It is such a privilege to be able to travel from place to place and meet with God’s people. There is so much diversity in background, culture, personality and ability. One person’s strength might not be the strength of another person and vise versa. And yet, we each share a priceless commonality. “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus“ (Galatians 3:26-28). The same holds true among the ministry. No two ministers are exactly alike on a physical level and thankfully so. Each contributes something unique and good to the mix — and in Christ, there is unity and commonality.
There was unity of thought among us at the conference in terms of purpose. We all agreed that one of the deepest and most difficult levels of understanding, living and preaching the gospel is, as we just read from Paul, “putting on Christ.” Our lives should be living testimonies. If people around us figuratively see – through our example — Jesus Christ walking down the street, working on the job or living next door, that is a picture that’s worth a thousand words. It’s not easily attained, it’s not easily preached and it’s not always popular — but we are committed to it.
That being said, there was also agreement that we should take some steps forward in terms of using our webpage to advance a public aspect to the preaching of the gospel. Prior to the conference beginning, several of our speakers did some videotaping of various “teasers” (very short introductions designed to pique one’s interest) that will be used to draw attention to a particular Bible Study or sermon. These teasers range in length from one to eight minutes. What a learning curve there is in this. Once refined a little more, YouTube would be a potential area to expand into. It’s pretty exciting!
There was also agreement that our webpage needs to be updated with an eye to easier navigation and attention-grabbing graphics. It is a big job that will soon begin. We all believe this will really move us forward in terms of viewability for members and non-members alike.
There were discussions about potential future Feast sites as well. The possibility of renting meeting space and then allowing attendees to make their own accommodation arrangements was discussed. Your feedback would be helpful in this.
Finally, Church income is steady and even — more good news. Thank you for your prayers for the success of the conference and for your continuing prayers for the ministry.
Marshall Stiver
