The first New Jersey Pastor’s Forum of the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) for 2012 was held on January 13, 2012 at the Evangelical Reformed Baptist Church in Newark. The host pastor, Elder James P. Paige, lovingly refers to his church as the “ACLC Headquarters for New Jersey.”

Dr. Ann Iparraguirre, New Jersey’s District Pastor for Lovin’ Life Ministries and ACLC Co-Chair, gave welcoming remarks. “To be a leader is to be constantly learning,” she shared. “The pastor’s forum is an opportunity to study the Biblical principles together on our path to spiritual growth. Even if we have been studying spiritual scriptures for decades, we can still learn more.”

Dr. Iparraguirre also announced plans for in-depth study at future two-day family convocations. She said that she would like to see women and young people teach, to give the opportunity to hear God speak through a greater variety of people.

Rev. Dr. Michael Jenkins, ACLC chairman, led the study sessions, which were focused on a deeper look at the mission of Jesus and John the Baptist. He pointed out that although the Pharisees taught Mosaic Law, they couldn’t understand Jesus. There was a time in which God didn’t want Israel to mix with other people, which caused a separation among people. “However, this is a time of new wine and new wine skins. We need to light up a new path for people to look beyond denominational titles such as ‘Lutheran’ or ‘Baptist,’” Rev. Jenkins said.

Dr. Paige shared deep insights into the Bible as well as a deep testimony to the power of True Parents, who bring God’s blessing to all people without boundaries of race and religion. Rev. Glenda Phillips-Lee, of the International Gospel Helpers Church in Harlem, New York, one of the prominent 172 clergy of ACLC, shared the understanding that Jesus is returning now and working through the anointing of Father and Mother Moon.

There were 20 participants at the forum, some of whom were returning for a second or third time. Two teenagers also joined the sessions. Everyone felt they had gained new insights into understanding the role of John the Baptist, the inestimable value of Jesus life, and the importance of being obedient to God.

At the conclusion, prayers of healing were led by Minister Reiko Jenkins, assisted by three powerful prayer warriors, which uplifted and comforted those in need.