August 2007
Reflections on the Ministry Enrichment Retreat
In early July, more than 300 North American pastors, pastoral spouses, and other ministry leaders gathered in Pittsburgh, Pa. for the Ministry Enrichment Retreat. During that time, these individuals met in a relaxed setting to worship, learn, rest, and encourage one another. Evaluations of MER were overwhelmingly positive. Clearly, this quadrennial event is part of the "glue" that helps bind us together. More >>
Last call for the Call
The planning team for The Call has extended the registration deadline to accommodate as many BIC young adults as possible who have a passion for ministry and missions, either vocationally or in the marketplace. But spaces are going fast, so act now to reserve a spot for a team from your church. More >>
Addressing a misunderstanding from the summer issue of our magazine
A number of readers expressed concern that the summer issue of the denominational magazine went too far in exploring the interface of faith and culture with the inclusion of a Vibes column about the Harry Potter books. Although we have talked with or written to everyone who let us know they were troubled by the Harry Potter piece, we want to back up those personal conversations by publicly acknowledging that we failed to adequately communicate our intention for Vibes articles. More >>
Cooperation helps to speed census process
Thank you to everyone who has responded promptly and with a good spirit to our requests for census information on pastors and staff who are employed 20 hours a week or more. We are well on the way to wrapping up the census project by late summer. As you may recall, the BIC have been reviewing the way we care for our pastors with regard to pension plan, health insurance, and pastoral compensation.
This has included updating our database with information needed before we can enter into meaningful conversation with health insurance providers. Leadership Council welcomes input and suggestions throughout the study process. Achieving a successful outcome in the face of escalating rates will require the best thinking of many people from across the church.
New names, new roles
We are pleased to introduce the latest additions to the General Church staff line-up: Nate Bridi, web developer/graphic designer; Jeremy Denlinger, technical arts specialist; Kristine Frey, editor/writer, and Chris Sharp, director of missional development for BIC World Missions. We also welcome John Cressman, whose new role as ministry and development coach with the Canadian Conference supports the denomination’s focus on church health. For more about these newcomers to their current positions, read >>
BIC Media Ministries contends with industry changes
The past decade has not been kind to Christian bookstores in Canada and the United States. Market competition from Internet booksellers and big box chain stores; direct-to-church marketing by curriculum publishers; higher rents and personnel costs; and the increased need for investment in retail technologies have taken a toll on bookstore ministries.
Through hard work and creativity, Christian Light Bookstores, operated by the Brethren in Christ Board for Media Ministries, seemed to be managing negative trends in the retail environment. Within the past couple of years, however, it has become apparent that the ministry either needed to grow to a much larger chain of stores or consider ending its business. More >>
World Hunger Fund Aids Flood Victims in South Asia
Recent monsoon rains have caused catastrophic floods in India. We have the opportunity to compassionately and generously lend support to both Christian and non-Christian Indian families through the BIC World Hunger Fund. more >>
Contributions to CM lagging behind goal
The second quarter figures have been tallied and Gene Blessing, our CFO, has alerted us to an almost $100,000 lag in congregational giving to Cooperative Ministries as compared to last year at this time. With six months and a full schedule of activities ahead of us before the end of the year, it is crucial that congregations meet the CM goals they set for themselves going into 2007. The General Church is working with a tight budget that leaves little room for cuts without having an impact on ministry priorities.
Please pray with us that God’s people will respond generously and that all financial goals will be met within local congregations and for the General Church.
Don’t let the dog days of summer take a bite out of your church’s welcome.
We recently heard about a couple who, while vacationing, picked out a church via the internet as their Sunday morning destination. They arrived at the time listed on the website, only to discover an empty parking lot and locked doors. As they were about to give up in frustration, someone ran toward their car. “We’re having an all-church picnic at noon today, so we cancelled the morning services. I guess we should have put a sign on the door,” the person explained.
The couple drove down the block to a church where the parking lot was full and where they were warmly welcomed into a spiritually uplifting worship experience. Had these vacationers been looking for a new church home, we know which congregation would have had the better chance of a second visit.
There’s something to be said for taking a break from the usual programming during the late summer months. What better time to give the staff, both paid and volunteer, a breather than when half the congregation (or so it seems) is out of town. However, it’s important to remember that late summer is also the time of year when families are relocating and looking for new church homes. First impressions are critical, even in the dog days of summer.
Share your insights
You receive Momentum because you are a leader in the church within a congregation, a regional conference, the General Church, or all three. You may have asked to be included on the mailing list for Momentum or your name may have been picked up automatically when you entered your current position of leadership. Regardless of how you have come to Momentum, your feedback is important. Please let us hear from you.
Don McNiven and Warren Hoffman
General Church Leaders
Contact Information:
Email: bic@messiah.edu
Phone: 717.697.2634
Fax: 717.796.4781
Web: www.bic-church.org
