National/provincial summit looks to 1st century

As the vision and strategy for serving MB churches is developed, the national executive board has decided to meet regularly with provincial staff to bring together key individuals who set conference policy and implement programs.

The second such national/provincial summit was held Jan. 26 in Abbotsford, B.C., where an initiative was proposed to foster an organic 1st century missional mindset among our 21st century churches.

“Re:Generate 21-01” will tie together areas of church health, leadership development, and outreach under one banner. The initiative will make ReFocusing, a proven process for church health accountability, available to all churches in Canada, and increase leadership development resources to address pastor shortage.

The joint meeting also discussed Horizon Quebec – a new strategy for mission that takes into account the unique spiritual needs in la belle province. Both Horizon Quebec and Re:Generate 21-01 will be presented at Gathering in July for delegates to process and affirm.

During Board of Faith and Life meetings that same weekend, an informal body proposed a discussion network to continue the conversation begun at the “Culture, Gospel, and Church,” study conference last October. Also, a pre-Gathering event addressing culture is planned for July 9–10, with guest speakers Bruce Guenther and Bruxy Cavey.

Looking ahead, Christology was chosen as the subject of the 2009 BFL Study Conference, slated for October in Ontario. Several policies and protocols were also approved, including a study booklet for churches wishing to process questions and issues related to women in ministry leadership, two new pamphlets on biblical ecology and abortion, “Plagiarizing Sermons: Pastoral Ethics and the Internet,” and a protocol for helping pastors and churches deal with pornography.

—AS