The Centinel - March 2001, Issue 14

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Reaching Out... Through Word and Deed:

Living Like Jesus

By Richard Ames-Ledbetter

Vinay and Colleen Samuels were middle-class Indian Christians with a British education. Vinay left his position as senior pastor of an affluent and prestigious Episcopal church in Bangalore, India to move with his wife and children into the slum of Lingarajopuram. Together they have organized an association that has planted several churches and ministers to 50,000 people through schools, childcare; and community and economic development programs. They welcomed and loved Lola, the feared leader of 20,000 prostitutes in Bangalore. Today Lola is a full-time evangelist. This is only one of the real-life stories Dr. Ronald J. Sider shared with those who attended Central's second annual Christian Growth Speaker Series the weekend of March 10.

Friday evening, Dr. Sider described the tragic 20th century division between Christians who emphasized evangelism but neglected people's physical needs and those who offered food, jobs, and political action but never understood or communicated the importance of a living relationship with God in Christ. He patiently explained that truly Biblical Christians bring together word and deed by eagerly telling all who will listen that they can have a personal relationship with the Savior who longs to change their hearts and habits and also generously offer food, health care and job training to those who lack access to productive resources or are disabled. Our God longs to restore body and soul and calls us to partner with him in reconciling and restoring a lost and broken world.

On Saturday, Dr. Sider outlined the Biblical evidence for God's special concern for the poor and described the sobering gap between rich and poor in our nation and world. Scripture clearly states that God opposes the wealthy when they profit by oppressing the poor or they neglect to share their honestly gained wealth with the needy. Dr. Sider also reported that the Church has an historic opportunity to transform our broken society by combining evangelism and social concern (holistic ministry). Our government has recognized the abject failure of existing programs to solve the problem of poverty and recognized that faith-based programs work. He challenged us to embrace what the Bible says about God's concern for the poor and to be ready to offer a cup of water and the Bread of Life to those who so desperately need it.

Dr. Sider's message seems consistent with the call to be more outward focused that we have discerned from our conversations with Dr. Borden and Dr. Bilezikian over the past year. His contribution in understanding Central's mission for this time and place would seem to be in urging us to continue and expand our commitment to reaching out to the poor in Baltimore city and around the world with our time and talents. His call for partnerships between suburban and urban churches resonates with our efforts to support and encourage organizations such as the Project Justice Coalition, The Christian Community Center, Seventh Baptist Church, The Agape Family Empowerment Center, and the Baltimore Christian School. Central's Social Action Committee stands ready and eager to facilitate and equip individuals and groups within our congregation to work with other ministries that combine evangelism and social justice. Let us prayerfully seek to discern and obey God's specific call to Central in bringing the whole gospel to a hurting world.

Pastor's Pen

The start of a new year (and a new millennium) is an appropriate time to talk about change and transition. Certainly, there is no lack of either here at Central Presbyterian. I've been reading a book by Bill Bridges called Managing Transitions, and found its contents timely for thinking about our current situation as a congregation in an interim period.

Chapter one, paragraph one goes like this: "It isn't the changes that do you in, its the transition. Change is not the same as transition. Change is situational: the new site, the new boss, the new team roles, the new policy. Transition is the psychological process people go through to come to terms with the new situation. Change is external, transition is internal." Bridges (aptly named, heh?) goes on to say, "the starting point for transition is not the outcome but the ending you will have to make to leave the old situation behind." Once this truth is embraced and a transition begins (by letting go of something), a person or group enters a second step which Bridges calls the "neutral zone." He defines this neutral zone as "the limbo between the old reality and the new . . . the old sense of identity and the new. It is a time when the old way is gone and the new doesn't feel comfortable yet." Only by facing the neutral zone and acknowledging it and grieving well can we truly be ready for a new beginning.

In reflecting on this premise, I understand in a new way the disequilibrium of these times for Central Church. Not only have we entered into a season of change by virtue of pastoral change, but we also face a major change in the New Year with the introduction of the third service schedule. I have often bragged to others on Central's willingness to experiment, and to risk in this interim time. It indicates a willingness to corporately die to self and is pointed evidence of a deep collective faith that has its center in our Lord Jesus. Like Peter, Central Church today exclaims, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He says, "Come." (Talk about a neutral zone.) You know the rest of the story.

Grace and Peace,
George

Reaching Out Beyond These Walls...

