Maybe I’ve become cynical after all these years of ministry, but I tend to get tickled when people are surprised about church conflict. Churches are made up of people and when you have two or more people you will have conflict at one level or another. Furthermore, a Baptist church is made up 100% of self-confessed sinners. So if you aren’t surprised about violence in prisons because of the make-up of the population, how can you be surprised about conflict in church that is full of sinners?
Yes, I am aware of sanctification and of our responsibility to “grow in Christ and in our walk”. But, unless I’m unique, I haven’t arrived yet… I’m still a sinner and I suspect most of the people sitting in the pews are as well. Sure, their sins might be like what one leader in the faith described when hearing the confession of the nuns as “being stoned to death with popcorn”, but they are still sinners. The Apostle Paul claimed to be “chief among sinners” and I suspect he was far more sanctified on this earth than you or I ever will be. So we shouldn’t be surprised about people having trouble getting along in our churches. Jesus wasn’t.
Consider the number of conflicts He addressed in His ministry. We can begin with His mother wanting Him to help out some relatives at a wedding – then there were the religious leaders who didn’t like what He was teaching – and let’s not forget Mary and Martha – or the Sons of Zebedee and their mother – or the woman caught in adultery and her accusers. It seems that if we are going to be Christ like, that one of our roles might actually be that of dealing with and helping others to deal with conflict.
Fortunately Jesus taught us a great deal about this and modeled it even more. Much of this wisdom has been incorporated into the upcoming “Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders” event that is being cosponsored by us with the Lombard Mennonite Peace Institute, February 28 through March 4, 2011. The skills that will be taught at this event are helpful not only in a person’s individual life, but in the life of the community. In addition to learning and practicing these skills, participants will also be given the tools to take them back to their church and community to teach others how to use these skills as well. The skills allow us not to avoid conflict, but to address the issues that are creating conflict and to find a way to work towards a Christ like solution to the situation.
Cost for this training is $695 and the event will be held at Calvary Baptist
Personally, I have benefitted greatly from this training. I would love to see each of our pastors and as many as possible of our key lay leaders receive this training. That’s why we have worked at finding financial aid to provide for our pastors and for our congregations. Ministerial staff of our churches who register will automatically receive a $200 discount for this event. In addition, many of them will be eligible to apply for a $300 grant from the American Baptist Home Mission Society. You can learn more about this grant at: http://www.nationalministries.org/education/financial_aid/ministerial_info.cfm
To encourage lay leaders to attend, we are offering a $500 scholarship to any church who sends a lay leader with their pastor to this event. This $500 can be used to help pay for multiple leaders or to offset the cost of sending one person to the event.
For more information about the “Mediation Skills Institute”, contact your Congregational Coach or the Regional Office. You may also download the info/training brochure and registration form at http://www.abcrm.org/churches/mediationskillstraininginstitute.htm.
Steve Van O
ABCRM Executive Minister
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
REGISTER TODAY FOR THE KERYGMA OLD TESTAMENT COURSE
REGISTER TODAY FOR THE KERYGMA OLD TESTAMENT COURSE.
The Ministerial Leadership Committee of the American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains is sponsoring a course titled KERYGMA OLD TESTAMENT. This course will begin September 7, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. and be held weekly through December 14, 2010. Each weekly class should last 1.5 to 2 hours. The classes will be held at the Region Office located at 6855 S. Havana St. Suite 220, Centennial, CO 80112. Instructors are the ABCRM staff.
Cost is as follows:
• $100.00 for credit (includes books)
• $75.00 to audit (includes books)
This course is open to everyone — new preachers, pastors, evangelists, and laity. It also fulfills the Old Testament requirement for Regional Ordination.
For more information, see the registration form and tentative schedule on the ABCRM website at http://www.abcrm.org/pastors/trainingacademy.htm. Registration deadline is Monday, August 16, 2010.
Please contact our office at 303-988-3900 if you have any questions.
The Ministerial Leadership Committee of the American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains is sponsoring a course titled KERYGMA OLD TESTAMENT. This course will begin September 7, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. and be held weekly through December 14, 2010. Each weekly class should last 1.5 to 2 hours. The classes will be held at the Region Office located at 6855 S. Havana St. Suite 220, Centennial, CO 80112. Instructors are the ABCRM staff.
Cost is as follows:
• $100.00 for credit (includes books)
• $75.00 to audit (includes books)
This course is open to everyone — new preachers, pastors, evangelists, and laity. It also fulfills the Old Testament requirement for Regional Ordination.
