 As the newly appointed senior pastor of Newark UMC in July 2005, I knew I was going to a strong church. It had gifted lay leadership who desired to find ways of strengthening the church. One group took the church
into the Natural Church Development (NCD) materials. Out of the eight NCD evaluates, it was not surprising
to most of us that “need-oriented evangelism” was our
characteristic of lowest health. What was surprising was that “passionate spirituality” was right down at the bottom also. Newark UMC has a strong history in Disciple Bible Study and other small groups.
When Mark Deshon came to me with an interest in starting
Covenant Discipleship groups, I was quick to support him. I
agreed because I firmly believe that CD groups would deepen the spiritual life of participates, thereby helping Newark UMC improve in “passionate spirituality.” I also agreed because of my personal experience in CD groups.
Ever since college in the early 1970s, I had participated in a variety of small groups. In seminary, three of us formed an accountability group and met weekly for prayer, study, and accountability. It was this personal experience with the value of such groups that led me to agree to lead one of the pilot groups at NUMC. Being a morning person, finding four people willing to meet at 6:00 a.m. every Thursday was a gift.
I know it will take some time to nurture and grow a strong
Covenant Discipleship ministry in Newark UMC. I know we will have to continue to recruit new leaders and new group members. But I also know that we have already strengthened our “passionate spirituality” as a congregation. I can hear it in the stories that come out of our Covenant Discipleship groups. I look forward to continuing my own participation and being a witness for the value of these groups.
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