beaconchurches

[chip]

VALLEY FORGE, PA ( ABNS 07/3/08 ) — National Ministries Executive Director Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III urged members of National Ministries’ Board of Directors to eliminate boundaries and attitudes that might hamper the organization’s future effectiveness as they consider proposed changes in the board’s composition and other related matters. At its meeting June 27-28 in King of Prussia, Pa., the board began work on a re-structuring plan to streamline its organizational structure.

Calling for unity, inclusiveness and oneness of purpose for this undertaking, Wright-Riggins said: “In another year to 18 months, this denomination will be very different….Those histories, traditions and processes that have made us who we are today as a board will be shifted. It is up to you to decide how we will gather [and welcome] this new tribe that will take us into our next Promised Land.”

Wright-Riggins also told the board that eliminating the racial, geographic, gender and theological boundaries that “tend to put us into little camps” is paramount to National Ministries becoming an organization that respects the rights of others “to be who God made them to be.” Wright-Riggins called on the board to “be the transformation that we seek.”

Affirming comments made by Wright-Riggins, President Dr. Annie Marie LeBarbour said: “We will change the way the board functions, and we now have the opportunity to make change that will affect us over the long term. We will, with our combined wisdom, figure out how to organize so that this change is productive.” The work of re-structuring the board is expected to be completed for presentation at the June 2009 biennial meeting.

Later, the board heard from Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Michaele Birdsall who reported that National Ministries is fiscally and financially stable for the future because of a sound investment strategy, alternate income streams and cost controls. In addition, Birdsall announced a $300,000 contribution from National Ministries to The Isaiah Funds, an interfaith effort that provides low-income victims with disaster relief aid. National Ministries is a founding partner of the Isaiah Funds.

The board also heard reports from Associate Executive Director for Program Ministries Rev. Marilyn P. Turner and Associate Executive Director for Publishing Ministries Laura Alden. Turner highlighted the work of her staff, which she described as “the hands and feet” of National Ministries, who travel throughout ABCUSA regions “equipping and networking Christ-centered leaders for the purpose of transforming people, congregations, communities and cultures.” She referred to National Ministries’ ongoing work with American Baptist churches helping to re-settle Burmese refugees and Gulf Coast volunteers rebuilding homes for Katrina victims.

Alden updated the board on a new “print-on-demand” feature that will be available for some titles published by Judson Press; this move will reduce inventory storage costs. Alden also urged board members to promote its “Regional Rewards” program in which 10 percent of sales revenue from member regions and their churches goes back to the region. More information about “Regional Rewards” is available at judsonpress.com or by calling 800-458-3766.

In other business, the Recognitions and Awards Committee asked board members to encourage churches in their regions to nominate candidates for National Ministries’ Biennial ministry awards, noting that some awards were not given in the last cycle because there were no nominees. The deadline for next year’s awards is October 17, 2008. Applications will be available after August 5 on National Ministries’ Web site, www.nationalministries.org, as well as by mail.

[ehart]

I'm still looking for references to the carrying out of the Great Commission.

In other non-ABC news, a cousin in North Platte, Nebraska went on a journey to find a soul-winning church. She found one that was about to close its doors. She started working with them and they go out twice a week into the community. They have seen over 200 souls won to the Lord in just a few short months.

So, why isn't or can't ABC give these same types of figures? There are souls to be won. Is NM winning souls as they relocate people and build homes?

Last year when I volunteered with Samaritan's Purse, some of our group saw a soul won in just the few hours we were there. In this poster's opinion, especially when reporting to the church membership, the number of souls added to the Kingdom should be the first item of report not assumed to have occured and so left out. And if we're not winning souls, what good are we? There are plenty of atheists who can do the work of building homes and relocating people.

[chip]

I agree. We took a few dozen kids to camp this week. Yesterday was awesome spending 1:1 time with each of them. Several of the newer ones have dedicated their lives and requested baptism. Christ's power was evident. Kids with little hope for the future had new light in their eyes. When they dedicated their lives you get a sense the world is just a little more ok. That peace that passes all understanding can't be conjured up. It only comes from the Prince of Peace's Spirit. There's no way to receive that Spirit other than through Christ. It's not for nothing the cross has been the way to God since the first century.

I share your disappointment. I worry notes like yours could be misinterpreted as simply an "angry evangelical". I think the word "frustrated" is better. There are so many who have dedicated their lives in the same manner I saw the kids did yesterday. For us the "inside-out" approach to wholistic living is not just a philosophical choice but our reason for living. Discipleship is no joke. Millions not only live for it but are willing to die for it too. Our hope is built on nothing less.

Well, kiss another good word good buy. Looks like if we use the word "transformation", we have to spend 10 minutes explaining what we mean. We use the "inside-out" approach; now transformation/metamorphosis will have an "outside-in" direction. Affirming people is good but there is a limit. All I know is the transformation I witnessed with those kids this week could not have happened without the hope of Christ (in the traditional, evangelical sense); sigh.

chip.