Thayne A. Thompson, DMin | EFC-MAYM Lead Superintendent
Each year Ministry Conference represents the conclusion of one year and the beginning of another. As we gathered in Haviland on the campus of Barclay College for our 153rd gathering of Evangelical Friends in Mid-America we were challenged by our speaker, Alan Amavisca, to remember our calling to follow the example of Jesus and make disciples as we live life and build churches across our region.
The weekend began with our Ministry Leaders meeting with several future leaders among us for a time of listening, as they shared their vision for the future of our annual gatherings. Words like “community” and “purposeful gathering” were prominent in the conversation. Our younger leaders expressed a desire to be seen, loved, and heard in their local churches as well as in our yearly meeting gatherings.
Following our time with the future leaders, Alan Amavisca spoke to us three times, focused on the theme, “It’s Worth it” to give our lives for the sake of making disciples. He shared stories from history and from scripture illustrating that disciple making is (1) worth the tears and prayers (2) worth the risk and (3) worth the time. Alan concluded his time with us on Saturday evening by challenging each person to identify someone whom they could pour their life into during the upcoming year, and bring with them to Ministry Conference 2025. Alan modeled this concept by bringing Nick Ward, whom he has discipled for nearly a decade, to Barclay College for this year’s Ministry Conference.
So, the ball is now in our court. How are you making disciples? What is your church’s vision and strategy for making disciples in the upcoming year? If we are to follow Jesus and play our part in fulfilling the Great Commission we must each ask that question.
Often church plants think strategically about evangelism and discipleship, because without a clear strategy for leading people to Jesus and helping them grow spiritually they will not survive. However, I have found that as time passes and a church is established, there is often a tendency to focus on other aspects of church life and to unintentionally forget why we exist. When we do that, we become complacent and, rather than existing for the world around us which so desperately needs Jesus, we sometimes become most concerned about the activities of the local church that most benefit us.
Years ago I heard someone give a talk about the purposes of the church…evangelism and discipleship, fellowship, stewardship, ministry, etc. The speaker reminded us that the one that often gets lost in “church life” is evangelism, because it is the purpose of the church that is outward focused whereas the other purposes tend to be inward focused serving those of us who are already part of the church. In light of this, he challenged us to “double down” on reaching and discipling others. What is your church’s strategy for reaching those around you? What is your personal strategy? If Jesus gave His life because God so loves the world, can we do any less?
We, at the Ministry Center, would love to hear stories about how you are being obedient to Jesus and “engaging your world” during the upcoming year with a view towards making disciples. It is worth it.
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