Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Developing Vision for 2008

The MFCA board of trustees is presently at a point where the mission statement previously developed must be translated into a vision that will provide goals and action steps. Board member Bart Strong from Hamilton, Ontario has been leading the exercises to accomplish this and has taken the material from our discussions and developed some general vision statements. One statement goes as follows:
“We recognize the need to ensure our candidates are equipped with the personal tools necessary to continually renew their ministry in an ever-changing world and be faithful stewards of their time and talents for God’s kingdom. The MFCA must be intentional about reviewing and providing these tools.”
This particular vision not only recognizes the changing context of ministry and the challenge to communicate the Gospel message in a meaningful and relevant manner, but, it also suggests that there are tools that can be provided to those who are called to ministry. What are some of the tools that could possibly come from the MFCA and its efforts?
My first impulse is to think about the program itself and the material taught in our courses and the things reviewed by our certification committees; tools would include:
· Understanding of Scripture and what it is we confess as a community of faith.
· Knowledge of the traditions and practices of the Reformed Church in America and how people have been ministered to in the past.
· Understanding of the governance of the church and the ways and means for accountability that will support our life together.
· Leadership skills that are informed by an education as well as character and experience.
· Self-knowledge and awareness in order to provide leadership free of personal bias and emotional pitfalls.
· The ability to worship, both personally and corporately.
· Understanding of the mission to which God has called us and how to reach out to a wounded world that is extremely diverse.
· Understanding of spiritual disciplines that encourage growth and relational living as the people of God.
These are the things that have come to mind first and the list could be much longer. I consider these tools even though there might be individuals who would challenge whether these are tools or not. They may also challenge whether or not the MFCA is the best source for such tools.
I would suggest that together with seminaries and the classis, these are tools that can be provided to those preparing for ministry. With such tools at hand, individuals will be best equipped to face continual change and adapt to new challenges as they arise. I wish everyone a blessed 2008!