Seeing Through God's Eyes

By Celeste Chubski

(reflections after participating in the youth mission trip to the Dominican Republic during the summer of 2000)

The way I view my friends, family and the world are different now. I don't judge my friends like I used to because I am learning to see them through God's eyes and not just through my eyes. I feel more open to share about God with them. The DR teens shared their faith so freely that I realized I had been hesitant to share. God is a part of my life, and I shouldn't be ashamed to talk about it. Recently, when I spoke in front of 200 teens at the Baltimore Worship Connection, I was so nervous but God put the words in my mouth as I shared how God is working at our school through a morning prayer group and at "Meet at the Pole."

Reaching out in Partnership...

Partnership Crosses Barriers

(Excerpts from a conversation between Pastor Michael Coles of Seventh Baptist Church and Sue Penno, taken from a Project Justice publication.)

Pastor Coles: A few years ago, Project Justice pastors were looking for ways to be intentional with the vision and the work of reconciliation in the Baltimore area. When the idea of starting a metropolitan, multicultural church plant came into our hearts, we asked, "Why recreate the wheel? Why not take an existing inner city ministry and partner with a suburban ministry that may be interested in such a project?" Central Presbyterian answered the call.

Project Justice: This is an unusual setup. What factors have made this successful?

Pastor Coles: The maturity of the mission partners who committed to this calling. With little or no expectations, the Penno and Summer families served across denominational and racial barriers (Pastor Coles is African American; the Pennos and Summers are white) to minister to an inner city community. Both Sue and Judy took on responsibilities in our Christian Education Department that have directly resulted in more families attending Seventh. The structures that they have set up will have lasting effects in helping us to minister to children in our area.

Project Justice: Sue, why did you and Pete decide to partner with Seventh Baptist Church?

Sue Penno: When Dr. Dick Bransford came to Central Church to tell about his missionary hospital for crippled children in Kenya, we were made aware of our passion for Africa and for the plight of AIDS victims. We felt sure that God was leading us to Africa. Then a call came from the church. "There is a meting that I think you should attend regarding Seventh Baptist Church." The meeting was not particularly memorable. We did not speak, just listened to the concerns of others. The next Sunday, Pete announced, "We are going to Seventh Baptist today." The first Sunday that we visited Seventh Baptist we felt like ducks taking to water. This was exactly where God wanted us. We were in "Samaria," not exactly the ends of the earth. Everything about it was right. There were children in need, AIDS victims, and homeless people.

Project Justice: How has God changed you personally through this experience?

Sue Penno: As a goal-oriented person, I had to put aside any thoughts of a personal agenda. Constant prayer is the only way to let God unfold His plan for Seventh Baptist. Early on, we were led to accept responsibilities in the church. Pete learned that the steeple was taller than his ladder and I have learned that the few children in Sunday School were the most important people in world. Expectations have no place in this ministry. It is here and now and it is beautiful.

"... you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth " - Acts 1:8

Reaching Out Within These Walls...

A Mouthful of a Ministry

By Denise Simms and Kara Bolonda

The mission of a newly-formed ministry, Assimilation & Mobilization is to help individuals mature spiritually by establishing relationships and using their God-given gifts to serve each other and the community. Our Biblical imperative is Ephesians 4:11-13,16: "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.... From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."

There have been several phrases bandied about that describe what this ministry team is addressing - the "back door" principle, the "80/20" rule and the need for "on-ramps" to Central. The chances are good that at one time or another, your experience at Central in seeking relationships or volunteering could be typified by using one of the aforementioned phrases.

These phrases refer to weaknesses in a church body in incorporating the giftedness of each of its members. Make no mistake, the Holy Spirit has been, and is, moving mightily over Central. While He has blessed us so richly, we aren't making full use of our giftedness.

Let's refer to our "phrases" to make the point:

1. The "back door" principle refers to the fact that while we are an extremely friendly bunch, that easily attracts new members, some quickly leave by the "back door" because they weren't assimilated: they were never invited to a small group, never invited to another's home and/or never asked about their ministry desires.

2. The "80/20" rule speaks to the 20% of the congregation who are slowly (or perhaps rapidly) burning out because they are doing 80% of the work. When this happens, it is a lose-lose situation: the worker bees become tired and frustrated and the new people are equally frustrated because their abilities are never used.

3. Lastly, "on-ramps" addresses the infrastructure of the church onto which an individual enters that will lead him to the places where he can mature spiritually and serve the Lord according to his giftedness.

When the Session identified the need to address the areas of assimilation and mobilization, we both were independently drawn to the issue. We are passionate about this new ministry team because it relates directly to our personal experiences. Kara is a "professional newcomer," having been raised in a military family, necessitating multiple and frequent relocations. As an adult, Kara and her husband have also experienced many moves during the course of their marriage. In her lifetime, Kara has experienced first-hand the sting of being an outsider and not being able to break into the group where "it all seems to be happening." Her passion is for "Assimilation." Denise's passion is for "Mobilization," and while her experience at Central has thankfully been a full one, at times it has been frustrating and tiring as she would take on task after task without the framework of following her spiritual design.

