If I'm a minister of Christ...
Why Don't I Feel More Qualified?

Central does not have just two ministers. As has been pointed out frequently in recent months, our bulletins deliberately read, "Pastors: George Antonakos and Jerry Cooper... Ministers: Every member of the body of Christ." Each of us is uniquely called, gifted and equipped by God to minister both in and outside of the family of God.

I can't help feeling, though, that I'm noticeably less equipped for ministry than those among us who have attended seminary. I frequently long for the "luxury" of an extended period of time to be steeped in God's word, to grasp hold of excellent teaching, and to gain practical ideas about how to apply His word.

Central will be providing just such an opportunity less than a month from now. For our third annual Christian Growth Speaker Series, Dr. Greg Ogden will be speaking on the topic of:

"Discipleship Essentials"
March 8-10, 2002

Friday at 7:30 pm:

"The Dynamics of Discipleship"

Saturday at 9:00 am - 12:30 pm:

"Making Disciples Jesus' Way"

Sunday at 8:15, 10:00 and 11:30 am:

"Listening For Jesus' Call"

Sunday at 7:00 pm:

"The Challenge of Being Disciples in Today's World"

Dr. Ogden was a pastor for 25 years before becoming an Associate Professor of Lay Equipping and Discipleship at Fuller Seminary, in Pasadena, CA. He now devotes his life to training pastors and leaders to equip their congregations for effective ministry. He is the author of two books: Discipleship Essentials and The New Reformation. Here at Central, Dr. Ogden's thoughts and ideas have already greatly influenced our search for a new pastor and our leadership's new philosophy of ministry.

Dr. Ogden will provide solid biblical teaching on how we individually live as followers of Christ, how bodies of believers can be more intentional in nurturing disciples, and practical and provocative ideas for how to disciple others. Many churches in the area are planning to benefit from Dr. Ogden's teaching. Make sure you don't miss this golden opportunity right in your own back yard!

Mark your calendars and register this week in the Concourse. And by March 11th, we'll all be a few steps further in our "coursework" toward our MFC degrees (Masters of Following Christ).

--Kara Bolonda for AiM Ministries