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The following article was published in the September 19, 2007, AG-NEWS Issue #1447. This article provides information concerning a ceremony that was held as the new A/G leadership took the “charge of office.” The new A/G Leadership will officially take office on October 8, 2007. It is important that we keep our A/G leadership in our prayers, for they have very important jobs in the A/G fellowship. Related blog posts include “Meet the New A/G Leadership” and “52nd General Council Updates.”
The following article can also be found online at the A/G web site.
In a solemn ceremony, filled with prayer and emotion, departing Assemblies of God General Superintendent Thomas E. Trask read commissioning statements to the new AG Executive Leadership Team in a service held Tuesday morning in the AG national headquarters chapel auditorium in Springfield, Missouri.
After prayer by Executive Presbyter H. Robert Rhoden and the reading of select Scripture verses (from John 13, Luke 22 and Romans 12) by Executive Presbyter Jesse Miranda Jr. that focused on servant leadership, Trask came to the podium and expanded on the theme “Called to Serve.”
The one who lays his reputation aside, he is the servant, Trask stated. Don’t be worried about getting the credit…he who is the greatest of all, is the servant of all, he added.
Following his remarks, Trask called the five officers - Assistant General Superintendent-elect L. Alton Garrison, General Secretary-elect John M. Palmer, General Treasurer James K. Bridges, Executive Director of U.S. Missions-elect Zollie L. Smith Jr. and Executive Director of World Missions L. John Bueno - forward, and read the charge of office to them.
In brief, the officers pledged to support the general superintendent, working together to achieve great things for the kingdom of God. The Executive Presbytery then surrounded the men and with the congregation standing in prayerful agreement, were led in a prayer of dedication by departing Assistant General Superintendent Charles T. Crabtree.
Then, in clearly the most emotional segment of the ceremony, Trask called General Superintendent-elect George O. Wood forward. Struggling with strong emotions, Trask paused several times as he read the charge to Wood that required service with humility, integrity and a constant seeking of the power and leading of the Holy Spirit.
Trask then led the congregation in a prayer of dedication over Wood. With the new Executive Leadership Team and the Executive Presbytery surrounding him, Wood dropped to one knee, bowing his head and folding his hands as Trask prayed for a “double portion” of Elijah to be upon him.
Upon the prayers conclusion and appropriate congratulations, Wood came to the pulpit, humbly accepting the charges of office, while giving tribute to Trask’s leadership over the past 14 years.
Executive Presbyter Richard Dresselhaus followed, closing the ceremony in prayer. The new leadership team officially takes office on October 8.
The entire commissioning service was videoed by AG Media Ministries and is available to view or listen to online at http://ag.org/.