district superintendent - nedcma.orgnedcma.org/files/ned connection/ned connection, march...
TRANSCRIPT
David B. Linn District Superintendent
Volume 17 Issue 2
March 2018
Upstate NY
As a former Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) I remember being taught a long and detailed assessment protocol. We are not doctors but we must make many important decisions which will affect people in dramatic ways. We also had a separate protocol for certain situations, called Rapid Assessment and Transport (RAT). Screaming babies, heart attacks, trauma, coma and other situa-tions required us to size up a patient quickly and get them to the hospital because every minute on scene would reduce their chances for a good outcome. I have discovered over the years that, as I mix with many Christians in many ministry contexts, I also need a rapid assessment of the kind of leaders with whom I am working. I offer you the following three qualities in a leader which tell me, at least in general, what they are like. There are many Scriptures which reveal these, but this one verse from the Apostle Paul gets them all: “But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children” (1 Thessalonians 2:7 NASB). The first characteristic for which I look is connectedness. Is a nursing mother connected to her baby? While I have no personal experience of the nurs-ing part I can answer on behalf of my wife: Yes indeedy. It is one of the deepest possible relational connections on earth. And the church of Jesus Christ, accord-ing to Paul, partakes of the intensity of such relational connections. We are all one family (a Christ-centered, Acts 1:8 family you might say!). In a very short period of time I can get a read on a leader’s connectedness. The second characteristic for which I look is investedness. How much is a nursing mother giving of herself to her baby? She’s all in, and when we see a mother who is not all in we know something is wrong. Good leaders of Christ’s church give their hearts, their time, their money, and whatever they have to the family whom they love on behalf of the Lord whom they love. They cannot hide this. It is easy to see even from across the room. The third characteristic for Rapid Assessment of Leaders (RAL?) is atten-tiveness. They instinctively pull in rather than away. They move to the center of people and ministries. They ask how others are doing. They actually read the reports people faithfully write! They also watch the environment to gauge the level of threat to God’s family and particular people. Connected, invested, and attentive. Leaders with these qualities are not always the ones you notice first. But aren’t these the leaders you love to follow? The ones you want on your team? As part of my assessment process I also look for the opposite of these characteristics, a pattern which draws a dreadful picture of bad leadership. I am
not saying that people with these characteristics are al-ways this way. Everyone can have a bad day, or month, maybe even year. But if these three characteristics are present we need to intervene and get these leaders out of ministry because they are done: detached, distrustful, and dismissive. If a leader is willing to reveal these charac-teristics to me, I know that the responsibility has become mine. They kept their role long after they should have stepped down. It is hard to intervene, but how much do Christ’s children love us when we help someone make the right decision! And it helps the 3D person as well. They may find a new thing which will bless all.
NED Notices 2
Sally’s Spot 3
Disciplemaking 4
Missions 5
GC Women 6
Evangelism 7
Delta News 8
Resources 9
RAPID ASSESSMENT OF LEADERS
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THE NED CONNECTION, Page 2
Christian Based Counseling Services
Mr. James F. Lewis, LMHC 2700 Bellevue Ave., Syracuse,
NY 13219; 315-425-1943 Christian counseling for Individ-
ual (Adult & Adolescent), Marriage & Family, Mental
Health & Addictions. Jim is a recognized Christian worker
with the C&MA.
OPEN CHURCHES
SENIOR/INTERIM PASTORS
Fulton, NY LaGrangeville, NY Plattsburgh, NY Port Crane, NY Tonawanda, NY Waverly, NY
Deepest Sympathy
Mrs. Betty Brokaw Widow of former District Pastor
(Rev. Jack Brokaw) February 10, 2018
Attention Pastor!
Philip Graham, dba Pinpoint Tax Services, offers profes-sional tax preparation services at very reasonable rates. Phil has 13 years experience and has achieved the IRS Regis-tered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP) Status. He has served hundreds of tax clients across the USA and annually, he completes at least 32 hours of Continuing Education in tax law. He provides caring, confi-dential and competent tax preparation services, particu-larly focusing on the complexi-ties of tax returns for pastors and overseas workers. Con-tact Phil at 315-491-0462 or [email protected]. References from NED pastors are available on request.
BABY ANNOUNCEMENT!