For more information, see the registration form and tentative schedule on the ABCRM website at http://www.abcrm.org/pastors/trainingacademy.htm. Registration deadline is Monday, August 16, 2010.
Please contact our office at 303-988-3900 if you have any questions.
REGISTER TODAY FOR THE WORSHIP AND RENEWAL:
REGISTER TODAY FOR THE WORSHIP AND RENEWAL:
THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF WORSHIP COURSE.
The Ministerial Leadership Committee of the American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains is sponsoring a course titled WORSHIP AND RENEWAL: THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF WORSHIP. This course will be held Friday through Sunday, August 13-15, 2010. The course will be held at Calvary Baptist Church located at 6500 E. Girard Ave., Denver, CO 80224. The instructor is Rev. Brad Berglund pastor of The Threshold, a much sought after worship designer for large conferences and author of multiple articles and books on worship.
Cost is as follows:
• $225.00 which includes housing and meals
• $125.00 which includes meals only
This course is open to everyone — new preachers, pastors, evangelists, and laity and it will also fulfill requirements for ABCRM Regional Ordination.
For more information about the course, see the syllabus and registration form on the ABCRM website at http://www.abcrm.org/pastors/trainingacademy.htm. Registration deadline is Friday, July 23, 2010.
Please contact our office at 303-988-3900 if you have any questions.
THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF WORSHIP COURSE.
The Ministerial Leadership Committee of the American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains is sponsoring a course titled WORSHIP AND RENEWAL: THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF WORSHIP. This course will be held Friday through Sunday, August 13-15, 2010. The course will be held at Calvary Baptist Church located at 6500 E. Girard Ave., Denver, CO 80224. The instructor is Rev. Brad Berglund pastor of The Threshold, a much sought after worship designer for large conferences and author of multiple articles and books on worship.
Cost is as follows:
• $225.00 which includes housing and meals
• $125.00 which includes meals only
This course is open to everyone — new preachers, pastors, evangelists, and laity and it will also fulfill requirements for ABCRM Regional Ordination.
For more information about the course, see the syllabus and registration form on the ABCRM website at http://www.abcrm.org/pastors/trainingacademy.htm. Registration deadline is Friday, July 23, 2010.
Please contact our office at 303-988-3900 if you have any questions.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
ABC IMMIGRATION LETTER
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES USA
Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley
General Secretary
May 14, 2010
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On May 6, at the invitation of our General Secretary, we, the undersigned, gathered at the Mission Center to begin a conversation on how we, as American Baptists, might engage the issue of immigration and immigration reform. We write to report on our discussion and invite you into our continuing dialogue – in the spirit of Hebrews 10:24: “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”
At the outset, allow us to be transparent: we do not claim any superior understanding of the issue or what the Gospel demands of us. We know there are differing perspectives in our denominational family. One of our purposes in writing you, in fact, is to encourage brothers and sisters in the faith to share those different perspectives so that our conversation and our responses in word and deed can be richer and more representative.
Those of us who sign this letter gathered not because we are all of one mind on every aspect of immigration reform. We know that any reform must consider such widespread concerns as national security, appropriate means of border control, and the impact on our economic and social welfare systems.
At the same time we recognize there is broad agreement among Protestant leaders (including those represented in the National Association of Evangelicals, the National Council of Churches, Sojourners and Church World Service) that immigration reform in our country must reflect mercy and justice rooted in God’s love through "immigration reform legislation that is consistent with humanitarian values, supports families, provides a pathway to citizenship for immigrant workers already in the U.S., expands legal avenues for workers to enter the U.S. with their rights and due process fully protected, and examines solutions to address the root causes of migration." (quoted by Evangelicals for Social Action from Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform-Sojourners) This moral framework is shared by Roman Catholic and Orthodox faith leaders as well.
When American Baptist congregations discuss the issue of immigration reform, we believe it is important that we frame such dialogue through the Scriptures in light of God’s revelation in Christ Jesus “for the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all.” (II Corinthians 5:14)
From the Old Testament our discussion is shaped by God’s constant admonition to Israel as to how she is to treat the stranger in her midst: “The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 19:34). Furthermore, we are reminded of Micah 6:8 which says, “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)
In the New Testament, the greeting of Christ, “Fear not,” (Matt 10:31, Luke 12:32, John 14:27b) is a powerful antidote to the fear that so often marks conversations such as this with any number of viewpoints. Likewise the story of the Good Samaritan and Jesus’ description of the final judgment are critical to our perspective.
