Why Does God Allow Hardship In a Leader's Life?

[From Pastor Steven Furtick by Steven Furtick]

To force our need to the surface … So we can comfort others with the comfort we have been comforted with.

To force the issue to the surface … So we can recognize it, and speak into it.

To force our faith to the surface … And produce a deeper gratitude in our lives.

Today's Quote

"Only those leaders who act boldly in times of crisis and change are willingly followed." -- Jim Kouzes

CGP F&S Committee Modifies Proposed Assembly Report

The Church of God of Prophecy is preparing for their International Assembly in Nashville, Tennessee, August 12-17, 2008. Business polity specifies that:

1. All Assembly Committees shall submit their major studies and comprehensive reports two years prior to the Assembly where it will be presented for consideration.
2. All local churches shall conduct their educational and study sessions concerning matters under consideration before an Assembly prior to January 31 of that Assembly year.
3. All final summaries or revisions of documents shall be sent to the field no less than ninety days prior to that Assembly.
4. All proxies must reach the General Overseer’s Office no later than 48 hours prior to the opening of the official business session.

The following e-mail was distributed May 27, 2008:

Greetings State/Regional Overseer,

Today the General Overseer’s Office was informed by the Secretary of the Finance and Stewardship Committee that the Committee “is withdrawing the Mission Fund section of their Report to the upcoming 95th International Assembly.”

To avoid confusion, we wish to inform you that this change will not be reflected in either the online version of the Report or the printed version already in the process of being mailed to the pastors and proxy representatives. A notice of this change will be posted to the website and included as part of the mailing materials.

Thank you for your attention to this message and for forwarding it to the ministry in your area.

Blessings, Shaun McKinley Administrative Liaison to the General Overseer

Small Churches

I've always been a big fan of small churches. That's partly because I don't fully understand how megachurches "do" real church, and partly because I prefer the rawness, freedom and community that comes from a smaller worship gathering.

Is it awkward at times? You bet. A little clumsy and unpolished? Sometimes. Yet those elements, to me, are exactly why small churches are such a treasure. I love that there doesn't have to be soft music playing behind every prayer, altar call or offering. I love that you can get to know — really know — the people sitting next to you, and that building real relationships isn't an option when it's impossible to hide among the crowds. (What crowds?!)

And maybe more than anything, I love that small churches allow everyone to be a key, active part of the body. No sideline-sitters (or at least not for long), all players. Because in small churches, everyone brings something of value.

[Marcus Yoars]

Celebrate Recovery 2008 Summit

[Click on image to enlarge it. For more information, click http://www.celebraterecovery.com/.]

Church Security

We recommend a great web site with resources on church security issues.

Check it out at http://www.churchsecuritymember.com/.