THE CENTRAL CONNECTION
September
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The changing season knows not
a pandemic.
It knows no fear. Enjoy what God has given us in the normal of each day.
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"We are an organization of churches that is committed
to the mission of Christ to multiply disciple-making churches
through evangelism, leadership training, and connection with
other like-minded churches."
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The New Sexual Challenge for Pastors to Address - |
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Polyamory
For many this is a simple issue but it is becoming one of those variations that is surprisingly growing among Christians. In simple terms it is helpful to get ahead of the curve rather than reacting to the issue when it blindsides us when we are not looking.
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Dr. Brad Little
CB North Central Interim Regional Director
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Time to re-ENGAGE!
Tuesday, September 29, at 9:00am CST
with an alternative repeat session
Wednesday, September 30, at 3:00pm CST
ENGAGE Topic – Is Unconditional Love biblical?
Exploring the true nature of God’s love in the context of a deteriorating culture.
How do we communicate God’s love without misrepresenting the gospel.
Why “love the sinner and hate the sin” doesn’t work anymore.
Catalyst: Dr. Brad Little – Interim Regional Director of CBNC and Lead Pastor of Oak Grove Church, Golden Valley, MN
The Purpose of ENGAGE is to address gospel and missional critical issues and challenge our thinking related to pastoral ministry, leadership and the purpose of our churches.
The Goal of ENGAGE is to continue to become gospel-centered, grace driven, biblically anchored churches passionately committed to fulfill the mission of Christ.
WATCH FOR YOUR ZOOM INVITE!
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Outstanding . . . Unsatisfactory |
"I have struggled with criticism in my ministry years. For quite some time I felt unsolicited advice was NEGATIVE CRITICISM. Often I would react in less than a mature fashion—at least in my heart. So what does Scripture have to say concerning evaluation and “suggestions”? . . .
"So, arming myself with this concept, I went on a journey to discover means to allow folks to speak into my life without becoming ruffled." Read More
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Pastor Eldon Carlson
CBNC Networking Director
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Don't Worry Be HappyxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxNo.14
"Do you remember the song, “Don’t Worry Be Happy” sung by Bobby McFerrin? In the song he sings, “In every life we have some trouble, but when we worry you make it double.” That seems consistent to Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Read More
Pastor Gerad Hall
Quad Cities Church Planter
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How Has Covid Affected You? . . . Being Real
I hope you'll read these articles from some of our region's pastors. Just a very real look at what has been going on during this challenging time.
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Checking in from Indiana. . .
Hello Everyone, from Indiana –
we are the ONLY CB church in the state of Indiana, so this is a very nice opportunity to introduce myself and our church family to our CB church association. I have pastored off and on at New Providence in rural Indiana in a full time or bi-vocational capacity since 2004. I have served there for the last eight years as the Senior Pastor.
I was glad when Wendy reached out and asked if I would consider contributing to this newsletter. This time has been challenging in ways we could never have foreseen, and I know that those similar challenges are being faced by many reading this right now. It seems like talking about this is not only therapeutic but mutually encouraging to know we are not alone in this war with COVID-19 and how the Enemy would leverage it to discourage, divide, and destroy. Wendy provided some writing prompts to me to initiate the conversation, but I’ll actually use them as the template for this article as a kind of interview format.
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Q. What was your initial reaction when your church had to temporarily close? Read More
Pastor Brice LeBlanc
New Providence Baptist Church
Greencastle, IN
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Checking in from Ohio. . .
When 2020 dawned I bet you had a lot of plans and ideas on how this year would go, both personally and for your church. Yeah, me too. Funny how God uses a pandemic to change our plans. But we’re here. If I haven’t lost you yet, and you’re willing to keep reading a little further, I believe you’ll be encouraged and refreshed! So, come along for a minute. Silence your phone. Inhale. Exhale. Let’s go! Read More
Pastor Joe Pryor
Northampton Bible Church, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
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Checking in from Wisconsin. . . |
I had never heard of Wuhan, China. Nobody had heard of Covid-19. Who knew that it would travel around the world and into our communities with such deadly consequences?
At first, I didn’t think we would have to shut down churches. Then I didn’t think the shutdown would last so long. Our big event had to be rescheduled for April 2021. Who knew we would have to cancel our Celtic Celebration at Crossroads on April 26, complete with Irish musicians and dancers and my Irish pastor friend from Carrickmacross?
Pastor Wade Duroe
Crossroads Church, Chippewa Falls, WI
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Checking in from Minnesota. . .
