WORSHIP TEAM
CORONA, California—Just over five years ago, a WCG congregation started in Corona, about 50 miles east of Los Angeles.
The new bi-vocational pastor, Leonard Raught, following the recommendations from Curtis May, district superintendent, and others, became involved in the community. Mr. Raught joined a group of pastors representing many of the area congregations. Our congregation averaged about 40 to 45 in attendance. Our church members would get together on a weekly basis in two locations to pray for God to fill our empty chairs.
Over time, relationships began to develop. One in particular was between Mr. Raught and Pastor John “Buddy” Suitor of Open Bible Fellowship. Together, with a few other pastors, they formed a partnership to pastor to the city of Corona with outreach ministries. This included being involved with the homeless task force, praying for the sick at an area hospital and working with the city council, police chief and many others.
During this time, Mr. Raught shared the story of the transformation that had taken place in the Worldwide Church of God. He worked so closely with Mr. Suitor that they appointed him an elder in their congregation too. Since the two congregations shared a building, we occasionally had combined services. Members enjoyed the sharing of Bible studies by both pastors.
Mr. Suitor’s congregation was averaging 120 in weekly attendance. He was considering a denomination change and believed that many if not all in his congregation would support him in this decision.
After talking to Mr. Raught and Pastor General Joseph Tkach, who attends the congregation, the idea of joining the Worldwide Church of God was presented to Mr. Suitor’s church elders. After much prayer, and seeking the lead of the Holy Spirit, the elders of both churches agreed to a trial period of six weeks to test the waters. At one of the first services, Tammy Tkach gave a message explaining the past, present and future of the Worldwide Church of God.
At the end of the six weeks, the elders agreed that combining the congregations was a positive experience. A full church vote was required before any decision could be officially confirmed.
During services June 29, Mr. Suitor and Mr. Raught made brief presentations. They explained benefits for members of both congregations. Mr. Suitor said he was so encouraged by the transformation he had seen in the Worldwide Church of God that he knew God had big plans for the denomination and he wanted to be part of them. Then the floor was opened for questions and answers. The discussion was exciting, with a sense of brothers and sisters coming together.
After the question and answer time, a written vote was taken. The decision in favor of the two congregations becoming one was unanimous. The two groups of people, each identified by a different name, showed they were one in the body of Christ. We selected Corona Bible Fellowship as new name for our congregation.
WORSHIP TEAM
MINISTRY—Leonard
Raught
and Buddy and Sherlynn Suitor.
PRAISE AND WORSHIP IN CORONA CHURCH—
[Photos
by Dave White]
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2003