‘And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? 39 And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?' 40 And the King will answer them, `Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' (Matt 25:38-40)
Indeed, we believe these are texts that challenge us in the current reality regarding immigration, and further, we believe they ask us to search deeply what it means to hear James when he writes to Christian communities, “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well.” (James 2:8)
We also believe that dialogues about immigration reform in our churches ought also to be framed by who we are as American Baptist Christians and our missional DNA. A report on our history notes:
The Christian Friendliness program had been launched [by the Woman’s American Baptist Home Mission Society] in 1919 as a Christian Americanization program for immigrants. It was known for its goal of changing fear and hostility toward strangers into understanding and friendship. (“American Baptist Women: The Violet Rudd Years, 1951-1976,” by Doris Anne Younger)
Since the turn of the twentieth century, American Baptists have been in the forefront of welcoming immigrants into our country and into our churches. As a result we have been profoundly reshaped by God in our makeup. No one racial/ethnic group holds majority membership any longer in the American Baptist Churches, USA. God has woven us into a coat of many colors. Consequently, in congregation after congregation, we have undocumented persons worshipping with us as beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. This very personal face of the undocumented in our midst reminds us that they are part of the dialogue and not just an object of it.
In addition to framing the conversation scripturally, we believe how one structures the conversation is also important. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has proposed some basic ground rules for conversation for discussing tough social issues that we would commend to you. The resource is noted in the attached resource list which we hope is a help to you.
Again, we greet you all in the name of Christ. Grace and peace be with you.
Sincerely and in Christ,
Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley
General Secretary
American Baptist Churches USA
Rev. Aundreia Alexander, Esq.
National Coordinator – Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services
American Baptist Home Mission Societies
Rev. Dr. Don Anderson
Executive Minister
Rhode Island State Council of Churches
Rev. Rothangliani Chhangte*
Liaison for Burma Refugees
American Baptist Home Mission Societies
Rev. Dr. Sumner M. Grant*
Executive Director
The Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board
Rev. Dr. Larry Greenfield
Executive Minister
American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago
Rev. Dr. Brenda Halliburton
National Coordinator for Intercultural Ministries, Black Churches Strategist
American Baptist Home Mission Societies
Rev. Dr. Brian Henderson
Senior Pastor
Calvary Baptist Church of Denver
Rev. Mary Armacost Hulst*
Past President
American Baptist Churches USA
Rev. Dr. G. Daniel Jones
President, American Baptist Black Caucus
Rev. Kenneth Y. Kho*
President, Asian American Baptist Caucus
Rev. Dr. Joe Kutter
Acting Executive Director
Ministers Council
ABCUSA
Rev. Florence Li
National Coordinator for Intercultural Ministries, Asian Churches Strategist
American Baptist Home Mission Societies
Rev. Dr. Luciano Márquez Jr.
National Coordinator, Alliance of Latino Baptist Churches ABC-USA
Latino Area Minister, American Baptist Churches of New Jersey
Rev. Daniel Martino*
First Hispanic Baptist Church, New London, CT and
President, Alliance of Latino Baptist Churches
Rev. John C. Murrow
Associate Executive Minister
Philadelphia Baptist Association
Rev. Dr. Edgard Nicolas
Haitian Caucus Consultant and
Associate Regional Pastor of ABCNJ for Haitian Ministries
Rev. F. Salvador Orellana
National Coordinator for Intercultural Ministries, Latino Ministries Strategist
Coordinator Nacional para Ministerios Interculturales, Estratega para Ministerios Latinos
Rev. Dr. Marcia Patton
Executive Minister
Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches
Dr. James R. Ratliff*
Budget Review Officer
American Baptist Churches USA
Rev. Campbell B. Singleton, III
Minister of Mission Support
ABC, Metro New York
Rev. Dr. Joseph M. Smith
Interim Regional Minister
District of Columbia Baptist Convention
Rev. Dr. Lee Spitzer
Executive Minister and Senior Regional Pastor
American Baptist Churches of New Jersey
Rev. Jean St. Juste
Chairman of the Haitian Alliance Relief Effort, and
Pastor of the Haitian Bethany Baptist Church, Elizabeth, NJ
Mrs. Patricia A. Stratton*
Vice President
American Baptist Churches USA
Rev. Amaury Tañón-Santos
Pastor, Central Baptist Church of Elizabeth and
Presidente, American Baptist National Hispanic Caucus
Rev. Dr. Reid S. Trulson*
Executive Director
American Baptist International Ministries
Rev. Dr. Steven C. Van Ostran
Executive Minister
American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains
Rev. Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III
Executive Director
American Baptist Home Mission Societies
*(Not able to participate in the May 6 Family Conversation on Immigration)
cc: Mr. Frank Christine, Jr., President
American Baptist Churches USA
Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley
General Secretary
May 14, 2010
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On May 6, at the invitation of our General Secretary, we, the undersigned, gathered at the Mission Center to begin a conversation on how we, as American Baptists, might engage the issue of immigration and immigration reform. We write to report on our discussion and invite you into our continuing dialogue – in the spirit of Hebrews 10:24: “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”
At the outset, allow us to be transparent: we do not claim any superior understanding of the issue or what the Gospel demands of us. We know there are differing perspectives in our denominational family. One of our purposes in writing you, in fact, is to encourage brothers and sisters in the faith to share those different perspectives so that our conversation and our responses in word and deed can be richer and more representative.
