Together, May-June 2009
First Regional Conference of 2009
in Agoura Hills, Southern California
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In the opening session on Friday afternoon, Dan Rogers (below), superintendent of U.S. ministers, addressed the question, "How does Trinitarian theology inform the practice of Christian pastoral ministry?" Our approach is not to invite Jesus to bless what we are doing, but for us to share in the work that Jesus is already doing. |
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Ted Johnston, director of Generations Ministries (above right), spoke on how we participate in Jesus’ ministry to several categories within the church: youth, family, and leaders. In smaller meetings chaired by district pastoral leaders, congregational pastoral leaders then met to discuss ministry in their respective areas. The Friday evening worship celebration began with music led by Katherine Carter, ministerial intern in Community Life Fellowship (Altadena, CA), and a band from CLF. Joseph Tkach, president (below), gave the keynote address: "For the Love of God." He presented the ministry of Jesus in John 5 as a helpful model for the ministry of our congregations today. |
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On Saturday morning, Mike Hale and Higher Ground from CLF led everyone in worship music. Dan then continued the exploration of how we join in the ministry of Jesus, to see our role in the Father’s mission in the world. Randy Bloom, director of Church Multiplication Ministries, spoke on starting new congregations, and he introduced a guest speaker, Rod Koop (both shown above right), national facilitator of church multiplication in the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. On Saturday afternoon, a variety of workshops were offered:
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The
first U.S. regional conference of 2009 was held March 6-8 at the
Renaissance Hotel in Agoura Hills, CA. This facility offered us the best
rates for our meeting rooms, accommodation, and meals all in one location.
This year’s conferences are themed "Grace Communion Next 2009 – Sharing God’s Love and
Life: Ministry in the Spirit." Dan Rogers then concluded Saturday’s program with a Q&A session and group discussion. The evening was free for fellowship and other meetings.
On Sunday morning, some of the above workshops were offered again, as well as additional workshops by Randy Bloom on church planting. Higher Ground again led worship music, followed by a sermon by Dan Rogers on "Ministry and Mission in the Spirit," a message based on Luke 3 and 4. Lorenzo Arroyo, Regional Pastoral Leader in the Western U.S. and for our Spanish-speaking congregations, led in Communion and the offering.
Mission Directors Meet in Glendora, CA
Immediately
after the Agoura Hills conference, our Mission Directors (who all attended
the Agoura Hills conference) met for an additional three days at the
denominational offices in Glendora. They each gave reports and shared
observations about how God was working in their respective regions.
On Tuesday, March 10, Dr. Gary Deddo (right) spoke on Trinitarian theology; his presentation was videotaped for future use.
A short video of each Mission Director was taped for use on our website, and for a DVD that will be sent to U.S. pastors. Joseph Tkach noted that John McLean, National Director of our churches in Australia, is also the Mission Director for churches in Australia.
