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Phillips, Craig & Dean and the United Pentecostal Church (UPCI) - Oneness Pentecostals (Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig, Dan Dean)
Updated Information - Audio Response Addressing PCD as of August 2006 (CLICK HERE)
Christian music today is very popular and there are lots of different artists and groups to choose from. However, it seems that most people who listen to the music they buy don't know much about the musicians background and beliefs. It is important to know what backgrounds and beliefs the musicians have because music does influence us, both mentally and spiritually. (If you can find out/ not all musicians let their listeners know their beliefs)
Years ago I heard that Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig, and Dan Dean known as "Phillips, Craig, and Dean" were of the Oneness Pentecostal beliefs. This came as a big shock to me since I really enjoyed listening to their style of music. Well, I was not very happy to hear this and over time started looking into this a bit more to find this out for myself and to know if this was true. It saddens me that what I found out is true, they are of the Oneness Pentecostal beliefs. This information will not bring you joy if you are a Phillips, Craig, and Dean fan as I used to be. I hope you examine this for yourselves and make the right decision to not support them any longer until they openly and repent of the Oneness Pentecostal heresies.
What do Oneness Pentecostals (UPCI) Believe about God?
The United Pentecostal Church International rejects the doctrine of the Trinity. They believe that God is three manifestations: Father in creation; the Son in redemption; the Holy Spirit in regeneration.
What do Oneness Pentecostals (UPCI) Believe about Salvation?
The official teachings and doctrines of the UPCI for someone to be saved are: A person must repent of their ways; turn to Christ; be water baptized in Jesus name only; speak in other tongues as the evidence being baptized in the Spirit; and live a holy life.
More info on Official Oneness Pentecostal doctrines and our reply Click Here
Phillips, Craig, and Dean
As I said I went researching for this information for myself and went to their websites and sent some emails asking some questions as well. I went to Randy Phillips Church website PromiseLand to examine what they state. Randy Phillips is Associate Pastor of the PromiseLand Church. Here is a few questions I asked the senior Pastor, Kenneth Phillips. (Randy's father/ link from a Oneness site)
This information proves from the Randy Phillips side that they would be of the same theological doctrines as the Oneness Pentecostal movement.
Heartland Church in Irving, Texas, is of the Apostolic Churches listing, (Click Here to see) and Dan Dean is the Pastor of Heartland Church. What do the Apostolic Churches believe? From the following Apostolic website it states the following: "http://www.upci.org - This is the official website of the UPC (United Pentecostal Church). Although a different organization, they hold to the same doctrinal beliefs and standards that we hold so dear. If you are travelling and looking for an Apostolic church then this is yet another great resource, since they have every UPC church in the world listed on their website with contact information." (from Apostolic Links page/this link no longer exists but the quote was accurate as posted on May 2, 2005) Another Apostolic site called "Apostolic Information Services" states the following: "The official home page of the UPCI. This site contains information about the organization's ministries, history, administration, constituency, coming events and more. Also, see the official home pages of the following UPCI Divisions" (From AIS Links page) What this demonstrates is that Dan Dean, affiliated with the Apostolic Churches, which in essence is of the same type of beliefs as the UPCI, is then of the same Oneness Pentecostal beliefs. (This information concerning Dan Dean was found 2/23/05 and is current unless otherwise noted)
There is more information on the way from us and when we have it it will be posted. If you have any questions or comments please let us know. I have emailed each of them but they have yet to reply, but if they do and state something something otherwise concerning this information this is currently accurate. It has been said that they have said they are not of the Oneness beliefs but there is nothing to indicate that from what the above evidence indicates concerning both Randy Phillips being involved in ministry with his dad who clearly has a Oneness view of God and the gospel, and Dan Dean's Church being associated with the Apostolic Church which in doctrine is Oneness.
AFC Update on Phillips, Craig, and Dean - May 2, 2005
The following information is going to be a bit long but it is going to clear up something's and will raise some more questions. I have been talking with people who are involved with Phillips, Craig, and Dean music ministry and have some interesting responses to questions asked. You will need to take your time when reading this information because there are things that are some-what sneaky in wording which in essence brings light to this subject for all to see.
