Missionary Messenger Summer 2013 by Communications Ministry Team

MISSION A R Y MESSENGER S

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"STEP OUT - UNWRAPPED” by George R. Estes

ere’s your special Step Out edition of The Missionary Messenger featuring the evangelism movement approved by the General Assembly as a priority emphasis for the Church in this decade. The Missions Ministry Team staff debated about how best to provide a practical, “consumable” and ongoing resource for congregations, evangelism teams, pastors and lay leaders. Some argued for “Step Out in a box,” a one-size fits all program for each church. Except we knew that one size doesn’t really fit all. Another idea was a three-ring binder which could be added to as more resources are developed over these next few years. That was nixed because most church leaders already have too many binders, and one more might simply gather dust on the shelf. There was conversation about the need to have everything available online via the Ministry Council and Missions Team website, and the fact that print resources are by no means the only or even best way folks access information today. What about video, music, social networking? Oh, you should have been in those meetings! Well, maybe not. Anyway, since we couldn’t really come to a firm agreement on all of this, we

opted for a dedicated issue of The Missionary Messenger this year, sort of a “part one,” but something which is intentionally regarded as open-ended, suggestive and welcoming of new ideas and resources developed or used at the local level. Maybe you can start your own binder or box with this! So in this issue you have a potpourri of evangelism articles from a variety of contributors. There’s human interest, inspiration, innovation and (we hope) information that will spur you and your church to test anew the evangelism waters in your own community. A primary focus for Step Out is the urgency of re-defining our identity as a denomination composed of folks who consistently, persistently – not to say insistently -- share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those who as yet do not know him as Lord and Savior. Yes, it’s always been part of our Church’s DNA, but for too long it has been a largely latent trait! Regard this, then, as an invitation to participate in the Step Out dialog by alerting us and others in our Church to the activities, programs, methods that you have found effective (or not!) for evangelism and outreach in your own setting. T.J. Malinoski and the rest of the Missions staff are eager to hear and share your ideas for the equipping of our Church in response to the Lord’s Great Commission to make disciples among all peoples. M M

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special edition COVERS: STEP OUT-UNWRAPPED POSTER

EDITORIAL: "STEP OUT-UNWRAPPED"

PRAYER NETWORK

STEP OUT THROUGH

UNBINDING THE GOSPEL

BRIDGE BUILDERS

CHURCH PLANTING

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VISIT US ON THE WEB ministrycouncil.cumberland.org /currentissue

To read the previous issues of The Missionar y Messenger visit us at:

ministr ycouncil.cumberland.org /mmarchives MISSIONARIES BIOS

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Global Cross Culture Missions ¤ Lynndon (Lynn) Thomas email: Lynndont@gmail.com ¤ Phone:(205) 601-5770 ¤ www.ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/prep18

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"STEP OUT - GOALS"

by T.J. Malinoski, MMT Staff Member

How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News!”

he purpose of Step Out is for Cumberland Presbyterians to intentionally share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others by word and action. Step Out is engaging others in conversation about faith, values, hope, meaning, purpose, life after death, life before death and God. Step Out is also about showing people Jesus Christ, by our example, in how we live, play and work. We sometimes need help and encouragement when it comes to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Step Out for Cumberland Presbyterians gives us achievable goals for our congregation, presbytery and denomination. Local Church: Have a prayer network in your church. Small groups within the church can be organized to ask God for a glimpse of God’s vision for your church for the next five to ten years. Pray for your church, community, presbytery and denomination to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Establish an accountability group in your church. This group will encourage members of the congregation to commit to sharing the gospel throughout the week. It will challenge us to talk about our faith with another person and to show people by our actions that we are Christ followers. Set a goal of evangelism growth of 10% per year based upon your church’s active membership. Make a commitment to invite persons to your church. Enlarge the circle of people that you know. Briefly tell others about one good thing that is happening in your church right now. Do evangelism by ministries beyond your church, for example, mission service projects, get involved in after school programs, community events, human service agencies; both local and global.

Every church support a missionary and/ or missionaries. Make a budget line item to support CP missionaries who must raise their own support. Identify, develop and encourage lay leadership within your church who exhibit the gifts of evangelism. This leadership can help guide the local congregation, assist with new church development projects and in challenging church contexts. Hold training events for church members on faith-sharing. This will help equip and encourage members when it comes to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Presbyteries: · Host regional training events that focus on evangelism and new church development. · Sound the call to Cumberland Presbyterian youth for vocational ministry in the areas of new church development, missions, evangelism, and pastoral ministry. · Host a presbyterial youth event to challenge youth to consider the ministry in new church development, missions, evangelism, and pastoral ministry. · Financially support our Cumberland Presbyterian mission work. · Plant 10% of the present number of churches in each presbytery over ten years. · Plant Cumberland Presbyterian Churches where there is not a Cumberland Presbyterian presence – presbyterial boundaries should not be regarded as a limiting factor. · Conduct fund drives to help support new church development projects. · Name a task force to work with all new church development projects in the presbytery. M M

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MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM Cumberland Presby terian Church

8207 Traditional Place Cordova, TN 38016-7414 phone 901.276.4572 fax 901.276.4578 ministry council.cumberland.org/mmt

ART DIRECTOR Sowgand Sheikholeslami: ext. 211 EDITORS George R. Estes: ext. 234 Pam Phillips-Burk: ext. 262 Lynn Thomas: ext. 261 T.J. Malinoski: ext. 232 Jinger Ellis: ext. 230

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So your prayer ministry in the church – and personally as a dedicated disciple -- is an essential part of the Step Out movement. Here are some ideas for your prayer ministry:

