|
|
AEC2001 ForewordRonald W. Waters Assistant Professor of Evangelism,
Ashland Theological Seminary The fourth Anabaptist Evangelism Council proved again to be a time of intellectual stimulation, spiritual enrichment, and warm Christian interaction. Participants came from across the spectrum of Anabaptist/believers church denominations to "spur one another on" in the challenging and important task of planting new congregations as outposts of the gospel. For some participants, this was their first council experience. For others, this was a time of renewing acquaintances from past gatherings. We were particularly challenged and encouraged by our plenary speaker, Stuart Murray. Stuart combined the probing insights of an academician and the "down and dirty" understandings of a church planting practitioner. He demonstrated that he is no armchair theologian with his everyday illustrations from his own ministry in Great Britain. This was the first council meeting featuring a single plenary speaker. Stuart demonstrated the viability of such an approach. Likewise, council participants were arrested by the research of Angela Zizak and Steve Clapp of Christian Community, one of the New Life Ministries partners. The results and implications of their study of newer Anabaptist congregations (ten years old or less) led to many conversations in the hallways and around the dinner tables. Our time together was enriched by times of worship and guided interaction as well. The sharing of "church planting stories" on Saturday evening included tales from a variety of cultural perspectives that, at the same time, were filled with humor and tugged at our heartstrings. Unfortunately, we were unable to record these church planting adventures. They will have to live on in the hearts and memories of those who were present to hear them. A gathering such as this does not materialize out of thin air. Members of the New Life Ministries Management Team invested many hours in planning and preparations. Special thanks go to our coordinator, Joan Hershey, who corrals this unruly bunch. And the team extends accolades to outgoing member Beth Sollenberger Morphew who handled an unknown number of details related to meals, bus schedules, physical arrangements, and other accommodations. It couldn’t have happened without your special attention to detail, Beth. The word "thank you" can never be enough to express our appreciation! As we celebrate this council, we look forward to our next gathering February 15-17, 2002, and invite you to join us. Ronald W. Waters
Taken from Church Planting: The Spirit at Work through Our Systems (© 2001 New Life Ministries). Permission to reproduce for local church use only is granted. Provided by New Life Ministries, 6404 S Calhoun St, Fort Wayne, IN 46807, through its web site at www.NewLifeMinistries-NLM.org This and all presentations from the council meeting, along with a record of the proceedings, are available in booklet form for $10.00. Use the online order form (product code AEC01).
|
2000-2008 New Life
Ministries (www.NewLifeMinistries-NLM.org).
All Rights Reserved.
Top of Page |