Acts 16:5 Initiative

The churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

The Rev. Dr. E. Stanley Ott, President of Vital Churches Institute uses this Bible verse as inspiration, direction and vision for those churches that participate in this initiative.  It is printed on every piece of literature distributed in their workshops and seminars. It’s so important that it is printed on their cover!  The session of Pencader Presbyterian Church voted to participate in the Acts 16:5 Initiative.  This approach is a process for congregation transformation.  Uh OH! Doesn’t transformation mean change?  Here is how Stan Ott defines transformational ministry:

            Transformational ministry is about change.  The word “conform” means to change the shape of something.  For example, you can take a handful of clay, shape it and conform it into a variety of shapes.

            To Transform is more than changing shape.  It is about changing the nature or essence of something.  For example, changing a handful of clay into gold is transformation!

            Transformational ministry is about God changing lives – not change for its own sake or change just in outward appearance but change in the inner experience of growing disciples.

            Congregations who are growing in a relationship with the Triune God, with each other and with the people in the community will be transformed by the grace and love of our loving God who is working through them.

Transformation is about leaders who are experiencing God.  Leaders not only re-shape programs but also embrace new ways of being and doing church.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NRSV.  Take a moment to reflect on this passage

We are all on this journey together and would like to see Pencader Presbyterian Church strengthened in the faith and growing in a wide variety of ways. We want to awaken a new expectation.  Shift from our present hopes for our congregation’s future to the high expectation that God has a transformational future for Pencader.  William Carey, a Christian leader, affirmed “Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.”

The Pencader Vision Team currently consists of Ellen Forbes, Mignon Gravett, Lucille Short, and Pastor Bob Undercuffler. You are welcome to join us at our next meeting on Thursday, August 26, 9 A.M in the Social Hall. Or talk with us about your vision for our church.

Sunday School Meets Every Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

• Children: Don Keister is the teacher with a team of associates. Children of all ages meet in the Fellowship Hall.
• Adults: Pastor Bob Undercuffler is the teacher. The class presently meets in Bob's office. The Sundays of Lent will will study some of Jesus' most memorable Parables from the Gospel according to Luke. We will be guided by DVD presentations by Dr. Kenneth Bailey.
• A caring place especially for Infants and Toddlers is available the Fellowship Hall.  Play things, diapers and additional supplies are available.  Thank you, Ellen Forbes, for equipping this special corner.