GAC picks 4 major priorities
Areas of emphasis will guide PC(USA)work for 2005-2006
by Bill Lancaster,
Presbyterian News Service
[posted here 10-1-03]
MONTREAT, NC --
September 29, 2003 -- The General Assembly Council affirmed
four major areas of emphasis for the mission work of the Presbyterian Church
(USA) for 2005 and 2006 during its meeting here last week.
For each of these major areas -- spiritual formation,
justice, evangelism and leadership development (and a fifth category for
"everything else") -- the council identified specific issues that its
Mission Work Plan (MWP) team is to develop into objectives for presentation
during the February GAC meeting.
If the process is approved by next year's 216th General
Assembly of the PC(USA), action plans and strategies will be put into place
for implementation in 2005.
The GAC used a "decision-by-consensus" model in
establishing these priorities.
The priority areas, principal issues, and matters to be
developed into objectives:
Spiritual formation
Acknowledge and celebrate different styles of Christian
spirituality within the Reformed tradition. Make conferences and other
denominational events more widely available by exploiting advanced
technology, including electronic forms of communication. Make available a
variety of resources, including Bible studies, in electronic and multimedia
forms, and in versions for various cultural and language groups. Have the
GAC model spiritual leadership and call Presbyterians to a year of daily
prayer.
Justice
Emphasize inclusivity, in terms of age, gender,
orientation, racial-ethnic identity and disability. Embrace advocacy -- for
social witness, economic justice, women's and ethnic concerns, legislative
issues, fair housing, health care, environmental protection, etc. Witness
for peace and non-violence, opposing domestic violence, oppression,
nationalism, child abuse, terrorism and unfair treatment of immigrants and
illegal residents.
Evangelism
Resource small churches, including shared ministry
partnerships. Devote time and energy to "recapturing, equipping and
developing passion for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ throughout the
world," notably through camps and conferences. Strive to provide resources
for new-church developments and congregational transformation.
Leadership
Identify resources to help clergy and lay leaders sharpen
their skills. Enhance awareness of shared ministries and best practices.
Support congregations in terms of pastoral leadership, including finances.
Encourage Christian vocation among young people.
Miscellaneous
Improve communications, addressing issues of trust, public
relations, face-to-face contact and overcoming apathy. Address
mission-funding concerns. Seek ways of enhancing denominational identity and
cultural diversity and of improving GAC structure.
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