STEP OUT - PRAYER NETWORK Does your congregation have a prayer chain or intercessory prayer ministry? Do you have a prayer partner or two? If so, you have a head start on one of the primary goals of Step Out! That’s right, it’s about prayer. The heartbeat of genuine evangelism is prayer. It has been so from the earliest days of the Christian movement. Remember that first Pentecost? The disciples were praying together when the Holy Spirit came on them in a mighty way. Then the apostle Peter proclaimed the Good News of Jesus and “those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” [Acts 2:41] It was after prayer and the laying on of hands, too, that Paul and Barnabas set off on their first missionary journey. [Acts 13:3] The Great Revival of 1800 from which our denomination sprang began as a prayer movement in the humble homes along what then was the western frontier of the US. A strong case could be made that the revival began, not in 1800, but in 1796-7 when Rev. James McGready and others in the Kentucky territory, called the people to prayer. McDonnold’s History of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church notes: “In September 1798, McGready held his sacramental meeting at Muddy River [Church]. God’s power was there also. All over the field to which McGready ministered the home work became general. Surpassing anything of the sort in all history was this revival without preaching, without public meetings, without any high pressure methods.” [page 11] A record of the schedule of the typical “camp-meeting” of the years after the formation of our Church indicated that the first day of the meeting was devoted to prayer and fasting – as distinct from the preaching services that were to follow. In fact, every reform movement of the church through the ages has been bathed in prayer. Step Out is an empty vessel until it is filled to overflowing with prayer.

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Network - Join together with others in your church and around the denomination in prayer covenant. Set a time to pray together, either in the same place or connected by phone or video conference such as Skype. Accountability is key. Regard this time as on the same level as a business, doctor or family appointment. What might God do among us if we did commit to this? Focus - This isn’t the time for the typical prayer list needs. (These intercessions are important, too, but this is different.) Be intentional about evangelism as your focus. Pray initially for yourself and your church as you strive to be more faithful and effective in faith-sharing. Pray for individuals with whom you and your group are attempting to develop caring relationships that will open doors for timely and sensitive conversations centered on the gospel. And pray especially that the Holy Spirit will place you in situations where the gospel can be demonstrated and declared in your own way. Report - Let others know you’re doing this and tell how God is at work through you. Share your story with the Missions Ministry Team and we’ll let others know. M M

STEP OUT - BRIDGE BUILDERS by Jim Barry, Elected Member of MMT Pastor, Falling Water CPC

We are Bridge Builders at Falling Water CP Church in Hixson, Tennessee. We challenge ourselves to be a church that deeply cares about people who need to believe in Christ. We demonstrate Christ’s love in many practical ways as we build relationships with those outside the church. What we are doing works—we have more than doubled our active membership in four years.

HERE IS A LIST OF THE DIVERSE MINISTRIES WE HAVE DEVELOPED: 1. A prayer team: We ask God to send us people we can minister to and we ask him to send us people who can help us in ministry. 2. A very visible playground: This is our best advertisement. It makes an important statement that children are vital and valued at Falling Water. We also use it as a landmark to provide directions to someone looking for the church. 3. Social services: We provide extensive assistance including rent, utilities, health care and household expenses. 4. Food pantry: We do not simply distribute food. We deliver food and make follow up visits. 5. Kingdom Kids and Vacation Bible School: During the school year, our children’s ministry provides a meal, music, fun, and spiritual growth for children ages 4-14. Vacation Bible School includes activities for preschoolers and elementary school age children; older kids are included as helpers. 6. Senior Citizen ministry: Falling Water Meals on Wheels and Assisted Living

ministries provide comfort and services to those who are often forgotten. We sing, laugh, and share conversations with the residents of an assisted living facility twice a month. 7. Men’s Ministry: At Falling Water we recognize that men have unique spiritual needs which are often overlooked. Men who did not grow up in a church pew are welcome and encouraged to attend. 8. A Neighborhood Visitation Ministry: How can we love our neighbors if we do not know them? 9. Missionary Support: Our congregation recently purchased an auto for missionaries David and Sarah Lee and provided pledge cards and monthly reminders for prayer and financial support for MM/7

Glenn Watts. 10. Fall and Spring festivals: Festivals are a great way to meet new folks who do not attend a church. They demonstrate that the church is alive and knows how to have fun.

WE SEE RESULTS: A small church can do big things. Not only has our membership grown significantly in four years, we have witnessed passion and commitment among our congregation that is contagious. We continue to seek ways to demonstrate Christ’s love. M M

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STEP OUT - Cumberland Presbyterian Missions Today by Lynn Thomas, MMT Staff Member

t the start of 2013 there were 26 CP endorsed missionaries. The CP Church has missionaries, CP churches or presbyteries in 16 different countries around the world. Those countries are: Brazil, Colombia, China, France, Hong Kong, Guatemala, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, South Korea, Uganda, and the USA. The Missions Ministry Team has named Central America as our newest mission focus. The goal is to deploy CP missionaries into Central America in the coming years and plant CP churches and CP institutions that share the love of Christ. At the same time the Missions Ministry Team remains committed to our current mission efforts and is open to other mission opportunities around the world. Our mission work requires hundreds of thousands of dollars each year and has a capital value of millions of US dollars. The funds designated as mission and missionary donations are used for missionary support, as well as helping CPs develop institutions and programs that serve those in need. CPs around the world build and operate schools, clinics, feeding centers for the poor, senior citizen care, leadership training programs, church plants, as well as help churches with facility and property needs. There are over 60 organized CP churches outside the USA, and numerous mission points that are in development to become churches. Approximately 90% of the organized churches outside the USA own their facilities.

