Father's Day is Coming, Enjoy the Day!

THE CENTRAL CONNECTION

June 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

Hermeneutics: Principles by Concept or Context

Principles are the heartbeat of understanding truth forged in the crucible of cultures long ago to discover their relevance and significance for our own context. They help us understand Jesus’ profound statement of Matthew 4:3, “Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” We discover God’s truth transcends culture and continues to be relevant for time and eternity. But in spite of how powerful principles are there is also a danger. I have seen people extract principles from a truth and leverage it like a weapon to justify any idea that the exegete thinks supports any exegetical truth that needs support. Read More

Pastor Brad Little, Regional Executive Director

Venture Church Network Midwest (CBNC)

Tuesday, June 22, 9:00am (CST)

with an alternative repeat session

Wednesday, June 23, 3:00pm (CST)

WATCH FOR YOUR ZOOM INVITE COMING SOON!

ENGAGE: The Importance of Relational Ministry

Presenter: Eldon Carlson

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.

Eldon Is Retiring

"How does one say good bye? After 42 years of ministry and 3 years working with VCNMidwest I have decided to hang up the cell phone; find a cookie and drink a cup of coffee."

Pastor Eldon Carlson

VCN Midwest (CBNC) Networking Director

"How does one say good bye?" We say good bye to Eldon by saying Thank you. Eldon has been a pillar of relational ministry for our Region. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty to care for our pastors and our churches. He is a treasury of insight and wisdom in serving others and honoring Christ. His input has been invaluable in all the transitions we have had over the past couple of years. His service in the CB movement is a legacy that needs no explanation. As he retires he leaves a wonderful legacy of faith and relationships. His impact has been amazing. Read More and Enjoy Some Photos

‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25:21

AROUND THE REGION. . .

Welcome Pastor Troy & Jennifer Stogsdill! Troy is the new pastor for First Baptist Church in New Philadelphia, OH. Please support them with your prayers during this time of transition as they get to know the church and their new community.

First Baptist Church of Minneapolis, MN

is now River City Church!

"The idea of changing our name as a church is not a new one. Over the last 35 years, every vision team and senior pastor of First Baptist has recommended that we change our name. The elders feel now is the time to finish this decades long consideration and believe it’s most helpful for us to accomplish our mission."

To read more about the name selection process click here.

Plaid Ponderings: Wading into Troubled Waters

"CRT (Critical Race Theory) has been regularly making headlines. Some states are passing legislation to include it in their high school curriculums. Some government agencies have been including CRT training for their staff. Businesses are some of the most vocal advocates of this theory, and many are requiring trainings based around CRT. What is CRT exactly? Is this something that Christians should support? If not, how should Christians respond? " Read More

3 Budget Shifts to Improve your Stewardship

I want to be your financial coach and cheer from the sideline that you can face this stewardship problem! It’s valuable to make three shifts in your budget thinking.

Your budget: it’s mathematical, it’s relational, it requires work.

Pastor Rob Buhl, First Baptist Church, Whitehall, WI

A Collaboration

The Christian walk was never meant to be walked alone. This is also true about ministry. Being a Youth Pastor or Youth Volunteer is an amazing call God has given us. However, amongst all the excitement of seeing a youth come to Christ or step up and to be a leader among their peers, there comes many situations, conversations, and emotions that can make a glorious calling seem like a task we begrudgingly fulfill. Coming into the Venture Church Network, I knew I needed to surround myself with other Youth Pastors to encourage, sharpen, and disciple me. This is what birthed the start of the Venture Church Network Midwest Youth Pastor Collaboration. Read More

Chuck Babbitt

Youth Pastor for Bloomer Baptist Church, Bloomer, WI

Venture Church Network (CBAmerica) Chaplaincy

Season of Uncertainty and Trouble: Chaplain shares message of hope with listening ears

"A man has joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!" (Proverbs 15:23)

"It has been a tremendous blessing to proclaim the excellency of the LORD in this “season” of uncertainty and trouble. The Proverb listed above talks about the joy believers experience by sharing an appropriate answer or word that is suited for just the right time (“in due season”)." Read More

-by John Hatfield, Chaplain, Rhode Island National Guard

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

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT. . .

Why Church Staff Should Worship Together During the Week

Every Tuesday morning the West Bradenton staff gathers for a short time of worship before we begin our meetings. There is nothing elaborate about Tuesday worship. We follow a simple structure each week. . .

Read More -by Sam Rainer, Churchanswers.com

7 Top Christian Movies to Watch and Discuss With Teens

During the past few years, Christian movies have been exploding onto the big screen. Many people cite Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ as a catalyst, but whatever the reason, plenty of faith-themed films have hit theaters recently. Read More

-by Ange King, Churchleaders.com

Five Ways Designated Giving Can Get Your Church in Trouble

Designated giving can be an incredible blessing for your church. It allows, for example, church members to give to such areas of passion as missions or facilities. But far too many churches are handling designated giving in ways that can get them in trouble. That trouble can range from morale problems among members and staff to losing your non-profit status with the Internal Revenue Service. Read More

-by Thom Rainer, Churchanswers.com