Todays Self Denial appeal topic is "Partnering for the Harvest". I think that this is a helpful topic for us to look at as we seek to express our desire for local and global mission as a church. Partnering, however, is not restricted to our mission endeavors. In many ways partnering is really an intrinsic part of our normal day-to-day lives. We form a partnership whenever we buy or sell something; whenever we strike up a friendship; even when we enter into a romantic relationship. So what makes it partnership? The understanding that we are relating to one another with something in common - it's the common goal or direction that defines partnership.
Sometimes we'll use different words to describe it: relationships; networking; public relations; sponsorship; unity; even LOVE...but it's all based on a set of agreed outcomes or values that hold us together.
Partnership is the idea that was behind the recommendation that the Elders made at the AGM about changing the words "Member's pledge" to "Member's agreement" in our constitution. Such a change acknowledges that it's not just the individual making a commitment to a set of statements, but all members collectively agreeing to those statements. It takes membership away from being an individual commitment to the Church, to being something that we agree to do together. It is possible for one person to make a pledge, but you need everyone to make an agreement.
Actually, I'm not so concerned about the words, but I am committed to the concept of partnership. Whether we call it "Membership" or "Partnership"; whether we make a "pledge" or an "agreement" - it can all get a bit semantic at the end of the day. However, it is important that we understand that we are a "community of faith" and that together we are building the Kingdom of God. The exciting part is that we not only partner with each another, we also partner with other Christians all over the world; and ultimately with God.
Now that's what I call partnership!
Blessings
Pastor David Auty
Sometimes we'll use different words to describe it: relationships; networking; public relations; sponsorship; unity; even LOVE...but it's all based on a set of agreed outcomes or values that hold us together.
Partnership is the idea that was behind the recommendation that the Elders made at the AGM about changing the words "Member's pledge" to "Member's agreement" in our constitution. Such a change acknowledges that it's not just the individual making a commitment to a set of statements, but all members collectively agreeing to those statements. It takes membership away from being an individual commitment to the Church, to being something that we agree to do together. It is possible for one person to make a pledge, but you need everyone to make an agreement.
Actually, I'm not so concerned about the words, but I am committed to the concept of partnership. Whether we call it "Membership" or "Partnership"; whether we make a "pledge" or an "agreement" - it can all get a bit semantic at the end of the day. However, it is important that we understand that we are a "community of faith" and that together we are building the Kingdom of God. The exciting part is that we not only partner with each another, we also partner with other Christians all over the world; and ultimately with God.
Now that's what I call partnership!
Blessings
Pastor David Auty
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