Introducing A New Wineskin For MinistryOver the past year, EFCA leadership has been in the process of organizing for maximum ministry effectiveness and synergy. We want nothing to impede our mission to "glorify God by multiplying healthy churches among all people." This missional desire has culminated in the need to create a "new wineskin"-a new structure to increase our ability to achieve our mission to reach "all people." This iniative resulted in two key, strategic changes in our organization. Beginning January 1, 2008, we are excited to introduce ReachNational - a new department that combines the vision, passion and strengths of the former Urban & Intercultural Mission (UIM) and National Ministries' (NM) teams. This change accelerates our commitment to "all people" and makes it a major missional focus of all ministries in the U.S., rather than limiting that focus to just one department. This new department will focus the "all people" commitment into African-American ministries, Church Health, Church Planting, EFCA ENCORE, Family and Children's Ministries, GATEWAY Theological Institute, Hispanic Ministries, Student Ministries, Urban and Wholistic Ministries, and Women's Ministries. Everyone in the new ReachNational department will, by definition, be a champion of "all people." Fritz Dale, who sits on the EFCA Directional Team, will serve as the Executive Director of ReachNational. The Evangelical Free Church of America is also proud to announce the second part of the "new wineskin." As of January 1, 2008 Alvin Sanders assumed the new and exciting missional role as the EFCA's first Director of Reconciliation. Alvin brings unmatched experience and passion to see the EFCA live out this mission of God. The term "reconciliation" pertains to far more than racial issues alone. It encompasses combating all cultural additions to the Gospel that weaken the centrality of Christ. Alvin's dream is that the EFCA would truly live out Galatians 3:26-29. Because Alvin will report to the President and sit on the EFCA Directional Team, he will have the influence of the President behind his work. Alvin will be tasked to influence every ministry of the EFCA, including our districts and churches. Alvin will meet monthly with all senior directional leaders and will be able to help develop movement-wide initiatives to address "all people." EFCA leadership has been in prayer and dialogue about this "new wineskin" for over one year. The former UIM staff engaged in substantive discussion through the early months of 2007. The EFCA Board of Directors, the EFCA Directional Team, and the Biblical Diversity Task Force have all had substantive dialogue on both parts of the "new wineskin." This past summer the Urban, Hispanic and African-American Ministries' leadership teams, along with the National Ministries' team, all gave their input into the "new wineskin." In September the EFCA Board of Directors made the final decision to approve both parts of the "new wineskin." Since September, much time has been spent discussing the many transitional issues that affect the former UIM and NM teams. During this same time frame, God placed a growing call on Alvin Sanders' heart to consider accepting the role of Director of Reconciliation. We have seen the Lord's hand in unmistakable ways in the forming of a new ReachNational team and the hiring of Alvin Sanders. Rejoice with me as we start this new year with a new energy, passion and commitment to "glorifying God by multiplying healthy churches among all people." Serving Him with Joy, |
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