Elders and their spouses from the Umpqua District (Canyonville, Myrtle Creek and Winston) came together for a time of mingling, praying and worship February 2-3 at the Winston Church. The meetings began on Friday night with times to meet and greet, worship, reflect and consider the Biblical foundation for doing ministry as teams in each local church as well as district wide. Pastor Miller shared resources that would be used that night along with the sessions the following day. It was a very meaningful Friday night.
Sabbath morning during the sermon time at the 11am service focused on the heritage we have in forming missionary training centers. The experience of Christians from the time of Constantine on to the time of Columba and the church in the wilderness were considered. A discussion of Lineage episodes 1-4 took place using video clips (available HERE) and a guide (available HERE). A wonderful fellowship meal was provide and elders were seated together to emphasize gratefulness for "all they do" (as one member put it). Saturday afternoon had two sessions focusing on the T in the TEAMS acronym (Teaching/Preaching). Methods for studying God's Word privately and sharing God's Word publicly (In Teaching/Preaching) were taught by Pastor Miller. Spouses as well as new elders were grateful for the practical tools included in the training packet to help develop sermons from start to finish. Tools included how to outline, use Bible marking lessons, full manuscripts (from other authors such as Derek Morris) and other helpful tips. As of this writing three elders shared that they had never had a preaching class before, and the simple method was much appreciated. The packet utilized is available HERE. Elders exchanged contact information and filled out a TEAMS survey at the conclusion of the meetings. They were also challenged to prayerfully consider acquiring a prayer partner that they could invite to join them at our next TEAMS meeting. Some enjoyed refreshments before heading home, but I (Pastor Miller) could not help but pause to reflect on the sun beginning to set as I exited the church. It was like the end of a way of doing ministry solo was passing, and a new chapter had begun: equipping the whole church to do ministry - beginning with the Elders. I look forward to seeing how the Lord will lead as we continue to develop leaders in the Umpqua District!
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AuthorMurray Miller is a contributor and moderator. Have a suggested resource or event to share? Fill out the form on the "Contact" page. Archives
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