The 15th annual General Assembly of the Zion Assembly Church of God will convene starting Tuesday at the United Christian Church, 2200 Peerless Road, Cleveland.
The theme for the Assembly will be “Pressing Forward,” according to Presiding Bishop Wade H. Phillips.
Mr. Phillips said, “This Assembly is a special meeting --- indeed a meeting ordained by the Lord so that we might counsel together with Him, and chart a course for the church to follow in the months and years ahead. This grand event provides a forum for us to rekindle the fires of holiness and Pentecostal power; to fan the flames of any flagging tendencies; to stir our affections and sharpen our sights to fulfill the ministry and mission that has given to us --- namely, to be instrumental in converting and sanctifying souls and planting churches in every nation and city on earth.”
The Abstract of Faith of Zion Assembly Church of God states, “The General Assembly is the highest tribunal of authority in the church for the interpretation of the Scriptures (Acts 15;16:4,5).
The purpose of the General Assembly is to promote unity and fellowship among the saints, to search the Scriptures for additional light and understanding, and to resolve differences in interpretations which tend to be divisive among the ministers and churches. All matters of faith, government, and discipline are discussed before the entire body of the church assembled, and resolved in one accord with the manifest approval of the Spirit (vv.12, 22, 28), based on the precedent: ‘For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us.’”
The Assembly will begin Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. with praise and worship by the Erwin Family of Cleveland.
Following the opening of the Assembly, Derrick McBride of Mississippi will deliver the message, “Pressing Forward Violently.” Donna Pounders will conduct the Ladies Ministries Program. Ricky Graves of Kentucky will deliver the message, “Pressing Toward the Mark for the Prize.”
Wednesday morning at 15, the services continue with the message to be delivered by J.J. Davis of West Virginia. His topic is “Pressing Forward in Divine Order.”
The International Leaders’ and general treasurer’s reports will be given before the lunch break.
At 2 p.m. there will be reports from around the world.
Worship service reconvenes at 7 p.m. with the a sermon on “Pressing Forward Together with God” by Allen Thompson of Mississippi. Ruth Tingler will conduct the Senior Ambassador’s Program. Roberto Lopez of California will deliver the message, “Pressing Forward in Victorious Faith.”
Thursday morning highlights include camp report and program by Miguel Garcia Jr.
Anton Burnette, pastor of Zion Assembly Church of God in Cleveland, will be delivering the message “Pressing Forward in Education and Ministerial Development.” Pastor Burnette also serves as the Director of Education for Zion Assembly Church of God.
Trevor Graves of Kentucky will deliver the message, “Pressing Forward in Truth and Love.”
Following a lunch break, Ron Massey of West Virginia will deliver a message on “Laying on of hands by Elders.”
Other highlights of the day include the Ordination service.
Thursday evening at 6:15, Bruce Sullivan will direct the School of Ministry Program. Next will be the Healing and Prayer Service. Daron Miller of Cleveland will be leading the service.
Friday’s highlights include the Voice of Zion/SYNC boost with Glenda Major of Cleveland; a Sunday School program directed by Donna Pounders; and Anton Burnette conducting the Media Ministries program.
Friday evening will begin with the West Mobile Choir at 6:30 p.m. Wilma Carter of West Virginia will conduct the Shepherding Ministries program. Chase Larmour of Mississippi will preach the message, “Pressing Forward in Grace and Power.” Pam Jones of Cleveland will lead the Youth Program.
Saturday morning, beginning at 8:45, will feature a prayer service followed by a message on “Pressing Forward in the Anointing” by Tom Brown of West Virginia.
The annual address of Presiding Bishop Wade H. Phillip’s will be delivered at 10:15 a.m. before the lunch break.
The highlight of the Saturday afternoon includes the Assembly Business Committee report.
Saturday evening, beginning at 7 p.m., includes a message by Zachary Snyder of Indiana on “You Have Compassed This Mountain Long Enough,” followed by the World Mission program with director Scott E. Neill.
The evening will end with the Parade of Nations.
Sunday School will begin at 9 a.m. followed by the Children’s Ministries Program later that morning. The sermon will be delivered by L.W. Carter of Virginia titled “Pressing Forward - Terrible as an Army with Banners.”
The appointments and consecration service will conclude the Assembly on Sunday morning.
The Assembly will also include a Kidz Konvention on Wednesday, 7 to 8 p.m.; Thursday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and 6:15 to 8 p.m.; Friday, 6:15 to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, 8:45 to 10 a.m.; 2:30 to 4 p.m.; and 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The United Christian Church is at 2200 Peerless Road. Services will be live streamed for those who cannot attend in person. Information available at www.zionassemblychurchofgod.com.