Email to PCD Ministries Official Site (Sent March 16, 2005) Click Here For Site
The following is what I sent asking some important questions wanting to clear up any misunderstandings and I will given some information, but not real replies. Below when you see words in blue they were not originally there but were added for clarification. Any questions on that let us know.
Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2005 6:45 PM Hi there. My name is Kelly Powers, director of "Apologetic For Christians Ministry". I have sent emails to Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig, and Dan Dean asking some questions concerning their views on the Trinity doctrine. I have sent at least two emails over the last year to each of them and have not received any replies. I hear that they were at one time of the UPCI or Oneness beliefs but then have changed. I got a reply a while back from Kenneth Phillips (Randy's father, senior pastor where Randy also serves as a pastor) and his replies and views were of the oneness views. I found Dan Dean Church site listed in the Apostolic section for Churches, and Apostolic Churches are of the Oneness beliefs just as the UPCI. I have went to each of their (Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig, and Dan Dean) Church websites and there is "very limited" information there on their views. I would think that this controversy issue which can divide people is very important and there should be something made official from the three of them if they are no longer of the Oneness views when it comes to theology on God, Trinity, Salvation. This should be made clear and known for people so there is no confusion. I am sending this again because someone sent us an email saying they sent an email to you and got a reply. I would like to have a reply to the following questions so there is no confusion. If I receive no reply I will assume that what I have found is very correct and will continue to share what I have found out. If I find out what I have researched is wrong I will immediately change my information so others will know the truth. (either way)
My questions are as follows : Phillips, Craig, and Dean - do you accept the doctrine of the Trinity and believe that there is one God revealed through three eternal distinct personages known as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Or do you accept there being one God who has been revealed through three different manifestations as the Father in creation, the Son in redemption, and the Holy Spirit in reconciliation.
Phillips, Craig, and Dean - do you believe that we are saved by faith in Christ apart from being water baptized in Jesus name only, and that we do not need to speak in tongues as the evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Or do you believe that a person must not only believe in Jesus but be water baptized in Jesus name only and speak in tongues having the evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit
These two questions I would like answered clearly for me to know what is true and not true on these doctrines from what you believe. I await your reply. Thanks so much.
Kelly Powers
This is the email I sent to official website of Phillips, Craig, and Dean hoping to get some clarification on issues that are of the up-most importance for Christians to know the truth about. The first response I got was just a very generic reply with information that did not answer what I asked about, though I was happy to at least get a reply.
First Email Response from PCD Ministries
From: info@pcdministries.com To: Kelly Powers Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2005 8:54 PM Subject: RE: IMPORTANT questions needs answers
Kelly,
Thank you for writing. I have attached a personal letter from Phillips Craig and Dean's manager, as well as their Statement of Faith.
Andrea Eby
PCD Ministries
Below will be the two documents that were
sent for you to see for yourself. I do caution people when reading
it do not be fooled, it is not as good as it appears, which you will see
addressed later. Statement of
Faith Dear Friend: Thank you for sharing your concerns. We understand the importance of
knowing that the artists you listen to not only sing the truth but speak
and believe the Truth. Please allow us to clear up any confusion regarding
the belief system of PCD regarding the doctrine of the Godhead, which is
often referred to as the Trinity. In the church body, controversy often exists in matters of doctrine.
However, we the members of Phillips, Craig & Dean do believe in the
existence of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit - the Three in One. We also have chosen to agree and affirm the following statements of
faith, which we agreed upon when we first began with Star Song in 1992. It
is the Apostles’ Creed, which believers have declared and stood upon for
centuries. The Apostles’ Creed (This creed is called the Apostles’ Creed not because it was produced
by the apostles themselves but because it contains a brief summary of
their teachings. It sets forth their doctrine “in sublime simplicity, in
unsurpassable brevity, in beautiful order, and with liturgical solemnity.”
