A Letter from the Prelate

To the Church, it’s Members, and Especially our Ministries Abroad

(a copy of the letter sent to our missions abroad, in reference to their on-going support)

Brothers in Christ,

Once again we, the Leadership and the Ministries of UNTCI are facing what I believe to be a glaring message from God, that comes again as His withholding of providence, even in the face of prayer and fasting. Again, our prayers have gone up for increase to support our intent here and abroad in our ministries as we seek to continue our plans for our ministries. And again, His answer has been, “No”.

At the same time, my discernment in preparing the messages each week and throughout, have been focusing more and more, and seemingly now are resting entirely upon, “Release and Increase”. Additionally, as I have sought counsel within my circle, and with some outside our circle for clarity, it appears that there is agreement in this message, as it is being quickened to the hearts of counsel as well.

What does this mean?

I believe this means that we as The United New Testament Church, Int. have lost our way. The way that we initially took in 1999 to be separate from the majority of the “Western Church”, committed to doing “ministry” as we believe God intends, and that Christ teaches, as small, independent, churches and ministries, full of the Holy Spirit and called in the place we are, to Glorify God in the ways available to us, as He provides. In other words: Answering the call to Serve, In the Place where we are, with the things and opportunities that we have that are inherent to our uniqueness. “God be praised, right here, right now, and always… For His Grace is sufficient.”

We don’t need a church building or shelter to do this, we don’t need anything that would draw us away from the free and fervent pursuit of God, His Word, and the unimpeded service and worship that brings more to know Him, seek Him, and follow Him.

I truly believe we are called to do more, only with what God has already provided us as we look around in the place we are to be. This (I believe) is what truly teaches “My Grace is Sufficient” and glorifies God as Jehovah Jireh, for the people we are called to may see Him even in the little things and turn it back to praise.

In this time of Resurrection, Ascension, and Pentecost, that celebrates rebirth, new things, and the power of God, that establishes His Authority and Anointing to change the world in His Name for His Sake, it is time to refocus.

We must focus on the “new” that we were originally called to and intent on making so.

We must weed out the “old” that has crept back into our plans, prayers, and practices, to release it, to leave it be, and let it die.

Let’s then start new (again), in the calling that pulled us away from the rest, that was so right and powerful at the time that it received our “Amen!” and immediate pursuit; this thing that has brought us together… to “Rightly” and “Earnestly” seek, serve, and worship God by the example of Christ Jesus His Son, through the power of the Holy Spirit by the authority and outline of His very Word. By the things that He has given, and nothing else! Nothing else, is to be “everything” in our lives as that places Him alone, in the center, of everything.

“As I Live” says the Lord Our God, who is doing this even where each of us find ourselves, it is there that He has made provision.

So, what does all this mean?

It’s time for a shift in prayer, first. Let’s pray on God’s true purpose for each of us to serve the people around us with the means of Grace He has already provided. “How Lord, can we turn it all back to you in praise?”

The Ministry UNTCI will be moving back to it’s origins within the next month, releasing the things we have taken on outside the original vision and calling, to focus more on the ministry of association, coverage, teaching, messaging, and prayer partnership.

• The Leadership will be in prayer and discussion over these next few weeks to find our way back to the basics. We encourage all of you to please provide prayerful comment and thoughts via the shared messenger thread (for affiliated missions abroad).

Give us some time for discernment and response.

• Back to our beginnings does require the removal of our current system of monthly support.

You may expect the final benevolence/support allowance coming directly from UNTCI to occur in July (by the 10^th).

• Some of you have regular benefactors that are giving directly to your ministry through UNTCI as a “clearing house”, we will be sending an email to each notifying them of our intent.
  • Please reach out to them on your own to make individual arrangements in their giving directly.
• We will maintain your “Supported Ministries” pages (probably as “Ministries in Fellowship”) on our website to lend to you our “bonefides” and establish / continue our mutual and faithful relationship.
• We will take down the “Giving Center” function and links to it, for the establishment of something else to process only offerings for services requested / provided as an administrative function for cost sharing of services.

These are what I see as immediate changes to be made within the next month to get us moving back in the direction of God’s grace and providence.

Additionally, changes in the Office of the Prelature, personnel, function, etc. will be considered as I am being led to resign as Prelate in order to focus on teaching, preaching, and “new things” at our local church. I am preparing to “release” in my own life as much as God wills and know this ministry will increase as I am obedient.

TECU (The Seminary of UNTCI) will be asked to provide more to the efforts of the individual ministries here as part of regular support services provided to our Fellowship. We will be in discussions as to how they will best provide in these areas, and soon you should see some things rolling out for you.

Our intent is not to leave you “hanging”. Our intent is to get you moving. Think outside the “box” of Western Church and denominational style service. As we remove some of these obstacles, seek out new relationships around you, locally, that have stake, as well as seek to use new opportunities as they come through us and our affiliates for recorded lessons, sermons, teachings, etc.

Focus on your ministry, where it is (location), and to whom you’ve been called (those there), then on what God has already provided you to work His glory there, for them…

You’ll probably find that it doesn’t look at all like you thought it would. And that, right there, is the point.

Let it all be His!

By His Grace Alone,

Rev. Dr. C. Joseph Fifer, Prelate to The Church

The United New Testament Church, Int.

www.untci.org

“ But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know.”

[1 John 2:20]