Only God Can . . .

THE CENTRAL CONNECTION

April 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:

The Equality Act: Implications for Churches

One of the concerns in our culture is the Equality Act that surfaced back in 2019. In a recent Zoom conference with Erik Stanley, a Christian lawyer from AZ, he shared some critical areas that we need to be aware of related to changes in our culture.

The Equality Act is designed to amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodation, education, federally funded programs, credit and jury service. While it may be unlikely it will pass all the legal hoops and become law, it opens the door for inevitable changes that will impact all walks of life. For churches there is the looming reality that governmental laws will begin to force non-profits, para-church and churches to conform to these changes or face punitive consequences. The question, what do we do to protect ourselves? At the recent Zoom conference, Erik Stanley shared with pastors and regional directors two areas that need attention to help insulate our vulnerabilities from these cultural changes.

Pastor Brad Little, Regional Executive Director

Venture Church Network Midwest (CBNC)

ENGAGE is cancelled for the month of April,

but will resume in May.

Watch for more information.

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

Only God Can . . .

"Jesus once said, “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart…” John 16:33 (ESV). We are living in an age of playing the “victim”. Even a prince these days rehearses the “somebody is picking on me” card. It is probably an outgrowth of the emphasis from the last few years of addressing bullying and cyber bullying. It is amazing how cruel people can be in an anonymous “Tweet”. I do not want to diminish the pain that bullying can incur. However, there is another side to the bullying issue. How can the butt end of bullying respond?" Read More

Only God can turn

A MESS into a message;

A TEST into a testimony;

A TRIAL into a triumph;

A VICTIM into a victory.

Pastor Eldon Carlson

VCN Midwest (CBNC) Networking Director

Henry C. Spicer Scholarship

Deadline EXTENDED!

Apply by April 21st

for an opportunity to receive a college scholarship.

Do you know a high school senior graduating this spring?

You can help by passing on this valuable information.

Again this year Venture Church Network Midwest (CBNC) will be awarding the Henry C. Spicer Scholarship to a graduating high school senior planning to further their education this fall. Previous scholarships have ranged from $300 to $1,000.

The scholarship from the Henry C. Spicer Scholarship Fund is available to all qualifying high school seniors. To qualify, an applicant must be a 2021 high school graduate planning to attend college this fall. The applicant must be a committed Christian and a regular attender of a VCN Midwest (CBNC) affiliated church.

Applications are due by April 21, 2021.

Application Available HERE!

AROUND THE REGION. . .

Interns at First - Now Hiring

First Baptist Church exists to see weary lives renewed through relationship with Jesus in the Twin Cities and beyond. Located in downtown Minneapolis for over 165 years, we are committed to seeing the gospel take root in the lives of our people and city.

Our cohort of interns will participate in a Leadership Development Cohort at First Baptist Church. This internship is designed to disciple, equip, and provide ministry experience. We provide an excellent training opportunity, as we do excellent work together. The internship will be comprised of both paid and unpaid interns and will run for the duration of the 2021-22 academic year, beginning August 22, 2021. For more information go to First's website and also click on the button below.

2021-2022 INTERN COHORT Click Here

POSITION AVAILABLE

We are asking God for a passionate and motivated person to multiply disciples with our Lakeside family. He /She will regularly lead and oversee our teen/family ministry and assist with our musical worship as we celebrate life together. This position is part time to full time (30-45) hours per week depending on the needs of the candidate. For more information click on the job description below and check out our website at www.lakesideworthington.org. If you chose to apply please fill out the questionnaire and send us a cover letter and resume to moorelakeside@gmail.com.

Worthington, MN

Position Details Click Here

Venture Church Network (CBAmerica) Chaplaincy

Chaplain's New Book, The Jezebel Syndrome

"A primary objective of mine since arriving at Navy Consolidated Brig (NAVCONBRIG) Miramar twenty-six months ago, was to provide the prisoners and staff with quality ministry, while simultaneously supplying ministry resources that will be available to prisoners long after my move (PCS) from the Navy’s largest military prison. NAVCONBRIG Miramar, is one of the few prisons within the Dept. Of Defense boasting both male and female prisoners. Though the male prison population dwarfs that of the females, a high percentage of female prisoners take advantage of our Command Religious Program." Read More -by Chaplain Daniel Klender

Rev. Randy L. Brandt

Chaplain, Colonel, USA Ret.

Director of Chaplaincy, Venture Church Network

venturechurches.org/chaplaincy

r.brandt@venturechurchnetwork.org

Cell: 913-904-8746 (CST)

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT. . .

VCNMidwest affiliated churches can get a

FREE Demographic Report

by contacting the VCNMidwest office at wendyj@vcnmidwest.org.

Do You Really Know the Community Around Your Church? Four Often-Missed Demographics

"Your church address is not an accident. God sovereignly placed your church in its location to reach the people around you. Do you know them? Jesus’ Great Commandment (Matthew 22:34-40) gives clear instructions: Love your neighbor. Knowing your neighbor is the first step to loving your neighbor. "Read More

-by Sam Rainer, Churchanswers.com

Four Positive Signs We Are on the Cusp of a Church Revitalization Movement

"I believe we are on the cusp of a church revitalization movement. The signs are there. Will churches follow them?" Read More

-by Sam Rainer, Churchanswers.com

15 Things Richard Hammar Wants Pastors to Know

Church Insurance

"Some insurance is essential, and should be obtained by every church. Other kinds of insurance coverage are desirable, meaning that they are not absolutely necessary but may be highly desirable depending upon a church's circumstances." Read More about Richard Hammar's suggestions for church insurance.

-by Richard Hammar, Attorney, CPA; Churchlawandtax.com