Mindful by Paul Boeker, Editor
“Conventional wisdom” is that strange idiom with which we tag opinions or predictions that people generally hold to be true. For example, conventional wisdom holds that conventions are boring, thus the FEBC Annual Convention will be boring. Howev- er, a glance at the breakout sessions (page 13)
suggests that they will be informative, practical and strategic. Conventional wisdom maintains that reports are dull. But last
summer, it was exciting to hear how churches are implementing the 20/20 Vision and seeing members catch the vision to pro- claim Christ. Conventional wisdom assumes that annual conventions are
all listening and no relationships. Te truth is that relationships are formed, renewed and strengthened during breaks, meals, and outings. Pastors congregate. Clergy wives lunch together. Mis- sionaries visit over a dinner. And with the option to be housed [billeted] in the home of a church family, guests oſten make new and lasting friendships. Conventional wisdom says that conventions are tiring. Yes,
one does go away tired, but one also goes away energized and envisioning how their church could prepare for unchurched guests or how their church could provide a service to the griev- ing or to caregivers. Conventional wisdom says that conventions are too expensive.
It’s not worth sending the pastor and a few delegates. But for many of our churches, the FEBC Convention is their only link with other churches, other pastors, and as such, it has tremendous value. I am astounded as I trace the travels of Paul, Timothy, Titus, Apollos, Tychicus and “the brothers from Macedonia” through the New Testament. Travel between churches must have been a high value to the early Christians. I hope your church is sending (i.e., paying the way for) your pastor and delegates. Te Law required every Jew to go to Jerusalem three times a year. Grace encourages once-a-year conventions to affirm our unity of faith and purpose and to stay connected for encouragement and for building up of our churches. Conventional wisdom is quite oſten common foolishness. Tis
summer, wisely make sure that delegates from your church attend the FEBC Convention — and report back to your congregation.
A Motto for Ministry
I heard a wonderful, challenging quote the other day, and taped it to my computer. William Borden gave up everything he had to follow Christ. He was so intent on following God’s direction that he leſt his family, fortune and future as the heir to the Borden Milk Company to follow the Lord to the for- eign mission field. On his way to China, he stopped in Egypt to learn Arabic, but within hours he contracted spinal men- ingitis and died before ever reaching China. His commitment and total abandon to Christ has however, been an inspiration to countless numbers of men and women who have done the same — leſt all and headed into ministry, whether at home or abroad (see
home.snu.edu/~hculbert/
regret.htm). His quote?
“No reserves. No retreats. No regrets.” —Beth Fast
May we be as committed and focused on what God has called us to do!
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