Managing to Do Better

Regular readers of the letters and blog may be aware of my fascination with the use of the word oikonomos in the Greek New Testament.  It occurs ten times.  Four of the times it is used by Jesus in teaching about faithfulness. Five times it is used by Paul and once by Peter.  Older versions of the Bible translate it as steward, but more contemporary versions translate it as manager. 

In my university studies in management I was taught three important facts about a manager.  Firstly, a manager is entrusted with resources or assets that belong to someone else.  Secondly, in order to manage a manager will be delegated some degree of autonomy.  Thirdly, the manager will have to give an account of his or her performance.

Both Paul and Peter use the word in connection with the exercise of gifts and ministries.  Since the Bible makes clear that every Christian has a part in these, then it follows that we also have a duty to manage efficiently those things with which we have been entrusted.  One frequently misused passage of scripture is 1 Corinthians 4:2 which states that it is required that managers are found faithful.  The misuse comes from those who say that God does not expect us to be successful; just faithful.  The correct interpretation of this verse is that managers have to demonstrate that they are worthy of being entrusted.  That is, we are expected to be effective managers, and that implies a degree of success.

On the Rural Mission Solutions website (www.ruralmissionsolutions.org.uk) you can find a free paper and free booklet exploring how we could manage better in our service for God.  It draws on biblical principles, good management practise, and the fact that my old school reports frequently said “Could do better”!

Re-Launching Children and Family Ministry

In Rural Mission Solutions we are excited to have re-started our children and family ministry.  We welcome Katrina Thomas who is now working with us part time.  Katrina is based close to the borders of Kent and East and West Sussex, but we can also work with churches further afield.  Find out more at www.ruralmissionsolutions.org.uk/children-and-families

Over the next few months we will be re-establishing links previously set up by the late Monica Cook.  While she is based in the Southeast, Katrina will be available to provide advice and guidance to help make children’s and families’ ministry effective and sustainable in rural churches in other parts of the country.  After 3^rd May she can be emailed on children@ruralmissions.org.uk.  More contact details will be released soon.

We are planning three launch events in the Southeast.  We are also about to bring the website up to date and make information leaflets available.  Please pray for Katrina, her family and the RMS team as we move into this encouraging phase.

How is this to be funded?

Our trustees have set aside money that had previously been donated to support Monica.  We are very grateful to the small but faithful band of continuing supporters of that ministry, which gives us hope that we will be able to sustain this aspect of our ministry.  Furthermore, we would love to develop a network of competent children’s workers across the country if funds allow.  To help achieve this we are looking for people who would be willing to give at least £5 per month to the Monica Cook Memorial Fund.  It takes 100 such supporters to enable someone to work with us for one day a week.  Please take a look at “Could you be 1 in 100?”

Some useful books

Monica Cook’s accumulated wisdom in children’s ministry and in training leaders was distilled into two publications that have been very well received both in the UK and in other countries where she worked.  We have a small stock of these and are making them available at a special price as part of the re-launch of our children and family work.

The Training Manual is a valuable tool for anyone already active in children’s ministry or considering this pathway.  There are 120 pages full of helpful advice based upon our vision for helping Christian children grow in their faith and releasing their potential within churches.

Fun and Creative Programmes contain a collection of 40 interactive teaching sessions jam packed with great ideas.

We are making these available for just £5 each (plus £1.50 p&p). Whether or not you want either titles for yourself, would you consider sponsoring copies for our partners in developing countries?  You can order copies from the website or simply email me.

From the Diary

Thank you for your prayers over the past two weeks.  There has been a range of activities with accompanying blessing for which we thank God.  I will not take up space here with details. If you are on Facebook, you can keep up with my activities.

Sunday 8^th May – Services at HMP Gartree, and Yelvertoft Congregational

Monday 9^th – School Assembly, Lubenham, Leics.

Tuesday 10^th – HMP Gartree

Wednesday 11^th – CTBI AGM in London

Thursday 12^th -Preparation day (hospital appointment for Doreen)

Friday 13^th – travel to Oldham

Saturday 14^th – Congregational Federation Annual Assembly

Sunday 15^th -Free time (Preston, Lancs.)

Monday 16^th – Travel to Stirling, Scotland

Tuesday 17^th -  Stirling - Teaching on Safeguarding for the salvation Army

Wednesday 18^th  – Free time or travel home.

Saturday 21^st Messy Church, Yelvertoft.