Alford Honored with Spirit of Azusa Award
Cleveland, TN–The Dixon Pentecostal Research Center recently honored Dr. Delton Alford with their Spirit of Azusa Award. The award presentation and a reception in Alford’s honor was part of the Nineteenth Annual Azusa Lecture held in the Lee University Chapel last month.
In presenting the award, Dixon Pentecostal Research Center Director Dr. David Roebuck stated that the purpose of the award is to honor those who represent the ongoing work that God did at the Azusa Street Mission in Los Angeles. Roebuck observed, “There are many characteristics of that revival that we could highlight including an emphasis on Pentecost, a sense of global mission and evangelism, and the importance of individual and corporate worship.”
Left to Right: Azusa Lecturer Dr. Lee Roy Martin, Mrs. Myrna Alford, Spirit of Azusa Award Honoree Dr. Delton Alford, and Dixon Pentecostal Research Center Director Dr. David G. Roebuck (click photo to enlarge)
Roebuck reviewed the ministry of Alford beginning with his growing up in Church of God parsonages and congregations that incorporated worship as a means of teaching theology and evangelizing their communities. Roebuck suggested, “Perhaps drawing from those experiences Dr. Alford later wrote in Music in the Pentecostal Church, ‘From its inception…the Pentecostal revival has been closely associated with a renewal of …vibrant music ministry involving congregational and individual participation in enthusiastic and spiritual singing of gospel hymns and gospel songs.’”
Roebuck emphasized the excellent leadership for which Dr. Alford is known including director of the Teen Talent program, music director for the Forward In Faith radio program, chairman of the General Assembly Music Committee, Director of Music for Pathway Press, chairman of the Church Music Committee, CEO and Executive Director of SpiritSound Music Group, and director of the Church of God Department of Music Ministries.
That excellence was especially evidenced in Alford’s ministry at Lee University. Having joined the music faculty in 1962, he went on to serve in significant leadership roles including chair of the Department of Music, dean of the Division of Arts and Sciences, dean of the College, and vice-president and dean of the College. In more recent years, he served as director of the Internet Degree Program. Perhaps Alford is best known as founding director of the world-renowned Lee Singers.
Roebuck concluded by describing Alford’s ministry as a writer, arranger, and producer. Honored with four Dove Award finalist nominations, Alford has served as a choral consultant with Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra and has been a choral clinician for numerous public schools, colleges, and churches. Throughout his ministry, he has been a sought-after worship leader for local, national, and international gatherings.
In accepting the Spirit of Azusa Award, Alford acknowledged the sustaining work of the Holy Spirt throughout his ministry and affirmed that in his experience ministry will always be effective “with the leading of the Holy Spirit, the calling of the Lord, the diligence of preparation, and excellence in performance. How much better could it be than to be on this planet at this time representing the ministry and the power of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.”
Prior to the award presentation, Dr. Lee Roy Martin presented the Azusa Lecture entitled “In Spirit and in Truth: Renewing Biblical Worship.” Martin is Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages and the James W. Hamilton Professor of Teaching Lay Involvement at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary, where he has taught since 1992. A bishop in the Church of God, he has served as a lead pastor for more than 25 years and is currently associate pastor at Grace Community Church in Cleveland. He is editor of the Journal of Pentecostal Theology and has written more than 40 books including A Worshiping People: A Pentecostal Study of Vibrant Worship for the Believer.
Other participants in the Azusa Lecture program included the Lee Singers under the direction of Dr. Randy Sheeks, Song Leader Caleb Mooneyham, and the Reverend Steven Allen, who represented the Church of God Global Worship Initiative. Roebuck also acknowledged the generosity of contributors who made the lecture and award presentation possible.
The Dixon Pentecostal Research Center launched the annual Azusa Lecture and Spirit of Azusa Award in 2006 on the centennial of the renowned Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles. What started as a home prayer meeting attracted throngs of seekers as hundreds traveled to the Azusa Street Mission, received a personal baptism with the Holy Spirit, and took that message to their homes, churches, and communities.
Founded by Charles W. Conn as a research library on the campus of Lee University, the Dixon Pentecostal Research Center is one of the world’s premiere collections of Pentecostal resources as well as the archives of the Church of God. Scholars, students, and church leaders utilize the center’s holdings related to the Pentecostal-Charismatic Movement. Dr. Roebuck serves as director, and the Reverend David “Gene” Mills, Jr. is archivist.
The Nineteenth Annual Azusa Lecture and Spirit of Azusa Award presentation can be viewed online by clicking here.
(Source: Dixon Pentecostal Research Center)