The mission program of the CP Church involves endorsing missionaries. An endorsed CP missionary is either a layperson or clergy that has met the criteria of the Missions Ministry Team to be a missionary and has a letter of endorsement signifying this. They are assisted by the Missions Ministry Team in making contact with CP churches to raise funds and in many cases the Missions Ministry Team is a contributor to their salary/benefits package. In all cases the Missions Ministry Team administers tax deductible contributions to our missionaries without administrative charge. Several of the CP missionaries work with partner interdenominational organizations. Most of our missionaries work with CP churches or CP institutions, helping plant churches or working in a school, clinic or other CP institution. The GA approved Step Out movement asks several things from the CP Church related to our mission work. ·

It asks that the local church make missionary support a line item in their annual budgets It asks presbyteries to adopt a mission field and provide program support for events on that mission field It asks the Missions Ministry Team to gather those exploring missions and help form them into a team for missionary service It asks the Missions Ministry Team to be proactive and open a new CP mission field It asks the denomination to raise a million dollars for missions and evangelism MM

THOSE INTERESTED IN BEING INVOLVED IN MISSIONS HAVE SEVERAL OPTIONS:

1. Be an advocate for our mission program, learning and informing others, advocating that churches support our missionaries and mission programs

2. Participate in a short-term mission trip(s)

3. Host missionary families when they visit in the USA, housing them, helping them setup church visits and providing transportation

4. Participate in Prep 1:8, a missionary recruitment program used to help people explore their call to missions, introducing opportunities of missionary service

5. Act as a liaison to a particular mission field or mission project, being an advocate and bridge for that field or project. MM

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STEP OUT - From MOP To Missions by Sherry Poteet, member Elmira Chapel, Longview, Texas, Elected Member of MMT

irst of all I don’t like the word “committee”. There, I said it!! Most people when you say the word “committee” they hear “I’m going to have to do a bunch of work no one else wants to do.” And that’s exactly how I was told that I would be chairing my first committee. “No one else will do it, and you’re the only one on the session,” so tag, you’re it! Now I chair the MOP committee. Well, when you speak about the MOP committee the first thing most people think of is kitchen detail, clean-up duty, or literally mopping floors. So I changed it...didn’t ask anybody, didn’t give it a second thought, just did it and boy was that liberating. What brought about this bold, new move in our aging little church...Step Out. After listening to TJ Malinoski at General Assembly and being frustrated with the same old “committee” mentality I wanted to do something to help the people realize that we are all missionaries. The body of the church is called to Step Out with service in our community and the group formerly known as “the committee” is responsible for organizing opportunities for our congregation to step out and serve. Everyone at Elmira Chapel is on the ECMT (Elmira Chapel Missions Team). No one is excluded, no one should feel inadequate. This new all-inclusive outlook does away with the need to be “invited” into the committee and embraces the notion everyone shares the responsibility of service. So with that in mind, I present to you... MOP has a new name, a new look, and a new outlook!

Welcome to ECMT (Elmira Chapel Missions Team) EVERYONE is a part of one body, the body of Christ!!!

As a part of the body of Christ we are all charged with sharing our gifts and blessings with the people of the world. Who are the members of the ECMT? YOU ARE! Please be aware of any needs that can be met and bring those needs to the attention of the ECMT leaders: Carol, Marvin, Re, Marty, Margie L., Barbara A., Jimmy, or Sherry. The ECMT leaders are busy organizing ways to help meet the needs of our church family, our community, and those around the world. I try to find common ground with everyone; doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. 1 Cor. 9:22-23 Below is a list of some of Elmira’s recent mission opportunities: · Discovery School playground clean-up (pull weeds, trim shrubs, etc.). · CPWM (Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry) share their recent experiences at Christ Outreach for the Blind. · LeTourneau Church Fair welcome incoming freshmen and share information about Elmira Chapel. Goodies as well as a display of EC mission experiences will be a part of the information available to students. · CP missionary to Hong Kong, Glenn Watts, visited First Cumberland PC to share his experiences in the mission field.

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Chex List for a Successful School Year - sharing scripture and a snack with the teachers of Spring Hill schools and Discovery School. This outreach project will be placed in the teacher's box as a way to welcome them back and start them off right. Longview Community Ministries support - A portion of proceeds for participating restaurants will go to help those in need right here in Longview. Participating restaurants include: Cowboy Chicken, T.Blanco’s, Dudley’s, McDonalds (Hwy 80/NW Lp 281/Loop & Gilmer), Newk’s, Café Barrons, Pietro’s Pizza, Bodacious (6th St), Cotton Patch, Johnny Cace’s, Pizza King, Papacita’s, and McAlister’s. Discovery School Meet the Teacher/Open House. ECMT leaders organizational meeting. Bring your enthusiasm and ideas to plan for opportunities to serve! Rusk State Hospital Birthday Party!!! Approx. 120 residents will be served Angel Food/Sugar Free cakes and given a small gift. This is a ministry that dates back to war times and is a vital part of the Elmira family. Mission Trip to Guatemala. June Bonds, Re Good, Marvin Terrell, Tommy Tiffin, and Sherry Poteet, as well as other CPs, will be serving with missionary Anay Ortega at the medical clinic outside of Guatemala City. It’s not too late to join in the fun! See Marvin or Sherry for the details. MM

...these are just some of the ways Elmira Chapel is STE PPI NG OUT!

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b y J a m e s W. L i v e l y, P a s t o r, G r e e n e v i l l e C P C h u r c h

he Greeneville Cumberland Presbyterian Church faces an issue not uncommon among other Cumberland Presbyterian churches: we struggle to talk about our faith with persons beyond the church walls. There are several reasons for this. We don’t want to come across as pushy like so many door to door evangelists we’ve encountered. We’re not sure we’re the right person to introduce the gospel, our own lack of knowledge and experience being what they are. Certainly we don’t want to risk some of our friendships. And some of us even may wonder if it’s respectful to bring up matters of faith outside of church, as if sharing the faith were equal to imposing our beliefs. Martha Grace Reese, author of the Unbinding the Gospel Series understands what gets in the way of genuine faith-sharing. Reese has spent years researching mainline congregations that are effective at evangelism. (If your congregation doesn’t consider itself mainline, the resource is still helpful.) She concludes that before any of us can evangelize, we are in desperate need of pre-evangelism. Our congregation bought enough of her logic to jump in. Pre-evangelism includes developing a disciplined and expansive prayer life, practicing faith-sharing in small groups and raising our awareness to those ways congregations are either welcoming or

