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Enormous time and energy has been invested in the proposed plan to restructure our denomination. Delegates to the Biennial in Pasadena will be asked to approve the plan. For this issue of Minister, we have asked several individuals to respond to the question, how will this new structure impact ministerial leaders and local ministries? I am grateful to each writer for taking time to reflect on the question from his or her particular perspective. I believe that together, these short articles provide an excellent introduction to the plan and its intended impact. |
Years ago, Bob Dylan sang, “the times, they are changing.” Times have changed dramatically since 1972 when the current denominational structure was adopted. Our culture has required us to choose between change and the slow death of irrelevancy. We have been required to learn new things and to do old things in new ways in order to minister effectively . It isn’t surprising that the denomination which relies on changing congregations in a changing environment will be required to change.
The question is not, shall we change? The question is, are we making the right changes? This edition of Minister is intended to help you to describe the proposed changes to your local constituencies and to decide for yourself if this is the right way to go.
Grace and Peace,
Dr. Joe Kutter Acting Executive Director
Ministers Council
American Baptist Churches USA