Those of us who sign this letter gathered not because we are all of one mind on every aspect of immigration reform. We know that any reform must consider such widespread concerns as national security, appropriate means of border control, and the impact on our economic and social welfare systems.
At the same time we recognize there is broad agreement among Protestant leaders (including those represented in the National Association of Evangelicals, the National Council of Churches, Sojourners and Church World Service) that immigration reform in our country must reflect mercy and justice rooted in God’s love through "immigration reform legislation that is consistent with humanitarian values, supports families, provides a pathway to citizenship for immigrant workers already in the U.S., expands legal avenues for workers to enter the U.S. with their rights and due process fully protected, and examines solutions to address the root causes of migration." (quoted by Evangelicals for Social Action from Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform-Sojourners) This moral framework is shared by Roman Catholic and Orthodox faith leaders as well.
When American Baptist congregations discuss the issue of immigration reform, we believe it is important that we frame such dialogue through the Scriptures in light of God’s revelation in Christ Jesus “for the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all.” (II Corinthians 5:14)
From the Old Testament our discussion is shaped by God’s constant admonition to Israel as to how she is to treat the stranger in her midst: “The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 19:34). Furthermore, we are reminded of Micah 6:8 which says, “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)
In the New Testament, the greeting of Christ, “Fear not,” (Matt 10:31, Luke 12:32, John 14:27b) is a powerful antidote to the fear that so often marks conversations such as this with any number of viewpoints. Likewise the story of the Good Samaritan and Jesus’ description of the final judgment are critical to our perspective.
‘And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? 39 And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?' 40 And the King will answer them, `Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' (Matt 25:38-40)
Indeed, we believe these are texts that challenge us in the current reality regarding immigration, and further, we believe they ask us to search deeply what it means to hear James when he writes to Christian communities, “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well.” (James 2:8)
We also believe that dialogues about immigration reform in our churches ought also to be framed by who we are as American Baptist Christians and our missional DNA. A report on our history notes:
The Christian Friendliness program had been launched [by the Woman’s American Baptist Home Mission Society] in 1919 as a Christian Americanization program for immigrants. It was known for its goal of changing fear and hostility toward strangers into understanding and friendship. (“American Baptist Women: The Violet Rudd Years, 1951-1976,” by Doris Anne Younger)
Since the turn of the twentieth century, American Baptists have been in the forefront of welcoming immigrants into our country and into our churches. As a result we have been profoundly reshaped by God in our makeup. No one racial/ethnic group holds majority membership any longer in the American Baptist Churches, USA. God has woven us into a coat of many colors. Consequently, in congregation after congregation, we have undocumented persons worshipping with us as beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. This very personal face of the undocumented in our midst reminds us that they are part of the dialogue and not just an object of it.
In addition to framing the conversation scripturally, we believe how one structures the conversation is also important. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has proposed some basic ground rules for conversation for discussing tough social issues that we would commend to you. The resource is noted in the attached resource list which we hope is a help to you.
Again, we greet you all in the name of Christ. Grace and peace be with you.
Sincerely and in Christ,
Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley
General Secretary
American Baptist Churches USA
Rev. Aundreia Alexander, Esq.
