KANSAS CITY, MO (December 16, 2001) – Eight Evangelical Covenant Church conference representatives presented updates of various ministries during recent meetings with staff members from the Department of Christian Formation.
The two-day event included an evaluation of the department’s most recent seminar “Family Ministry: A Holistic Approach for Churches and Families.” The new seminar replaces CELL – the Christian Education Learning Lab. The seminar helps churches better understand and implement a holistic and inclusive approach to family ministry.
“Making regular connection with these conference leaders is so crucial to the ongoing development of our work in the Department of Christian Formation,” said Doreen Olson, the department’s executive minister. “We exist to serve the local churches and to enhance their ability to become vital communities of lifelong learning and discipleship. But we believe we do that most effectively by equipping and serving alongside conference leadership.”
Conference representatives also outlined Christian formation strategies in their respective conferences, particularly those involving family ministries, said Mary Pinley, departmental project coordinator. Following are excerpts from some of the reports:
- Southeast Conference – Barbara Martin said her conference has encouraged an emphasis on biblical literacy, including publishing a quarterly Christian formation newsletter. She conducts three to five workshops at conference annual meetings and has encouraged church leaders to participate in denominational seminars and workshops. The conference also encourages use of mentoring materials that are part of the new discipleship/confirmation curriculum. Future plans include a young adult retreat, a senior adult retreat and a mission trip to Mound Bayou, Mississippi, and the Walk of Faith Covenant Church to explore racial righteousness and provide puppet ministry training. A scripture memory seminar is planned for next spring’s conference annual meeting and a CD has been created to help people memorize scripture to music.
- Northwest Conference – The previous conference annual ministerial meeting focused on family ministries, reported Wendy Sorvik, director of congregational services. Staff presented a new family ministries seminar in 13 locations throughout the conference. Plans call for continuing this focus with special emphasis on youth ministry.
- North Pacific Conference – Sonya Anderson said the conference is promoting a sense of “family” in several ways. Millie Lungren of Covenant Resource Center presented the new family ministries seminar at a family camp at Cascade Camp and Conference Center in Yelm, Washington. The conference newsletter now includes a “Christian Education Corner” that points people to the resource center or the Department of Christian Formation for resource material and advice. The conference offers workshops at its annual meeting that are geared toward Christian formation and churches are sharing resources in the area of child protection.
- Midwest Conference – Jeanne Johnson said the conference is considering a decentralization process to bring ministry resources and services closer to the churches. The conference’s focus on church planting, as well as strengthening town and country ministries, continues.
- Midsouth Conference – Conference Supt. Garth Bolinder reported continued growth, but that the central mission continues to be one of building deeper spiritual foundations. The conference has a thriving camping ministry for kids and youth in the hill country of eastern Texas. The conference hopes to strengthen family ministries to Spanish-speaking churches by using Christian formation as a focal point. “The potential of using formation ministries in the Midsouth is phenomenal,” Bolinder said, citing statistics that suggest Texas will have more Spanish-speaking people than English-speaking people in the near future. Bolinder believes that family ministries for English-speaking churches can be valuable in a rapidly growing conference. The conference has 20 churches and has made its presence known in Oklahoma. Seven years ago, no Covenant churches existed in Oklahoma City. Now, there are 7,500 people worshipping in Covenant churches.
- Great Lakes Conference – Sally Chall reported that family ministries are well under way in her conference. Many churches are using the new discipleship/confirmation materials and are mentoring children and teens in family ministry. Churches are also working on a safety policy addressing the local church and child abuse issues. The Department of Christian Formation family ministry seminar will be offered to church representatives in March 2002.
- East Coast Conference – Diane Stevenson said youth ministry seems to be the most vital area of interest with respect to Christian formation. Junior high and senior high retreats have both outgrown the facilities of the Pilgrim Pines Covenant camp. Other Christian formation-related activities include consulting with individual churches, networking part-time children’s ministers and directors, youth pastors renewal and worship, a retreat for senior adults and a retreat for single adults.
- Central Conference – Kirsten Nelson said that a Christian formation-related event, Jesustyle 2001, seemed very positive. The discipleship event included worship, speaker, bands and seminars. This was the rebirth of an event that last occurred six years ago. A Central Conference Leadership Tour, conference training and networking in each of the nine districts also provided education in Christian formation. Youth, children and family leaders gatherings and youth coaches are available in the conference. “Connection Next,” a mini follow up to the youth workers “Connection” in February is also being considered.
Churches interested in learning more about the family ministries seminar or other Christian formation resources are encouraged to contact the appropriate conference Christian formation representative or email christian.formation@covchurch.org
Copyright © 2011 The Evangelical Covenant Church.