Evangelical Mission Network: April 2008

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

No Comment Dept.

(from an ELCA press release dated April 18, 2008):
+ Independent Lutheran organization: By a vote of 18-13,the council acknowledged Lutheran CORE (Coalition for Reform),as an independent Lutheran organization that relates to theELCA through the Vocation and Education program unit. LutheranCORE applied for the acknowledgment, and the Rev. Stanley N.Olson, executive director, ELCA Vocation and Education,recommended the relationship be established. Before voting,some council members raised specific concerns about the proposal,noting that the WordAlone Network, which has been critical ofthe ELCA churchwide organization and its leaders, is a memberorganization of Lutheran CORE.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Two Kingdoms

As we approach the portion of the process leading to the election of our next president known as the "silly season", I thought this article from Christianity Today (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/aprilweb-only/114-32.0.html?start=1) by a Lutheran journalist was an excellent summary of Luther's "Two Kingdoms" theology. What do you think?

What Are Our Plans?

We are concerned with some of the current theological and missiological currents that seem to be leading the ELCA away from our biblical roots and confessional identity. As such we propose to:

—Hold synod workshops on issues related to our concerns
—Offer and/or promote continuing education events for renewal in mission
—Promote culturally appropriate means of communicating the Gospel
—Support people with a passion for clearly proclaiming the Gospel.
—Invite speakers with a vision for the Church that critiques the current direction of the ELCA
—Form a collegium accountability program to identify at risk congregations
—Provide training, technology, and financial assistance from the gifts God has given each of us
—Aggressively pursue opportunities for mission by encouraging conference-based mission starts
—Ensure balance in ELCA educational events and materials regarding controversial issues

What Are Our Goals?

Our goal is to bring reformation and renewal to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). We will provide and advocate positive models for mission based on biblical models in accord with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and the Great Commandment (John 15:12). We will, as necessary, propose constructive resolutions that advance our purpose for the consideration of synod assemblies.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations”
—Matthew 28:19a

“Love one another as I have loved you.”
—John 15:12b

How Did the EMN Come About?

After the ELCA narrowly adopted the “Called to Common Mission” ecumenical agreement with the Episcopal Church USA, some members of the Southwest California Synod who were not in agreement began to meet to discuss options for a constructive response. This “Loyal Opposition” group came to recognize a broader base of people in the ELCA who are concerned about a perceived drift away from our confessional identity and biblical mission.
The process leading up to the adoption of the CCM illustrated how difficult it was for this point of view to be voiced openly and how underrepresented this perspective was in the official structures of our synod and at our ELCA headquarters. In light of this, a group of pastors worked together to form the EMN as a means of addressing these concerns in a constructive and responsible way . Our hope is to contribute towards a stronger, more effective ELCA that is better equipped to share the transforming power of the Gospel in a rapidly changing world.

How Is The EMN Organized?

The EMN is a network in the Southwest California Synod of the ELCA.
The EMN is structured so that its leaders are helpers whose purpose is to assist and equip the individual people, congregations, conferences, and coalitions who are its members to best use the gifts and accomplish the mission God has given them.
Officers and Committees: elected at the annual gathering
Meetings: Held at the annual synod assembly, and/or annually before March 1st and as often as deemed necessary
Finances: contributions of members
Promotion: open to all members and congregations of the Southwest California Synod
Participation: Members are encouraged to pray for renewal, discover and develop their gifts, take part in gatherings and projects, contribute at least annually, and provide transformational ideas and enthusiasm.

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Luke 10:2

How to Support the EMN

We first of all need your prayers. We are a praying community and your prayers that we accomplish only God's will for us are most important.

We need your time. We are organizing by conference and in our synod as a whole. Tell others about the mission of the Evangelical Mission Network. Sponsor gatherings within your congregation and with other churches within your conference.

We need your financial contributions. One of our goals is to sponsor synod-wide educational events. We want to be a positive influence for Biblical, relavant church life. There are significant expenses in providing opportunities for growth with excellent speakers and workshops.

Contributions may be sent to:
Don Berry, EMN Treasurer
505 East Bonita Avenue
San Dimas, California 91773

Please note that we are not formally incorporated, so your financial contributions will not be tax-deductible.

Evangelical Mission Network

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

No Comment Dept.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Two Kingdoms

A Warm Welcome To You

What Is Our Purpose?

What Are Our Plans?

What Are Our Goals?

How Did the EMN Come About?

How Is The EMN Organized?

How to Join the EMN

How to Support the EMN

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Excellent Bible Study Resources

The Reliability of the Four Gospels: links from Christianity Today, October 2007

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