In its present form it is dated no later than the fourth century. More
than any other Christian creed, it may justly be called an ecumenical
symbol of faith. This translation of the Latin text was approved by the
CRC Synod of 1988.) I believe in God, the Father,
almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his
only Son, our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy
Spirit And born of the virgin Mary, He suffered under Pontius
Pilate, We crucified, dead and was
buried; He descended to hell. The third day he rose again
from the dead. He ascended to heaven And is seated at the right hand
of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to
judge the living and the dead I believe in the Holy Spirit, The holy catholic* church The communions of saints The forgiveness of sins, The resurrection of the body, And the life everlasting. Amen. *catholic (small cap “c”) here
refers to “of or pertaining to the whole Christian body or church.” Please take a deep look into the lyrics of Phillips, Craig & Dean songs
to find each song is based on scripture. We hold fast to the Holy Bible,
and our music ministry and personal walks are grounded in these truths. If you have any hesitations, please feel free to contact Van Alan at
For the cause of Christ, Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig, and Dan Dean Doctrinal Letter From Van Alan, Music Manager of Phillips, Craig, and Dean Dear Kelly, Thank you for your time in genuinely investigating the doctrinal issues surrounding Phillips Craig & Dean. (This part of what was sent was real, the rest below was just something copied and pasted from what they had already for people asking questions. The reason I know this is because I read this before somewhere else before this was sent to me. Kind of sad when they don't give real answers).PCD as a group does not publicly discuss doctrine in any way beyond that which is stated in the Apostle's Creed. They have a ministry of sharing Christ and Him crucified in churches of many diverse doctrines across America (e.g. Assembly of God, Baptist, Methodist, etc). They leave specific teachings of doctrines to the local church and its pastors. Unfortunately there were articles written many years ago that aggressively labeled PCD as being anti-Trinitarian believers. Because PCD desires to continue having a multi-denominational ministry, they do not have the luxury of publicly discussing their personal doctrinal beliefs without offending someone and ultimately causing division; that is not their calling. They don't have the
luxury? That is a sad cop-out response. The Gospel divides
folks plain and simple. If they truly were following what the Word
teaches they would not be so worried about offending people for the cause
of truth. As to "that is not their calling" statement, excuse me?
Each of them are Pastors, they have a leading to people, they sing many
songs to which many Christians listen to, and they are accountable to be
truthful to the public. The above is flat out inaccurate information. According to what I have found through their website online each of the them (Phillips, Craig, and Dean) have been involved with their current churches for the past 17 years or more. Let me demonstrate this clearly for you to see. According to PromiseLand Church website Randy Phillips has been there for the last 17 years, the same Church founded and established by his dad Kenneth Phillips. Kenneth Phillips is the senior Pastor there for the last 35 years according to their website link, and he is the one I emailed last year asking questions on who God is and what must a person do to be saved. Here is what Kenneth Phillips said:
As the above shows it is clear that Kenneth Phillips is of the same theological doctrines as the UPCI. Randy Phillips is his son and has been with that same Church for the last 17 years (at least) as stated from their church website link. If Randy Phillips left the UPCI as was stated why is he still serving there? If Randy Phillips is not of the Oneness doctrines (UPCI) why can he openly state this for the public? It is obvious that Randy Phillips is not being honest with the public and must not have any problems with his dad being a Oneness Pentecostal preacher, therefore it proves what was said about him leaving the UPCI 10 years ago is simply not true.
Dan Dean is Pastor of Heartland Church sine 1999 and has been involved with that Church since 1985. Along with Heartland Church being listed in the Apostolic listing in Texas for Churches they are also listed in the Pentecostal listings which has lots of UPCI Churches listed. As I have been pointing out if Dan Dean is no longer associated with the UPCI then prove it. The Apostolic movement is many ways theological similar as the UPCI. Why is Heartland Church listed in the Texas yellowpages online in the Apostolic section and in the Pentecostal section which has many UPCI Churches listed if he was no longer wanting to be associated or connected with them? It does not make much sense. Along with that there is more information concerning Dan Dean that gives more red flags with not being openly honest with the public concerning these issues. Consider the following information:
The above information is what Heartland Church believes, involvement with Bishop Jack and Doris Dehart, what what Impact Ministries believes. Why this is important? This is to simply show that Bishop Jack Dehart still very much connected to Heartland Church, thus showing Dan Dean is still associated with oneness stuff. Looking at the "What We Believe" quotes from both Heartland Church and Impact Ministries it is clear they have beliefs that are of Oneness doctrines and even use the identical wording. All one has to do is check what the UPCI believes and it is clear. The above information demonstrates that even though Dan Dean (Phillips, Craig, and Dean) claim to not be associated with the UPCI and their doctrines any longer is simply not true.
