SADDLEBACK CHURCH HONORS CHRIS NELSON
Did you know that for the past 15 years , Chris Nelson has traveled around the world teaching church leaders how to “ do church ” using the Purpose Driven Church ( PDC ) model ? At the annual meeting in February , we welcomed guests from Saddleback Church who came to honor Chris as a Pioneer in the PDC Community and Master Trainer of Purpose Driven Initiatives .
Bethlehem ’ s purpose driven story began in 1996 when , under Chris ’ leadership , 7-8 members of the staff and the council president traveled to Orange County , CA , for a Purpose Driven Church conference . Leaders came to see the importance of articulating a clear vision ; balancing the five biblical principles of fellowship , discipleship , worship , ministry and outreach ; and connecting with people at different levels of commitment . It is not an overstatement to say that the conference helped set the course for Bethlehem for the next 20 + years .
In 1999 , Saddleback recognized Bethlehem with a PDC health award , and a couple years later invited Chris to begin teaching the model to other mainline congregations . Chris has now taught Purpose Driven Church and preaching in Argentina , Denmark , Iceland , India , Norway , the Philippines , and Poland , as well as the U . S ., so it was a pleasure to welcome friends from Saddleback to Bethlehem to celebrate the expansion of God ’ s kingdom through Chris ’ leadership and service . Thanks be to God !
David Chrzan , Mike Constantz , Chris Nelson , Gail Nylin
YOUR GIVING MAKES A DIFFERENCE by Pastor Bob Wertz , Pastor of Stewardship and Planned Giving
In last month ’ s issue of CONNECT , we heard Paul Steen ’ s perspective about how vital it is for us to “ pay it forward .” Paul is one of the appeal ’ s four co-chairs . This month another co-chair , Kathryn Schmidt ( pictured here with Gary ), shares her enthusiasm about the three-year mission appeal , Opening New Doors , due to launch in April :
As we embark on this capital appeal , Opening New Doors , we have reflected on our commitment to support it . We are paying it forward for the next generation and for those in the future who will come to know Christ and be part of a Christian community . We also know that we are benefitting here and now from these projects . We have confidence that God ' s hand is behind our efforts and faith that the people with whom we connect through this campaign , including our outreach partners , will have their lives changed forever .
The 13th chapter of Paul ' s first letter to the Corinthians is the famous love chapter . It elevates love to its proper stature of importance for all of us . It also guides us in putting our hearts right for giving our money . " If I give all that I possess and give myself over to hardship that I may boast , but have not love , I gain nothing ."
We encourage you to join us in showing our love for those who will join us in community and those who desperately need our love-drenched financial gifts throughout our city and the world . They will know we are Christians by our love .
IMPORTANT DATES :
Beginning April 1 : Sign up online at bethlehem-church . org / small-groups to participate in a small group book study of " Your New Money Mindset ."
Campus Facilities Updates :
• Sunday , April 2 , 11:30 am ( MPLS )
• Sunday , April 9 , 10:30 am ( MTKA )
Sunday , April 23 : Kick-Off Sunday
• Pick up printed appeal materials in church .
• 12 Noon - Hear Thrivent CEO Brad Hewitt and co-author Jim Moline discuss their own generosity journeys in their book “ Your New Money Mindset ” ( complimentary Indian meal at 11:30 am ) at Minneapolis campus
( more on page 5 ).
• Pick up your own free copy of the book at both campuses and sign up for a four-week small group discussion .
Appeal Information Meetings :
• Sunday , April 30 , 10:30 am ( MTKA )
• Sunday , May 7 , 11:30 am ( MPLS )
Sunday , May 14 : Commitment Sunday
• All members are invited and encouraged to hand in a written commitment to support the appeal . The appeal runs May 14 , 2017 to May 13 , 2020 .
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