November 2000
Page 1 - If the Ship is Sinking... By Paul Anderson
Page 2 - Give Me the Desires of My Heart! By Mary Ann Herzan
- Page 3 - Restoring the True Stronghold - Is God Your Mighty Fortress?
By Dr. Joe JohnsonPage 4 - Association of Renewal Churches (ARC)
Page 5 - Director's Note
Association of Renewal Churches (ARC)
The Time is Now!
Lutheran Renewal has been used through the years as a tool of God to build an informal network of renewal pastors. We have equipped many in Spirit-filled ministry and encouraged them to be witnesses in their denominations. Many pastors and churches are now battle-weary. Renewal-minded pastors often have little in common with their denomination, and they receive little encouragement from their leaders. Many leaders have discerned that now is the time to strengthen our relationships with like-minded pastors and congregations. Many, like the apostle Paul, have "fighting without and fear within" (2 Corinthians 7:5). Others, serving in healthy congregations, are aggressive in their desire to see renewal in the Church, and they wish to align themselves with those who have the same agenda. It is our conviction that a coalition, a strong network of pastors and churches, can serve God's kingdom in a mighty way and bring hope and courage to all who join with us.What is the association?
It is a loose association of like-minded congregations and pastors who wish to stand together relationally. The coalition is not a new denomination. It is a network of pastors/congregations who have Biblical convictions concerning the vital role of the Holy Spirit in our lives and ministries and who desire to receive and give support to pastors and congregations, so that they can become what God intends. The purpose of our relationship is not to resist something but to foster Spirit-driven ministries giving witness to the grace of God in Christ.Who would join the association?
Pastors who believe in the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit and who want to stand strongly with the same convictions. We would like to hear from pastors regarding this proposal. Would you be interested? What would you desire or expect from such a coalition? Please write to us with your responses. You may also e-mail us at: ilrc@aol.com.