Nathan Andrew Samworth son of Marc and Laura
Frewsburg, NY February 13, 2018
9lbs, 5oz
Ordination/Consecration In-Service Training
March 20, 2018
"Safe Place"- Lisa Vogan, our Dis-trict Disciplemaking Specialist, will do a training on the crucial matter of protecting our vulnerable ones. Lisa has just completed a national certifi-cation on this subject. "Promoting Engagement with Mis-sion in the Local Church" - Dave Murphy our District Missions Mobi-lizer, has a wealth of information and wisdom for keeping a passion for world evangelism alive. "Leading Effective Board and Committee Meetings" - David Linn, District Superintendent, and Sally Fry, District Ministry Specialist will draw on their extensive experience to explain how you can use effective meetings to propel the mission of your church or organization.
This training event is open to all dis-trict official workers. Register at www.nedcma.org.
NED Notices
Worker Transition
Rev. Mark A. Patterson Special Assignment
May 7-9, 2018
87th Annual Northeastern District and Prayer Conference
Pineview Community Church 251 Washington Ave. Ext.
Albany, NY 12205
Business Conference
REGISTRATION Is open! www.nedcma.org
Directory Update
Walton, NY—New Beginnings Alliance Church
www.mynbchurch.com
An Alliance Regional Deeper Life and Missions Event
June 1–2, 2018 — Lancaster (Pennsylvania) Bible College
Registration is now open at $25pp which includes lunch.
Parenting Seminar
THE NED CONNECTION, Page 3
Sally V. Fry Ministry Specialist
Upcoming Event Highlights: In-Service Training
Tuesday, March 20, 2018 - 9:45 AM - 3:15 PM
at the Northeastern District Office This month’s training will cover “Safe Place Practices” (Lisa Vogan), “Promoting Engagement
with Mission in the Local Church” (Dave Murphy) and “Leading Effective Board and Committee Meetings” (Dave Linn and Sally Fry). In-Service trainings are required for workers going
through the Ordination or Consecration process, however, all workers and spouses are wel-come to attend for a small fee. Descriptions of topics are on page 2 of this newsletter.
Registration: http://nedcma.org/news--events/in-service-training
Alliance Peacemaking Maranatha Bible Chapel, Horseheads NY
This year, there are two excellent opportunities to sharpen your skills in resolving conflict and coaching others with how to respond to conflict in a Biblical manner. I highly recommend both
trainings and encourage you to bring a team from your church to join you. Resolving Everyday Conflict (Level 1 Training) – Saturday, April 21, 2018
Conflict Coaching (Level 2 Training) – Tuesday, Sept. 18-Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018 Level 1 training should be completed before taking Level 2 training.
Level 1 Registration: http://www.maranathabiblechapel.org/peacemaking-training/
Church Health Training was held at the District Office last month. Thank you to Jon Schuer-
holz for leading this instruction. Mark your calendars as this information will be taught again
with Mike Gerhardt leading during the next In-Service training day on October 23, 2018.
THE NED CONNECTION, Page 4
Lisa Vogan, CWM District Disciplemaking Specialist
Disciplemaking Connection
An important issue….and an important resource…
“Safe Place is bigger than protecting you and your church from bad things; it is about helping you set up a safe place for people to come and gather, find Jesus, and do life in community. It’s about creating systems that allow people to use their gifts and talents, it’s about children, teens, and vulnerable adults having an environment that facilitates discipleship; it’s about allowing the church to reach the broken.” –Melissa MacDonald, C & M A Children’s Disciplemaking Specialist
Most of us are aware of the importance of creating safe environments
for our children and youth ages 0-18 and vulnerable adults. It is commendable that most, if not all, of our district churches have some form of protection procedures in place. However, with the increase of abuses in our culture it is imperative we be proactive in building strong walls of defense by taking a strong offensive stance against abuse. Are you aware evaluation and training needs to be done annually to ensure current regulations and procedures are implemented, and that all workers are well-equipped to do their jobs of protecting our most vulnerable populations? Did you know that most vol-unteers do not know what to do if an incident of abuse occurs? Did you know the best way to protect against false allegations is by a well-designed and implemented docu-mentation system? Are you confident visitors know by walking in the door that your min-istry is committed to providing a “safe place” by what they observe of your practices of abuse prevention? This issue is important to Kingdom work. It is part of the framework that is set for building strong community. It’s important we do all we can to get this right. The good news is, we are here to help. I am excited to let you know that in effort to equip our churches for the highest de-gree of protection against abuse, I have been certified as an administrator and trainer for Safe Place (Plan to Protect™) and am now available to help our church-es evaluate current policies/procedures as well as provide training. I would like to “be busy” with this task, so please do not hesitate to contact me! Call: 716-713-1959 or email: [email protected] ALSO, we recommend you purchase the new manual seen above. The district has subsidized the cost and is offering it to you for only $30 (a 50% savings.) Supply is limited and will be first come first served. Contact me for your order. I look forward to hearing from you! Lisa Vogan is on the District Staff as Disciplemaking Specialist. With over 30 years ex-perience in disciplemaking and leadership contexts, Lisa’s passion is to equip and em-power ministry leaders for greater Kingdom Impact. We are better together!
