Conflict Brings Presbyterians Together to Work on Solutions
by Staff
April 4, 2007
HOUSTON, (christiansunite.com) -- The same old denominational approaches to mission are failing many of the churches within the PCUSA, as its membership continues to shrink nationally. The climate of institutional self-preservation clouds the church's global vision for mission, limits access to resources and restricts its ability to network effectively with other like-minded congregations. The urgent reality is that congregations within the PCUSA are in critical need of a network, as well as relationships, ideas and best practices that will help them reconnect with the global body of Christ. They need to be equipped to become missional in a way that is counter-cultural, incarnational, globally-minded and a hopeful witness to Jesus Christ in a dying world.The conflict within the denomination has taken time, energy and resources away from the true mission of the church. Presbyterian Global Fellowship (PGF) was birthed last year as a means to bring some real solutions to congregations that are dealing with the day-to-day realities of doing ministry on the frontlines.
Now in its second year of life, PGF seeks to be a network of relationships, ideas and best practices that equip congregations within the Presbyterian Church (USA) and churches outside of the denomination in the greater body of Christ. One of the solutions to the conflict within the denomination is the second annual PGF Conference, to be held August 16-18 in Houston, Texas at the George R. Brown Convention Center. This year's conference is entitled "Inside-Out" and will encourage staff, elders, lay leaders and pastors to begin to form their ministries around being inwardly strong and outwardly focused.
Keynote speakers will include John Ortberg, currently the Teaching Pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church and the author of the books If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat and The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Growth for Ordinary People. The conference will also include Michael Frost, author of the 2006 book, Exiles as well as Gary Haugen, Founder and President of International Justice Mission.
Visit www.pgfconference.org for a complete schedule of activities, speakers and workshops.
