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Regional conferences took place in Dallas, Texas, July 31 to Aug. 3, and in Arlington Heights, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, Aug. 14 to 17.
These were equipping conferences, and the attendees received helpful tools to equip them for their work as ministers of the precious gospel of Jesus Christ.
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The main sessions, presented by Dan Rogers, superintendent of U.S. ministers, were “Growing a Healthy Church” and “The Everyday Commandment.”
The first explored the topic of Jesus’ strategy for making disciples. Jesus began with being a friend of sinners, some of whom became followers who moved toward discipleship. These eventually became workers in the harvest, where they became disciples who made disciples who made disciples—a process that continues to this very day.
The second was about how each of us can have part in the disciplemaking process by sharing God’s love, following the pattern Jesus lived and mentored to his disciples.
Dallas highlights
At the Dallas conference, Raul Ramos translated the messages for the Spanish-speaking members in attendance.
Breakout sessions in Dallas dealt with a “Pastor’s Role in Conflict Resolution,” brought by Carn Catherwood, and a women in ministry session titled “Voice of Our Sisters,” brought by Joyce Catherwood, Trish Clauson and Paula Schuler.
In addition, sessions were conducted for youth ministry and outreach programs. Two highlights of the conference were the Spanish workshops conducted by Mr. Ramos.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, about 50 youths conducted their own praise and worship session and discipleship program. Then on Saturday night youth bands from Dallas and Oklahoma City led the whole congregation in praise and worship in the main auditorium.
How each member can contribute
“No one could leave these conferences without a much clearer picture of the mission of the church and how each member can contribute to it,” said Dave Fiedler.
Mr. Rogers said he just wished all of the members could be here.
A highlight of the Chicago conference was when Pastor General Joseph Tkach welcomed into our fellowship the Good Shepherd Church of God of Cicero, Illinois, pastored by Harry and Ruth Kall. This congregation is one of a number of congregations that were formerly part of the Church of God (Seventh Day) and have since joined the Worldwide Church God.
 Joseph Tkach |
The conference schedules were full of activity and variety. Church Administration was host for an evening of appreciation for all pastors and spouses at each location.
Youth ministry was emphasized this year with a plenary session in both locations on “Building Disciplemaking Youth Ministries” by Ted Johnston, Great Lakes District superintendent, and two breakout sessions in Chicago by James Newby and Jim Valekis, district youth coordinators.
Other Chicago breakout sessions included the “Pastor’s Role in Conflict Resolution” and “Equipping Seniors for Ministry” by Carn Catherwood.
Dr. Tkach gave two sermons during each conference. One was titled “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” and the other, which was given at the closing communion service, was called “This Is a Priceless Meal.”
TEENS IN CHICAGO—From
left:
Nora Lindquist, Liz Garman,
Nathan Denn and Brad Claggett.
Copyright © Grace Communion International, 2003
