Let's Be Salt and Light

THE CENTRAL CONNECTION

January 2021

"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."

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

FROM THE DIRECTOR:

Disciplemaking Without Programs:

A Theological Framework for Developing Leaders

"What is your framework for developing leaders? How do we combine the idea of discipleship into leadership development? Some would see these as two very different things. Leaders need to be strategic thinkers, those who are good at prototyping new ideas, implementing them and strongly manage the process. Disciplemakers are those who simply invest in people to help them grow in Jesus. Both elements are helpful in any community, but since Jesus’ command was to make disciples, it is important that the two do not get running in different directions." Read More

Pastor Brad Little, Regional Executive Director

Venture Church Network Midwest/CBNC

Tuesday, January 26, 9:00am (CST)

with an alternative repeat session

Wednesday, January 27, 3:00pm (CST)

ENGAGE Topic – The Invisible Killer of Church Health and Mission

Sometimes we struggle to figure out why we can’t get movement with our leaders and in our churches towards greater church health and especially toward mission. We have all had to deal with it but it is a tedious problem because it is hard to put our finger on the problem. We want to give you a couple of tools to use to help get greater clarity to the invisible barrier that strangles keeping up with the mission of Christ.

Catalyst: Dr. Brad Little, Regional Director of CBNC/Venture Church Network Midwest

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 COMING SOON!

Our Hope is in Christ Alone

"Could it be possible that our God is “allowing/bringing” the present crises in our churches so that we lean on Jesus instead of our good looks, powerful oratory, magnificent administration or anything else?" Read More

Pastor Eldon Carlson

VCN Midwest/CBNC Networking Director

AROUND THE REGION. . .

POSITION AVAILABLE: Youth/Worship Pastor-Full Time

5920 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55422

The youth / worship pastor is responsible for the ministries, programs and activities related to worship and youth ministry. Youth ministry includes both Junior and Senior High groups. Worship includes all aspects of worship including singers, musicians, technical volunteers and livestream. This role will also be responsible to work with the Lead Pastor for all service and special service including holiday services, funerals and weddings.

For more information click here.

Let's Be Salt and LightxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxNo. 17

"Like many of you, part of my responsibility as a pastor is to officiate funerals. Often times, during the graveside memorial service, I will share from Psalm 90. The first psalm of Book IV is sobering as we consider the Lord’s eternality in contrast with our brevity of life. The plea of Moses is that we may gain a heart of wisdom, learn to number our days and that He would establish the work of our hands.

"Moses lived and led in uncertain times. However, his confidence was in the certainty of Yahweh who had made Himself known to Moses throughout his last 80 years of life." Read More

Pastor Gerad Hall

The Branch Fellowship Moline, IL

Venture Church Network (CBAmerica) Chaplaincy

Veterans Day Ministry:

Retired/Redeployed Chaplains Wear the Uniform with Pride

Andy Meverden

"One of my continuing duties as Associate Director of Chaplaincy is to scan chaplain reports and correspondence for stories to post on our webpage. Serving a network of humble and busy chaplains, it’s often a challenge to get them to tell their faithful, fruitful and often amazing stories, especially with illustrative photos. The following two emails recently appeared in our inbox ready to share:" Read More

-by Andy Meverden with updates from Chaplains, Colonel (Retired) Bob Hicks & Wylie Johnson

Rev. Randy L. Brandt

Chaplain, Colonel, USA Ret.

Director of Chaplaincy,

Venture Church Network

CBAmerica.org

chapbrandt@cbamerica.org

Cell: 913-904-8746 (Mtn)

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT. . .

In this time of unrest and disunity please keep our pastors, churches, government leaders and our Nation in your prayers. It is pretty difficult to find articles that are not political in nature to share with you, but here are a couple.

Wendy Jonasen, Admin. Asst.

An Example of a Covenant Between Pastor and Church

"Not every church has a covenant, and many that do will define a covenant differently. Other churches might have a concept of membership but not have a covenant. The purpose of this article is not to stir up a theological debate but rather provide an example of a covenant between pastor and church. "

Read More -by Sam Rainer, Churchanswers.com

When 'Trust God' Isn't Enough: Childhood Anxiety

"A flag went up in my head when I first noticed the anxious behavior of my two year old son. My husband and I prayed regularly with him concerning his fear and anxiety and taught him appropriate biblical truths and verses. But as time went on, I began to feel at a loss as a parent in the face of his anxious behavior." Read More

-by Liz Wann, Churchleaders.com