October 2006
Welcome to the October issue of Momentum, the online resource especially for pastors and other congregational leaders in Brethren in Christ churches. It’s our goal that Momentum, along with our Brethren in Christ Church website will serve as a “common reading program” of sorts for our churches.
Momentum , in particular, provides pastors and other church leaders with timely information about church-wide developments, activities, and resources. Our magazine aims at a slightly broader lay-oriented audience, inviting readers “into a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ within the context of the shared life and ministry of the BIC Church”. And the website allows for easy distribution of basic facts about the BIC Church, discipleship resources, and late-breaking news. We trust you find all three of these communication vehicles helpful in your ministry. Please let us know how we’re doing.
The church and civic engagement
Public discourse in Canada and the United States has become increasingly tense as hot-button topics such abortion, same-sex marriage, the environment, and immigration make their way onto the political agenda. The challenge facing congregational leaders is how to speak to these issues in ways that advance, rather than further divide, the conversation. Three organizations—the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), and the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC)—offer useful resources and guidelines for pastors and lay leaders. Read more>>
Invest in their best
If you’re looking for ways to bring out the best in Sunday school teachers, small group leaders, and other lay leaders, consider adding tuition reimbursement dollars for DSP courses to your 2007 ministry spending plan. An investment in the ministry activities of your volunteer teaching team is an investment in your church’s long-term health. Read more>>
Answers to recently asked questions about CM
Cooperative Ministries has been a fixture within the Brethren in Christ Church for almost 20 years, yet questions about the purpose and practicality of this method for funding our shared ministry programs persist. For responses to a few recently asked questions, Read more>>
Revisiting the idea of a brotherhood health plan
Less than a year after discontinuation of the Brotherhood Health Plan, Leadership Council has agreed to take another look at the idea of group insurance for BIC pastors. It is too early to know whether we can breathe new life into the concept of a group plan or plans, but for now, the question is back on the table. Read more>>
Expanded opportunities for joyful generosity
The United States Congress has recently opened the door to new opportunities for joyful generosity on the part of people aged 70 ½ and older. They can now give directly to charities (including local congregations) from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)—without the hassle of paying income tax on it first—thanks to legislation signed into law in August 2006. This follows in the footsteps of changes in Canada’s 2000 Federal Budget, which made it possible for charitable organizations in Canada to be named as the beneficiary on registered retirement plan documents. Read more ( U.S. | Canada)>>
More than just minutes
Most people don’t pay close attention to meeting minutes. As a result, far too often far too little care goes into the preparation of minutes for church board meetings. However, as the September issue of Church Law & Tax Report cautions, meeting minutes are considered a legal record and careless production can lead to big problems down the road. Read more>>
Putting their building where their commitment is
When Solid Ground Brethren in Christ Church in Alta Loma, Calif, set out in 1990 to build a 500-seat sanctuary, the construction project was as much about the church’s commitment to the local community as it was about providing worship space for the fast-growing congregation. Fifteen years later and on the eve of the congregation’s 30 th birthday, the church is preparing to expand its facilities for even greater impact in its neighborhood. Read more>>
Fishing for men
Looking for strategies that will bring young men into your church? Jesus’ invitation to become “fishers of men” is as compelling to young men today as it was to Peter, James, and John, or so the authors of Coming of Age: Exploring the Identity and Spirituality of Younger Men tell us. Read more>>
Share your insights
You receive Momentum because you are a leader in the church within a congregation, a regional conference, the General Church, or all three. You may have asked to be included on the mailing list for Momentum or your name may have been picked up automatically when you entered your current position of leadership. Regardless of how you have come to Momentum, your feedback is important. Please let us hear from you.
Don McNiven and Warren Hoffman
General Church Leaders
Contact Information:
Email: bic@messiah.edu
Phone: 717.697.2634
Fax: 717.796.4781
Web: www.bic-church.org