Shawn Craig is not as obvious as Randy Phillips and Dan Dean on these issues, but he is in ministry with them, thus shows something. "Shawn currently serves as the Music Pastor at South County Christian Center, where he has ministered for the past twenty years" As stated above each of them were raised in the UPCI and least somewhere in the area of 10 years ago, that is what is said. But the information is proving otherwise. Shawn has been in this Church for the past 20 years. There is not much more information about Shawn at this time.
That appears to be good but
as been shown concerning Randy Phillips association with his dad Kenneth
Phillips and what is stated at their "What We Believe" section this is
simply not true. As to Dan Dean, again, this is not true. He
has very similar statements at Heartland Church site which are similar to
Bishop Jack Dehart who clearly has oneness theology and terms. As to
Shawn Craig, as stated before, there is not much information about him but
he is involved with Randy and Dan who do have oneness associations and
terms for beliefs.
It's to sad that those "major
Christian ministry" people have not really investigated this a bit more.
Unfortunately many Christians are un-aware of this and are being lead to
believe Phillips, Craig, and Dean are ok to listen to. As I stated
from the first portion of this information I used to love listening to
this group, they do have great voices and harmony, there is no doubt of
that. What concerns me is the lack of honestly in all of this, as
will be seen below with some email dialogues that I had with the manager
of this group. All I can say is I wish people would just be open and
honest, but unfortunately this is not going to happen with this group.
(maybe one day they will)
Again, sounds good on the
surface. When oneness believers speak of the Father in heaven and
Jesus being on earth, they talk about Jesus the man who spoke to God the
Father who is Spirit. They say Jesus was in the flesh but was God as
well in authority, it gets complicated let me tell you. Oneness
views on Jesus praying to the Father again is simply that Jesus the man
was speaking to the Father who is Spirit. Ask a Oneness person their
thoughts on that and you will scratch your head saying, "can you say that
again, I am confused?" As stated already, Phillips, Craig, and Dean
have evidence showing they still have some Oneness beliefs and they
definitely have Oneness associations in ministry, to that there is no
doubt.
Well this did not solve the difficult issue and raises more concerns. I did start the process of contacting Van Alan, manager of PCD. Below will be our dialogues which were interesting. Read them carefully! I replied to Andrea stating the following. The above two documents were not real responses but forwarded information that was done previously and they did not address the questions I had asked, at least not in detail. These were sent to me by Andrea from PCD Ministries and I have nothing bad to say about her, she could only send what she was given, and I thank her for her kindness. Next will be my response to what was sent to me. My Response to Andrea concerning what was sent to me concerning the two documents
From: Kelly Powers [mailto:kelly@afcministry.com] Hi Andrea. The attachments that you sent were things I have already read, one from online and another that was sent to me by email from someone else. The problem that I am having right now is what I have shared before concerning Kenneth Phillips being of oneness views and Randy Phillips serving in the same Church. And Dan Dean Church is considered an Apostolic Church according to the directory for them in Texas, and Apostolic is essentially the same as oneness. If as one of those attachments states is true, that each of the three have left the upci beliefs how come Randy is serving in a Church where his dad is senior pastor and has those views? How come Dan Dean's Church is considered Apostolic if he has left the oneness beliefs? These questions are not answered in what was sent to me and I have emailed each of the three repeatedly for some answers. I come to the conclusion that they still have some beliefs that are oneness because if they truly were not then they would not be involved with Churches that essentially are, they would distance themselves so people would know. I sent this email back to you yesterday and go no reply and I will guess if I don't get a reply to this that I am correct on what I am seeing. I wish I was not but it seems that this is the truth concerning Phillips, Craig, and Dean. I wish they would have the guts to stand for truth so others would know even if it causes a stir within their families. The Gospel of Jesus Christ divides people, Jesus taught that, and who are we going to put first? God or people? I choose God. I would like it very much if you would send each of them (Phillips, Craig, and Dean) my emails to you so they would read them and maybe reply, but I doubt it. Thanks again, I do hope to hear from you but I doubt I will. Kelly Second Response from Andrea From: info@pcdministries.com To: Kelly Powers Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2005 10:33 PM Subject: RE: Hello there
Kelly,
After receiving your second email, I forwarded your questions to Van Alan, the manager for PCD. His phone number was on the bottom of the letter you received with the invitation to contact him if you had additional questions. I asked him to be in contact with you because this is part of his role as manager. I did not contact you directly because I do not have authority to speak into this situation and did not want to frustrate you further.