Has a Bible verse ever made you flinch? How about when someone starts quoting Romans 8:28, “...we know that God causes all things to work together for good...” Now please don’t cancel me yet! It just seems that we always bring this verse out, after something has gone decidedly wrong. “My house burned down last night...” “Well you know that God causes all things to work together...”
Thank you Job’s good friend! (It can leave me wanting to quote Job 13:5. The CSV is the best!) Read More
Pastor Matt Stacey
First Baptist Church, Long Prairie, MN
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PLAID PONDERINGS: PerspectiveXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXNo. 13
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". . . When we are in the midst of the trials and challenges of this life, they seem so big, so great. It seems that there are mountains in front of us that will never be moved. We see the storms and waves in the ocean around us, and it seems simply a matter of time before we are overwhelmed. We wonder how God could ever use our circumstances to accomplish something good. ”
Sincerely,
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A Plaid Pastor
-by Pastor Josh Emmel, Faith Baptist Church, Kenmare, ND
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Deployed Chaplain Encourages Local Missionary-Pastor in War-torn Balkans |
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Dear Friends,
Greetings! I hope this finds you well and standing on the promises of God day by day. COVID cases among the Kosovo population are going down so that is a good sign. However, we continue to have positive tests among our multinational partners. Despite continuing restrictions, I was able to venture out into the community last week. Read More
-by Chaplain Jason Dong, Oregon Army National Guard, Kosovo
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Rev. Randy L. Brandt
Chaplain, Colonel, USA Ret.
Director of Chaplaincy, CBAmerica
CBAmerica.org
Cell: 913-904-8746 (Mtn)
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SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT. . . |
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Pastor, Your Church Needs You to Take a Vacation
"God does not take naps, but you might need one. Far too many pastors do not get a proper cycle of rest. In the fourth commandment, God set up a pattern of work and rest."
-by Sam Rainer, Churchanswers.com
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2020 Employee FICA Tax Deferral Guidance Issued
"The IRS provided limited additional guidance on President Trump's executive order to defer the employee's portion of Social Security taxes. Read Attorney Chip Watkins' (Webster, Chamberlain & Bean, LLP) thorough analysis of this guidance." Read More
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10 Reasons to Use the Telephone Rather than An Email in Ministry
"I appreciate email, especially because I can communicate with people around the world at the touch of the “send” button. So, I’m not arguing against using email. I’m arguing that there are still good reasons to use the telephone when doing ministry. Here’s why:" Read More
-by Sam Rainer, Churchanswers.com
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PLEASE PRAY for the Following CHURCHES IN TRANSITION
First Baptist Church - Colfax, IA
First Baptist Church - Detroit Lakes, MN
Faith Fellowship Church - Cincinnati, OH
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CB NORTH CENTRAL CLUSTER GROUPS |
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Central Minnesota
Monday, September 21, 10am
Meeting at River of Life Church
Steve Schoenwald
River of Life Church, Hastings, MN
Southern Minnesota
Tuesday, September 22, 10am
Virtual Meeting
Walt Moser, First Baptist Church, Luverne, MN
Eldon Carlson, CBNC Networking Director
Northern Minnesota/North Dakota
Wednesday, October 7, 10am
Virtual Meeting
Eldon Carlson, CBNC Networking Director
Wisconsin
Friday and Saturday, September 25-26 MAD (Make A Difference) Retreat
Arrowhead Bible Camp, New Auburn, WI
Thursday, October 15, 11:00am
Virtual Meeting
Eldon Carlson, CBNC Networking Director
Wade Duroe, Crossroads Church, Chippewa Falls, WI
Central Illinois
TBA
Eldon Carlson, CBNC Networking Director
Chicago Land
TBA
Eldon Carlson, CBNC Networking Director
Iowa
Monday, September 21, 9am
Via Zoom
Jay Jentink, Calvary Baptist Church, Cedar Rapids, IA
Michigan
Wednesday, October 14, 11:00am
Via Zoom
Eldon Carlson, CBNC Networking Director
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NEED DIRECTION, NEED A RESOURCE???
Check out some of the services of CB North Central here. Other items can be found by visiting our website or contacting Brad Little, Interim Regional Director.
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Natural Church Development
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CB North Central
PO Box 490441, Blaine, MN 55449
Dr. Brad Little
CB North Central Interim Regional Executive Director
763-350-4263
Eldon Carlson
CB North Central Networking Director
715-559-1979
Wendy Jonasen
Administrative Assistant
763-205-9330
Administrative Office Hours:
Tues. thru Fri. 8am - 1pm
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