Prayer Commission Forms

The Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America (PCCNA) has formed a Prayer Commission to create a context for fellowship, dialogue, and cooperation among the prayer coordinators of Pentecostal and charismatic denominations, churches, and ministries.

The commission will seek to encourage intentional prayer leadership among the 37-member organizations in an effort to undergird the prayer movement across denominational lines.

John T. Maempa, director of the AG Office of Prayer and Spiritual Care, served as a member of the three-member committee to form the commission.

In a letter to members, PCCNA President Jeff Farmer notes that the Church began in a prayer meeting (Acts 1:14).

"These are perilous times!" Farmer wrote. "We dare not default to programs alone to accomplish our mission. Pentecostal/charismatic movements and churches need a fresh baptism of prayer dependence on the power of the Holy Spirit."

In his letter, Farmer urged denominational leaders to prayerfully appoint someone in their organization to represent the cause and to make prayer a core value.

Among the stated values of the PCCNA Prayer Commission are believing that Scripture-based prayer empowers proclamation of Christ with Pentecostal power; believing that prayer at home should be integrated into the fabric of daily life; recommending that pastors identify intercessors who can be trained; regarding the Church as a cultural change agent; and valuing prayer in the Holy Spirit.

Alton Garrison, assistant superintendent of the Assemblies of God, is enthusiastic about the formation of the group.

"I believe that an increased intentionality to seek God's face in prayer will ignite a powerful spiritual awakening across our nation that will reverberate globally," Garrison says. "Prayer empowers our mission to reach our world for Christ."

AG News