May 30, 2015
By Bishop Thomas H. McGhee
It was a great honor to be with Bishop Greg Amos and the people of the South Carolina Conference and to serve as the presiding officer for the 105th Annual Session of their Conference. The session began with an inspiring time of worship led by Pastor Jim Gray. The conference convened with over 400 in attendance including 361 delegates at our last count.
A number of distinguished guests were introduced including former Superintendents Donald Duncan, Doug Amos, and Jimmy McKenzie; former Conference Superintendents in other areas, Rev. Rabon Stewart (Alpha Conference) and Rev. George Cashwell (Mississippi); Jewell Stewart, former General Women’s Ministries Director; Dr. Ron White, President of Emmanuel College (Dr. White is a member of the South Carolina Conference); Bishop James and Faye Leggett, former Presiding Bishop and First Lady and currently President of Holmes Bible College; Paul and Mary Howell, former Director of Church Education; Rev. Sherrill Orvin, former Director of People to People Ministries; Rev. Derrick Gardner, former GEB member; Mr. David Benton, Chairman of the IPHC Extension Loan Fund; Mrs. Melba Potter, former First Lady and wife of Rev. Mark Potter; retired missionaries Carl and Camilla Sturkie; and Rev. Jimmy Lambert, former Assistant Superintendent.
Following the adoption of the Decorum Committee Report, the Examining Committee Report and the written reports of the conference officials, I was again able to share our denominational presentation, “We Prayerfully Value Pentecost” which was well-received.
The South Carolina Conference licensed four ministers and it was my privilege to ordain five ministers.
Ministers License
Israel McClinton Casselman
Ravonda Sue John
James Steedley
Michael Anthony Vause
Ordination
Joseph David Carter
Chad Michael Jones, Sr.
Carolyn R. Malphrus
Johnny Nettles
Francis LeRoy Peters
Bishop Amos presented his “State of the Conference” report by video with the exception of the conclusion which he presented live. Bishop Amos honored the leaders who were chosen to serve with him as part of the leadership of the conference. He also gave praise to the Lord for the report of spiritual experiences. He reported a membership of 16,846. The conference is made up of 186 churches with 7 new church plants in process not yet officially organized. He gave thanks for the increases in support over the past couple of years and encouraged all to be faithful.
Bishop Amos concluded his report with a heartfelt statement that, “We are expecting undeniable things from God this quadrennium – Undeniable People, Presence, Purpose, and Power.” He also added, “I ask you to join me in believing communities, churches and ministers will begin to hear the sound of the abundance of rain; to believe again that revival and awakening can happen through us. May we believe that God desires to get His house in order and demonstrate through the fruit and gifts of the Spirit that He is still on the throne and building His Church.” After prayer, Bishop Amos led the congregation in the declaration from Psalm 118:17 “I (We) shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.”
Bishop Amos presented “Ministerial Service Pins” to three ministers with 50+ years of service: Rev. Mike Coble, Rev. Alton Nicholson, Sr. and Rev. Paris Talmadge.
Presentations were given by Dr. Ron White, President of Emmanuel College, Bishop James Leggett, President of Holmes Bible College, and Mr. David Benton, Chairman of the IPHC Extension Loan Fund.
I want to commend Bishop Amos and ask that we join with him in the call for prayer that God will give increase, breathe life into dead bones, and demonstrate His power in undeniable ways in South Carolina and throughout the International Pentecostal Holiness Church.