eTidings January 2008

FIVE PRINCIPLES OF THE MASTER’S PLAN FOR MAKING CHRISTLIKE DISCIPLES

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV).
There are five principles that we should embrace in order to make Christlike disciples who make Christlike disciples who make Christlike disciples… They are as follows:

1. PRAYER AND FASTING
2. THE AUTHORITATIVE WORD OF GOD
3. THE ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
4. GENUINE ACCOUNTABILITY
5. RELATIONAL MULTIPLICATION

            We continue our discourse this month with principle number four, GENUINE ACCOUNTABILITY. Let’s look at GENUINE ACCOUNTABILITY from the perspective of Jesus’ calling of His first disciples recorded in Matthew 4:18-20. Listen to the Word of God – 18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
            I find three important principles about GENUINE ACCOUNTABILITY.   The first principle of accountability is THE PRINCIPLE OF INTENTIONALITY. “They were casting a net into the lake…” In order to catch fish one must go fishing. No one goes fishing accidentally. Intentional fishing includes acquisition of the right equipment. Casting nets, rods and reels, fishing line and hooks, transportation (to the lake and on the lake) and licensing, and bait that will attract the fish are all necessary if one intends to catch fish. Intentional fishing involves setting aside sufficient time to fish. Do not be deceived, it takes time to fish. Intentionality is an important first principle in GENUINE ACCOUNTABILITY.
            The second principle of accountability is THE PRINCIPLE OF INSTRUCTION. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." The best fishermen are the ones who have been trained in the art of fishing. There is sometimes an innate sense in finding fish and an almost magical touch in catching them. But the best fishermen are the ones who fish regularly and who fish a lot with a master fisherman that can show them the skills of catching fish. Very few fishermen become proficient in catching fish without someone to instruct them in how to catch fish. Skilled fishermen have been instructed by a master.
            The third principle of accountability is THE PRINCIPLE OF IMPLEMENTATION. "At once they left their nets and followed him." You can acquire the equipment and be instructed in the skills of fishing. You can intentionally travel to the lake, the pond, or the river. But unless you throw a net, or cast a lure, you will not catch fish. Let’s be honest. There is a significant difference between fishing and catching fish. There is a significant difference in talking about catching fish and actually catching fish. There is a significant difference between watching someone fish and catching fish. We are fishers of men only when we implement what we know in theory by doing what we know to do in fact.
            Too many of us call ourselves Christlike disciples without any real sense of accountability for our discipleship. Two questions of accountability emerge: (1) Who is discipling you? (To whom are you accountable for your catch of fish?) (2) Whom are you discipling? (Who is accountable to you for a catch of fish?) Christlike discipleship will occur in an atmosphere of GENUINE ACCOUNTABILITY.

TEAM DAY 2008

            Your Eastern Michigan District leadership team (SDMI, NMI, and NYI) is partnering with our friends on the Michigan District and the Northern Michigan District to produce the second jointly sponsored Team Day scheduled for Saturday, February 23, 2007, from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Included in this special training day is a plenary sessions featuring the music of the Olivetians from Olivet Nazarene University and the exciting message of hope from our keynote speaker, Rev. Brad Mitchell, Senior Teaching Pastor at Trinity Church in Lansing, MI. In addition to that, we have workshops in Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries, Youth Ministries, Missions, Church Administration, and Leadership tracks. We have added a limited seating offering for technology ministries in the church, hands-on training in computer labs. And we are offering extremely exciting interactive, hands-on, participatory workshops for Children's Ministry leaders and workers that will feature actual ministry productions for children. Children's ministries will be available for all children ages birth through 6th grade at a very reasonable cost.
            All of this takes place in Perry, Michigan at the Perry High School, the Perry Schools Administration Building, and the Perry Middle School. Children's Ministries will occur at the Perry Middle School, this year, next door to the High School. This year, registrations can be must be done by mail with payment by check. Registration cost is very reasonable, $25.00 per adult and $5.00 per child if registered by January 25, 2008 (postmarked by January 25, 2008). After January 25, 2008 you will pay an additional $10.00 per adult and an additional $5.00 per child. The registration includes participation in plenary sessions and workshops, as well as lunch and snacks.
            Our purpose is To Equip, Inform, and Inspire. We know that you will place this powerful training opportunity on your calendar and that you will promote it in your local church. This promises to be an extraordinary day for ministry training for the lay and clergy leaders on three great districts in Michigan. We are planning to see you at Team Day 2008 at 8:00 AM on Saturday, February 23, 2008.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE TEAMDAY INFORMATION

Jot me an email note with any questions or suggestions at scnnazpastorgary@charterinternet.com. God is growing a great church in Eastern Michigan. We are blessed to be a part of his great kingdom work!
I look forward to greeting you at TEAM Day 2008 on February 23, 2008. God is growing a great church in Eastern Michigan. We are blessed to be a part of it.

Gary A. Slusher
Chairman,
EMD SDMI

THANK YOU TO ALL PASTORS WHO REPORT ON TIME EACH MONTH
Here are the October SDMI Reporting Results