| New Assemblies of God Leader: Rocket Science Is Easy Compared To Being A Pastor |
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Christian News: Church News
More details are emerging about the man who will join the leadership of the world's largest Pentecostal denomination.
Dr. James Bradford, the new General Secretary of the Assemblies of God, sat down for an interview with George Wood, a former General Secretary, to discuss the appointment, his background, and his vision for the Assemblies of God.
"I am shocked by all that's happened over this last week," said Bradford about the transition. "A couple of weeks ago, I was praying," saying "Lord, I have never loved pastoring more than I do now."
Bradford said he had, what could be described as an "ominous" feeling that something was happening that he didn't understand, and he was "almost begging God that he let me stay" as Senior Pastor at Central Assembly of God. Bradford believed the Lord had been preparing his heart for the transition, giving him the "context to make this decision."
Bradford also provided more details about his background. Bradford grew up in Canada, in the Canadian Assemblies of God. His parents moved to the United States and, in High School, Bradford began to have a "real heart for the sciences." He chose to attend the University of Minnesota because it had undergraduate and graduate programs in Aerospace Engineering.
Regarding his highly technical background, Bradford remarks: "Rocket science is easy compared to being a pastor." He recalls days as a Pastor when he wished it were as easy as engineering. Bradford's Ph.D research focused on fluid mechanics, which studies the flow of fluids and gases. When he finished his Ph.D, he turned the opportunity to work on a project for NASA's Space Shuttle, to become a minister.
While working on his Ph.D, Bradford became involved in Chai Alpha, an Assemblies of God Christian ministry for college students. When Bradford later became the leader, the group shrunk from 12 students down to 3.
However, Bradford pressed on, and after a fellow student encouraged him to fast and pray, the "Lord did something profound." It was a lesson Bradford carries with him today -- every week, he meets with his Church for an evening of prayer. The small group grew to more than 100 students, and after finishing his Ph.D, Bradford remained on campus to lead the group. "My income dropped," he recalls, "but I lived by faith." A year later, the group became a full-fledged church, and Bradford became the Pastor.
When George Wood, then pastor of Newport Mesa Christian Center in Orange County, California, asked Bradford to consider moving to California to become the church's Pastor. Bradford said "No" -- twice. But God spoke to him, and he accepted the invitation. Twelve years later, he sensed it was time for him to return to Canada, and became a pastor of Broadway Church in Vancouver.
Five-and-a-half years later, he then accepted an invitation to become pastor of Central Assembly of God, the denomination's "flagship" church at in Springfield, Missouri.
Under Bradford's leadership, the Church has grown by 50%, and Bradford is proud of the Church's "missional work" both in the world and in the local community. His secret: "Just saying yes" to the many great ideas and projects proposed by his church members.
Regarding his own role: "I never want what I do to be a performance. It has to be authentic." "I may be quiet at times," Bradford observed, but he "depends on the power of the Holy Spirit," recognizing that he has not had "formal training to do ministry," which sometimes makes him a "little extra desperate" for help.
Read More: Links James Bradford -- Rocket Scientist -- Is New General Secretary Of The Assemblies Of God Bradford Appointed as AG General Secretary Ethical Misconduct Forces Pentecostal Group To Appoint New General Secretary ______________________________________________________________________________
The International Faith Telegraph
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