FIEC Leadership Conference (Part 3 of 3)

In my final blog from the FIEC leadership conference I reflect back. I spent the last 2 days thinking! It is always good to be still and hear from God. Here are a few final thoughts:

1. Manage growth! Ray Evans gave an excellent session, describing the differences between organic growth and organising that growth. It reminded me that processes are important. It aids the growth of the church and establishes boundaries. Organisation helps us serve God, whole heartedly all the time. Pay more attention to your policies, write them in such a way where they promote the Gospel.

2. Put the Bible front and centre! Colin Smith led a session on Evangelism. What amazed me was there were no fancy techniques, no ‘how to’ of evangelism, in fact, it was almost laughable how simple he made evangelism. Put the Bible front and centre. Talk about it, share it, even open it up with a friend and discuss it. The Bible defends itself, all we need to do is engage with it and engage others with it. Let’s make evangelism simpler – lets open our Bibles!

3. Don’t lose heart! The final session on day 3 was led by Andy Prime. He reminded us all that even when the days are hard, nothing is going right and all seems lost, to not lose heart because the Power, Glory, Mercy and Love of Jesus is winning! Turn your eyes to Jesus!

4. A long journey, but good conversation! We often moan about our long road trips. I will be honest, a 6-hour drive did knock the stuffing out of me. However, it was a chance for Miriam and me to talk. To digest all we have learned, to debate outcomes and to refresh our joint goal of serving the Lord. When was the last time you went on a long drive? Is it time to find a few moments to chat with your family over what God is doing?

5. A support network makes all the difference! To go away for 3 days to a conference is a privilege, to have Miriam by my side was a joy. This can only happen because we have a granny willing to look after the children, a church willing to invest in their pastor and donated funds to help us pay for it. Thank you, you have blessed us immensely. Church is a family; we spur each other on!

6. FIEC? Baptist Union? … Finally, I have been asked about why I am an FIEC Pastor in a BU church. Here is why … because God wanted it that way! Do I know why? No! Does God know why? Of course! I hold fast to the theological principles of the FIEC, and I believe whole heartedly in Baptism. I do not belong to a denomination; I belong to Jesus! It is Jesus I serve, Jesus I love, and Jesus I proclaim! To whose Glory do you serve?

Pastor Ross Ferguson