“We Preach the Truth, Not Some Man-made Doctrine”

“We Preach the Truth, Not Some Man-made Doctrine”

ALJC General Superintendent Robert Martin--the ninetyandnine.com interview

August 25, 2008

Interviewed by Kent d. Curry

Bro. Robert Martin and I became friends via email. As editor of the Apostolic Witness, he understood what went into a weekly e-zine and applauded our intentions. Over the years, we swapped some articles, met in person, and traded emails on issues of the moment. Then he was elected General Superintendent of the ALJC and I realized I could get an interview with an important person who was also a like-minded saint. So I did.

While his language is a bit more formal than his emails, his godly heart for the contemporary moment shines through.

90&9: Congratulations on becoming the ALJC's General Superintendent. Tell us about your predecessor's legacy that you're building upon.

RM: Bro. Steve Wilson served the previous eight years. He is a prince of a man and a great leader. He is very professional and is full of integrity. He is a visionary leader who promoted outreach and harvest. If our organization can continue with that thrust, we will be effective.

90&9: What's been the biggest surprise since you accepted this position?

RM: That I was actually elected to serve this position! The ALJC has many fine ministers who are great leaders, and I am honored to serve with them.

90&9: What do you see as the biggest strengths within the Apostolic movement (not just the ALJC)?

RM: That we preach the truth, not some man-made doctrine. Because of this we are destined to succeed for we are a part of God's church and not our own. Also, most Apostolic movements are revival-minded, and thus are in touch with Christ's heartbeat. The combination of truth and a love for souls is a powerful dynamic.

90&9: What do you see as the biggest challenges for the Apostolic movement (not the ALJC) in 2008 and beyond?

RM: To promote truth and reach the lost with modern methods, without losing our identity. To use every modern means available to facilitate revival and harvest.

90&9: How do you hope to lead the ALJC to meet those challenges?

RM: By continuing to encourage a mindset of selflessness and love for souls among our ministers and membership. To more effectively educate our ministers concerning their God-called role on earth.

And to use every means, including modern media (television, radio, Internet) to accomplish this task. For example, we are currently producing several first-class, cutting-edge television commercials that will be made available to all of our ministers and churches. We feel this will help in garnering more exposure for our product, as well as reaching many unreached with this precious message. We have also recently completely updated our website, adding many great components to it (downloads, live streaming, etc.). We are working diligently to improve our image.

90&9: In what ways have you seen the ALJC change (better or worse) in your lifetime?

RM: We have always been known for our friendliness and camaraderie, but in the last few years our focus has shifted more outward. We are sending more missionaries and building more churches. We have reached beyond simply being a fellowship and have become a more effective organization. We have become more diverse and more Kingdom-minded.

90&9: In what ways would you like it to grow and change under your leadership?

RM: That together we can all become more Christ-like. That united we will continue to reach our world. To expand ministries that touch every facet of our churches. To not lose our increasing momentum.

90&9: What's the best way to unite an Apostolic organization so that the focus is on evangelizing the world and not internal bickering?

RM: By getting ministers and constituents to focus on Christ, His burden, His passion, and His heart. By becoming more Christ-centric and less egocentric. To get ministers to be less castle-minded and more Kingdom-minded. Of course, this is easier said than done. But as training and ministry continues to focus on this, it will gradually become a part of us. I have instituted this type of training for our leaders, and eventually you will get what you preach and teach.

90&9: How would you characterize/summarize the difference(s) between the ALJC and other Apostolic organizations?
RM: All of them fulfill particular roles in the Apostolic movement. I feel a strength of the ALJC is its warmth and openness. We are an organization in which "everyone is someone." The Gospel of Jesus Christ is more important to us than organizational dictates. Although the UPCI and others are larger in number (at this point), none of them have a larger heart.

90&9: How hard is it to pastor a church and lead an organization?
RM: It requires more time, focus, and determination, as well as more delegation to others. But it keeps you focused on what is most important, and that is the vibrancy and well being of the local assembly. An organization is only as strong as its churches. I have great help in the local church as well as in the organization. No one can accomplish the great task before us alone.

ninetyandnine.com

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Kent d Curry is an executive editor of ninetyandnine.com.