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LEADERSHIP LETTER ARCHIVES
A MONTHLY READING
FOR ALL ARC LEADERS
An Upcoming Meal
The Alliance for Renewal Churches (ARC) has been around for over 30 years in one form or another. For most of that time we have, as they say, “flown under the radar.” We are rather small and humble, much like our founder, who, although quite big, is an exemplar of humility. I, on the other hand, carry the “small” piece for us, but I believe wholeheartedly that God wants us on the radar screen and that part of my leadership call is to help get us there. We’re not interested in self-promotion but in being faithful to “guard the good deposit entrusted to” us (2 Timothy 1:14). Undoubtedly Paul is pointing Timothy to the gospel truths and mission that so defined his life, but since that first century every group and movement of God has been given a general and specific deposit. I am increasingly convinced that the specific deposit given to the ARC should not only be guarded and preserved but also given and distributed more widely. It is our “five loaves and two fish” that Jesus intends to multiply to feed the fainting, the hungry and the harassed. We don’t have everything, but the piece we do have must be brought to Jesus for His blessing and breaking. I hear that call with pristine clarity: “You give them something to eat.”
One of our times of nourishment in the ARC is our annual conference. It takes place in Mansfield, Ohio every April, usually two weekends after Easter. This year it is April 20-21. We are very privileged to welcome Dr. Craig Blomberg from Denver Seminary as our guest speaker. Dr. Blomberg has become a close friend of our affiliated church in Denver, The Scum of the Earth. That’s got to be God, right? We think so, but it is not our intention to hoard our gifted brother. He is part of what we want to give away. Last year when our team of teachers taught 1 Corinthians in our church (Christ Community Church in St. Paul, MN), we used Dr. Blomberg’s NIV Commentary as well as Gordon Fee’s. Dr. Blomberg’s commentary is proof that he possesses a broad and rich biblical depth that will help you keep your hand to the plow as well as feed the beloved sheep of Jesus.
I asked Dr. Blomberg to speak to us on leadership from the Pastoral Epistles, in part because as a very young pastor I heard J. I. Packer give three talks from 2 Timothy that were utterly formative to the call that unfolded in my life over the next twenty-five years. I told Dr. Blomberg, “No pressure!” He said, “Thanks!” In addition to Dr. Blomberg’s four plenary sessions, we’ll also be offering seven workshops that will run twice during the conference.
To all of you reading this, please come and let us give you something substantial to eat. If you are a student, you can come for only $5.00, and if you are a young pastor or leader 25 or under, you can come for free. We want to be a deeper blessing to the emerging leaders among God’s people.
I am very much looking forward to connecting with all of you at the conference.
In the love of Christ, Ned Berube, President
Click here to view Leadership Letter Archives
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