hostile to newcomers. Her premise is that, with a growing life of prayer that continues to transform the life of the participant, we gain confidence in our ability to speak on God’s behalf and credibility with listeners. Small groups offer a safe, confidential format for sharing our real joys and struggles as disciples, and prepare us for similar encounters outside the church building. Educating ourselves about what people outside the church think and feel about the faith helps us relate to their needs and questions. I think she’s on target. The content of the series is helpful, but the process has been the key to moving us toward authentic faithsharing. Those who have participated in small groups have grown closer to one another. They are more inclined to see their church through the eyes of an outsider and they are maturing in their daily walk with God. Many of us still struggle to find ways to relate our faith to those disconnected from church life. We are only half way through the Unbinding process. This year is critical. Our ministry teams are currently seeking ways to invite those outside of the faith to join us. Not so hard for the youth ministry team, but a major struggle for the stewardship ministry! Later in the fall, we’ll organize small groups again. But this time, the groups will be composed of half church members and the persons they have invited who don’t

have a meaningful connection to the church. Say a prayer for us in this endeavor. I’m guessing that becoming more evangelical in the best sense of that term will take not just two years, but many years of faithful, steady attention. I’ve also become convinced that I play a key role as a pastor. While I’m certain that lay people have many more connections to people who need to hear the good news of Jesus, the congregation nonetheless needs to see me inviting others into the church’s life. Currently, I have a running list of people whose faith is unknown. I make it a point to pray for these folks, to ask for opportunities to meet them and to have the courage to bring up God or the church. I’m also considering ways to work away from the church where I can rub shoulders with a wider public. These changes can’t be one more layer of duties added onto a busy schedule. Necessarily, I will have to give up some work in order to pick up new work. But I’m willing because I now know being a chief inviter is essential. Where did I learn all this? You guessed it: from this process. I can’t say our church has experienced an avalanche of new growth. But, I can say we’ve moved in our thinking. I believe we want our congregation to be a gathering point where God connects with the scattered and transforms lives with grace. I certainly want to be a part of that. Pray, if you will, that it’s so. MM

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Step Out - Church Planting by Lynn Thomas, MMT Staff Member

he Step Out movement has a very ambitious goal related to church planting. It challenges each presbytery to attempt church plants during 10 years equal to 10% of the current churches in the presbytery. For example, a presbytery that has 30 churches would attempt 3 new church developments (NCD) over 10 years. This is ambitious! There is a big advantage to thinking multiple church plants instead of the normal one-at-a-time approach. It pushes a presbytery to do strategic long-term planning. It will also require creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, and new methods which can lead to new and realistic church planting models for the CP Church. How does a presbytery implement this goal? 1. Each churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s board of missions (or its equivalent) needs to spend some time thinking strategically:

Where do we need to plant new CP churches? Keep in mind the General Assembly stated that presbytery boundaries should not be an obstacle to new church development (NCD). Boundaries should not keep us from growing and expanding where we have opportunities. What resources do we have for church planting? This can be NCD funds from the presbytery, a grant from the Missions Ministry Team, property that is unused that can be sold, or new offerings promoted in the presbytery for NCD. The board of missions needs to consider various models: Traditional church plant where a target

area is selected and a full-time pastor is employed to plant a church in that area. In some cases a traditional model can be done with a bi-vocational pastor. A cross-culture church plant - develop a church among a particular immigrant group new to the USA. This can be an assimilation model of an independent group seeking affiliation or using a full-time or bi-vocational person as the church planter. Assimilation of a congregation that is willing to become CP and is free to affiliate with the CP Church. The General Assembly stated the assimilation model can be used for any situation, not just cross culture groups. A satellite ministry from an existing church - a group from an established CP church would start a worship service in a different location (maybe on Sunday night) and use that to develop a core group that could become a new church development. The point of any of these models, and others that might be explored is to use various models when considering multiple church plants. To be realistic the amount of human and financial resources determines what models are possible. Assimilation and satellites tends to be more cost effective than a traditional church plant, but a mix of all of these models can give a positive outcome. 2. Present a recommendation to presbytery for approval.

Make a general recommendation that establishes your long range goals, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

worry about specific details in the recommendation. Consider asking the presbytery to name a new church development task force that works with this strategic plan, developing the specifics of how to implement the new church developments, and setting target dates in which your plan hopes to accomplish different goals. Call representatives of the Missions Ministry Team that have experience in church planting, cross culture churches, and assimilation of churches for ideas and guidance. Explore and investigate the planting opportunities, select the targets and methods, and determine when the different new church developments can be initiated. 3. Initiate the new church development plan

It can take years to plant and organize a new church; anywhere from 4 to 7 years for a traditional church plant. An assimilation can take from 3 to 5 years to accomplish. Presbyteries are always excited when a new church development plan is initiated, but it does take patience and persistence to see a NCD through to its end. Always promote from the very start that the new church plant participates in the presbytery and denomination by participation in events and by giving. Future church plants depend on supportive congregations. Not all NCDs succeed. There always needs to be a clear understanding of what a failing NCD looks like before one is started, this allows the presbytery a way to evaluate the NCDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress and to conserve resources for future attempts. MM

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Step Out - Youth Activity by Cardelia Howell-Diamond, Former Associate Pastor, Manchester, TN, Elected Member of MMT New Pastor, Christ Church, Huntsville, AL

s a youth leader I have often struggled with getting teens to see the importance of relating the word of God to their lives so that they can share the good news about Jesus with others. One week I had challenged the youth group to share their faith with one person. One young lady asked, “How can I do that if I’m not allowed to bring my Bible to class?” Many of us struggle with sharing our relationship with God. We are afraid of using the wrong words, saying the wrong things, and so often we think that having a play-by-play or printed scripture is the only way to go about it. In this instance, however, I took a moment to have an unplanned Bible Study using Paul’s trip to Athens as a starting point. Acts 17: 22-28

Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship— and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.” “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations,

that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” Paul used what was available to reach those he came in contact with that day. I asked the youth group to do the same. I challenged them to go around the church and bring back ordinary, everyday objects to the room. They brought back unsharpened pencils, a Hula Hoop, and a roll of toilet paper. We talked about how these objects could be used to share the good news about Christ. Here’s what we came up with: Unsharpened pencils: These pencils will never do what they are intended to do without being sharpened. They are still pencils, but essentially without purpose. Likewise we as human beings are incomplete until we meet Christ and through that relationship we find our true purpose. Hula Hoop: The hula hoop is a circle, no ending no beginning. Likewise God’s love for us shown through Christ has no end and no beginning. It surrounds us moving over us and when we work with it awesome things happen. Toilet Paper: Like toilet paper, Christ cleans us even from our most unmentionable sins! To this day I get one word text messages from the youth asking me to help them use something uniquely ordinary to share God’s grace and love with a world in which he is often unknown.

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Step Out - Good Prospect CPC by Nancy Gordon, member of Good Prospect CPC, and Elected Member of MMT

During the summer months, the Good Prospect Cumberland Presbyterian Church has a Family Movies night once a month. The movie is shown outside with people bringing lawn chairs and blankets. Make your own sundaes and decorate your cupcake are some of the refreshments served. The movie is advertised for the small town of Trilla, Illinois and many children attend.

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Each year during the month of September, the CPWM of the Good Prospect CPC in Trilla, Illinois collects toys that are delivered to the Beth-El mission in Florida. The collection may be added to during the following months before the delivery for Christmas. During the month before Native American Sunday, the CPWM at Good Prospect CPC in Trilla, IL asks the members to participate in the Broken Cup Offering. Many years ago we sent food and blankets to Camp Israel Folsom for the Choctaws’ Thanksgiving weekend. When shipping costs became prohibitive, Louise Heath asked that we collect money instead by placing a broken cup on our dining tables for coins. This past fall Pastor Toby Davis of the Good Prospect Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Trilla, Illinois began a program called Upward Soccer with the church paying half of the fee for all participants. Several children in the community benefitted by this ministry through having fun, learning soccer, and having Christian devotions. M M

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Opening the Doors for a Spiritual Conversation by Robert Watkins, retired MMT Staff Member

ost people have problems opening the doors for a spiritual conversation. Here are a few “openers” to move from the secular to a discussion about the role of God in the world without being seen as offensive or imposing upon someone. I am interested in how God works in the world today. Do you mind telling me how God has been present in your life in the last couple of weeks? You know the strangest thing happened in my life last week, and I would like for you to tell me whether you think it is a coincidence or is this the hand of God in my life? (Share an incident from your life when God may or may not have been actively involved in your life--the idea is to assist the other person to think spiritually.) I have a problem...I wonder how you would respond from a spiritual perspective? (Again, you are opening a part of your life in order that the other person will look at the problem from a religious perspective.) You know I am a religious person and I think a lot about how God acts in the world. Do you think there is a God? Do you think God has a role in history today. How you shift a conversation to explore the spiritual dimension of life? M M

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'I want what you have'

to Apasionado por Cris ity Presby tery in , un Rev. Fredy Diaz, Tr ene.” Expresó Ju an r lo que usted ti ne te ro de ie s qu ra o mi “Y geliza ndo con llo, quie n estaba evan a Cu mberla nd en Be recién conocido a lesia Presbiterian ig a ón ev ci nu ma a ir un af a Su lombia. integrarlo 'I'm not las montañas de Co en ia ed e rm qu te o in se si no un de una ciudad talking about , ón ci ti pe a un e sa. No fu possessions' lo dos pequeñas me tomó por sorpre consideraba ta n so yo e qu lo n refiere co se é qu ¿A n, ua “J le había nacido isto. sación acerca de Cr unté muy sesiones de conver cosa más?” Le preg ra ot na gu al o s, sú ex acta me nte? ¿A Je dome intrigado. oco estoy refirién de posesiones, ta mp do eza. an rm bl fi ha n y co to ó es “No abajo.” Asever tr su a s no me o adió much ro me cautiva.” Añ a su fa milia, ni puedo describir, pe no r lo a ni ví fi da de to í e as qu jor y “Es algo ra concentrarse me pa os oj s su a ab rr mientras ce le insistí que que deseaba. ué mi monólogo y in nt co , ad id il ib rplejidad al En mi inse ns . Pude notar su pe to is Cr a a er ba ta ción. Cu ando 'Your passion lo que él necesi fi n de la conversa el a er e qu é ns for Christ bras que ponerse de pie. Pe despedir. Las pala a a ib se e qu d se te pu amazes me' us su , tá ca es bo é qu su abrió sas: “¿Por as y muy respetuo ar cl on er fu ó ci pronun acerca de Jesús?” ntinuó: “Su pasión ta n entusias mado responderle, él co a er di pu yo e qu Antes de he sabido todo lo mucho tiempo, yo r Po a. br om as me fervor con el por Cristo Jesús, solo que el de ca er ac ce di an añadió a su que usted me rae.” Si n parar Ju at me ca ni mu co tusias mo parecido cu al usted lo al yo se ntí un en cu el en po em ti em bargo, su idea: “Hubo un se desvaneció. Si n os añ s lo n co ro ros.” El en mi trabajo, pe y respetuosa de ot ra de ra du a, er nc si a , como por emoción se muestr mostraba. De pronto lo ro st ro su o, to er estaba siendo si nc nte pasión por Cris concluir que se meja do tiva pu ia ic na in vi di ia op ón revelaci o, por su pr eg Lu . os Di r po a fu ndid ver si Dios lo solo puede ser in conversaciones para s má os am ér vi tu villó aú n más, sugirió que . Lo cu al me mara to is Cr r 'Fervor for po or rv fe nitaria que yo llenase del una di me nsión comu Christ speaks or rv fe al o di porque Ju an le . louder than tado hasta entonces conversación con a words' mismo no había no es e fu e qu ra alentado su ser y él la en ó Todavía recuerdo lo ot br to is Cr r po, la pasión po a pasión Ju an. Con el tiem n para mí fue: “L ió cc le La s. ro ot en se come nzó a promover rm ación que de él o más que la info ch mu él ca ro ni pe mu , co na ri to su doct por Cris alme nte a Jesús y on ci ra a cí no co an dice.” Ju ionado por Cristo. deseaba estar apas