THE NED CONNECTION, Page 5
MISSIONS CONNECTION Ideas for Missions Moments
By Dr. Julia Berntson, District Missions Committee
“There are many parts, but one body. … Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:20 & 27. These verses remind us that each “part” has a role to play in the body of Christ. You can paint a broad brush over ways to promote Missions. As Acts 1:8 states, “… you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” What does that look like in your congregation?
To the Ends of the Earth Our International Workers (IWs) fit this category well, in that they go to the ends of the earth spreading the Good News. How can we support them, other than financially?
Make them knowable, real and relevant.
Select one or more IW’s that you want to create a deeper relationship with, contact them and start receiving their monthly newsletters. Use their information (location, if possible, type and length of ministry, etc.) to form “QUIZ QUESTIONS” for the congregation to answer. For example,
In which country do Mark and Kathy Eikost work as missionaries?
A. Bosnia-Herzegovina C. Bahrain
B. Bolivia D. Belgium
Answer is A. Make it fun. Throw out prizes or candy to the section that answers correctly. Find prayer partners to keep in contact with them who will write their prayer requests into your bulle-tin. Invite the IW’s to visit when they are on home assignment. Do a Skype call with the congrega-tion. If possible, create an informal or formal partnership with them as the relationship grows.
Go and Serve.
Short term mission’s trips are great for a group called to go abroad. https://www.cmalliance.org/ministries/short-term
Your Judea & Samaria (Your Community) Every community has outreach opportunities that give each Christian a place to show God’s love and servant heart. These moments of coming alongside foster an understanding of what our IW’s do everyday. Do you have a local college with a Christian group that needs support? Is there an event or organization that bridges cultures together in your area? A Refugee Cen-
ter, an International dinner/walk-a-thon.
Your Jerusalem (Your home church/family/workplace) If you don’t have a GCW (Great Commission Women) and/or an Missions Committee see if
there is interest with Mission Minded congregants to start one. Show videos about Missions at some set interval (monthly, weekly) to your congregation. Go
to: https://www.cmalliance.org/video/series/avm/. Encourage others to pray for Spirit filled openings to share their faith walk in their offices,
classrooms, etc. and find time to talk about those moments. Learn about an Alliance field and give a talk about it. Maybe pre-quiz the audience to see what
they already know. Find an International speaker who can talk about their faith journey. Send supplies/gifts of encouragement to our Alliance hospitals or Third Culture Kids (TCKs). Host an International Dinner themed around an Alliance field you support. Promote and attend any of the 3 conferences annually held by our GCW to meet our IWs
Which “part” will you play? Which idea(s) resonated with you? Let the Holy Spirit’s leading call you to act on any of these Mission promoting and Kingdom building ideas.
THE NED CONNECTION, Page 7
EVANGELISM CONNECTION I have had the privilege of witnessing to a number of Mormons over the years, so I wanted to take the time to point out some witnessing tips that may be useful to you or to your congregation. 1. Be prayerful – Get a prayer team going to pray for the person you are witnessing to by name. 2. Speak to the individual – It is very easy to think of a Mormon missionary, a Jehovah’s Wit-
ness, or really any person from a false religion as representing that religion as a whole. How-ever, we need to look at each individual as a real person with a unique set of thoughts, feel-ings, and experiences and as one ex-Mormon pointed out, you will not take down the entire Mormon religion by talking to one person. Therefore you need to focus on the person in front of you and not the religion as a whole.
3. Be friendly and respectful – One thing the Mormons have down packed is how to be friendly, kind, and respectful. As representatives of the true Jesus, we should be able to do the same. Don’t get angry with the person, they are simply doing what they think is right and sharing what they have been taught. Also, it is very commendable for anyone to take the time to share their beliefs with others so this is something we have in common with them and can show respect for.
4. Recognize, affirm, and build upon truth – If a Mormon makes a statement that is true, validate it and build from there. Believe it or not, there are points of agreement between Biblical Chris-tianity and Mormonism, such as the fact that God is knowable, loving, just, and merciful. In addition, sometimes LDS leaders have made statements that are Biblical yet contradict their own scriptures. You can point this out and ask why they think this is the case.
