His name was T.L. Phillips.
He was affectionately known as "Pop".
Pop Phillips was something of a legend throughout the Church of God in Tennessee, having served as a prominent pastor in his day. He was regularly called upon to help with various denominational boards and committees, even ran the canteen during summer youth camps. Known for his love for Jesus and outspoken conservative beliefs, Pop was truly a joy to everyone who knew him.
When Sandra Kay and I assumed the pastorate of the South Cleveland Church of God, Pop was in his late 80's. I quickly noticed that every time I greeted him and inquired as to his well being he always replied, "I'm happy!" On the back of his car was a bumper sticker with the same phrase: "I'm happy". On one occasion I asked him, "Pop, how is it that you are always so happy?" He pointed to the ordinance of feet washing, quoting Jesus' words in John 13:37, "Happy are ye if you do these things". Then, in classic Phillips humor, he quipped, "Brother Williams, people are just two feet away from happiness!"
I think Pop had it right.
Could it be that we are missing something in the Pentecostal Church by treating Christ's established ordinances as ordinary? Could it be that we have focused so much on celebration that we have lost the blessing that comes through liturgy and practice?
Daniel Tomberlin in his book, Pentecostal Sacraments: Encountering God at the Altar, dares to say that Baptism, the Lord's Supper, Foot Washing and Anointing with oil are all sacramental means of grace enabling us to remember, experience and anticipate the mysteries of salvation. Together they symbolize the Christian's journey from initiation to glorification and our need for continual cleansing along the way. Drawing from ecumenical dialogues, scholarly research, devotional reflections and 30 years of pastoral experience, Tomberlin adds valuable insights to the discussion on what it means to be Pentecostal and how Spirit filled believers view the practices Christ instituted.
I have tremendous respect for this author and the passion that drives him. He is a shepherd who takes seriously the call to care for souls.
It is a pleasure to commend this book to you for personal reflection, believing it will prove valuable in stimulating further discussion on the place and practice of sacraments in Pentecostal worship.
Dr. Mark Williams
Assistant General Overseer
Church of God (Cleveland, TN)