For Rev. Diaz's English version of this article visit our website: ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/themissionarymessenger

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Step Out - Children’s Message by Pam Phillips-Burk, MMT Staff Member

Good News Feet Romans 10:15

Props – And old pair of shoes, preferably a pair of old work shoes. Footprints made from construction paper to be given out. Invite the kids to talk just a little bit about their feet (what kinds of shoes they are wearing; are they comfortable; do they like them; are they good for running; new or old). I brought my old work shoes with me this morning – they are great for mowing the lawn, perfect for gardening and raking leaves, outstanding for taking out the trash or cleaning the gutters; and just the right shoes for painting because I don’t really care if I drip paint on them. They are wonderful shoes and they help me do a lot of things – necessary things, helpful activities. I love my work shoes. But as wonderful as my work shoes are – they would be worthless without what? (MY FEET!) Without my feet inside these wonderful work shoes – I wouldn’t be able to do the great things that I’m able to do. My feet help me get things done. Today I want us to think about a BIG word for just a minute. The word is EVANGELISM. Big word, isn’t it? Anyone know what it means? (wait for ideas – if someone gets close or on the nose celebrate). It is a big word for really something pretty simple – telling someone about Jesus Christ; telling someone the good news of God’s love for us in Jesus Christ; using our mouth, our hands, our feet, our hearts to tell someone that God loves them. You know that God loves you, right? I know that God loves me, right? All of us here hopefully know that God loves us, right? But does the kid on your school bus who’s a bit of bully know that God loves them? Does the girl whose parents are getting a divorce know that God loves her? Does the family that is living in their car because they no longer have a home know that God loves them? There are lots and lots of ways to tell people that God loves them – lots of ways. Probably as many ways as there are people telling the good news. We tell with our mouth – we tell with our hands, our feet, and our hearts. We can even get our shoes dirty telling someone that God loves them. The Apostle Paul once quoted some great words from the wise prophet Isaiah – he said, “how beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news.” (Romans 10:15). He was talking about your feet, and my feet, and all the feet here when we tell someone that God loves them. Even if we tell them in our worn-out, ratty shoes – they are still beautiful feet. (Hand out a footprint to each child) I want you to think of one person that you tell about God’s love. Think of someone who might really need or want to hear that God loves them AND that you love them. Remember – you can use your mouth, your hands, or your feet. Write their name on this footprint and keep it someplace where you can see it often as a reminder to have Good News Feet. AND – when you tell that person about God’s love, then go tell another one, then another, and another! And before you know – your feet will be beautiful – even in worn out work shoes. Let us pray. M M Thank you God for loving us so much that you sent your only Son, Jesus to be one of us. Live on earth as one of us so that he would know exactly how we feel. Thank you for the new life that he gives. Help me to share God’s love and kindness with others. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

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As Director of Youth and Christian Education, I was the one charged with teaching others, which perhaps adds to why I was so completely caught off guard when Jose Fajardo stepped up to the pulpit at St. Luke Cumberland Presbyterian Church. For those who don’t know him, I’ll say it like this: it’s not his grand stature that grabs you. In fact, for him, it was a fairly big step up to the pulpit. At this point in his life, Jose was in his mideighties. He opened the sermon with what I think was one of his favorite one-liners: “People always ask me, ‘Jose, can you see?’” He then invited someone to come read the scripture for him, as his eyesight was failing. Yet without eyesight, Jose-can-you-see preached perhaps the most life-altering sermon I have heard since becoming a Christian. What stood out was that he shared his testimony. He told us that the Cumberland Presbyterian Church came all the way down to Colombia. Jose was an impressionable boy running around the streets of 1920s Colombia. God’s love is so great, he said, that it motivated some Cumberland Presbyterians to sell all their belongings, move to Colombia, give up their home culture, and to endure the difficult and timeconsuming process of learning a new language. Someone, he said, loved Jesus so much that they basically did what Jesus did, and became the incarnation of the Word of God in another culture, or rather, as close to that as we humans can get. Even as a little boy, he recognized his love as something different, something unique and other-worldly. In fact, this love forever changed HIS life. As a result of the sacrificial decision of these Cumberland Presbyterians and their preaching of the Good News to this little boy, Jose decided to follow Jesus Christ.

This was the beginning, for Jose, of a life well-spent. As I recall, he spoke about church planting, starting a school, and preaching the gospel as just some of the things that God enabled him to accomplish. My heart was stirred as I listened to the riveting story. It was similar to reading in the Bible about the great things that God did through one small boy who believed that yes, God really can handle any giant. To this day, I still want to be that boy. And here was Jose, right before me, having lived a life of victory in bringing the gospel to so many. But he didn’t stop there. “Who is the next generation? Where are those who will ask God for the nations?” As Jose framed these questions, I was reminded that the actions of the faithful Cumberland Presbyterians of history are not merely history lessons; they are a model to follow. “Because Jesus is present right now, in this room, the opportunity to repeat this testimony is right before us. There will be others who must go. Why? Because there are other Joses in other countries who will be that one: the one who hears the message, who follows Christ, and who changes the history of an entire nation because of their faithfulness, because of their obedience to God through Jesus Christ.” But Jose didn’t stop there either. “I believe that someone in this room will obey God, sell their possessions, and go. In fact, in obedience to the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20), we must do so.” Something in the life of Jose resonated within me. Here is an eightysomething year old guy climbing up on a box to preach. He cannot read the Bible before him with his own eyes, yet he can deliver a sermon in a language which for him is foreign. And in that second language, he can grab my heart with the precision of a surgeon to remove the blockage in my spiritual arteries that was keeping me from obeying. Something about this man in that moment communicated overwhelmingly to

