By Bishop Thomas McGhee
I was honored to serve the Pac West Conference as their presiding officer. The Conference gathered in Fresno, California on May 21 for their annual conference session. Pastor Anthony Holmes and the Church of Living Water went beyond the call of duty in serving as the host church. Bishop Stan Reynolds opened the conference with a welcome and prayer.
During the worship time led by the local church worship team, the Holy Spirit began to move in a special way. Several words of exhortation were shared and with Bishop Reynolds’ agreement, we moved into a message from Isaiah 6 on the “Holiness of God” as ascribed by the seraphim. At the close of the presentation I felt led to invite the congregation to gather at the front of the sanctuary for a time of prayer and ministry. God’s special presence seemed to linger throughout the meeting. I was so blessed to be present and experience His presence.
It was a privilege to recognize former Superintendent Bill Terry along with missionary Sabu Abraham. It was noted that several General Level council members were present and a part of Pac West:
Bishop Stan Reynolds – World Missions Ministries
Rev. Susan Bagley – Evangelism USA
Rev. Anthony Holmes – Discipleship Ministries
Each member of the Conference Executive Council reported on their portfolio assignments as well as their service and appreciation for the leadership of Bishop Reynolds. Ministry reports were shared by the directors of Women’s, Men’s, Youth, Kids, and Worship & Fine Arts Ministries. Rev. Bill Terry shared an update on the continued progress of Advantage College.
Bishop Stan Reynolds presented his State of the Conference report in which he shared again the vision of “Called to Plant and Destined to Grow.” Some of the highlights of the vision are found in the prayer points for the Conference:
- An increasing witness of the manifest presence of God
- A radical increase in conversions, water baptisms and Holy Spirit infillings
- A spirit of righteousness and integrity
- The next generation to rise up and take their place in ministry
- To become a church planting movement
- For pastors to have courage, wisdom, discernment and knowledge to lead
- Revitalization of churches that have plateaued or are in decline
- For churches to have abundance and provision
- For divine protection and favor upon pastors and churches
The Conference Executive Council honored Bishop Stan and Kathy Reynolds with a love gift for their sacrificial spirit and leadership. They also received a warm standing ovation from the attendees.
We concluded the day with the Licensing and Ordination service. Two ministers received ordination by transfer: Rev. Elvin French and Rev. Lennie Halverson. Reverends Michael Jellsey, Luis Santiago, and James Hix were duly licensed by the conference as well.
We continue to pray for the fulfillment of the vision “Called to Plant and Destined to Grow.”
