February 2006
As General Conference 2006 planning gathers steam, we look forward to meeting for the first time as Brethren in Christ in Miami, FL. Beginning this month, we will be introducing one General Conference topic per issue, to help you thoughtfully and prayerfully prepare for this time together. As always, we thank you for reading and eagerly anticipate hearing from you!
2005 Cooperative Ministries Goal Met
When the books closed on 2005, contributions by Canadian and U.S. churches to BIC Cooperative Ministries (CM) totaled $3,922,752—enough to meet spending plan goals for the year, with a small margin left for investing in future ministry priorities. More>>
Same-sex marriage: A General Conference 2006 Issue
This year, one issue to be voted on at General Conference will be an addition
to the Manual of Doctrine and Government regarding homosexual marriage or unions and how BIC churches should respond to legal and societal pressures. More>>
Intercessors Respond to Call for 24/7 Prayer
The BIC experienced a spiritual “power surge” as 80 intercessors mobilized for round-the-clock prayer during the Week of Prayer and Fasting, January 1–8. At least three congregations encouraged members to sign up to cover each day with continual prayer. In total, this year’s band of dedicated intercessors prayed for 351 hours, or the equivalent of two full weeks of continuous prayer. More>>
Survey of Anabaptist Life and Thought to be Conducted
In late February, questionnaires will be mailed to 1,300 individuals whose names were randomly selected from the membership rolls of 50 BIC churches in the U.S. and Canada.
The 2006 Church Member Profile includes questions that reflect on issues and concerns of relevance to today’s churches and is part of an ongoing survey of several Anabaptist denominations. More>>
Church Planting for a Future City
As dairy farmers move out and developers move in, families are flocking to South Ontario, California. Plans are in the works for 100,000 new homes over the next seven years, and with this anticipated housing boom comes the significant need for a church. So Pastor Steve Airth and 17 others from Gateway Community Church in nearby Chino moved in to start GracePoint, a church plant that is determined to show people where “real life meets real faith.” More>>
Follow the Rules
When New Hope BIC celebrated the grand opening of its new building, its leaders highlighted the congregation’s vision and mission via 10 New Building Rules, including: "Do not track dirt onto the carpet (without offering to wash a few feet)." More>>
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.
Warren Hoffman & Darrell Winger
General Church Leaders
Contact Information:
Email: bic@messiah.edu
Phone: 717.697.2634
Fax: 717.697.7714
Web: www.bic-church.org