this Director of Youth and Christian Education – YOU CAN AND YOU WILL CHANGE THE WORLD. After all, by grace through faith, empowered by Spirit of God, Jose did it! The altar call is not as common as it used to be. But don’t tell that to Jose. As the Spirit prompted him, he issued an invitation to come forward in obedience to God’s call to the nations. “Who will be the next generation? Who will go? Before, it was Colombia. But now is the hour for the Buddhists, the Hindus, and the Muslims to hear the gospel. All the nations.” I knew that God was piercing my heart. I gave my wife a quick elbow. I said, “Honey, this is for us, isn’t it?” She agreed. We walked forward. Jose gave glory to God and laid hands on us and prayed for us. Now, my wife and I and our three children are working in another part of the world to bring the gospel to Muslims. I think this is exactly what Jose was talking about. Can you imagine how different the world would look if we let loose a few dozen Joses in Pakistan? In Saudi? Egypt? Let’s not ask God for small things! “Lord of the harvest, send out workers” – into the Muslim countries of the world! Jose, can you see what a difference you made in my life? M M

Dr. Jose Fajardo’s book From the Heights of the Andes to the Heights of Evangelism is available in English and Spanish from the CP Resource Center.

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Fifty years may seem like a long time to a factory worker and a short time to those who work with people. It also depends on our attitudes and purposes during those five decades. As missionaries it seems like just a few days ago when we four crammed into a packed 1955 Ford, with overload springs, and drove away from Marlow, Oklahoma, heading for language school in San Jose, Costa Rica, and then on to Colombia and a brand new life. It seemed that the call of Christ was ahead of the car and the weight of the commissioning hands of G.A. delegates weighed on our heads. They still are. Although many friends see our fifty years as something extraordinary, we see them as a time to serve the Lord in another place, a beautiful place. It has been an extraordinary privilege the Lord has given us and we are thankful to Him and

to our church for supporting us in this time. I cut my missionary teeth as pastor of the Armenia (Colombia) Cumberland Presbyterian Church which was so gracious and supportive to us. As a church that was born from a Bible, we learned to appreciate more the message and power of the Word of God. With members living with pain and anger from the era of Violence in Colombia, we learned to listen and hurt with others. Stumbling along with Spanish, we had to realize that English is just another language in our world. Our intelligence was tested by the teaching of those we thought we had â&#x20AC;&#x153;come down to teach!â&#x20AC;? Moving later to Cali was a different world. Armenia was a small town in the coffee-growing region. Cali had around a million inhabitants with all the bustle and chaos of a growing city. It was, and still is, a magnet for the poor afrocolombians who want to escape the poverty of the rain forests of the Pacific coast, and those displaced by violence looking for a new space. Leadership grew and developed, and today we like to consider ourselves encouragers and supporters for our pastors and leaders. We try to do this by being present, listening, praying and giving scriptural counsel when necessary. This is where we are now.

They are CPs from South Korea who are endorsed Cumberland Presbyterian missionaries working in Iloilo, Philippines. Iloilo is a large island about 45 minutes by airplane from Manila. Daniel has started three Cumberland Presbyterian (CP) churches. The Pavia and Oton CP missions have about 20 each in attendance. Daniel works with the two Filipino men who pastor these churches. Daniel pastors the Iloilo Cumberland Presbyterian Church, which has about 80 in attendance. Daniel, along with Filipino leadership, hope to soon identify land that can be purchased in Iloilo for a future worship facility for the Iloilo CP Church. They are currently meeting in a rented facility. Daniel and Kay also started a Children Development Program that works with children in poor communities. They provide academic classes and share the gospel with these children. In addition to his work in these three churches and the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ministry, Daniel often

travels to a nearby island and uses a motor scooter he takes on the boat to do evangelism and outreach. The Jangs are visiting CP churches in order to tell their story about the work of the CP Church in the Philippines. All CP missionaries depend solely on donations received from churches and individuals to continue their work in the mission field. The Jangs are raising funds for their missionary support and to cover the cost of deputation in the USA. The Missions Ministry Team receives the donations (tax deductible to the extent allowed by law) for support of missionaries and their programs. Every donation is acknowledged by letter from the Missions Ministry Team. The Jangs are a delightful missionary family! Their witness and hard work for the growth of the CP Church in the Philippines is commendable. Please encourage them and promote them to others in your church who have not had the opportunity to meet them.

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by Kenneth and Delight Hopson

In 2008, I received my long-awaited printing press. It has been a huge undertaking to learn the ins and outs of running a printing ministry, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. The narrative below might be a typical story of the Aringa tribe in northwestern Uganda. “Bright orange paths wind over the rocky terrain of northwestern Uganda as the sun rises on yet another day. Children are doing chores and preparing for school. Mamas are cooking over open fires; daughters are washing clothes. Sons are digging in the garden; fathers are off to work for the day. I hear the voice of my neighbor lady telling the news from the night. It was cold and the mosquitoes were many. All of her cows, goats, and chickens seem to have made it through the night, though, so the thieves much have been busy elsewhere. I wonder farther down the path on my mission to get water to carry home for the day. Our tribe is smaller, with only about 250,000 people, so this means that we must defend ourselves from larger neighboring tribes. We’ve lost many animals and have suffered much harassment for many years. We may not have much, but we take pride in being Aringa. Many of us are illiterate, but some people are trying

to help us become better people. They have translated much of the New Testament in the Bible and are teaching us to read our own language by using small and simple printed books with pictures and words to describe what we see. We have a hope of a good future knowing this is the beginning of having the entire Bible in the Aringa language. And we will one day be able to read it and understand more about God.” In recent years, this smaller tribe was blessed to have their language begin to be written down, which has opened the door for them to learn to read. Praise be to Jesus that I was given the opportunity to print one of the first booklets that contained this tribe’s language! My hope and prayer is that multitudes of people like the Aringa will be able to learn to read their own language well and then later will be able to read God’s Word, creating a desire to follow Jesus. I love printing for various ministries that are helping people learn languages, and therefore seeing lives changed by the printed Word. This ministry is why I’m here, and this ministry is reaching many in Uganda and even beyond Uganda’s borders! M M

