By Benton Heisler, West Michigan Conference Director of Connectional Ministries
It is early February as you read this column and the other articles in this edition of the Michigan Area Reporter.
The marketplace is flooded with pleas to eat, wear, give, go, tell in a card —all as expressions of love.
Valentines Day invites us to be certain to demonstrate in every way possible our love toward those most dear to us.
John Maxwell in his book, The 21 Laws of Leadership, lists ‘The law of Legacy’ as number 21.
I once heard him teach about these “laws” and their biblical examples and he emphasized that Jesus was the greatest example of this law.
The Church is the steward/trustee of this legacy of love.
Jesus commissioned us in Matthew 28 to fulfill this legacy when he said: “Go and make disciples in my name…”
It meant, “Go and teach of how God’s love is for all God’s people…all the world.”
“Go and tell them their sin is forgiven.”
“Go and demonstrate this love in your actions to feed, clothe, visit, cast out demons, work for justice and heal relationships.”
At their sessions this spring the West Michigan and Detroit Conferences will focus on ways to implement this legacy of love as we continue to discover ways to be in ministry with the poor.
Leadership in both conferences is also collaborating on a pilot initiative designed to help our congregations be more vital, healthy, and fruitful. We believe this initiative has the potential to foster important transformation in patterns of growth and effectiveness.
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| Benton Heisler |
The marketplace is flooded with pleas to eat, wear, give, go, tell in a card —all as expressions of love.
Valentines Day invites us to be certain to demonstrate in every way possible our love toward those most dear to us.
John Maxwell in his book, The 21 Laws of Leadership, lists ‘The law of Legacy’ as number 21.
I once heard him teach about these “laws” and their biblical examples and he emphasized that Jesus was the greatest example of this law.
The Church is the steward/trustee of this legacy of love.
Jesus commissioned us in Matthew 28 to fulfill this legacy when he said: “Go and make disciples in my name…”
It meant, “Go and teach of how God’s love is for all God’s people…all the world.”
“Go and tell them their sin is forgiven.”
“Go and demonstrate this love in your actions to feed, clothe, visit, cast out demons, work for justice and heal relationships.”
At their sessions this spring the West Michigan and Detroit Conferences will focus on ways to implement this legacy of love as we continue to discover ways to be in ministry with the poor.
Leadership in both conferences is also collaborating on a pilot initiative designed to help our congregations be more vital, healthy, and fruitful. We believe this initiative has the potential to foster important transformation in patterns of growth and effectiveness.
