MINISTERIAL DEVELOPMENT
by Phil Jackson
2001 Boston Seminar has Limited Openings!
The Boston Seminar for Congregational History and Polity, August
19-25 has a limited number of spaces open on a
first-come/first-serve basis. This is an excellent educational opportunity for
Congregational clergy, new and old alike. The cost includes room and board and
is quite reasonable. For more information, contact Phil Jackson or
Karen Frazzell at the NA Office.
Minister's Convocation
The speakers for this year's Convocation are: The Revs. Carol
and Ralph DiBiasio-Snyder, Dr. David Mains, and Dr. Richard
A. Swenson. The Revs. DiBiasio-Snyder are the pastors of the
First Congregational Church in Oshkosh and have both served on
various NACCC commissions and divisions. The Rev. Dr. David Mains is
the author, co-author or editor of at least 24 books and the founder
and president of Mainstay Church Resources. Dr. Richard Swenson is
a medical doctor, futurist, and author of several books relating to
stress and overload in our daily lives.
The theme for the Convocation is "Peace with God _ Peace
with Ourselves." The dates are April 23-26 and will be held at the
Center for Development in Ministry in Mundelein, Illinois.
Please encourage your pastor to attend this event.
Sermon Contest
The Division for Ministry sponsored sermon contest is on a
general topic for 2001. We are disappointed that we haven't been
receiving sermons. If your pastor or a lay person in your church has delivered
a sermon that inspired or caused you to think, urge them to submit
the sermon to the NACCC Office to the attention of Rev. Phil R.
Jackson. Either a minister or lay leader in the church must give the sermon
within the dates specified. The dates are from March 14, 2000
through March 15, 2001. The contest deadline is April 1, 2001. Please
have your sermon entry in before that time. A cash prize and plaque
are given to the winner of the contest.
CFTS is Searching for Candidates
CFTS is still searching for candidates for the
Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies program. The CFTS
Board met in February and didn't interview any new candidates for
the program. Anyone in our member churches that is either in
seminary or contemplating attending seminary for an M.Div. is
missing a great opportunity for both financial and academic support.
The program offers many opportunities for fellowship and academic
training especially pertinent to Congregational Churches.
Please encourage possible candidates for the CFTS
program to contact Phil Jackson, Dean of CFTS, at 1-800-262-1620 or
e-mail him at pjackson@naccc.org.
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