For the church to fully embrace God’s mission, it’s going to require that we raise up thousands of spiritually charged leaders who are willing to die to self in order to seek the kingdom of God. We need thousands of Spirit-filled, self-aware followers of Jesus who will commit themselves to live fully into their callings as apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers. To do this, we need to be speaking into others’ lives, affirming what we see the Spirit doing in them, and encouraging them to keep pursuing God’s mission.
One of the practical ways we can do this is by simply speaking into others’ lives, affirming what the Lord is already doing in them. We often don’t see ourselves accurately or perhaps we doubt the idea that the Lord could do anything through our lives for a variety of reasons (e.g. I’m not gifted enough, I have too many failings, the Lord doesn’t use people like me, etc.). Most of us need some help to see what we can’t see on our own. I’ve seen this in my own life and I’ve watched it countless times in the lives of others; there’s something powerfully helpful about someone else speaking into your life, affirming you, and drawing attention to what the Spirit of God is already stirring inside you.
Another practical way to encourage others to step into their spiritual gifting and calling is to invest in them. This can come in lots of shapes and forms, but our willingness to pour into someone else for the sake of Christ and His kingdom can return enormous dividends with far reaching results.
The Well, a summer faith experience at The University of Findlay, is a great opportunity to invest in high school students as they look ahead and answer the questions that will shape their adult lives and livelihoods. The Well takes place on July 8-13 on the campus of the University of Findlay. The Well is different from your typical summer church camp or youth group retreat experience. It’s designed to help high school students wrestle through some of the most important questions they’ll face as they enter into adulthood:
Who am I? How can I live a meaningful life? What is most important to me? What am I being called to do? |
Guess what? Thanks to the generosity of the Lilly Foundation, there’s no cost to attend The Well. That’s right, you could “invest” in a young person’s life without necessarily having to invest your hard earned cash. They still have to get to Findlay and return home, so there are opportunities for you to put some skin in the game if you so desire, but who in your world needs you to point them to this experience that will help them take a step forward in understanding how God’s designed them?
We have a great opportunity to invest in some of our young leaders and it comes at a minimal cost. Who do you need to tap on the shoulder and offer the words “I see in you”? Who do you need to forward this E-News to today with a note that says “I think this experience at The Well would be helpful for you at this stage of your life and spiritual journey”?
You can learn about all the necessary information regarding The Well at https://www.findlay.edu/academics/well/. You can also contact Pastor Matt Ginter, Director of Christian Ministries at The University of Findlay, at [email protected] if you have other questions.
Who are you going to invest in today? Let’s keeping speaking the letters I C N U.
Christ’s Peace,
Lance
Rev. Marilyn R. Kern Passes Away
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Marilyn taught at Winebrenner Seminary before accepting the same position her father had held as Editor of Sunday School Materials for the Churches of God General Conference in Findlay where she served from 1983-1993. For her commitment to religious education and promoting the work of the Churches of God, The University of Findlay honored her in 1993 with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. (Full Obituary)
Visitation: Saturday, March 17, 6-8 P.M.
Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home
500 Lima Ave. Findlay, Ohio 45840
Celebration of Life Service: March 18, 2 P.M.
Bluffton First Mennonite Church
101 S. Jackson St. Bluffton, Ohio 45817
Search for Executive Director of the Eastern Regional ConferenceThe Eastern Regional Conference is in a time of transition and is currently searching for their next Executive Director. The Administrative Council has appointed a committee to oversee this search process and bring a recommendation to the Council. |
An application and job description may be found by click on the links. As noted on the application, priority will be given to applications received on or before April 15, 2018. Applications may be submitted to Interim Executive Director Pastor Jim Moss, Jr. at [email protected]. If there any questions about the position, please call 717-547-9470.