The Kerusso – April | 2023

Five Denominational Priorities (A Continuing Series by International General Superintendent Edwards)

As a reminder, I’ve been sharing a “Word for the Year” since 2019 that captures my heart for where we need to head in our thinking and leadership. The meaning and motivation contained in these words comes straight from the Scripture.

In 2019, the word was “Collaborate” because the WORD encourages collaborative teamwork, and extolls the value of unity in such places as Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4.

In 2020 the word was “Family,” knowing that we are called together to serve the Lord in a spiritual bond that is actually stronger than our biological connections. Jesus looked at his disciples, and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12)

In 2021, the word was “Trust.” In his second letter, the Apostle Paul admonished Timothy to “... Remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.” (2 Timothy 3:14)

In 2022, the word was “Grow,” based on many Biblical admonitions such as "Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:7)

In 2023, the word I’ve been drawn to focus on and share is “Peace.” The inspired writer of Hebrews makes it incredibly plain ... “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Pretty strong language!

Unlike other years, this year’s word - PEACE - represents a set of priorities that will continue to be focal points for us throughout these next several years.

1 - Planting Churches

2 - Educating Ministers

3 - Aspiring to Holiness

4 - Connecting People and Churches

5 - Equipping Leaders

In this third of the five priorities, we find the very heart of God. Over and again in the pages of Scripture, we are told that God is HOLY. It is who He is, not something He does occasionally. And we were created in His very image, but marred the image of God in humanity at the fall.

Leviticus 19:2 echoes a theme that spans the pages of the Bible: “You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” Holiness isn’t primarily about our external traits; it is about those invisible character traits that make us like HIM. When we are transformed internally, the outward evidence will testify to the internal change. The Apostle Peter beautifully described how we must grow, recapturing the divine nature through ASPIRING to HOLINESS: He wrote:

“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sin.” (2 Peter 1:2-9)

District “Journey” Meetings 2023 COMING UP: Lakeview Chapel Lake Elsinore, CA | April 20-21

To register and find more Lake Elsinore information click here: District "Journey" Meetings 2023

Peninsula Community

2403 W. Texas St.

Moses Lake, WA 98837

Registration continues for the three remaining district "Journey" meetings.

To register, find information, and for a printable flyer, click here:

District "Journey" Meetings 2023

Please register and make payment no later than 2 weeks before the meeting you plan to attend.

Quality Inn - 449 Melva Lane, Moses Lake, WA (509)765-8886 (from $100 per night)

Inn at Moses Lake - 1741 Kittleson Road, Moses Lake, WA (509)766-7000 (from $160 per night)

Best Western Lake Front - 3000 North Marina Drive, Moses Lake, WA (509) 765-9211 (from $160 per night)

Holiday Inn Express - 2300 South Maiers, Moses Lake, WA (509) 766-8000 (from $198 per night)

Comfort Suites - 1700 East Kittleson Road, Moses Lake, WA (509) 765-3731 (from $169 per night)

RESTAURANTS WITHIN 5 MILES OF THE CHURCH:

Subway, J’s Teriyaki Grill, Dragon Express (Take Out), Starbucks, and various fast food

AREA ATTRACTIONS:

Blue Heron Park, Moses Lake Art Museum & Art Center, Japanese Peace Garden, & more!

Please remember, we REALLY want you to bring your lay leaders. We deeply value our connection to the laity and especially look forward to them participating in the Leadership Summit on Friday morning.