Laura, I appreciate your words and wisdom because I know you're tried and tested! I'm late responding but now is as good as ever. You mentioned "legacy and tradition." I'm looking forward to our Black brothers and sisters to provide leadership in preserving and celebrating our legacy and tradition in informal and formal ways, along with others. May God's vision for all peoples be our vision! The best is yet to come! Thank you again for sharing!
I like Boer's idea of spheres of leadership and the church as the body in which all parts are servant leaders without a hierarchical structure. Hope I have opportunity to read it and continue learning about leadership. Thank you.
Thank you Fronse for your response to this challenging and relevant question.
As we look at what is being exposed in our country today (more specifically racism and police brutality), it is so important for our churches to know how to biblically, contextually and culturally help raise African American next generation leaders. We have a powerful role to play in raising up our young leaders and modeling good leadership before. There is a place for them to serve mightily in advancing God's kingdom. We have to help them discover their God-given gifts, strengths and callings at an early age. It requires intentionality.
You are right about the importance of adult influences and the need for healthy role models in every arena of life. They are impressionable and some are faced with many negative, unhealthy role models.
We pray for God's guidance and the Spirit's power. I am thankful for the many years of the Black and Reformed Youth Conference and its educational scholarship for young people. I believe there are other encouraging stories about the good things our young people are doing in God's work. Every seed we sow will reap a harvest!
Yes, it is possible for a church to close its doors for the purpose of reaching its neighborhood and city. Your vision and passion for kingdom expansion and reaching the lost is quite evident in your remarks. We praise God for that.
Stay tuned for another post regarding A Church in Transition? Thanks for your comment.
I attended a meeting recently and we closed with the doxology, Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow. I have attended several meetings (including classes) where we've done the same. It's difficult for me to even express the powerful presence of God at that moment! I love the thought of opening and ending a worship service/meeting with praise. I've participated in services where it is offered in the beginning, middle and ending. It puts the focus on God and not so much on us and what we will do. Of course, a combination of doxology and sending forth closings might be the best option.
Posted in: Tending My Patch of the Vineyard: Laura Pritchard
Laura, I appreciate your words and wisdom because I know you're tried and tested! I'm late responding but now is as good as ever. You mentioned "legacy and tradition." I'm looking forward to our Black brothers and sisters to provide leadership in preserving and celebrating our legacy and tradition in informal and formal ways, along with others. May God's vision for all peoples be our vision! The best is yet to come! Thank you again for sharing!
Posted in: Foolish Development
Hi Mark,
I like Boer's idea of spheres of leadership and the church as the body in which all parts are servant leaders without a hierarchical structure. Hope I have opportunity to read it and continue learning about leadership. Thank you.
Posted in: Homosexuality and Holy Uncertainty
Syd,
I appreciate hearing from you!
Posted in: The Network: A Life-Giving Community
Staci, thank you for your reflective thoughts. Your support and encouragement are much appreciated!
Posted in: Obedience When It Doesn’t Make Sense
Thank you Staci for your insightful comments!
Posted in: Raising Up the Next Generation of Black and Reformed Leaders
Thank you Fronse for your response to this challenging and relevant question.
As we look at what is being exposed in our country today (more specifically racism and police brutality), it is so important for our churches to know how to biblically, contextually and culturally help raise African American next generation leaders. We have a powerful role to play in raising up our young leaders and modeling good leadership before. There is a place for them to serve mightily in advancing God's kingdom. We have to help them discover their God-given gifts, strengths and callings at an early age. It requires intentionality.
You are right about the importance of adult influences and the need for healthy role models in every arena of life. They are impressionable and some are faced with many negative, unhealthy role models.
We pray for God's guidance and the Spirit's power. I am thankful for the many years of the Black and Reformed Youth Conference and its educational scholarship for young people. I believe there are other encouraging stories about the good things our young people are doing in God's work. Every seed we sow will reap a harvest!
Posted in: Mark Stephenson Recognized for Network Blogs
Congratulations Mark for your contributions and recognition for this much needed work! Blessings as you continue to serve the kingdom!
Posted in: Lament as an Act of Worship
Thanks Al. It's my intent to read the litany again and pray about its use. I appreciate your observation about the focus on self rather than others.
Posted in: Should Your Church Close? How Do You Know?
Dear Bert,
You can find both documents at https://network.crcna.org/church-coaching
and
http://network.crcna.org/church-coaching/discernment-process-future-church
http://network.crcna.org/church-coaching/ending-well
Sorry for the inconvenience. If you have any questions, please contact me at [email protected]
Thank you.
Denise
Posted in: A Church in Transition?
Hi Art,
Yes, it is possible for a church to close its doors for the purpose of reaching its neighborhood and city. Your vision and passion for kingdom expansion and reaching the lost is quite evident in your remarks. We praise God for that.
Stay tuned for another post regarding A Church in Transition? Thanks for your comment.
Posted in: What's Happened to the Doxology?
I attended a meeting recently and we closed with the doxology, Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow. I have attended several meetings (including classes) where we've done the same. It's difficult for me to even express the powerful presence of God at that moment! I love the thought of opening and ending a worship service/meeting with praise. I've participated in services where it is offered in the beginning, middle and ending. It puts the focus on God and not so much on us and what we will do. Of course, a combination of doxology and sending forth closings might be the best option.
Posted in: (re) Introducing Jolanda
Jolanda,
Congrats and welcome! Thank you for everything you do to advance God's kingdom. I know you will do well! . May the Lord richly bless you!