maturity we all seek. That is not to say
that Global does not have its share of unbalanced and carnal individuals -
such flaws exist in all the Churches of God. But I believe the Holy
Spirit is at work to bring about a more unified and balanced group in not
only preserving the foundational truths of the Bible and salvation, but
also building on that foundation in fulfilling the Great Commission and
bringing us all to the "stature and fullness of Christ."
I believe Dr. Meredith was "ahead of his time." Mr. Armstrong was ahead
of his time in many ways as well. I used to argue with Dr. Meredith,
telling him that the Worldwide Church of God would never accept the
Trinity, and that the Church would not do away with the sanctity of the
Sabbath. He was right and I was wrong. Yes, it was a matter of timing.
But, as I stated above, God works differently with each one's individual
circumstance in His time - and in His way. Viewing Dr. Meredith on the
telecast as well as hearing his sermons and those of other Global
ministers on audio tape, I have observed a growth in him, and in much of
the Global ministry, that has been moving and encouraging. I have found
Dr. Meredith to be very compassionate on the individual level. He is also
patient and understanding. He continues to emphasize "servant leadership"
among the ministry and administrators by his example and teaching. I have
also observed that their San Diego headquarters administration and staff
reflect an attitude of positive cooperation and inspired team effort.
We are coming through a very trying and stressful time both in the world
and in the church. It is very sad to see that an estimated 25,000 to
30,000 who have left the fellowship of the Worldwide Church of God are not
attending any Sabbath services - and in my opinion, many of them have
become truly "lost sheep." If God allows me to serve and help some of
these lost sheep, I will want to do my part as Christ leads me in
restoring them to be active once again in the Body of Christ.
Many Church members have been disoriented and wounded by an attack on
foundational doctrines. Some have responded by turning to the Bible and
reestablishing the truth of their long-held beliefs. Others, sadly, have
accepted a "sliver" of the gospel rather than the whole truth inspired by
Christ from Genesis to Revelation. Many are accepting a false Christ who
requires no repentance. But the true Christ first of all stated, "The
time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent you, and
believe the gospel." (Mark 1:15)
It is time for all of us to "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of
his might." It is "high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our
salvation nearer than when we believed." We are weak human beings. But
as we willingly yield to the will of the Father, the power of Christ will
lead us to fulfill the mission He has given us.
I didn't intend to preach to you in this very brief message, but I feel
that God has led me to express these feelings in sharing our decision with
you. We do love you all and look forward to a great spiritual harvest now
and in the world to come.
With love, your brother in Christ,
Richard F. Ames