This morning we began District Conference. What’s really cool is that we began conference with communion.  The Parkway Worship Team led us in worship again.  Much more subdued than last night, but still excellent.  It has been great to catch up with all my friends across the district.  We have even gotten a chance to connect with fellow bloggers.

Dr. Tom Armiger, our Area General Superintendent is chairing the conference and he gave the annual State of the Church address.  He gave us the vision for the Wesleyan Church from Colossians.

A Transformational Church Must Be:

  • A global church — committed to the authority of God’s Word.  The local church must have a global mindset.
  • A multiplying church — Col. 1:6
  • A sending church — Col. 1:7-8 — we must raise up workers
  • A praying church — Col. 1:9
  • An evangelistic church — declare the gospel — reach the lost — changed lives are the church’s greatest advertisement.
  • A holiness church — Col 1:28 — Discipling them to be holy people
  • A compassionate church — Col 3:12-14 — Demonstrating the love of Christ.

It was a great message — conference is going along well.  Tonight is the ordination service.  For the first time since we have been in the Shenandoah District, the service is the main event on Monday night.  Other years it was squeezed between business and worship.  I’ll report on the ordination service later.  Six of tonight’s ordinands attended at least one FLAME class and most of them attended several.  In addition another who is being ordained in Greater Ohio is in attendance because he is moving here.  We are hoping to get a picture of all the FLAME ordinands at the service tonight.  Pam and Rebecca will be escorting the ordinands because they are currently ministerial students.  It should be a great service.  I’m looking forward to it.  Later….