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In This Issue:
FRUITFUL CONGREGATIONS
United Methodist Bishop Robert
Schnase has written Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations
- a book discussing five building blooks of any follower of
Jesus Christ and any congregation seeking to follow Jesus Christ.
1. Radical Hospitality - the
active desire to bring people to Christ and His church. In my
way of thinking this must go beyond the "desire" stage
to an action stage. And the action will take people currently
"in" the church "out" of the church to the
highways and byways of life seeking to find, relate to and invite
others into a relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.
2. Passionate Worship - fresh
encounters with God that transform lives. How "fresh"
is worship in your congregation? Are there opportunities for
people to share exciting encounters with Christ? If/when they
share how are they affirmed and encouraged.
3. Intentional faith development-learningtogether
in community. This can take a variety of forms and be held at
various times and locations. Maybe at a local coffee shop, maybe
it's a new Sunday School class. Maybe it's joining with another
congregation in study.
4. Risk-taking mission and
service - an outward focus that changes the world and invigorates
the church. The "journey inward" that we take in worship,
study and fellowship becomes meaningful-in the Christian community-when
the "journey outward" is the outcome. Hands on mission
continues the spiritual growth of believers, "preaches"
a great message to unbelievers, and accomplishes Jesus' mission
in the world.
5. Extravagant generosity -
sharing that exceeds all expectations. Generosity of time, talent
and money is a mark of a fruitful congregation. It is when "you
care enough to give your very best" that Jesus mission
and ministry moves forward with strength.
Is your congregation radical?
passionate? intentional? risk-taking? and extravagant?
Do some reflecting. Maybe even
develop a congregational survey to assess the perceptions of
the members and friends. Then look for those ways to become
a more fruitful congregation for the sake of the gospel of Jesus
Christ.
Arlo R. Reichter
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A GATHERING OF BAPTISTS
New Baptist Covenant Celebration
January 30 - Feb. 1, 2008
Atlanta, GA
"Prophetic, but not partisan
and focused on Jesus' reading of Isaiah as recorded in Luke
4:18-19
Former President Jimmy Carter
is scheduled to speak. The gathering will include persons from
all major Baptist denominations in the U.S. and Canada.
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163rd
ANNUAL MEETING OF
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES
OF WISCONSIN
October 12-13, 2007
"FOLLOW JESUS"
Speakers: Charles Jones, Int'l Ministries,
Keith Russell, Am. Bap. Sem. of the West
Green Lake Conference Center
Register Now: 1-800-558-8898
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SEPTEMBER
PRAYER FOCUS:
Church:
Madison-First
Pastor:
Mark Clinger
Spouse: Janet
Began 8/90
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SEMINARY
CLASSES OPEN TO LIFE LONG LEARNERS THIS FALL
Persons with a bachelor degree may register
for courses being offered this fall:
Old Testament I
Timothy Ashley
Church History I
Adam Bond
Homiletics
Eleanor Cardenas
Christian Witness
Carmen Porco &
Trinette McCray
A brief application must be completed. Cost is $300/course.
Contact the region office for an application form.
APPLICATIONS FOR MASTER OF DIVINITY
STUDENTS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED
Call the region office.
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15th Baptist World
Youth Conference
July 30-Aug. 3, 2008
Leipzig, Germany
"Dive Deeper"
Info. At:
www.dive-deeper.org
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