The Kerusso – January | 2023 Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
International General Superintendent’s Word for the Year - 2023 Each year of my service as General Superintendent, I have sought the Holy Spirit’s help in selecting a word or phrase that I could present as a focal point - - a leadership theme for the year. In the 2018-2022 quadrennium, the first idea I felt led to center on was “Collaboration”, with subsequent themes of Family, Trust, and Grow. I seek the Lord’s guidance well in advance, and the word PEACE for 2023 came to me back in October of 2021, only to be shared if called again to serve. 2023 is upon us, so for this year, I’d like to ask that we endeavor to do all that is within us to be PEOPLE OF PEACE. I plan to present a follow-up word each year of the quadrennium, but it is my hope that PEACE will be an overarching concept that we can continue to strive toward. The Word of God makes the pursuit of PEACE a high priority: “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 We are also told how best to achieve it, and what an amazing gift it is: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27
Peace as a Singular Priority | And P.E.A.C.E. as a Set of Priorities The world we live in is not at peace. There is turmoil in our streets, our schools, our congressional halls, and often even in our homes. We must not follow the pattern of the world in our houses of worship. God’s people are called to live at peace with one another ... “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14). And we are told it will take effort: “Live in harmony with one another ... If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:16-18) May the people of the Evangelical Methodist Church be different - may we be marked by being People of Peace! Further, we can use PEACE as an acronym, with each of the letters representing a denominational priority over these 4 years. 1 - Planting Churches 2 - Educating Ministers 3 - Aspiring to Holiness 4 - Connecting People and Churches 5 - Equipping Leaders
We know these are things we are called to do, but the Cabinet of Superintendents is asking your help as we seek the best way to do them in this quadrennium. Every one of our four regional Journey meetings will include a LEADERSHIP SUMMIT a special time for us to listen to YOU, the clergy AND LAITY of the EMC as we drill down into the “HOW TO” for each of these priorities. Please make plans to come to Journey and bring your lay leaders with you. We want to hear your ideas as we develop specific strategies to support our ministers, pastors, churches, and outreach efforts.