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Glossary of Terms Adoption: being accepted into God’s family, sinful people though we are. (Catechism question 52) Christian Assurance: is the confidence we gain in knowing that God will not leave or forsake us; in life or death. (Catechism question 56) Church: an intentional gathering (congregation) of professing Christians, together with their baptized children, who have entered into a covenant relationship with each other to meet together regularly to worship God, to study the word of God, to join together in a common witness to the gospel and to engage in the good works to which Christians are called (Constitution 2.00). The purpose of the church is to glorify God and to live out the ministry and teachings of Jesus in the world. Church Growth: a term used in reference to the numerical growth of a particular congregation. The term can also be used in reference to the spiritual growth and maturity of its particular members. Church Planting: to establish an intentional gathering of professing Christians in a determined geographical area who meet together regularly to worship God, to study the word of God, to join together in a common witness to the gospel and to engage in the good works to which Christians are called. Another term used for church planting is new church development. Confession: admitting our sin and asking God to forgive us. We also seek to repair the harm we have done to others as much as we can. (Catechism question 48) Conversion: One’s response and acceptance to the saving work of Jesus Christ through faith and repentance with a willingness to commit one’s life to Christianity. Evangelism: intentionally sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others by word and action. Evangelism is engaging others in conversation about faith, values, hope, meaning, purpose, life after death, life before death and God. Evangelism is also showing people, by example, Jesus Christ by how they live, play and work.

Evangelist: one who bears the glad tidings of salvation through Jesus Christ; appealing to sinners to be reconciled to God; messengers of grace, carriers of good news. (Constitution 2.62) Evangelistic Sermon: aims to help persons commit themselves to Jesus Christ and calls people to discipleship and fellowship. Faith-sharing: One sharing their faith for the purpose of cultivating relationships and environments where others can be transformed by God. Another term used for faith-sharing is witnessing. Growth In Grace: occurs as we worship God, study the scriptures, interact with other believers, and serve those in need. (Catechism question 54) Invitation: an act of corporate worship to invite worshippers into a relationship with Jesus Christ, a public profession of faith, to become a member of the congregation, a time of prayer, a transfer of church membership, an affirmation/reaffirmation of faith, or a commissioning to send others into particular ministries that serve God and serve other human beings in the name of Jesus Christ. Another term used for invitation is altar call. Justification: God acts to restore a relationship with us, even though we are sinners. (Catechism question 50) Mission: the church exists and is called into existence to share the mighty acts of God in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to all who have not received Christ as their Lord and Savior (COF 5.28, 5.29, 5.31). Mission can be defined as any ministry for the purpose to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Mission Field: a geographical area to expose and transform communities to Christian thought and practices. Outreach: is the church’s endeavor to reach out to person(s) in the name of Jesus Christ beyond the congregation, the church building/facility or the local area of influence of the church.

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Glossary of Terms

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Preservation Of Believers: is the assurance that the covenant relationship is maintained by God even though believers sin and displease God. The preservation of believers depends on the nature of the covenant of grace, the unchangeable love and power of God, the advocacy and intercession of Jesus Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Profession Of Faith: when a person openly states one’s belief in a particular religious faith. This usually occurs during corporate worship by persons who were baptized as children of believing parents and for persons who come to faith from outside the church. Other terms for profession of faith are testimony or statement of personal faith. Regeneration: to be made new in the sight of God. Other terms for regeneration are recreated, spiritual re-birth, born again or born from above. (Catechism question 51) Repentance: to turn away from words, attitudes, and actions that hurt God and others and to turn toward God. (Catechism question 47) Sanctification: being set apart. God does not make us better than or more important than other people. Instead, God helps us become people who love God and whose actions reflect that love. (Catechism question 53) Salvation: God’s reconciling love through Jesus Christ, communicated by the Holy Spirit, that humans are saved from the consequences of sin and restores the human family through a covenant relationship. Saving Faith: trusting in God’s grace for our salvation instead of trusting in our own efforts. (Catechism question 49) The Great Commission: the term is derived from Matthew 28:19-20 where Jesus commissions his disciples to go all into the world to make disciples, to baptize and to teach the ways of Jesus Christ. “To Be Saved”: to live in the covenant of grace, to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and to promise, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to follow God’s will. Whoever is willing to be saved may be saved, but not without the help of the Holy Spirit. (Catechism question 45)

Works Cited The Catechism for Cumberland Presbyterians. Cumberland Presbyterian Resources. 2012. Confession of Faith For Cumberland Presbyterians. The Office of General Assembly. 2010.

ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/naturaldisasters

or contact George R. Estes at 901-276-4572 ext. 234, gre@cumberland.org

Interested in supporting a Missionary?

You can get a list of missionaries at ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/missionaries

Support checks can be made payable to: Missions Ministry Team with the missionary name noted on the check.

How do I get information about Missions programs such as Loaves & Fishes, Gift to the King, OGHS, etc.? Visit our website at:

ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/specialprojects Or you may contact Jinger Ellis at 901-276-4572 ext. 230, jellis@cumberland.org

How can a pastor complete or Personal Information Form (PIF)?

update a

ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/leadershipreferral Or you may contact Joyce Reeves at 901-276-4572 ext. 224, jar@cumberland.org

How to find guidelines for Pastor Search Committees? Visit us at

ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/leadershipreferral

How do I explore a call to missionary service?

By attending one of the Prep 1:8 classes. For more information visit:

ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/ prep18 or call Lynn Thomas

901-276-4572 ext. 261 lynndont@gmail.com