National Coordinator – Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services
American Baptist Home Mission Societies
Rev. Dr. Don Anderson
Executive Minister
Rhode Island State Council of Churches
Rev. Rothangliani Chhangte*
Liaison for Burma Refugees
American Baptist Home Mission Societies
Rev. Dr. Sumner M. Grant*
Executive Director
The Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board
Rev. Dr. Larry Greenfield
Executive Minister
American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago
Rev. Dr. Brenda Halliburton
National Coordinator for Intercultural Ministries, Black Churches Strategist
American Baptist Home Mission Societies
Rev. Dr. Brian Henderson
Senior Pastor
Calvary Baptist Church of Denver
Rev. Mary Armacost Hulst*
Past President
American Baptist Churches USA
Rev. Dr. G. Daniel Jones
President, American Baptist Black Caucus
Rev. Kenneth Y. Kho*
President, Asian American Baptist Caucus
Rev. Dr. Joe Kutter
Acting Executive Director
Ministers Council
ABCUSA
Rev. Florence Li
National Coordinator for Intercultural Ministries, Asian Churches Strategist
American Baptist Home Mission Societies
Rev. Dr. Luciano Márquez Jr.
National Coordinator, Alliance of Latino Baptist Churches ABC-USA
Latino Area Minister, American Baptist Churches of New Jersey
Rev. Daniel Martino*
First Hispanic Baptist Church, New London, CT and
President, Alliance of Latino Baptist Churches
Rev. John C. Murrow
Associate Executive Minister
Philadelphia Baptist Association
Rev. Dr. Edgard Nicolas
Haitian Caucus Consultant and
Associate Regional Pastor of ABCNJ for Haitian Ministries
Rev. F. Salvador Orellana
National Coordinator for Intercultural Ministries, Latino Ministries Strategist
Coordinator Nacional para Ministerios Interculturales, Estratega para Ministerios Latinos
Rev. Dr. Marcia Patton
Executive Minister
Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches
Dr. James R. Ratliff*
Budget Review Officer
American Baptist Churches USA
Rev. Campbell B. Singleton, III
Minister of Mission Support
ABC, Metro New York
Rev. Dr. Joseph M. Smith
Interim Regional Minister
District of Columbia Baptist Convention
Rev. Dr. Lee Spitzer
Executive Minister and Senior Regional Pastor
American Baptist Churches of New Jersey
Rev. Jean St. Juste
Chairman of the Haitian Alliance Relief Effort, and
Pastor of the Haitian Bethany Baptist Church, Elizabeth, NJ
Mrs. Patricia A. Stratton*
Vice President
American Baptist Churches USA
Rev. Amaury Tañón-Santos
Pastor, Central Baptist Church of Elizabeth and
Presidente, American Baptist National Hispanic Caucus
Rev. Dr. Reid S. Trulson*
Executive Director
American Baptist International Ministries
Rev. Dr. Steven C. Van Ostran
Executive Minister
American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains
Rev. Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III
Executive Director
American Baptist Home Mission Societies
*(Not able to participate in the May 6 Family Conversation on Immigration)
cc: Mr. Frank Christine, Jr., President
American Baptist Churches USA
Regional Update
Greetings as we move into another week of ministry together!
I have shared a bit about the immigration conversation with you that Rev. Dr. Brian Henderson and I attended a couple of weeks ago. I am attaching the letter and resource list that was initially produced. You will notice in the letter that we tried to be very sensitive to the various perspectives that are held by our family. Some have great concerns related to this issue over our security and the economic impact. Others have concerns about the justice issues that grow out of current immigration practices, both for the immigrant and for US citizens. Still others are concerned about the personal impact of these policies and practices on the individual lives. It is imperative that the Body of Christ in our world seek to understand and address all of these concerns in a Christ-like manner. Further, it is imperative that the Church not limit its response to only advocating for policy change at state and national levels. Our response must reflect that of the living Christ who would remind us that these people (remember there is always a face behind the terms “illegal immigrants” and/or “undocumented workers”) are our neighbors. I hope your congregation … your Sunday School Class … your prayer group or Bible Study will take time to look at this issue and prayerfully, carefully and full of Christ’s Spirit respond as you are led.
A number of you have responded to the early registration for the Global Leadership Conference that will be held in August. Pastors, you should have received e-mails, letters and phone-calls telling you how you and your leaders can participate in this. It’s still not too late, although it will cost just a bit more at this point. I hope a number of you will take advantage of this.
This week is an “office” week for me as I try to prepare for next week’s Stewardship Training events and catch up on correspondence and some reading. I know it is a busy time of year, but I hope a number of you will try to come and learn what new Stewardship Resources are available on Tuesday, May 25th at Harvey Park. If you can’t attend personally, perhaps you have a Stewardship chair or a trustee that can attend. The training will be from 10:00 to 2:00 and lunch will be provided. RSVPs can be sent to Alyce at the office e-mail. We need them by Friday.