It is clear that when the church identifies the skills and abilities needed to complete our ministry teams, AND when each of Central's members knows how God has uniquely gifted them, we will all find a fulfilling place to carry out the Lord's work. Then "80/20" principle will no longer exist at Central-the Ephesians 4:11-13,16 principal will.

"From Christ the whole Body... grows and builds itself up in love as each part does its work." - Ephesians 4:16

Reaching Out By Releasing...

Good News

"I'm in over-my-head, and many days overwhelmed... but this is where I'm supposed to be." After second-guessing my call away from Central to Highland Park from January - June, 2000... once I arrived here, my doubt gave way to certainty. As I look back over the seven months that I have been here, I am thankful:

• That our family has been warmly embraced and loved by Highland Park Presbyterian Church (as we were at Central)
• That Michael is doing superbly, and the prognosis is for full recovery (please keep him in your prayers)
• That I am slowly learning to steer an "aircraft carrier"
• For the many of you who have stayed in contact with us
• That about two-thirds of my "Five Year Plan" is already gearing up
• For a congregation ready to try some new ways of being the Body of Christ in Dallas and beyond
     and
• For what the Lord is doing through Jerry and George and the rest of the CPC staff

I look back fondly on the 11 years we were together. You discipled me and molded me into much of what I am today. I will be eternally grateful for that. The best compliment that you could have paid me is in how CPC has gone ahead with moving to three services. That is a gutsy move without a resident senior pastor.

I pray for CPC daily, pray for many of you by name, and watch with great glee what the Lord is continuing to do through the life and ministry of one of America's truly great churches. What a privilege it was for me to have been your pastor for 11 years. Come and visit us in Dallas!

And stay strong in the Lord,
Ron

Reaching Out In Obedience ...

Step By Step

By Karen Duncan

Step by step He leads me... is a song that many have sung at Central. I have found that my spiritual growth has been small steps of obedience and faith, as I desire to be made more like Christ and to have His character manifested in and through my life.

I didn't wake up one morning and decide to be a missionary, but it was a kind and gentle process that led me to this place of serving Him. I took one step of obedience at a time. When I attended Urbana '87, I was excited and encouraged to share God's love right where I was working and living. The idea of going overseas was not a forethought on my part, however, as I trusted Christ to lead me step by step I was able to let go, grow and enjoy my fellowship with Christ.

Giving Him control has given me the freedom to experience Christ in and through my life. So now as a missionary with HCJB in Ecuador, I can share this process with the people I meet. For example, Abigail was a patient who came to Hospital Vozandes after her foot became infected. She was admitted and not only received medical care but spiritual care as well.

After one of the chaplains witnessed to her, she accepted Christ. She was discharged and needed follow up wound care in the home. I was able to visit her and God allowed me to begin discipling her. Her husband had accepted Christ and had started attending a local church a few months earlier. With Abigail and her husband we started a Bible Study including extended family members. God is good!

"...And how can they believe in one of whom they have not heard?" - Romans 10:14

Reaching Out Into The Workplace ...

Making Rounds

By Doug Koenigsberg

About 16 years ago, when I first began to study urban Baltimore, I observed that the city was not so different from the rural. My father would talk to people who came to our farm, go to town and "see people" about business or go to the neighbors to "visit." There was a protocol for doing this. Depending on how well you knew the person, you spent a varying amount of time. My dad liked to "brighten the day" for folks, so he was usually friendly, cheerful and always ready to listen. Everywhere he went he tried to "spread some sunshine."

It has been popular to see urban Baltimore as grim, grimy and dangerous. But that was only part of the story. Instead, I found people were mostly the opposite.

My days as a landlord, and even now as a service tech, were not scripted. I felt like the ball in a pinball game. In the morning I got up and "bang" I was out the door and "rollin." During the day I "ran into" people which hopefully resulted in some eternal score. Then the day was over, sometimes quite late, and I "dropped into a hole" and got ready for the next day.

My goal was to care for each of the people I met according to who they were. I commiserated with storekeepers, talked of family and street news with folks I knew and responded to the day's challenges. As a landlord, evictions were always tough. How do you brighten the day for people you are making homeless?

