Calvin Synod Herald, 2014 (115. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2014-09-01 / 9-10. szám

8

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

Continued from page 7

as congregational self-centeredness, Rainer does offer some hope. The categories of “Symptomatic”, “Very Sick”, and “Dying” are each given appropriate counsel. Though some churches can do little more than “get their affairs in order” and die purposefully, 80% may be able to do something about their condition. That number is deceptive, however. A number as high as “eighty” seems to imply that solutions are found easily, implemented quickly, and complied with fully. They are not.

Given the book's brevity, it serves to highlight the problem, suggest broad solutions, and provide a warning to any church that will listen. It’s “solutions” are suggestive. The congregation, once warned and pointed in the right direction, will have to find other appropriate resources for reversing the inward curvature of their corporate soul.

If 90% of the population were told they’d been exposed to, and may be affected by, some potentially deadly virus, a panic would ensue. Medical offices would be overflowing with patients wanting to know if they displayed the symptoms of impending doom, and how they might stay alive. No similar frenzy seems to characterize the sessions, councils, vestries, or deacon boards of America’s congregations despite long term “exposure” to the malady that leads to a congregation’s spiritual death. Such ambivalence is a pity to be sure!

Rainer’s book is short, easy to read, and painfully clear. If his numbers bear the slightest relation to reality, the lay leaders and pastors of every congregation should read, discuss, and implement their findings based on reading “Autopsy”. Rainer could, of course, be wrong. Unfortunately too many churches sound exactly like the dying ones he describes - and they have for at least a generation! Reprinted with permission from Chuck Colson 's WorldViewChurch.org

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1. We encourage our congregations' youngsters to attend the annual Calvin Synod Summer Youth Camp.

2. Support the Bethlen Communities Heritage Center Museum and Archives.

TRANSYLVANIA

1. The Szekely Miko Reformed High School in Sepsiszentgyorgy is asking financial support for their school.

2. The Backamadarasi Kiss Gergely Reformed High School in Székelyudvarhely is asking financial support for their school.

3. To support the widow of Rev. Jenő Katona and his family.

4. Fund Reformed schools and help poor people in Transylvania via Transylvania Reformed Assistance Committee (TRAC).

5. Ms. Gabriella Nádas - Donate to School Fund in Kolozsvár.

6. Fund charitable and mission work as requested by Rt. Rev. István Csűri in Nagyvárad.

7. Fund request by principal Zsolt Tőkés to support the school in Székelyudvarhely.

8. The Hungarian Reformed Church of Nagykároly-Kertváros (Carei) in Transylvania is asking for donations for their construction project of a new church building and parsonage. Further info available at the following website: http://kertvaros.ffeewb.hu/

9. The Székelyudvarhely Reformed High School in Transylvania is asking for donations for their school building's roof. UKRAINE

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