Sunday’s installation of Dan and Estela was a wonderful event with participation from many of our congregations. Particularly blessing was to have the Ebenezer Ethnic Baptist Church choir sing and share their joy at having Dan and Estela working with them. I know we are going to be seeing great things from this new ministry in our midst, and trust you will want to join Dan and Estela in this great work of “welcoming the stranger in our midst”. Jesus reminds us that we are to both love God and our neighbor.
Speaking of that, I was privileged along with Rich Schweissing, chair of 2010 Annual Gathering Committee, and Rev. Dr. Kim Skattum, pastor at Crossroads American Baptist Church, to have breakfast with Rick Rusaw, co-author of The Externally Focused Church last week. It was a real blessing to get to spend time with him and hear his heart for the ministry of Christ’s church. Rick will be leading the Pre-Gathering continuing education event this year and challenging us during our Gathering as we seek to encourage one another to “Serve Like Jesus”. It will be a great event and you will want to start making plans now to attend the continuing ed event on October 7 and the Gathering on the 8th and 9th.
Please post the Immigration Letter where your congregation can read it and share the resource list.
In Christ,
Steve Van O
I have shared a bit about the immigration conversation with you that Rev. Dr. Brian Henderson and I attended a couple of weeks ago. I am attaching the letter and resource list that was initially produced. You will notice in the letter that we tried to be very sensitive to the various perspectives that are held by our family. Some have great concerns related to this issue over our security and the economic impact. Others have concerns about the justice issues that grow out of current immigration practices, both for the immigrant and for US citizens. Still others are concerned about the personal impact of these policies and practices on the individual lives. It is imperative that the Body of Christ in our world seek to understand and address all of these concerns in a Christ-like manner. Further, it is imperative that the Church not limit its response to only advocating for policy change at state and national levels. Our response must reflect that of the living Christ who would remind us that these people (remember there is always a face behind the terms “illegal immigrants” and/or “undocumented workers”) are our neighbors. I hope your congregation … your Sunday School Class … your prayer group or Bible Study will take time to look at this issue and prayerfully, carefully and full of Christ’s Spirit respond as you are led.
A number of you have responded to the early registration for the Global Leadership Conference that will be held in August. Pastors, you should have received e-mails, letters and phone-calls telling you how you and your leaders can participate in this. It’s still not too late, although it will cost just a bit more at this point. I hope a number of you will take advantage of this.
This week is an “office” week for me as I try to prepare for next week’s Stewardship Training events and catch up on correspondence and some reading. I know it is a busy time of year, but I hope a number of you will try to come and learn what new Stewardship Resources are available on Tuesday, May 25th at Harvey Park. If you can’t attend personally, perhaps you have a Stewardship chair or a trustee that can attend. The training will be from 10:00 to 2:00 and lunch will be provided. RSVPs can be sent to Alyce at the office e-mail. We need them by Friday.
Sunday’s installation of Dan and Estela was a wonderful event with participation from many of our congregations. Particularly blessing was to have the Ebenezer Ethnic Baptist Church choir sing and share their joy at having Dan and Estela working with them. I know we are going to be seeing great things from this new ministry in our midst, and trust you will want to join Dan and Estela in this great work of “welcoming the stranger in our midst”. Jesus reminds us that we are to both love God and our neighbor.
Speaking of that, I was privileged along with Rich Schweissing, chair of 2010 Annual Gathering Committee, and Rev. Dr. Kim Skattum, pastor at Crossroads American Baptist Church, to have breakfast with Rick Rusaw, co-author of The Externally Focused Church last week. It was a real blessing to get to spend time with him and hear his heart for the ministry of Christ’s church. Rick will be leading the Pre-Gathering continuing education event this year and challenging us during our Gathering as we seek to encourage one another to “Serve Like Jesus”. It will be a great event and you will want to start making plans now to attend the continuing ed event on October 7 and the Gathering on the 8th and 9th.
Please post the Immigration Letter where your congregation can read it and share the resource list.
In Christ,
Steve Van O
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Dates to Remember
Pastors and Church Leaders,
I wanted to make you aware of some important dates that are coming up.
- May 16th @ 3:00 PM – Commissioning Service of Dan and Estela Schweissing This service will be held at Crossroads North. Dan and Estela will be commissioned to serve as our missionaries to political and other Refugees being resettled in our community. For more information about the service follow this link: http://www.abcrm.org/news_archives/2010/Newsletter05.01.10.pdf and then scroll down to Page 5
- Tuesday, May25th @ 10:00 AM – Stewardship Resources Workshop for Pastors
Rev. Soozi Whitten Ford will be at Harvey Park Baptist Church in Denver to provide those pastors and leaders who can come with information about current Stewardshp programs you can use to enhance giving in your church. Please email us at office@abcrm.org for more information.
