Behind-The-Scenes:
The Installation Service of General Superintendent Kenneth Haney
Compiled by the staff
of ninetyandnine.com
January 21, 2002
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Even more amazing than the size of the crowd (estimated at
2,500) was that Pentecostals actually arrived early to a service. Way early.
Early enough to make prophecy majors believe a key moment in Revelation was
being fulfilled. While Life Christian Church holds about 2,800 people, easily
half that amount were there an hour early, with seats only open in the high
balcony by 6:45 p.m. (for the 7 p.m. service).
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Rumor had it that the carefully scripted service was timed
out to last 3 hours and 10 minutes, so it was a relief to see Kenneth and Joy
Haney step into the auditorium and take their front row seats, along with other
dignitaries and family, at 7:03 p.m. The service lasted 2 hours 37 minutes.
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In spite of the careful scripting beforehand, more than one
observer noted that the scripts were only marginally followed by most of the
speakers. (Though most stayed close to their allotted times.)
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The few, scattered microphone problems were due to the
church’s primary, full-time soundman quitting two weeks before the service.
The beleaguered replacement did a fine job with little preparation time.
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As would be expected in this type of service, youth was not
served. Almost everyone directly participating
(outside of the musicians and choir) were in their late 30s to the early 80s.
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Overheard: “Though I would wish otherwise, the thought
flitted through my mind that this key, founding generation of men, so integral
to UPCI’s growth (and this ceremony), will not be around for the next
installation.”
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UPCI Churches and Preaching Points: Statistical Breakdown
North America
4,410
South America
3,704
Central America
2,939
Africa
13,588
Europe/Middle East 435
Asia
2,430
Australia
5,320
TOTAL
32,826
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After the service, as the dignitaries walked to the
reception, Bro. and Sis. Tenney were holding hands and smiling like two giggly
kids.
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In spite of the reception starting about 9:45 p.m., workers
were still leaving at 1 a.m.
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Copies of Bro. Haney’s book were piled on a table in the
vestibule, with one allotted per family. Judging by the people leaving at the
very end, many different Pentecostals were members of several families. In fact,
the running joke was to take numerous copies and try to turn them in at the Word
Aflame Bookstores for credit the next day. (Remember¾it
was a joke.)
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One observer noted, “I could see Bro. Haney overseeing
another merger.”
ã
2002, ninetyandnine.com
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