We just witnessed an historical event in the election and inauguration of President Barack Obama. Throughout his campaign and again in his inaugural address, he stressed the need for connection and being together to solve the ills of America and the world.
What was striking about his campaign speeches and his inaugural address was that he spoke about the intentionality to make one's self available for connection to rebuild and not to tear down. This actually fits into the message that Paul gave us in the Philippians passage where he talked about “… if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand” (Phil. 2-4, the message bible).
As I look at President Barack’s prophetic voice to us, it struck me that nothing he has been saying is new; in the Southeast Conference, this theme has been prevalent for a number of years. Our theme in the conference is distinguished as 'better together'. We realize that when churches and people come together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in our churches and communities. Better together is not just a slogan, but it embodies the essence of who we strive to be as we move towards strengthening our churches, through reaching the lost, nurturing the faithful, transforming lives and reflecting the Kingdom.
As we move into 2009, coming together to foster the ministry of the conference is the mission all of us must undertake. We will focus on the areas of training for pastoral leadership, creating intentional community where affinity groups in the conference can communicate and share ideas about “best practices in church’s governance, leadership and ministry opportunities, church’s revitalization and renewal church planting and adoption." These initiatives will be given much attention at our upcoming SEC Annual meeting to be held in Silverhill, Alabama; you must be there.
Moving forward with the mission and ministry of the conference is all our responsibility; your contribution in time, talent and treasures is much needed. As Paul and President Obama remind us, we are in this together, but Jesus said it best, “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”(Matt.18:19-20) Let us move forward together in the name of Jesus.
