Church planting event develops 'deep roots, strong wings.'

"Deep roots, strong wings"—the phrase formed a repeating chorus in a song composed by Jonathan Shively and Tara Hornbacker for this year's Church of the Brethren church planting training event. The event itself, sponsored by the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership and held May 17-21 at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., also echoed the themes: being rooted in heritage while unafraid to soar into new horizons and possibilities. About 85 people attended the conference, the second to be hosted by the Brethren Academy.

Jay Steele, a member of the General Board's New Church Development Advisory Committee, opened the week with a keynote worship message. Steele asked rhetorically whether it mattered for new congregations to be distinctly Brethren. "Spirituality is a 21st-century term for pietism," Steele said. "The pietist movement has been reborn. People want it, and we have what they want." Steele also heralded the Brethren qualities of peacemaking, community, and service as being particularly relevant for today's world. "I just passionately believe that we have a unique message that speaks to some people and is needed," he added, "one that people are looking for."

Bethany dean Steve Reid picked up on the Brethren angle the following night, preaching from the book of Ezekiel. Reid lifted up the need to confront the "brutal facts" facing the denomination while never losing hope because "God is not done with us." Other featured speakers included Bob Logan of Coach Net Inc., Jeff Wright of the Center for Anabaptist Leadership, and Nadine Burton, who works with new church leader development in Indianapolis.

The week also included "house church" worship services, workshops, stories of Brethren church plants, presentation of an upcoming new church development manual, opportunities for spiritual direction, and group discussion.

Source: 6/04/2004 Newsline
Top