Pomona conference
stresses harvest theme

By Neil Earle

REACHING OUT—Dan Rogers, with the help
of humorous video clips, helps attendees understand
how evangelism can be part of their lives. [Photos by Ron Grove]

TAKING A BREAK—Joseph Tkach gets
better acquainted with one of our newest
members, Noah Albrecht, son of Charles
Albrecht of Church Administration,
and his wife, Susi.

POMONA, California—More than 220 ministers, district superintendents, members and church leaders gathered at the Sheraton Center in Pomona, Jan. 19 to 21, for the Southwest district conference.

A centerpiece was the presentation of the new decentralized model of church finances. Church pastors, treasurers, financial secretaries and head ushers received updates on a Financial Management Manual prepared before the sessions began.

Pastor General Joseph Tkach spoke on leadership, emphasizing that "all Christians are leaders because the Leader of the universe lives inside us." He added: "If Jesus Christ is living actively in us then he has a work for us to do."

Dan Rogers, superintendent of U.S. ministers, amplified these themes in sessions titled "How the Holy Spirit Grows the Church" and a two-part series on discipleship titled "Fulfilling the Everyday Commission."

Mr. Rogers emphasized: "All activities of a church should flow toward the central task of making disciples. The main purpose of our lives is to make disciples who will then go out and disciple others."

On Sunday afternoon, Jan. 20, Ronald Kelly, church controller; Charles Albrecht, Church Administration budget manager; and Robert Meade, director of the Church’s Computer Information Systems department, walked local church financial officials through the steps aimed at completing the church transition from a centralized, media-based ministry to ministries delivered in and through member congregations.

Other sessions addressed men’s and women’s ministry issues, praise and worship, and youth subjects.

"I wish everyone in the church could have heard the discipleship talks," commented Alberta Ecker of the Inland Empire churches in California. "It tied together the whole conference theme of accountability and moving toward a higher level in our Christian walk."

Following are the presenters and a synopsis of the presentations they will make in future conferences.

Be Who You Are in Ministry: Jesus wants us to be alert to the possibilities we have to bless others by what we say and do. Come explore how ministry happens by building relationships that make it possible for Jesus to extend his love through us!

Computer Information Management: This overview session introduces pastors and treasurers to the new computer systems for local accounting, donation processing and membership maintenance. At selected conferences, live software will be available in a one-on-one setting.

Fulfilling the Everyday Commission: This seminar teaches Christians and local churches how to live out the Great Commission (make disciples) in their everyday lives. It gives a practical framework and process for preparing congregations to evangelize and add new disciples to their church.

A workbook will be provided that will help you follow the discussion and remember the key points. This seminar will equip you for winning new people to the church and for building up the church members in Christ.

Got Leadership?: Many useful things are taught about leadership in seminars and university programs, yet, among all the data, research and discussion there is a distinct difference between secular leadership and godly leadership.

There are similarities, but there are important differences. Leadership isn’t just what we do, it’s something that we are, which then drives what we do. Genuine leadership comes from within. In this session, we review how and why godly leadership is different.

Local Financial Management: Our session uses the new financial manual to focus on implementation of a new financial model.

We discuss the background and philosophy behind the changes we plan for local church finances and the value to each congregation to take financial ownership for the welfare and future stability of the congregation.

Where Are We Now in Prophecy?: "Time is running out! Christ is about to return!" the prophecy watchers warn us. Are they right? What does Bible prophecy really say to our modern generation?

Effective corporate worship: The purpose of this session is to emphasize the importance of effective corporate worship. Deficient worship can limit or weaken our evangelistic outreach. We will discuss planning a thematic blended service.

This is helpful for members who want to better understand the principles of biblical worship. This presentation will be followed by communion.

Disciplemaking Principles for Children’s Ministry: Children are important to God and to us as a denomination. How can we use the disciplemaking principles Jesus taught to help them be disciples who make disciples? We’ll also look at several curriculum options.

Developing a Vision for Your Congregation: This seminar is designed to help the pastor and his leadership team recognize the vision God has for their local congregation.

Implementing the Vision for Your Congregation: This seminar will show the pastor and his leadership team how to implement the God-given vision for their local congregation.

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002