Conducted a Ministry Development Training Session in Dallas, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta. We had representatives, including pastors and other congregational leaders, from several states. Our focus throughout the first day was the topic of conflict and racial issues and offering solutions. The responsiveness and lively participation was inspiring. We felt led by God
The day ended with Pastor Tom Mahan and me standing together before the audience and sharing sentiments of unity, love and appreciation. The session ended with a standing ovation! I pointed out that Dr. Tkach said “the ministry of reconciliation fits perfectly into the Trinitarian Relationship of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” That led us to the Communion Table where Dr. John McKenna says reconciliation begins. He also said reconciliation begins where we end. And each member treated me with a hug and a parting comment of appreciation on their way to the Table.
On Sunday, I had the privilege of giving a sermon on Jesus’ example of breaking barriers and crossing boundaries—pointing out that He is our all-time example. The event was well organized by Pastor Tom Mahan. It really did open up an opportunity to take all our hurts, divisions and disagreements to the Lord’s Table and put it under the Lordship of Jesus.
A sampling of the feedback comments passed in:
“It was so enlightening. As a young lady who was born in the church, I didn’t really realize all that existed among Christians. I really appreciated that the workshop was not put into place to attack any one group but to reconcile an entire group, brothers and sisters in Christ. I encourage all different kinds of people, socially, economically, ethnically, etc., to attend. Everyone can leave with something beneficial.”
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“What I liked most about the workshop was how open and honest people were about their reconciliation toward God and each other.”
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“Would like to thank Worldwide Church of God for having various workshops. It’s a real blessing and enjoyable. Love it when we come together.”
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“It truly was an eye opener and I’m very glad that I came to hear and see it for myself. I thank God that He does have a time and season for everything.”
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“Allowed people to open their hearts and talk and thus heal.”
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“Thanks, we needed this!”
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Hi Mr. Mahan,
We all just wanted to thank you for being such a good DPL. The seminar was great and it really has us doing a lot of soul searching.
Today we had a special service for those who did not attend the seminar and had a mini seminar of our own. We tried to do a recap of the seminar and everyone who attended got up and told what they had learned. The service went overtime. It was like nobody wanted to go home. It was like a continuation of the seminar.
I reviewed some of the information in the booklet “Standing in the GAP” and we plan to order one for every member. I also obtained the video and next week we will again have a special service and view the video.
Everyone that attended was saying that we should reach out to the other denominations in our area to make them aware that our church has a Reconciliation Ministry. When we first started as a home church we had services every other week and on the opposite week we would get together as a group and visit another congregation not of our own denomination. In our earlier years we always talked about meeting with the ministers from the other churches in our area to do some networking. Who knows maybe something like this could be in their hearts also
Your sister in Christ Jesus,
Annette