- Summer Camp Enrollment Deadlines
Deadlines for Camp Enrollment for Front Range Camping, Camping at WYOBA and Camping at Grand Mesa are fast approaching. Make sure your kids are involved!
- FACT Survey – This survey is multi-denominational. Please consider going to this link and taking just a few minutes to complete this survey: http://faithcommunitiestoday.org/abcsurvey
Blessings.
Steve Van O
Exectuve Minister Update 5.3.10
It is hard to believe that it is already May and next Sunday is the third high "holy" day of many of our congregations (Mother's Day). I trust your plans are in place and you will have a blessed day of worship as you love on these women who do so much in our lives.
April was a crazy month for me. The week following Easter I left for four days of national meetings with the General Executive Council (GEC). This Concil consists of the Regional Executive Ministers, the Executives of the Adminstratively Related Organizations (ie, ABW Ministries, Minister's Council, etc.) and the Executives and key leaders for International Ministries, National Ministres and the Office of the General Secretary (ABC-USA). It is both a time of continuing education, planning and coordination of the work of the various enteties that are ABC-USA. It is a very full, rich and often exhausting time.
From this meeting, I traveled to Chiapas, Mexico to join up with Rev. John Turnage, chair of our ABCRM Mission Team, and several other folks from our Region to spend a week with Chuck Shawyer, ABC-USA missionary to Mexico. We spent five days in the little village of Maravilla working with a small congregation there to help them begin construction of a new building, training and working with the pastoral team and identifying key areas of need that we might be able to address in future trips. It was an amazing time, especially to see the giftedness of John, who as many of you know is an MK (missionary kid) himself, in understanding the culture there and the needs that exist. At the end of the week, in addition to continuing to help this small church with the building program that is so necessary, we were making plans about how we as a Region can go back and help the church engage in Christian Educaation for Children, Cultural preparation for the Young Adults who will be leaving that village to go to Mexico City and other communities to find work, Worship Revitalization so that when these young folk come back there will be a place for them, and addressing medical and dental needs in the community. In addition to witnessing his work, the pastoral care provided by Pastor Carlos (Chuck) was just amazing. Every night it seems he was going to pray with a different family or address a different need. What a blessing this time was for me to experience again not only the ongoing work of our missionaries, but the real value of being a part of a missionary team like this. Pastors, if you have not yet had the opportunity, don't let the year go by without making plans to be a part of the next trip. We will be sharing more details as plans are made and there is money through Regional scholarship programs to help you take part!
Since returning home from Chiapas, I have been trying to catch up and in the meantime got to share in three very meaningful worship services. On Sunday, April 25th I got to share in the Installation and Ordination Recognition Service of Rev. Ron Holz at Montrose. That afternoon, Kenny Pettis was ordained at FBC Delta. And then yesterday was the installation service of Rev. Bob Ballance at FBC-Boulder. Oh, and I can't forget to share that on Saturday I particpated in a recognition of 25 years of ministry by Rev. John Roberts at FBC-Sterling. What great times all of these events were.
God is alive and well in the ABC of the Rocky Mountains. I look forward to seeing more of His Hands at work in the coming weeks.
In Christ,
Steve Van O
Rev. Dr. Steve Van Ostran
Executive Minister, ABCRM
April was a crazy month for me. The week following Easter I left for four days of national meetings with the General Executive Council (GEC). This Concil consists of the Regional Executive Ministers, the Executives of the Adminstratively Related Organizations (ie, ABW Ministries, Minister's Council, etc.) and the Executives and key leaders for International Ministries, National Ministres and the Office of the General Secretary (ABC-USA). It is both a time of continuing education, planning and coordination of the work of the various enteties that are ABC-USA. It is a very full, rich and often exhausting time.
