"Beyond Training" The President's Blog for September 4, 2009
Training to fulfill the Mission of the Church
A part of the current strategic document for the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is a commitment to training. Training of workers and laymen for the work of evangelism is critical to the growth and development of our conference. Thus for the planned graduation of the School of Evangelism this weekend, I commend Pastor Peter Joseph, Ministerial and Personal Ministerial Director, as well as each presenter and the many local elders who have successfully completed the training. Your training fulfills, in part, our mandate to equip all members in the realization of our mission which is “To proclaim the everlasting gospel and nurture every member in preparation for Christ’s second coming.”
Transitioning into Action
Now that many of you (local elders) have been instructed in techniques of soul winning, preaching, church history and counseling, I charge you to apply those principles learned to meaningful exploits and activities for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Your training during the past few months has equipped you to be more effective in fulfilling the words of our Lord who admonished us to go, to teach and to make disciples of all persons. Thereby Bahamas Conference stands to become more vibrant with active men and women like you.
I wish to re-emphasize the importance of the formation of some 1500 small groups that we are seeking to establish. With your training you are now in a better position to assist and lead out in many of these small groups. Accordingly, your training will serve a useful purpose. In fact, this past Sunday, August 30th, I challenged the full compliment of our conference workers to view evangelism as more than something that we do; for that would be seasonal evangelism. Evangelism and witnessing constitute who we are, and thus all that we do must carry purpose and meaning. I refer to this as intentional ministry. As already noted in an earlier update, when our ministries are intentional we provide more than just service; we engage in meaningful ministries. To ensure that you benefit, I am attaching the full PowerPoint presentation I made to the workers.
Maintaining a daily time with God
I also use this means to remind you to maintain and, where necessary, to pay added attention to quality time with God, ensuring a meaningful relationship. It is presumptuous to work for God and not know Him. Time in study of God’s Word, communing with Him and reliance on the Holy Spirit will take your training to another level. In fact, Jesus, in Mark 3 is seen calling whom he desired to firstly spend time with Him before going out to preach, teach, heal and to have power over demons. Nothing makes one more useful and effective in service to God as knowing that you are fulfilling God’s will for your life.
Your training comes at a most propitious time in our country, as people need hope. Many are looking for something and do not realize what it is, but you know.
The Follow the Bible plan is another initiative that we can tap into to assist with a re-awakening of an interest toward the Bible. In fact, in a joint service on Wednesday, September 9th, at the Hillview Church we will say more about this. Additionally, on Sabbath afternoon, September 12, we will write the Bible that afternoon.
An Appeal for BA
It is my custom to appeal on behalf of Bahamas Academy each week in my update to you. Well, today I go beyond the one line to solicit your support and cooperation as we endeavor to complete the roof. With the hurricane season upon us, we need the support of each church group to assist with the roof on a given Sunday. So far there has been a favorable response from the Bethel, Francophone, Berea and Hillview churches. If you volunteer a few hours on a given Sunday morning, the roof can be completed by the end of September. Finally, I appeal to you leaders to assume a greater role in assisting with the construction of our school. May the Lord bless and keep you.
Thought to Ponder:
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. Henry Ford.
The ABC informed me that there are more copies of “How to Kill Adventist Education” by Pastor Shane Anderson. Stop by and obtain your copy before they are gone.
Do your part for Bahamas Academy
A part of the current strategic document for the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is a commitment to training. Training of workers and laymen for the work of evangelism is critical to the growth and development of our conference. Thus for the planned graduation of the School of Evangelism this weekend, I commend Pastor Peter Joseph, Ministerial and Personal Ministerial Director, as well as each presenter and the many local elders who have successfully completed the training. Your training fulfills, in part, our mandate to equip all members in the realization of our mission which is “To proclaim the everlasting gospel and nurture every member in preparation for Christ’s second coming.”
Transitioning into Action
Now that many of you (local elders) have been instructed in techniques of soul winning, preaching, church history and counseling, I charge you to apply those principles learned to meaningful exploits and activities for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Your training during the past few months has equipped you to be more effective in fulfilling the words of our Lord who admonished us to go, to teach and to make disciples of all persons. Thereby Bahamas Conference stands to become more vibrant with active men and women like you.
I wish to re-emphasize the importance of the formation of some 1500 small groups that we are seeking to establish. With your training you are now in a better position to assist and lead out in many of these small groups. Accordingly, your training will serve a useful purpose. In fact, this past Sunday, August 30th, I challenged the full compliment of our conference workers to view evangelism as more than something that we do; for that would be seasonal evangelism. Evangelism and witnessing constitute who we are, and thus all that we do must carry purpose and meaning. I refer to this as intentional ministry. As already noted in an earlier update, when our ministries are intentional we provide more than just service; we engage in meaningful ministries. To ensure that you benefit, I am attaching the full PowerPoint presentation I made to the workers.
Maintaining a daily time with God
I also use this means to remind you to maintain and, where necessary, to pay added attention to quality time with God, ensuring a meaningful relationship. It is presumptuous to work for God and not know Him. Time in study of God’s Word, communing with Him and reliance on the Holy Spirit will take your training to another level. In fact, Jesus, in Mark 3 is seen calling whom he desired to firstly spend time with Him before going out to preach, teach, heal and to have power over demons. Nothing makes one more useful and effective in service to God as knowing that you are fulfilling God’s will for your life.
Your training comes at a most propitious time in our country, as people need hope. Many are looking for something and do not realize what it is, but you know.
The Follow the Bible plan is another initiative that we can tap into to assist with a re-awakening of an interest toward the Bible. In fact, in a joint service on Wednesday, September 9th, at the Hillview Church we will say more about this. Additionally, on Sabbath afternoon, September 12, we will write the Bible that afternoon.
An Appeal for BA
It is my custom to appeal on behalf of Bahamas Academy each week in my update to you. Well, today I go beyond the one line to solicit your support and cooperation as we endeavor to complete the roof. With the hurricane season upon us, we need the support of each church group to assist with the roof on a given Sunday. So far there has been a favorable response from the Bethel, Francophone, Berea and Hillview churches. If you volunteer a few hours on a given Sunday morning, the roof can be completed by the end of September. Finally, I appeal to you leaders to assume a greater role in assisting with the construction of our school. May the Lord bless and keep you.
Thought to Ponder:
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. Henry Ford.
The ABC informed me that there are more copies of “How to Kill Adventist Education” by Pastor Shane Anderson. Stop by and obtain your copy before they are gone.
Do your part for Bahamas Academy
Comment
© 2009 Created by Barrington Brennen on Ning. Create a Ning Network!
You need to be a member of FH to add comments!
Join this Ning Network