Herbert W Armstrong

In order to maintain accurate attendance records worldwide, it is necessary that we all use the same definitions for the terms "church," "local Bible study" and "outlying Bible study." I'd like to once again clarify these definitions to aid each pastor in properly reporting attendance figures.

CHURCH — A group formally approved by Ministerial Services in Pasadena or the respective regional office. It meets on the Sabbath (in some cases Friday evenings) regularly at least once a month, using a Sabbath services format.

LOCAL BIBLE STUDY — A group that meets either regularly or irregularly, using a Bible study format. It is made up primarily of individuals who attend local Sabbath services regularly.

OUTLYING BIBLE STUDY — A group that meets regularly at least once a month. It uses a Bible study format and is made up primarily of individuals that are not able to attend Sabbath services regularly.

This clarification will probably require no change in attendance reporting for most ministers. However, changes have been made in some church areas that could give us problems in maintaining accurate and consistent records if the preceding definitions are not followed. So please be sure to keep church and outlying Bible study attendance figures separate, and be especially careful not to combine the attendance figures for true outlying Bible studies and local Bible studies. Of course, there are few, if any, "outlying" Bible studies in the continental United States.

Please remember to pray for our brethren in South Africa during these troublous times in their country. God has always shown His people great mercy, granting safety and protection for them and their families. Dr. McCarthy reported early this week that God's people are presently well and safe in South Africa. But we should continue to remember them in our prayers. As Paul exhorts us in Ephesians 6:18, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" (RAV). Our hearts and minds should be with one another in times of peace, and certainly in times of need and emergency. When one suffers, we all suffer.

I'd like to also request your prayers on behalf of Mr. Jim Friddle, who recently learned that he is suffering from cancer. Please remember his need for God's healing, as well as the others we have mentioned in the PGR.

Finally, strive to remain healthy spiritually as we approach the deeply meaningful fall Holy Day season. Don't neglect prayer, personal Bible study and fasting. We are God's servants. God Himself called us into His service. But each of us must continually realize that we can do nothing without God. Let's seek Him personally with even greater zeal!