Just Thinking ...
Time stands still for no one, not even the Church of Jesus Christ. Ours is a faith that continues to move forward, that continues to change shape and scope. Our faith is called to grow and develop into a perfected faith.
Over the last 5 years we have been blessed to study Bishop Robert Schnase' book, Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations. This is our last year as we conclude with the final chapter, "Extravagant Generosity." Our Cell Group Charge Conferences and our Leadership Academy will focus on this theme. But time is moving on, and we must continue to challenge and grow our faith.
The District Executive Ministry Team felt called to move forward with a renewal of our Wesleyan Way and to focus the next few years on the principles that make us Wesleyan. I'm excited that we have a new tool to lead us which will be Adam Hamilton's book, Revival. We will move forward as a District into God's plan by remembering our Wesleyan Way and reviving the passion of being disciples of Jesus Christ.
I want to encourage each congregation to plan to study Revival in 2017. The District will purchase a copy for those who cannot afford it, and we will loan it out for use. It is our hope over the next few years to be revived in our Wesleyan Way such that we are better equipped to cultivate others and to evangelize our community for Jesus Christ. After all, we are called to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, right?
These will be the tools we need as we focus on living out our updated Vision and Mission Statement:
Proclaiming the love of Jesus Christ through our Worship, our Unity, and our Sharing thereby making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Over the next few weeks I will reflect about our Vision and Mission Statement and core values as a District in the United Methodist Church. I hope you will begin to reflect with me, and together we will put action to our thoughts.
These are exciting days, and I think a revival is in the air.
Blessings,
Dana