General Board shares glimpses of the church.

The General Board in its March 11-14 meeting shared stories from congregations and districts that became, in effect, an informal collective "snapshot" of the church.

Many board members talked enthusiastically of energy and excitement in their congregations and districts for the work of Jesus Christ and the task of calling new disciples. In his general secretary's report, Stan Noffsinger spoke of being at the annual assembly of the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic, where each announcement of a new fellowship was met with a round of applause. From that point on, General Board members applauded each mention of a new fellowship—as well as other signs of new life in the church.

"God indeed has blessed our congregation," said J.D. Glick, who pastors a new church that three weeks ago moved into its first building, enabled by generous gifts to pay half of the $700,000 cost in one down payment. Jaime Diaz reported news of a large youth group at the new fellowship in Arecibo, P.R., and an "explosion" in attendance at Rio Prieto. Dale Minnich talked about the transformation movement in Western Plains District. Russell Betz reported renewal in two small congregations in Southern Plains District. "We're seeing God working in our churches," he said. Janet Stutzman praised the powerful prayer chain at the Sunnyslope Brethren/United Church of Christ congregation. "I just think the church is ready to explode," said Doug Diamond of his congregation's enthusiasm for saving souls, "because people are just ready to invite their neighbors to be part of the church."

"What does it mean to build a church?" asked Doug Price, one of several board members who also gave voice to key questions currently facing the church. Price reflected on the experience of helping to build a church in Honduras, for a congregation that grew out of disaster relief work. Tim Harvey asked a related question, "How do we become a missional congregation?"

"Are we intentional about calling pastors out of our congregations?" asked Jay Carter, who recently began work as a pastor after 28 years in secular work. David Sollenberger echoed the concern for calling ministers and the process of licensing and ordination.

How the church welcomes children is another challenge, said Michael Benner. The church can see children "as a gift God has brought into our midst" or "give them the cold shoulder." Others echoed the concern for youth and extended it to young adults. Susan Kinsel Fitze told the story of a youth ministry that began in the Trotwood (Ohio) Church of the Brethren following the tragic death of the custodian's 18-year-old son. Jeff Neuman-Lee reported on a personal "What If" project to new patterns of worship for young adults. Is the church "willing to attract young people or are they not?" Carol Kussart asked.

"This is an incredible time to be in church work," summarized Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook. "Believe it or not, the world is looking to us, looking to the church for answers. We are in a spiritual awakening."

In his moderator's report, he urged the board not to squander what may be a crucial moment of opportunity for the Church of the Brethren. Hardenbrook referred to two unprecedented events as indicators of what he called a "tipping point," that when looking for a church to provide its annual Christmas Eve service, CBS turned to the Church of the Brethren; and Selective Service also turned to the Brethren from among the peace churches. "It is very possible in this church's life that this is one of those tipping points," Hardenbrook said. "Use it well."

Source: Newsline 3/16/05
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