I understand your concern and would ask you to contact Van for any additional dialogue about this issue. His email is ... and his office phone is ... (Again, I took out the phone number & email for courtesy for Van Alan)
Andrea Eby PCD Ministries
After receiving the above email from Andrea I sent an email to Van Alan asking the same questions again to him and I asked some questions concerning the two documents sent to me concerning Phillips, Craig, and Dean, and the emails between Andrea and myself.
First Email to Van Alan, Music Manager of Phillips, Craig, and Dean
From: kelly@afcministry.comTo: Van Alan Sent: Friday, March 18, 2005 10:49 AM Subject: Hello from Kelly Powers Hello Van Alan. I am writing to you because Andrea Eby pointed me to you with my questions concerning Phillips, Craig, and Dean. I have read the Doctrine Letter and Statement of Faith attachments but I am still concerned about a few things as you will read below. I am curious as to why Randy serves in a Church as a Pastor with his dad who has oneness views on God and salvation? I sent a few emails last year to Kenneth Phillips and he responded to my questions with oneness answers, identical with the UPCI. Here is the email dialogue that I had with Kenneth last year:
Why is the Heartland Church (Dan Dean) considered Apostolic or in the Apostolic section for Churches in the Texas directory? I received one email from Craig Ferris, I believe he is the guy who is in Charge of Dan Dean's Church website and I sent him two emails asking him why it was in the Apostolic directory but no reply still. (as of 3/18/05) This is the one they just had before with www.christ-temple.org but I guess they have changed names and website address but there old one is still online and it is in the Apostolic section.
Here is the link for that http://yellowpages.superpages.com/listings.jsp?S=TX&PS=45&STYPE=S&CID=00000518797
The link above has changed for their site and in the directory, though it is still in the Apostolic listing. Here is that link listing for Heartland Church (www.theheartlandchurch.com)
Heartland Church is now listed as www.heartlandchurch.com http://yellowpages.superpages.com/listings.jsp?S=TX&PS=45&STYPE=S&CID=00000518797&paging=1&F=1&OO=0&R=A&PI=190&PB=H
If each of the three has turned from their old ways and now are no longer associated or involved with oneness then how come it seems two of them still are?
When reading the Doctrine Letter it states the following: "PCD as a group does not publicly discuss doctrine in any way beyond that which is stated in the Apostle's Creed. They have a ministry of sharing Christ and Him crucified in churches of many diverse doctrines across America (e.g. Assembly of God, Baptist, Methodist, etc). They leave specific teachings of doctrines to the local church and its pastors." I just don't see that being Biblically accountable and reasonable for the body of Christ. Each of them are Pastors in various areas, they serve people, they write songs and many people listen to them around the world, they are accountable for what they believe. They need to publicly denounce the oneness views so that there is no confusion period. The Apostle's Creed is nice and when it was first put forth many years ago it had much more significance but today many people say those same things but have bad theology and even by Biblical examination another Jesus and another Gospel. (Galatians 1, 2 Corinthians 11:4 & 13-15)
In the Doctrine Letter it said the following: "Unfortunately there were articles written many years ago that aggressively labeled PCD as being anti-Trinitarian believers. Because PCD desires to continue having a multi-denominational ministry, they do not have the luxury of publicly discussing their personal doctrinal beliefs without offending someone and ultimately causing division; that is not their calling." They have not the luxury of publicly discussing their personal doctrinal beliefs without offending someone? I am sorry that is not Biblical reasoning, the Gospel offends, Jesus made that clear. Quote: "34 "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 "For I came to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; 36 and A MAN'S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD. 37 "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." (Matthew 10:34-37 NASB) It is not a calling to make it clear to people what you believe, it is the Christian duty to be honest and put the ways of God first, calling has nothing to do with being open to people.