From this meeting, I traveled to Chiapas, Mexico to join up with Rev. John Turnage, chair of our ABCRM Mission Team, and several other folks from our Region to spend a week with Chuck Shawyer, ABC-USA missionary to Mexico. We spent five days in the little village of Maravilla working with a small congregation there to help them begin construction of a new building, training and working with the pastoral team and identifying key areas of need that we might be able to address in future trips. It was an amazing time, especially to see the giftedness of John, who as many of you know is an MK (missionary kid) himself, in understanding the culture there and the needs that exist. At the end of the week, in addition to continuing to help this small church with the building program that is so necessary, we were making plans about how we as a Region can go back and help the church engage in Christian Educaation for Children, Cultural preparation for the Young Adults who will be leaving that village to go to Mexico City and other communities to find work, Worship Revitalization so that when these young folk come back there will be a place for them, and addressing medical and dental needs in the community. In addition to witnessing his work, the pastoral care provided by Pastor Carlos (Chuck) was just amazing. Every night it seems he was going to pray with a different family or address a different need. What a blessing this time was for me to experience again not only the ongoing work of our missionaries, but the real value of being a part of a missionary team like this. Pastors, if you have not yet had the opportunity, don't let the year go by without making plans to be a part of the next trip. We will be sharing more details as plans are made and there is money through Regional scholarship programs to help you take part!
Since returning home from Chiapas, I have been trying to catch up and in the meantime got to share in three very meaningful worship services. On Sunday, April 25th I got to share in the Installation and Ordination Recognition Service of Rev. Ron Holz at Montrose. That afternoon, Kenny Pettis was ordained at FBC Delta. And then yesterday was the installation service of Rev. Bob Ballance at FBC-Boulder. Oh, and I can't forget to share that on Saturday I particpated in a recognition of 25 years of ministry by Rev. John Roberts at FBC-Sterling. What great times all of these events were.
God is alive and well in the ABC of the Rocky Mountains. I look forward to seeing more of His Hands at work in the coming weeks.
In Christ,
Steve Van O
Rev. Dr. Steve Van Ostran
Executive Minister, ABCRM
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Schweissings Called to Serve as Regional Missionaries in ABC of the Rocky Mountains
At its regular Board Meeting on February 6, 2010, The Board of the American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains (ABCRM) affirmed the decision of its Executive Committee to call Dan and Estela Schweissing as Regional Missionaries to serve political refugees in the Region. The Schweissings will begin their work in the Rocky Mountain Region on March 18th. They currently serve with International Ministries and are on home assignment following their service in the Bahamas.
In their role as Regional Missionaries the Schweissings will serve as a liaison between the Region, local congregations and local resettlement agencies, work with English as a Second Language programs, assist in secondary migration issues and assist local congregations to be more effective in reaching out to political refugees, especially those being resettled from Burma. During their home assignment, Dan and Estela enjoyed volunteering in this role and saw the need for an expanded ministry. Crossroads American Baptist Church, located in Northglenn, CO, has will be a significant partner with the Region in this expanded work.
While in Haiti, Dan served the Mission Baptist Consortium of Churches in the area of theological education at Atlantic College and Theological Seminary in Nassau. Estela served in the area of general ministry with the seven Haitian congregations of the 13-member Mission Baptist Consortium of churches in Nassau, Bahamas with particular emphasis on the needs of women and children. Like many other immigrant communities throughout the world, Haitians in the Bahamas faced severe discrimination and were often forced to do menial labor for substandard wages. Dan and Estela’s experience in the Bahamas has uniquely prepared them to serve in this ministry.
Individuals and congregations who wish to support Dan and Estela in their new role can do so by sending gifts to ABCRM and designating it for Schweissing’s Regional Support. Individuals and congregations who have been supporting Dan and Estela’s work in the Bahamas will be contacted about how they would like future gifts to be directed.
In their role as Regional Missionaries the Schweissings will serve as a liaison between the Region, local congregations and local resettlement agencies, work with English as a Second Language programs, assist in secondary migration issues and assist local congregations to be more effective in reaching out to political refugees, especially those being resettled from Burma. During their home assignment, Dan and Estela enjoyed volunteering in this role and saw the need for an expanded ministry. Crossroads American Baptist Church, located in Northglenn, CO, has will be a significant partner with the Region in this expanded work.
While in Haiti, Dan served the Mission Baptist Consortium of Churches in the area of theological education at Atlantic College and Theological Seminary in Nassau. Estela served in the area of general ministry with the seven Haitian congregations of the 13-member Mission Baptist Consortium of churches in Nassau, Bahamas with particular emphasis on the needs of women and children. Like many other immigrant communities throughout the world, Haitians in the Bahamas faced severe discrimination and were often forced to do menial labor for substandard wages. Dan and Estela’s experience in the Bahamas has uniquely prepared them to serve in this ministry.
Individuals and congregations who wish to support Dan and Estela in their new role can do so by sending gifts to ABCRM and designating it for Schweissing’s Regional Support. Individuals and congregations who have been supporting Dan and Estela’s work in the Bahamas will be contacted about how they would like future gifts to be directed.
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