Calvin Synod Herald, 2012 (113. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2012-09-01 / 9-10. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 3 Future of Calvin Synod Discipleship, Church Growth and Mission in the Light of Matthew 10 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It became clear at the annual meeting of Calvin Synod that there are issues, which are central and important for all of us. They can be summarized with the words discipleship, church growth, and mission. Our relationship with the United Church of Christ generated heated discussions and the sharing of heartfelt opinions. A committee was established by the Conference Council to examine and work on these important issues and what the future holds for Calvin Synod. Rev. Imre A. Bertalan became the Chairperson of this committee made up of the members of the Conference Council, the Classis Deans, Rev. Albert W. Kovács, and Mr. James Balias. Conversations and the sharing of opinions are already happening through the internet among the Committee members and these will be shared with all of you for your input and consideration. I am working closely with congregations who elected pastors in the past few years. The leadership of the congregations are expecting well-qualified ministers who can contribute to church growth, provide leadership, and be cooperative to the Consistory. The expectations in some cases are that the new pastor should correct all the problems and fulfill all the needs of the local church. However, we know that success comes when there is mutual respect for leadership roles and brotherly cooperation between the pastor, Consistory, and the entire congregation. Workshops and lectures at the next annual meeting will focus upon church growth. Faithful discipleship, church growth, and mission are all important issues that need to be addressed and should become our utmost priorities. The most important sign of a healthy church body is the work of mission. In Calvin Synod we need a deeper understanding of Christ’s mandate of mission. Although we practice charity and provide financial help to local and overseas congregations, which are part of mission work, more needs to be done. Church planting and establishing new congregations are real opportunities for Calvin Synod that we should not ignore. Let me briefly share my vision and some answers that I found in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 10 in the teaching and promises of Jesus our Lord. This chapter and other related chapters of the Bible about commissioning and sending of disciples first to the House of Israel, later to the entire world, is still valid today and to Calvin Synod also. Discipleship is certainly not of human will, desire, and volunteerism but it is the result of God’s action and calling. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, and these He also glorified. Romans 8:28-30. As we examine and evaluate the work of our new pastors, it becomes evident if they have a real “calling from God for ministry” that bears fruits and blessings in their ministry and congregation. God’s calling is not just for the preachers of the Word but for church leaders and members alike. If the entire congregation is mission minded and oriented then church growth happens by the grace of God because of teamwork. If the congregation’s expectation is that only the pastor is responsible for church growth, the result is very minimal. We need to learn and acknowledge that we are all called, pastors, lay leaders, and members together, to work as followers of Jesus in the field of mission and evangelization, to reach out to all our friends and neighbors to become part of the life of the congregation. We need to be in the business of evangelization to fulfill the commission, which we received from the Lord. “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, lam with you always, even to the end of the age. ” Matthew 28:18-20 Fear can be a paralyzing factor in ministry. There are many reasons to be fearful but the Bible and Jesus repeatedly encourages us not to be afraid. John Piper writes that we can provide a “faithful witness in the face of danger.” The danger zones are foretold by our Lord Himself: “Behold, 1 send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Nevertheless, beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. However, when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. ” Matthew 10:16-20. Occasionally in the church we act as if we were enemies and not sisters and brothers. Sometimes, lay leaders are hostile to their ministers. Sometimes pastors are rude to lay leaders, members, and colleagues. Sometimes pastors compromise their Biblical convictions just to avoid conflicts and to be praised by people. We should not be afraid of each other, but fear God and trust in Him wholeheartedly. Believe in His love, which can be manifested through us and among us. Persecution and suffering will be part of our experience as Christians; it is part of carrying the cross on our journey. “But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for my name s sake. But it will turn outfor you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. And you will be hated by all for my name ’s sake. But not a hair of your head shall be lost. By your patience possess your souls. ” Luke 21:12-19 But we should continued on page 4