As time went by, I met more and more people. Some, I got to know well. I have had many discussions of spiritual things with very different people. Some conversations lasted five minutes, some 50 minutes. I let the people set the time. Yes, I was rarely on time, but time was not so important in the city.

The world is full of lonely, lonely people. So I try to live by "making rounds" as though I am the "Doctor of Hope." I try to tell people what I appreciate about them. I try to look for the fingerprints of the hand of God on people's lives. No secrets or methods here, just smile and ask questions. Try it!

Reaching Out In Love...

To Reach Is To Touch

By Debbie DeSmit

To extend out a hand in order to touch is a definition of the word reach found in the Webster's dictionary. Central Presbyterian Church Preschool "reaches" children ages two through four and their families during the week by providing young children in our community with an environment that enables them to grow and develop where the joy of a friendship with Jesus Christ is reflected. Extending a hand in order to touch is one of the Preschool's primary purposes.

Christ extended His hand through our preschool to touch Ben and his family. Ben's an active 3-year old, a quick learner and Korean by heritage who was adopted by loving, caring parents. In appearance he is a normal preschooler. Ben, however, has special needs.

Attending Central's Preschool, was like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Though his parents withdrew Ben from the school after three months, the family greatly respected all that the Preschool had done for Ben, and what they learned about themselves as a family.

By following Christ's words of Mark 10:14, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these," the preschool extended a hand to Ben and his family. Now, Ben has a clear diagnosis of his needs, and has the appropriate help to deal with them. Ben and his family were touched by Christ's love because the preschool "extended out a hand." So, reach... the results are touching.

"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect" - 2 Samuel 22:33

Reaching Out Through Fellowship...

The "Squiggly" Lamp

By Eileen Pohlhaus

"Let your light shine before men. Do not put it under a bushel but on a lamp stand for all to see." (Matthew 6:15,16)

To coincide with the beginning of the EPIC third service, outreach to young adults is underway via the College/Career Fellowship. Instead of a traditional Sunday School class format, the goal is to create a sense of fellowship that enhances and goes beyond the worship experience. Thus, the new "coffeehouse" look to the Covenant room and that squiggly lamp! Neil and I, assisted by Ray and Sally Gornik, are working together to coordinate the weekly discussions and plan activities.

Currently, we are blending a mix of participants from local colleges and a number of folks who have already begun their careers. About 15 are meeting during the 10 a.m. hour

The vision for this outreach is to provide spiritual support, counsel and fun. We will provide weekly opportunities on Sunday but also expect small groups to form and more impromptu gatherings to occur. In late April, a cabin retreat is scheduled in WV for the women. We hope to have volleyball where young adults from Central and other churches can intermingle. There is even talk about hosting outreaches to the community through a jazz concert or social action activities. Perhaps a scavenger hunt at the Inner Harbor!

How can you help? Consider sharing a cup of coffee after the service with a young person in the Covenant Room. Offer a ride to students to or from church for those who don't have transportation. Share your testimony on a Sunday morning. Help to plan a social function. Look for young adults in your work environment or neighborhood and invite them to join us or give us their e-mail address. Finally, pray for this outreach. The doors to this fellowship are open and we'll leave that light on for you!

Reaching Out With Courage...

Role-Play to Reality

By Joyce Sackett

Do you ever feel tongue-tied when you try to explain the Gospel to a friend? Almost all of the women in my Wednesday a.m. Bible Study group felt this way. So a few months ago, I held a training session for us to learn how to introduce our friends to Jesus in a non-threatening way.

We focused on a Bible study, Jesus Cares For Women (NavPress), a five-week study designed to reach today's woman by letting her see how Jesus related to women 2000 years ago. Each week's study takes about 45 minutes and is easy to use during the lunch hour in the workplace, as well as in someone's home.

During the training session we learned how to prepare ourselves for starting such a group, how to invite our friends and co-workers and how to handle difficult questions. We role-played the first study, and prayed together for the courage to use the study. Robin Shano and I decided to team up and start a study with friends from her neighborhood on Friday mornings, 9:30-11:00 a.m. After the first study, Robin and I said to each other in amazement, "They liked it! What great responses! Everybody seemed to really enjoy themselves. It was so much fun talking about Jesus and to sense that we were all at ease."

With each study, we felt the enthusiasm grow among the women. Several of them shared how helpful and interesting the time was each week. A few said they were grasping new truth about who Jesus really is. At the end of the five weeks, they all wanted to keep going!

Now Robin and I are looking for a second string of five Friday mornings in our schedules so we can have another "super fun time" talking about Jesus with our friends who don't yet have a personal relationship with Him.

"Do not merely listen to the word. Do what it says." - James 1:22