Vann's Vignettes

I noticed that of the 17 surveys I asked of our pastors I only received 2 in return. I get the message. You are too busy for such nonsense. I promise, no more surveys!  However, to compensate for the dismal response, I will be asking more of our participating pastors and leaders to serve in the Association until we can all take it it to the next level. Here is where we are going  and why: 1. Cooperation-churches accomplishing together what they cannot accomplish alone. None of our churches are "big enough" to carry off the full ministry of a God the size of our Lord and Savior, Jesus! Phil 1:5; Acts 15:1-35.  We need to reinstall our koinonia  again. As most of you know, this word carries the idea of not just getting together in fellowship, but fully carrying one another's burdens and cares. Associational cooperation should therefore be more than institutional affiliation for what our churches can get out it. We need a partnership in the Gospel, the full Gospel. If we could do that we might spiritually awaken the culture around us, or at least get their attention.  The more we isolate ourselves in our own corners of existence, the weaker we all become. Acts 15 tells of churches who communicated, deliberated together, sent representatives, addressed theological problems within and outside of the churches, and encouraged one another. Could you use a little encouragement right now?  Just because we are individually as churches autonomous does not require us to be in isolation. Biblical churches voluntarily cooperated for the sake of the Gospel. 2. Service: The Association exists for the churches, not the churches for the Association and I firmly realize that. The Association follows the example of our Lord as stated in Mark 10:45 as Paul directs us in Galatians 5:13.  The question for me as your AMS is "How can I and the Association serve our churches better and so effectively that cooperation becomes naturally valuable, like breathing air?" I need your help to answer that question. That was the intent of the survey. Next time I will continue with this series as we work through some of the deeper issues.  Until then, be blessed!