Outgoing Head Calls on Churches Not to Lose Pentecostal Experience

By Audrey Barrick, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, October 03, 2007

As new leaders for the Assemblies of God prepare to officially take office Oct. 8, the outgoing head is advising the Pentecostal group to continue embracing their Pentecostal practice.

Mainly, relying on the Holy Spirit, according to General Superintendent Thomas E. Trask.

Pentecostalism is one of the fastest growing segments of global Christianity with at least 500 million adherents worldwide. And where countries are openly Pentecostal, they are experiencing "remarkable growth," said Trask in an interview with Today's Pentecostal Evangel, a publication of the Assemblies of God.

"In the American culture, it's easy to think we can build the Church apart from the work of the Spirit," he said. "But history shows us where that leads. Churches that once had the touch of God have lost it because they did not rely on the Holy Spirit. We too can lose the touch of God."

When he came into office 14 years ago, Trask felt the Lord give him a mandate to emphasize prayer and fasting and the work of the Spirit, he said.

"We must not let go of our Pentecostal experience," the Pentecostal head highlighted.

Trask announced in July that he would step down in the middle of his four-year term as general superintendent of the Assemblies of God. He led the denomination for 14 years but said he would remain active in ministry. Dr. George O. Wood was elected in August as his successor.

Officially stepping down this month, Trask leaves years of achievements as well as unfulfilled tasks – all of which centered on soul winning – that he hopes will be picked up in the coming years.

Their relationship with Convoy of Hope, a nonprofit that provides disaster relief and outreaches to the poor, proved to be one of the greatest achievements during Trask's leadership. It influenced the believers to go outside their sanctuaries and into the communities "to touch hurting people who need Jesus," he said.

"We must never lose our passion for personal evangelism," Trask emphasized.

Anticipating the return of Jesus, the outgoing leader called the Church to have a sense of urgency for reaching people for Christ "because someday it will be too late."

Also, six years ago, Trask helped launch the Vision for Transformation to strip away policies, practices and bylaws that were limiting innovation and hindering their effectiveness in reach the world for Christ, he said in the interview. Trask hopes churches will constantly look at ways of being more effective and relevant in a changing culture while being wary of the culture "infecting" the church.

Today, he sees the vast majority of the denomination's ministers and laity wanting to be led by the Spirit and he holds great hope.

They also want to follow Jesus, want to share Christ with the unsaved, want to learn from God's Word, and possess a deep love for the church, said Trask.

"Our lay-people are the finest you'll ever find, and they are hungry for more of Jesus."

Although valuing the Pentecostal practice of the Assemblies of God, Trask reminds the denomination that "it's not about the Assemblies of God."

"It's about building the Kingdom of God," he said, explaining his willingness to work with other denominations and groups.

"We're not the only church God is blessing. He blesses us so we can be a blessing to others. How can we bless others if we stay within our own circle?" he posed.

"As much as we love this church, we have to remember that when we get to heaven we won't be issued Assemblies of God badges."