The Holy Spirit and Harley Davidson –

A profile of the Lincoln Church of God

This denomination has its roots in late 19th century revivals in Tennessee and North Carolina. In the 1880s, some Christians in those areas embraced the doctrines of the Holiness movement which taught that after a Christian's initial conversion there could be an even more profound "second conversion" which would lead to complete indwelling of God's Spirit and could lead to the "complete sanctification," even perfection, of the individual. These Christians wanted to restore the piety and practices of the early Christian Church, and by the 1890s they reported that members were experiencing the gifts of the Holy Spirit that had been seen at Pentecost. These gifts included speaking with tongues and healings.

The Lincoln Church of God, established in 1953, stands firmly on the foundation of the Holiness and Pentecostalism of its religious heritage. The Sunday school class and worship service I attended on May 4 emphasized the potential and reality of the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit. The adult Sunday school class, taught by Bill Martin, mayor of Atlanta, was a study of the first chapter of Acts and the coming of the Holy Spirit to the early church. Martin effectively taught how God had prepared the first century Mediterranean world to receive the Christian church and to experience the Holy Spirit. He reinforced his Bible lesson with his personal testimony of conversion when he became convicted that this "power was really real." Class members joined in affirming the changes that had taken place in their own lives.

[Bill Martin teaches adult Sunday School class.]

The morning worship service and sermon amplified the idea of God's power to heal and to change lives. Pastors Mark and Judi Schaefer helped create an atmosphere of praise and worship that was both energetic and reflective. The service began as Pastor Judi led a talented praise team that included Ron Baker on keyboards, Ann Siltman on bass, Steve Siltman on vocals and Bruce Treakle on drums. Sound technician Dylan Sherrill shared a vocal solo of contemporary witness.

The choruses and the music of praise time led seamlessly into the sermon time, when Pastor Mark preached on the ministry of encouragement as set out in Hebrews 10 and 12. He noted the pervasive need of all people for encouragement and the commission of all Christians to be encouragers. His message was both inspiring and practical. His sermon literally reached every person in the sanctuary as he preached not only from the platform but along the entire length of the center aisle as well. Worship included a call to pray and a call for prayer needs.

Just as the presence of the Church of God in Lincoln represents the pilgrimage of a denomination across the nation, the members of this congregation represent spiritual journeys that have blended their lives and their faith with each other. The motto of the congregation is "A Church that cares about you!" and it is apparent after talking to church leaders and members that this motto is not a hollow phrase but is demonstrated in the fellowship of the congregation.

Ana Bell Boyd, a member of the congregation since 1963, joined this church because it recognized and puts into practice the "gifts of Pentecost." Ruby Taylor, known as Grandma Ruby to her church family, is 85 years young and loves this church because of the "love and concern of the people." Gloria Fisher described what brought her to this body and what continues to bring others: It is the "soul-winning and love that's here," she said. Gloria described how new members are brought into the church family by "praying them in," by the witness of members’ lives, and by reaching out to neighbors. According to Zelma Martin, the pastors of the church "have a vision for the community and the county" that is lived out through their ministry. Bill Martin, Zelma's husband, told how this church was a living expression of his experiences in his spiritual conversion.

Pastor Mark noted that only one-third of the congregation had a specific heritage in the Church of God. Most members have joined the church through the witness of friends or neighbors.

The common mission and sense of purpose in the Lincoln Church of God is seen in the beautiful facilities used for study and worship. Just a few years ago the main sanctuary was in total disrepair. By 1997 church members rehabilitated and redecorated the entire structure so it is a comfortable facility inside and a beautiful asset to the neighborhood on the outside.

[Pastors Mark and Judi Schaefer]

When one reflects on the pilgrimages that have combined to make the Lincoln Church of God what it is today, no pilgrimage, no journey has been greater than that of the co-pastors, Mark and Judi Schaefer. Pastor Mark was born and raised in Edwardsville, where he was a "troubled youth" who was "well known to local law enforcement officials." His grandparents encouraged him to be a Christian, but he lived apart from God. Even while he battled alcohol abuse and other challenges, he says that he "always knew something was missing in his life," but that longing was not met until he gave his life to Christ through the ministry of Teen Challenge when he was 23 years old. He became a member of Beltline Christian Center in Alton and was discipled by the Rev. Terry Watson, who continues to mentor him in ministry. After his conversion Pastor Mark served as a youth counselor with Teen Challenge. It was during this period that Mark met and married his wife Judi, who had once been far removed from the lordship of Christ herself. They served together as youth pastors in Alton for four years until they were asked to pastor a struggling congregation in Waterloo. They were called to serve the Lincoln church in January, 1999.

Both Mark and Judi became qualified pastors in the Church of God through the Ministry Internship Program. In addition, Mark became a licensed exhorter (preacher) through that program. Both Schaefers testified during worship that they attribute their life change and their ministry to the power of God and the Holy Spirit in their lives.  According to Pastor Mark, God's guidance is supplemented by an effective program of mentoring and accountability at both the local and regional level for pastors in the Church of God. Pastor Judi serves the church as youth minister for the Wednesday night Youth program and as worship leader for services Sunday morning and evening. The Schaefers are partners in ministry and partners in marriage as well, as they raise their son Jacob, who is 4 years old.

Some may wonder about the conjunction of Harley Davidson and Holy Spirit in the title of this article. Spiritual journey and growth need not be limited to dour pilgrims in sackcloth and ashes – it can also involve Harleys, Hondas and antique Whizzer motorcycles. The Schaefers ride and collect motorcycles and use that hobby to reach the unchurched. Through buying, repairing and restoring motorcycles, they meet many who do not know Christ. As Bill Martin put it, the pastors are "not captured by the four walls" of the church building and are an "excellent team," who are "out and about" in the community. They are active in the Lincoln Area Ministerial Association and encourage fellowship with other churches and Christians.

The Lincoln Church of God is located at 1415 Fourth St. in Lincoln. Phone for church and parsonage is 217-732-8989. E-mail: knowgod1@juno.com.

[John Welter]