NCU Magazine: Dr. George Wood Vists NCU Campus

Dr. George O. Wood, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, spent the first day of February 2008 on the North Central University campus. Students had opportunity to participate in a Q & A forum with Dr. Wood at the Center for Youth and Leadership. Wood responded to questions ranging from his vision for the future of the A/G to the strengths and weakness he sees in our denomination, and how he hopes to see them addressed.

Dr. Wood, speaking to a receptive audience in chapel, told students that the Assemblies of God is a welcome place for young people, whether they were from an A/G background or not. “We desperately need you,” he said. “And we’ll do everything we can to make the Assemblies of God better because of your presence.” He affirmed that, “our message is not the Assemblies of God. Our message is Jesus. We’re just a vehicle He uses to get his work done in this world. We need the kind of talent, gifting, and greatness that you bring.”

He went on to talk about how Jesus gave Peter the gift of a new identity: “Rock”. He noted the three strikes Peter had against him: he was impulsive, talked too much, and cracked under pressure. Yet, where others would see what’s wrong, Dr. Wood said Jesus saw what was right about Peter: he took initiative, had a willingness to learn and was willing to obey. Dr. Wood challenged students to have the spiritual maturity to hear God’s voice when no one else is listening; that Jesus still gives people new identities.

Following chapel, Dr. Wood participated in a luncheon with NCU administration and faculty. His remarks to the faculty highlighted his vision for an increased focus on Higher Education within the A/G and his desire to see the A/G Fellowship become increasingly adoptive of a ‘resource and relationship mentality’ in serving the pastors and leaders who are a part of the A/G around the world. Dr. Wood also expressed to the faculty his gratitude for their investment in the next generation of Pentecostal leaders.