Faith Break

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How do we grow? Rev. Sharon Ragland, Central-East District Superintendent

01.30.2008

Friends,

With regular church conferences and apportionment payments for 2007 behind us, I've been reflecting on the major concerns I've heard from pastors and church leaders over these last few months. "How do we grow?" and "How do we have the resources - people, money, time - to do what God is calling us to do?", "How do we encourage people to be truly involved and committed?" I hear people ask. Reflected in those questions are two major concerns - reaching people and helping them become disciples of Jesus Christ, and having the means to do that.

Sharon Ragland

Discovering how to reach people with the good news of God's love, and how to have the resources to do that, can sometimes be learned by going to events, workshops, seminars and classes, and by reading books. Those are vital tools for learning skills and may inspire and motivate us.

I believe, though, that truly having the heart to reach people, discovering God's direction for our lives and our churches, and surfacing the resources needed, comes from our own deeply committed lives of faith. As pastors and church leaders, do we feel spiritually strong, and are we constantly aware of God's presence? Do pastors and church leaders pray, worship, and study together so that they lead from the same place?

Because these questions are on my mind, for myself and for you, I'd like to invite and encourage you to come to "Soul Fiesta", February 28-March 1. While it is an event, it promises to be much more. I believe Soul Fiesta will help ground us spiritually for the work God has set before us, and will help revitalize our church and ourselves as spiritual leaders. Soul Fiesta will set a full table for us - of speakers, worship, celebration, workshops, prayer spaces. Visit www.desertsouthwestconference.org for more information,
or call our office.

I'm asking every pastor in our District to come to Soul Fiesta and to bring at least 5 people from your church. If funds are an issue, please contact our office and we will help you come to Soul Fiesta. I believe this time of being set apart will help us focus on our spiritual lives as leaders of Christ's church. May God's blessings be poured out upon you in this new year.

Sharon

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