Conversation: Arlyn Pember

Publishing to reach people

Arlyn Pember served in a variety of leadership roles during his 43 years at the national headquarters of the Assemblies of God. He recently retired as general manager of Gospel Publishing House and national director of the Division of Publication. He and his wife, Linda, have two grown children: Richard and Lynette. Pember spoke recently with Editor-in-Chief Hal Donaldson.

tpe: Were you raised in a Christian home?

PEMBER: I was raised in an Assemblies of God pastorÕs home. When my father came to attend Central Bible Institute, I was 5 years old. Then he pastored three churches in Kansas. Later I enrolled at CBC myself.

tpe: How was it that you came to headquarters?

PEMBER: I graduated with a degree in Christian Education from CBC in 1966. I had been working at headquarters part-time in the Office of Public Relations as a tour guide. I took a full-time position as assistant circulation manager with the idea that IÕd work long enough to pay off my student loan. As it turned out, I never left.

tpe: You had served as Customer Services manager and Personnel director before becoming general manager of GPH. What attracted you to GPH 11 years ago?

PEMBER: General Superintendent Thomas Trask invited me to take the position, and I have always wanted to serve where needed. Also, GPH is a go-to place for resources for our churches and those on the front lines of ministry. Getting the gospel out to the world through the printed page has provided a wonderful ministry opportunity for me. We mail out about 16 tons of printed material every day, most of which is discipleship resources. It has been a high honor to serve the Lord and this Fellowship in this capacity.

tpe: What should people know about GPH?

PEMBER: Hopefully they know itÕs not simply a business venture. GPH and the people giving their lives to this cause are committed to ministry. They are here to serve the Church, not just to receive a paycheck.

tpe: Are most of the GPH employees also active in a local church?

PEMBER: Yes, they teach Sunday School, host small groups, lead childrenÕs ministry, sing in the choir and more. That helps them stay tuned in to the needs of the local church.

tpe: What do you see in store for GPH?

PEMBER: GPH must consistently evolve in order to remain relevant to the local church and the culture. That requires listening to the grassroots and responding to their needs quickly.

tpe: There is a strong connection between GPH and ministry, isnÕt there?

PEMBER:  The churches and their members are the stockholders of GPH. When they partner with GPH, they are providing resources that enable the ministries of the Assemblies of God to advance. One hundred percent of the earnings go toward funding AG-related ministry.

tpe: What are your fondest memories from working at headquarters?

PEMBER: There are a number of them. One occurred three years ago when GPH began talking about developing a Mega Sports Camp for local churches. Based on conservative estimates, more than 25,000 children have accepted the Lord through this program, and it has been recognized nationally as a leading resource for evangelism. IÕve also thoroughly enjoyed working with people who are committed to the mission of reaching the world for Christ.

tpe: Is there a spiritual truth youÕd like to share?

PEMBER: I love that Scripture, ÒTrust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy pathsÓ (Proverbs 3:5,6, KJV). Certainly God has directed my path, and I pray for His continued direction and for the ministry of GPH.

tpe: Anything else you want to say?

PEMBER: The things we read or watch can be life-changing. ItÕs vital we not move away from self-study, discipleship or settings such as Sunday School. Private devotions are essential to every believer. Those times become some of the most spiritually enriching things we can do, and they help motivate us to reach out to the lost.

E-mail your comments to tpe@ag.org.