The Doctrine Letter says: "What I can say is that because of the intense public scrutiny many years back, they have allowed me to share one specific point, and they will not say anything beyond this because of their close family relationships with people who remain a member of their past UPC denomination and doctrinal history. "Neither the group nor the individual members of Phillips Craig & Dean believe in a modalist approach to the Trinity."" If they don't believe that way anymore then praise God for that. However, how come Randy Phillips serves in a Church where the senior Pastor, his dad Kenneth Phillips still holds to the oneness views of God and salvation? How come Dan Dean Church is listed in the Apostolic (Apostolic Churches are essentially the same as the UPCI in doctrine when it comes to God and salvation) section for directory in Texas?
The Doctrine Letter says: "If you were to attend their concert, you would find they address the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the present tense at different moments throughout the event. They believe that when Jesus was on earth, God the Father was absolutely reigning as scripture notes in Heaven. When Jesus prayed in the garden, He was speaking to His Father. This is definitely not consistent with a modalist belief, but it is consistent with the beliefs of the individual members of PCD. While this has become somewhat of a difficult issue, I fully respect the bottom-line argument. I trust this will speak to the heart of the issue and resolve any concerns that may have been raised. Thank you for personally addressing this with us. Let me know if you have any further questions." Again, if what you say is correct they need to make this public for people despite the fact of not wanting to offend anyone. As I said before so I say again, the Gospel offends people. I have asked questions about Randy Phillips and Dan Dean both having involvement with oneness stuff and I hope as it states above that I can get a response of why. I have sent each of them (Phillips, Craig, Dean) repeatedly emails asking them questions but I have yet to get a response from them. I have no personal agenda to ruin Phillips, Craig, and Dean, I enjoyed listening to them a while back. But if they are playing the fence with doctrines and truth then I cannot support them nor endorse them.
First Response From Van Alan From The Above Email
From: Van Alan Sent: Saturday, March 19, 2005 2:33 PM Subject: PCD & The Trinity
Kelly -
I am impressed with your attention to detail. It has been a while since I have read such a letter in any form!
As you noted below from one of my earlier letters, PCD allowed me to publicly state their position on The Trinity. While they have fully stepped away from any form of modalism from their past, they do not feel it is appropriate to publicly condemn those who haven't. Personally...I believe that when Jesus spoke of breaking ties with family, it was more about whether or not they chose to follow Christ.
This is not accurate. They have not broken off or stepped fully away from any form of modalism. (another term for Oneness theology)
I forwarded your email to the guys, and questioned them about affiliations once again. Dan Dean's church is independent & does not claim to be part of any formal group of churches (Apostolic or any other); they changed the name of the church some time ago & many things have progressed from there. While Randy has started a new church in a new location, he will never speak publicly regarding this issue beyond what he personally believes (which is stated in the letter you noted below).
As stated above concerning Dan Dean I have found more information concerning this thus showing it be more involvement with Oneness stuff. As to Randy, he is still at the PromiseLand Church website being stated as a Pastor there. I don't see anything showing he has left to start a new Church. But even if he did he still have been involved with PromiseLand for many years now and his dad is clearly of the Oneness beliefs.
It is my conviction that while some like yourself clearly have a call to bring about change by addressing issues head-on...others have a similar call to impact people through enduring patience and love through a consistent showing of personal support as they strive to seek God and know Him more.
It is true that we are to be patient, loving, showing personal support to people, but we still tell them the truth so they don't die not knowing the true God of the Bible. I hate saying this but this is the way I read the above statement. It is a nice feel good statement which in the end is giving a mis-leading impression on what true Christianity is.
I hope this helps.
Yours, Van
My Response (2nd Email) To Van Alan First Email To Me
From: kelly@afcministry.com |