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ANNUAL TRAINING SEMINAR -
Transforming Churches toward a Missional Posture
MISSIONAL CHURCH CONVOCATION 2008
 
July 17-19, 2008
 
COMMUNITIES OF RECONCILIATION

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation: that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. -2 Corinthians 5:17-19:

 
As a result of your participation in this convocation you can expect to be able to-

    1. Consider the principalities and powers that shape today's culture of fear and revenge, exploring implications for ministry today.

    2. Recapture the depth and riches of the biblical language and images of reconciliation.

    3. Envision how the church as a community of reconciliation can be a sign and foretaste of God's intent for the world.

    4. Explore practices that shape communities of reconciliation for their witness before a watching world.

The missional church convocation is a learning experience, but it is much more: it is a time of rich and renewing worship, stimulating interaction with diverse participants, insightful Bible study, and fruitful networking - all for supporting your missional journey as a church leader.
 
Convocation 2008 - Celebrating the Center's 40th year
in partnership with the church.
 
 
 
You will find the Convocation to be an integrating experience because it weaves together -
  • Significant moments of worship:
    Celebrating God's redemptive involvement in human life, discerning God's empowering presence, proclaiming God's reconciling vision for all creation! The convocation participants gather each day as a worshipping community.
  • Engaging and interactive Bible study:
    The dynamic vision that lies at the heart of the biblical witness shapes the life and practice of faithful churches. Each session will be shaped by Bible study conversation and reflection.
  • Cultural analysis and theological discussion:
    The church exists in a context which it is called to engage. Discovering the contours of its worldly situation, the church is sent to proclaim and embody God's love for the world.
  • Serendipitous conversation and companions:
    Participants come from a variety of points along a missional church journey. Some are beginning the journey of transformation; others have traveled long. All bring their experience and stories, sharing the challenges and blessings as they venture toward greater missional faithfulness.
  • Located in an urban retreat setting:
    The Cenacle Conference Center is an urban retreat destination, with both options for quiet solitude and walks as well as the arts and entertainment neighborhood of Lincoln Park in Chicago.
Convocation Themes-

"Serving the church involves understanding the nature of the church and the mission in which God sends the church. The church is the people of God, an alternative community with another set of allegiances and another set of practices from the dominant culture. As such, the church is to be light to the world, a city on a hill, a sign of the future God intends for the whole world."

-Lois Barrett, Featured Speaker in 2008 Missional Church Convocation

    Lois Barrett's Presentations
 
1. "Everything Has Become New"
The biblical language of reconciliation stands in contrast to the understandings of the dominant culture. Biblical covenant language helps us see with new eyes and imagine new possibilities.

2. "God's Ministry - Our Ministry"
God, in Christ, calls and sends the church to be ambassadors of reconciliation rather than participants in the cycle of revenge. The faithful church asks, What is God doing in the world? What is God's intent for the world? What are God's purposes for the church? Is reconciliation the vocation of a select few, or of every Christian?

3. "Now Is the Day of Salvation"
Reconciliation - with God and with others - is at the heart of the gospel, not an optional add-on. How can we be in right relationship even with those who have hurt us? Is it possible to have love in one's heart while killing the enemy? Can we depend on God to save us from our enemies, both now and in the future?

4. "The Weapons of Right Relationship"
Reconciliation takes practice. What are the spiritual practices that enable us to love enemies and bring about right relationships? How can we make reconciliation a reality in the life and ministry of the church?

Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16-6:10

 BACK
Past participants have said -

    This convocation refreshed and deepened my understanding, helped me identify new skills I need to develop.

    This was an intensive exposure to something very different than the typical church growth and revitalization models and programs. It was fun to explore together. It stirred up my thinking and confirmed much of my spiritual convictions.

    Questions and biblical texts guiding the discussion periods stimulated deep reflections and sharing vulnerabilities in a healthy, uplifting, and insightful way.

    I appreciated the content, the emphasis on scripture, and the resources I was able to review and purchase.

    Terrific lectures! Bible studies were better than I expected. Table group process was helpful. Worship was wonderful!

    Thank you for trusting the small table group dynamics - it let us model what we were talking about in this convocation.

    My hope was to learn how my church can reach deeper levels of discipleship. I have achieved a good understanding of how this may be approached.

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