Christ Hamilton United Lutheran Church
Located in the Beautiful Pocono Mountains

419 Bossardsville Road
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
(570) 992-4085

 

             www.christhamilton.org

From Membership to 21^st Century Discipleship

Keynote Speaker:
Michael W. Foss; Pastor, Author

November 16 & 17, 2012

Call 570-992-4085 to register yourself or your group
OR download the form below!

For many years now, American Christianity has been on the decline both as a vital cultural influence and as an active factor in the lives of people who profess the faith.  We are failing in Jesus’ commission to be a light for the world, and salt for the earth.

What has caused this decline, which in some denominations has become shocking?  Some people are speaking about those churches that were once referred to as “mainline” moving to the sideline; why?  American Christians have become lukewarm, with members becoming discouraged and inactive.  Being part of a local religious club may be nice, but it is neither life forming or transforming.  Being a servant of the risen Christ, a member of His Body, a disciple of the Creator, Redeemer, and King of the universe given a Great Commission by Him is both; it is something really life changing!

What are the identifying marks that distinguish a person as an active disciple of Jesus Christ rather than a mere “church member?”

An active disciple is one who is regularly engaged in prayer to and worship of the Triune God.  He regularly reads the Bible,  God’s word, granting it ultimate authority in his life.  He serves others in love in accordance with his Lord’s command and has treasured spiritual friendships, relationships of accountability with other Christians.  Finally, an active disciple gives sacrificially of his time, talents, and possessions, for he seeks to emulate his Master, who gave all.  An active disciple is alive to his identity in Christ, and so is on fire for the Lord.

Does this describe most of the people in your congregation?  Does it describe you?  Do you wish it did?  Rediscovering this kind of passion is what this event is all about.

But we know that events do not change lives.  This event is designed to be the starting point of change for congregations, not another magical “program.”  Therefore, our time together will end with congregations that wish to build regional networks to help each other make real changes in the way they do ministry day to day, covenantal relationships that will bear fruit for the Lord.

To lead us in building such relationships and rediscovering our passion for Jesus, we have recruited two leaders:

Pr. Mike Foss

Pr. Foss serves as Senior Pastor of St. Mark Lutheran Church in West Des Moines, Iowa, a thriving Christian community standing on the authority of God’s Word.  Gifted as a teacher, preacher and trainer, he has authored the books Power Surge, A Servant’s Manual, and Real Faith for Real Life, as well as the recently released From Members to Disciples published by Abingdon Press and The Disciple’s Joy published by Augsburg Books. 

Pr. Foss is an internationally recognized visionary leader who consults and speaks to leaders of congregations, synods, church organizations and denominations about identifying, equipping and commissioning effective Christian leaders for the church’s 21st Century ministry.

Pr. Paul Borg

Pr. Borg has served as a Lutheran pastor for 43 years and is presently serving an ELCA missionary congregation in Indianapolis.  He has worked with many congregations as a consultant in our country and globally, helping them make the paradigm shift from “membership” (as many understand it, a club-like mentality) to 21st century discipleship.  As a result, there is presently a developing network throughout North America and other parts of the globe discovering how discipleship and mission can become the lifeblood  of local congregational life.

Equipping all Christians for
more faithful discipleship;
A member organization of
Lutheran CORE.

Please click on the link below to download the informational form you need:

· Tri-fold handout and REGISTRATION FORM

· Lodging List and Directions to Christ Hamilton

· Bulletin Insert for informing your congregation

· Newsletter/Bulletin Article for informing your congregation

· Poster suitable for black and white photocopying to hang in your community

Due to Hurricane Sandy Registration Extended to Thursday, November 8

Rev. Dereje Jemberu 

Rev. Dereje Jemberu is the director of Mission and Theology department  of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, Rev. Jemberu will speak on the Mekane Yesus mission and evangelism experience.

Rev. Yonas Yigezu

Rev. Yonas Yigezu is a seasoned pastor and former synod president, Rev. Yigezu now serves as the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, Rev. Yigezu now serves as the EECMY Vice President.  Rev. Yigezu will speak on prayer.

The Lutheran church in Ethiopia is the fastest growing Lutheran body in the world.  Established by missionaries in 1959, it now exceeds any Lutheran denomination in the U.S. in size.  From 1974 to 1991, they endured persecution under communist rule.  Now they boldly share Christ with people from all backgrounds, including the Muslim faith.