Having been invited by the nominating committee to give prayerful consideration toward service and participation in presbytery, I have recently discerned the Lord’s leading to serve on the Committee/Commission on Ministry of Whitewater Valley. In the course of this process of discernment, I have been finding some encouraging words from recent postings on PFR’s web site. What would it mean for us now in leadership to ask the essential questions, and to help one another [re]discover life-changing answers? The Rev. Dr. Paul Detterman writes for Presbyterians For Renewal (PFR) on the currency of [our] witness in the church….
| “Why Stay?” Article Two: “Is There a Witness in the Church?” (Excerpt/s) |  |
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| Written by Paul Detterman | |
| Friday, 15 June 2007 |
It is our personal responsibility to refocus our eyes, and the eyes of the people closest to us from scrutinizing the sheep to adoring the Shepherd. It is our personal calling to boldly and joyfully proclaim Jesus Christ—crucified, risen, victorious, returning, and reigning eternally. That is the message of our gospel hope—our evangelical witness—the Good News!
There has never been a better time to do this among Presbyterian people than right now. A serious dearth of leadership in all levels of our denomination can be cause for dismay if we look to the denomination to define and defend us. But the same dearth of leadership can be a God-given opportunity for believers to step forward and articulate faith with joy!
The recommendations resulting from the PUP report and the 2006 General Assembly have opened the door for close examination of every candidate for ordination at every local level of the PC(USA)! Hooray! We’ve just been invited to ask the essential questions and help earnest people discover the life-changing answers.
The only thing that can hold back the spiritual renewal and reassembling of the PC(USA) is a whining or apathetic spirit on the part of people who are commissioned to go and make disciples: baptizing, instructing, and reminding each other of every promise God ever made and of the hope we have in his Son alone. Bitterness, resignation, apathy, and retreat are fruit of the Enemy. Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Now, is there a witness in the Church??
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http://www.pfrenewal.org/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=356&Itemid=101