5. Define terms – Mormons use many Christian terms such as salvation, grace, atonement, gos-pel, etc. but their definitions are often different. Defining terms can be a very fruitful process in highlighting the fact that Biblical Christianity and the Biblical Jesus are very different that LDS teachings.
6. Make it personal – LDS people are taught that they have the most truth out of any religion and that God is working in their “church” more than any other place. Testify about what God is doing your life so they can see that your faith is real and active. Have your prayers been an-swered recently? How do you hear from God? How has God shown up in your life? How is your relationship with God personal?
7. Ask questions and do your research – Look into their beliefs and ask thought provoking ques-tions. Ask a question and then wait, even if the pause is awkward. Let them try to figure out what their own thoughts are since Mormons are often not encouraged to ask questions or think on their own. Leave them with only a few questions to think about or to research so that they don’t feel overwhelmed.
8. Feed them, physically and spiritually – If you want the Mormon missionaries to return, offer to cook them a great meal and encourage them to come back for as long as they are willing. Most of them have never left home before, so spending time in a family setting will be a wel-comed event. Share your life with them for as long as they will allow it.
9. Actually take the time to witness – Many people just close their doors when Mormons come by but this is a missed opportunity to see God work. Most Mormon missionaries are 18 or 19 “kids” who have been raised in Mormon homes. This may be their first meaningful interaction with a non-Mormon regarding spiritual topics. Any attempt to share can be used for God’s glory!
Would you like to have a FREE, customized evangelism training event at your church? Would you like to equip your congregation to witness effectively online or in person? Would you like to get your congregation ready for an upcoming outreach event, by practicing gospel conversations and promoting your event? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please contact Pastor Dave Prahst at (518)332-5771 to inquire about the “SHARE JESUS – An Evange-lism Training Workshop that’s for Everyone!” a mobile and customizable evan-gelism workshop sponsored by the district which will come to your church absolutely for FREE!! Let’s help our local bodies engage in the Great Commission!! Bonnie Koonsman
District Evangelism Committee
Saratoga Springs, NY
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THE NED CONNECTION, Page 9
THE NORTHEASTERN DISTRICT
OF THE C&MA 6275 Pillmore Drive
Rome, NY 13440
Phone: 315-336-4720
Fax: 315-336-0347
Contact via E-mail
District Superintendent
David B. Linn
Barbara S. Linn
Assist. to DS/Missions Mobilizer
David M. Murphy
Ministry Specialist
Sally V. Fry
Executive Assistant
Tracy M. Murphy
Strategic Growth Secialist
Rev. Jonathan L. Schuerholz
Disciplemaking Specialist
Mrs. Lisa L. Vogan, CWM
District Bookkeeper
Edward W. Lyau
The NED Web nedcma.org
NED Office Hours
Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Friday 8:00 AM –2:00 PM
NED RESOURCES BULLETIN BOARD
Calendar
MARCH
1 District Conference Reports Due at District Office
8 Disciplemaking Committee District Office, 9:30 AM
9-10 Scramble Quiz Tournament LaFayette Alliance Church
20 Ordination/Consecration In-Service Training
26 NED Connection Items due at District Office
30 GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY District Office Closed
APRIL
1 Happy Easter!
1 District Conference Registration Closed
9-11 Canandaigua Group Annual Gathering
12 Evangelism Committee Teleconference, 3:30 PM
17 LO&CC Meeting District Office, 9:30 AM
20-21 District Bible Quiz Finals Lockport Alliance Church
21 Alliance Peacemaking Training, Horseheads, NY
23 NED Connection Items due at District Office
26 Missions Committee Meeting District Office, 10:00 AM
27-28 GCW Spring Refresh Auburn Holiday Inn
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a
righteous person is powerful and effective.”
James 5:16
District Prayer Chain
Miss E. Lorraine Regnier District Prayer Coordinator
Prayer requests will be distributed throughout the Northeastern District family by contacting Lorraine directly
at [email protected] or 518-356-1098.
NED Connection Articles for the
April 2018 edition are due by March 26, 2018.
Membership Certificates
Please contact the District Office at
315-336-4720 Ext. 201 or [email protected]
to request church membership certificates.
District Bible Quizzing
Mrs. Claudine M. Campbell District Quiz Coordinator
607-529-8879 cell [email protected]