Empowered to LIFT!
FALL WINTER 2026 ISSUE | 7 minute read
Empowered to Lift! These are more than words, but rather an invitation to a partnership built on prayer, passion, and the pursuit to fulfill God’s Will concerning the Church of God in the Commonwealth of Virginia during this season. It has been said, “a world at its worst needs a church at its best.” I am convinced that God-sized dreams and Holy Spirit inspired vision are essential for the days that we are living in. The church has been empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the Great Commission, to engage society with the clarity of the Gospel, and to disciple those who have been led to Christ.
We have been empowered to lift!
Acts1:8 speaks of the promise, the power, and the purpose of our calling. “But you shall receive power after the Holy Ghost has come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth”. God has established His purpose with a promise to empower those who will respond in humble obedience to the call of God. Everywhere Jesus walked in his earthly ministry, He lifted those around Him. We are called to do no less.
We have been empowered to lift!
“Together we Lift” is the commitment that we make as we embrace the vision. No pastor, minister, or ministry should have to lift alone. It is our intent and desire to provide practical tools to help you grow in your calling. We hope to help lift you and the ministries through this state by providing opportunities for Leadership Development. Leadership Lift sessions will be extended to you. Some gatherings will be in person. Others will be online. All of the opportunities will be designed to encourage, inform, and equip you in the areas of life and ministry. In addition, we hope to lift you through intercessory prayer as well as investing in authentic relationships. “We Pray VA” will launch January 4th through an online Zoom phone call every Monday morning from 7 AM – 7:30 AM EST. I believe that this statewide prayer movement that is intended to involve both laity and ministers will prove to be the catalyst for every miracle and milestone in the journey of the LIFT Initiative.
This Initiative is also designed to assist ministers in finding, funding, and having fun doing ministry. We can all agree that ministry is challenging and is not always fun. In fact, true ministry can be overwhelming at times. I am convinced that ministry can be fun and fruitful as we discover ways to fund existing ministries that are making a difference and make room for new ministries that have the potential to multiply our efforts in fulfilling the Great Commission. I truly believe when you have a God – sized vision, God will bring provision to fulfill it.
The LIFT Initiative should not end with pastors and leaders but should start with us as we commit to teach, train, and tell the story of LIFT to those we lead and serve. One church at a time. One ministry at a time. One miracle at a time. One person at a time.
It is my hope that this vision will not compete with what God is doing in the local church, but will enhance and encourage every leader and laity to LIFT! It is by design that the Virginian Lift Report will spotlight and celebrate leaders, ministers, and ministries throughout this state. I believe that it is our season to join and experience God’s favor. Will you join with us on this journey? Our prayer is consistent with the vision and mission. I invite you to pray this simple prayer daily over your church and city. “Lord, let it be in Virginia as it is in heaven!”
Together we Lift,
Bishop Barry A. Clardy
Administrative Bishop and State Pastor
Virginia Church of God State Office