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Bishop Patrick Wooden’s Five Point Vision
North
Carolina Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
1.
To Foster a Great Appreciation for Organized Religion.
The Apostle Paul set a biblical precedence for being subject to organized
leadership. When the church was threatened with a teaching from headquarters
that would have destroyed the doctrine of biblical Christianity, Paul’s
response was to go to headquarters, make his argument, and await a decision.
Both Paul, Barnabas and their opposition obeyed the verdict (Acts
15:19a). In NC 3rd we will promote love for organized religion
and love for the Church of God in Christ. What takes place in the local
church is at the very heart of the jurisdiction, the
national church and the entire move of God in the earth. In addition,
NC 3rd will uphold the dignity of our services by offering the only
True and Living God our best. We will not be secular. We will have church
and enjoy it without apology! (Acts 15; 1 Thes. 2:14)
2.
To Build a Pastor-friendly, local church-friendly jurisdiction.
As a leader who has not forgotten what it is like to be a struggling
Pastor trying to make budget, pay reports, attend the meetings, and
give offerings, NC 3rd will have relevant and effective programs to
aid and opportunities for learning in place to strengthen, equip and
prepare Pastors and Churches that are faithful and supportive. As we
work together and are faithful, God will provide the increase. The jurisdictional
meetings and services will be planned with the working Pastor in mind
and to give Pastors ample time to do ministry in their local churches.
The objective is to grow in grace and steadily improve as we do so.
In our view, the local house of God is a special place and the
epicenter of true ministry opposed to the popular belief that
it is just a building with nothing special about it. The Apostle Paul
called it the “house of God” the “pillar
and ground of truth” (Eph. 4:1-12; 1Tim. 3:15; 2 Tim. 2:1-7; 1
Pet. 5:1-10).
3.
To Engage the Culture and Reach the Next Generation with an Impactful
Youth Program.
God has called the Church to be relevant and to make a difference. In
fact, we are to put a difference between holy and unholy especially
in a time when wrong is called right. Therefore, NC 3rd must engage
the culture by speaking to the issues of our day. We must flow in the
spirit of the sons of Issachar, having as “understanding of the
times, to know what Israel (NC 3rd) ought to do” (1 Chron.
12:32). Concerning our youth, the bar will be set high. If
we raise our expectations, they will line up to them. We will manage
intent toward the kind of adults we want our youth to be. God’s
truth is the overarching truth that must be sown into their hearts.
God’s truth endures to all generations (Psalm 100:5).
To reach them, we will use technology and other mediums as a supplement
to preaching the gospel. (Judg. 2:10; Psa. 71:17; Eccl. 12:1)
4.
To Promote Strong Marriages and Families.
Marriage is God’s divine institution and with marriage comes the
family. We are not ignorant of Satan’s plan to redefine and destroy
marriage by targeting leaders in the Church with the intent of using
their influence to adversely affect the mindset of the masses. NC 3rd
will promote strong marriages, strong families, strong leaders, and
strong people---strong in faith, strong morally, strong relationally
and strong in character. Fulfilling our roles and conducting ourselves
in a manner where the world can’t help, but hear us. (Gen.
2:24; Eph. 5: 1-3; 21-33; 6:10; 1 Peter 2:11-12, 15)
5.
To Foster a Supporting Environment for the Women’s Work.
The
Department of Women is a vital part of any jurisdiction and that is
certainly the case with NC 3rd Jurisdiction. In this day of fake men
and fake women, with the rise in perversion and with a disparaging number
of single parent families led by women, there is a great need for strong,
confident, God-fearing women who will hold up a standard of holiness
in today’s culture. It is my vision to provide a platform for
women to grow in the Lord, exercise their gifts and thrive in a wholesome,
Spirit-filled environment where the men and women work together for
the upbuilding of the kingdom of God. I will also foster a wholesome
environment for the Supervisor of Women to serve and carry out her program.
She will have my full support. (Prov. 31:10; Eccl. 4:9; Phil.
4:3)