GC Takeaway -- Denominational Reorganization

One of the things that was discussed at GC was how the denomination should be organized. Are we 12 districts with a leadership hub or are we one denomination with the President at the head? The following is an excerpt of what the General Board has assigned this cpmmission to work on:

At least three “competing” or “conflicting” models are currently a working paradigm for various parts of the Missionary Church. Some see the Missionary Church as a gathering of a cooperative group of semi-independent churches working together for global impact and church planting. A second group functionally sees the Missionary Church working historically as an affiliation of semi-autonomous Districts. Those Districts, in that paradigm, have a broad measure of independence (credentialing, doctrinal issues, etc.) A third group views the denomination as an historical central authority body where the decision-making rests at the top levels (i.e. Nazarene model).
The commission is to "help the Missionary Church identify who we are, how we can most effectively operate, and how we can best position ourselves for effective ministry through healthy synergy and corporate alignment.”

While no decisions were made at this conference there was a forum on these issues as well as opportunities for those in attendance to give their thoughts, feelings, input on the issues at hand.
The commission involved desires to hear from as many in the denomination as will give their input. With that in mind they have set up The Commission Blog as a means of education and a place to give input on the issues regarding the structure of our denomination. Stop by, check it out, and give your input.

GC - We're Home

I apologize for the lack of posts for the last 48 hours. We got in late Thursday evening and Friday was a whirlwind into into the early AM Saturday. There will be a series of posts to follow on varying topics but this is the summary.
Thursday was our "mostly free" day and we took advantage to take in some sights in the region after the morning sessions. We saw Haystack Rock and Multnomah Falls as the highlights (photos to follow). In between we saw incredible views of mountains, volcanoes, immense evergreen forests, the Pacific Ocean, and the Columbia River Gorge to name a few.
Friday morning included a final devotional challenge and corporate communion led by Pastor Gary Aupperle from our Bluffton church -- we look at tattoos a new way after this session. Don;t worry, Pastor Matt didn't get one :) We also had our final business meeting of the conference (look for a coming post on the business that transpired at this conference.
After the meetings we checked out of the hotel and headed to the airport. Upon arrival a logistical error caused Pastor Bud to spend about 20 minutes in a service line because it appeared that the flight we needed to San Francisco did not exist! Fortunately we did and we were on our way. The bad part was that the airline change the original flight time to 25 minutes later than originally scheduled so it made our layover/ change terminals and pass security again to change airlines time about 20 minutes. Somehow we made it (God is good!). In fact that flight was about a half hour late taking off after we boarded due to an issue with the water line. We landed in Chicago at about midnight to find that the short switchover had cause our bags to be left behind -- they have been delivered as of this writing. A special thanks to Dave and Wendy Ellis who drove up with Cris to pick us up and drive us HOME!

A little math revealed that we traveled 5250 miles and saw some incredible sights in person and from the planes.
Most of all we were honored to represent the body of California Road at this year's General Conference. We take very seriously the need to represent the body in matters pertaining to our denomination.
General Conference will be held at Bethel College in 2009 (July 14-17). The worship, devotional, and business sessions are open and I would encourage our people to attend as they can to take part. We are blessed to be a part of a denomination that is seeking after the heart of God. See you all at church tomorrow.

GC Photos #3

Today's agenda only includes one business meeting; but it is an important one. The elections went smoothly. There is good but tough theological debate occurring. Continue to pray for unity of the denomination. I will post more on these issues when I have better time. I will also be adding notes from a great morning devotional by Ron Hockley and a seminar on building a team by Tom Mullins. For now, here are a few photos. They include Pastor Matt relaxing by the pool and in a "Moses" moment by the river as well as the incredible rose bushes that are here.

The slower schedule today is allowing us some time for sight seeing. I hope to have some great pictures later tonight or tomorrow AM. Have a blessed day everyone!!

General Conference (GC) -- The trip In

Pastor Bud, Matt and I took off yesterday morning from OHare on our excellent journey. We saw Chicago and San Diego on our way to Portland. It was an excellent day for flying and we were treated to views of mountains, mesas, deserts, Los Angeles, and at least 2 National Parks. God's creation is truly amazing!!
We arrived in Portland over the Columbia River with Mount Hood in the background. Our hotel room has a great view of the river just yards away and we can see the mountains and into Washington state as well. Unfortunately we arrived about 8 hours ahead of our luggage. For clean shirts and socks we are truly greatful.
Last night we enjoyed a local BBQ joint named Boomers (great stuff) and we enjoyed a walk this morning before breakfast. The first sessions start in about 40 minutes. Keep checking back in on the blog as we will be posting more info and some photos as well.
Please be praying for the business of the Missionary Church.

We have it so easy...

Rick Dugan had this post at his blog. It amazes me and yet it doesn't that word about these things doesn't get around. Think about it for a minute, this would be the equivalent of the Sunday School class that meets in the gym just "disappearing". We need to be in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Iraq and other places unfriendly to the gospel around the globe. Here's and excerpt from the email Rick got... take note of the fact that they still have an attitude of praise.

Being at church was wonderful as usual. I so love these people and the worship was wonderful as usual all of the children were delightful. Then it came to the point in the service where people tell me what has happened. The news today was not good, I listened to the stories of murder, beating and kidnapping. The final toll of kidnaps this week of people connected with of members of the church is 27. None have been returned. In the past week alone the attacks on Christians has seriously escalated. This was mentioned the other day at a meeting, they talked and talked and did nothing. There is so much talking here and such little action. At the moment most of the Christians have moved from Dora and are now living in Churches in Kerada. They do not even have enough food. We are the only Christian group working here and have given away every penny we have and have no more left. People always tell me they can and only want to support projects. There is no understanding of the extent of the crisis we are in. There is Chaos all around. We are in war, there is slaughter, massacre and death all around. Normality no longer exists, there are no projects, no plans just the attempt to live each day.
This is the reality of the crisis we are in. Yet as I talked to our people this morning there was a profound trust and belief in G-d our Father our protector, the One we Love. When you have lost every thing you realise all you have left is Jesus. That is all we have and it is everything