Appalachian Ministry Network

06/21/2026

A FATHER'S DAY NOTE FOR THE FATHERLESS:

I'm thankful to have been blessed with a great dad. I'm grateful too for the privilege of being a dad. So Father's Day is a good day for me, filled with lots of special memories and reminders of what a loving father is. However, I know that this day is not pleasant for everyone, and seemingly more so in the times in which we live. For this reason, let me encourage the child, young or adult, who has suffered abuse by the neglect, actions or words of their father. Though it may be hard to believe because of the terrible example you've seen, you do have a spiritual Father who loves you more than you can imagine. To the single mom whose "sperm-donating partner" has deserted his paternal post and left her and their child(ren) to fend for themselves, please know that your Father in heaven isn't like that, He's faithful always (Hebrews 13:5b). And may we who have been blessed to know what a positive model of fatherhood looks like be sensitive to those around us who do not. Encourage them. Help them. Love them. Support them. Your actions will demonstrate the Father's love and may be just the lifeline they need to overcome their fatherless-ness and to come to know "our Father which art in heaven."

06/21/2026

06/16/2026

- Appalachian Network friends, momentum is growing for participation from within our network family and fellowship of pastors, believers, and churches in the nationwide AG prayer initiative on Saturday, July 4, from 9-10 a.m. So far 25 of our nearly 100 churches have indicated a willingness to open their doors and to pray together. Using the Lord's Prayer as a guide, specific needs facing our communities, nation, and world will be prayed for. Don't miss this historic moment! Open your doors on the day America celebrates its 250th birthday and pray! It can and will be life-changing beyond the moment, just as God promises in His Word. For more info and how to get the meeting materials, contact Michelle Saladino at 540.908.9091. LET US PRAY!

06/16/2026

- "O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God," (Micah 6:8).

What does God require of His people, those called by His name? He plainly tells us in this passage from the Old Covenant portion of the Bible, His Word to mankind.

1) Do right.
2) Love mercy.
3) Walk in humility with the Lord.

Sounds easy enough, but a quick glance around, even within segments of the Body of Christ, proves otherwise. Still, despite our failures to comply with these requirements, God's standards remain clear and in effect.

Micah 6:8 is referred to as "The Golden Rule of the Old Testament" since it echoes Jesus' directive in the New that we are to treat others as we would want to be treated. (See Matthew 7:12.) That's another simple expectation of the divine that escapes so many in our world and today's Church, sadly.

Why is something so seemingly simple so rare and difficult? The answer is also simple: SELF! Too many put THEIR needs, THEIR wants, THEIR desires, etc., ahead and above those around them. We see this with the ever-increasing lawlessness in society, the lack of common courtesy and concern for the well-being of others, and everyday expressions of SELFishness in every phase of our existence.

In contrast, true selfLESSness is a rare commodity. Basic kindness and decency are so uncommon anymore that their expression catches people by surprise. We've become so accustomed to everyone seeking THEIR way and will that anyone who doesn't is an anamoly. That's sad, truly sad, and even more so when it can be said about those claiming to represent God, His Kingdom, and His Church.

When asked what was the greatest commandment, Jesus made it crystal clear: to love God first and then our fellow man. (See Matthew 12:29-31.) Sounds easy, doesn't it? And it would be if we were to follow another key principle of Jesus' teaching and of His Father's Kingdom: to deny ourselves, take up our cross of selfless thinking, living, and acting, and to follow Him, doing as He commands and desires.

Granted, these simple mandates are tall orders living in the wicked world in which we do. But, thankfully, God has given to His people the power and ability to make it possible in the person of the Holy Spirit. As Galatians 5:16 tells us, "Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves." Or in other words, Walk in the Spirit and you will be selfLESS rather than SELFish, just as God requires. Shalom!

06/15/2026

- Happy birthday to a very special member of the Appalachian Ministry Network pastoral care team, Herb Peak. Pastor Herb loves pastors and carries a special place for them in his heart. As network superintendent, I am blessed to have him (and his lovely bride, Evelyn) assisting with this important component of ministry to our AMN family members. God bless you, friend! You are loved, valued, and appreciated more than you know.

06/13/2026

- A lot of flap this week about women and ministry thanks to our SBC friends (again). FYI, the following clearly articulates the position of the fellowship to which I belong and am a minister, the Assemblies of God. Thankful for the many godly women used mightily by the Lord in a variety of ministry and church leadership positions to proclaim His gospel and to build His Kingdom.

https://ag.org/Beliefs/Position-Papers/Women-in-Ministerial-Leadership

06/09/2026

If you plan on applying for or upgrading your ministerial credentials during the next cycle, be mindful of the upcoming deadline.

06/03/2026

- AMN AG - July 4, one-hour of prayer at a church near you, at 9 AM local time. Thousands of people across America joining to pray for our country. AMN — If your church can join and open the doors for one hour at 9 AM July 4th and encourage your people to come, pray with you, then email/contact Michelle Saladino and she will make sure the AG USA national office knows your church is joining the prayer force.

06/02/2026

NEW PRESBYTERS BEGIN SERVICE:

Each year June 1 marks the start of the term of office for Appalachian Network section leaders and departmental ministry appointees. Recent developments bring two changes to the membership of the Network Presbytery.

James Charles succeeds Jimi Watson as presbyter of the Two Virginias Section. Jimi's recent election as Network Secretary/Treasurer created a vacancy in the office of the section's leader. James, serving as the assistant presbyter, was appointed to fill the vacancy through the end of the current term ending May 31, 2028. James formerly pastored Baptist Valley AG in Tazewell County, VA, and is an officer at First Sentinel Bank in Richlands, where he and his wife, Danielle, reside with their family.

Jerome Coleman was elected as presbyter of the New River Section during this year's LIFE Section Council Tour. He succeeds Marty Cowger, who served the section with excellence after filling an unexpired term. Jerome serves with his wife, Amanda, as NextGen pastors at Calvary AG in Beckley, WV. He formerly pastored New Beginnings AG in Buchanan, VA, and served on staff at AMN churches in Roanoke, VA, and Charleston, WV. The Colemans reside with their family in Beckley.

Congratulations to James and Jerome and many thanks for their willingness to serve the ministers and churches of our network.