The Whole Truth

From The Desk of

Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard Not that I have already attained,[a] or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have [b]apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 3:12-14 (NKJV)

Dear TWT Family, As we culminated 2023 with our largest, annual convention – the 115th Holy Convocation – I am so excited about the great things God continues to do for the Church Of God In Christ. God has blessed and allowed the National Church to prosper in many incredible ways; far too numerous to detail in this letter. I am proud of our various auxiliaries and departments that have made great strides in ministry across the globe in 2023. For all that God alone has allowed, we are exceedingly grateful. During Holy Convocation, I believe we infiltrated the city of Memphis with the love of Jesus Christ. We know that we can economically impact cities positively, whenever we convene. But because we focused on ministering to the hearts of those in need or lost, what a powerful, Holy Ghost-filled collective we became as a gathered body of believers. It is my prayer that we will always gather with a mission to influence those who may be struggling, or do not yet believe. Our influence begins in the airports and on airplanes, and extends to restaurants, hotel elevators and lobbies, shops, and malls. May we always remember the mission and Who we represent, as ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have stood on our theme, “Our Mission Made Possible,” throughout 2023. How appropriate it is for us to believe God to make even greater ways out of no way, as we finish the 4th quarter of 2023 steadfast and strong. Let us continue to do as Apostle Paul admonished and “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Lady Karen and I wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season. That you and your families would prosper for the remaining of 2023, and finish strong, is my sincere prayer. In His Service,

Bishop J. Drew Sheard Presiding Bishop Church Of God In Christ, Inc. The Eigth In Succession

THEWHOLE TRUTH 7