Below is my article in the latest edition of the South Georgia Advocate. Are you a subscriber? Click here for more details.
Hello, Beautiful People of South Georgia!
You are making a difference! Local communities are being transformed and the world is being affected by your faith even though it does not make the evening news.
Yet, there is more work to be done. Church membership continues to decline in places where the general population is increasing. Many lives remain broken, and too many persons in the church are angry. Fear and isolation ring out across our communities and nations. As more disciples are made, the more God’s world will look like Jesus Christ. Yes, we need more disciples. I encourage you in the name of Jesus Christ to do the following:
Simplify
Let the organizational lines in the church that connect us to one another be simple and easy to understand. Focus on your purpose for being, your mission assignment, and your job.
STOP the power struggles, CUT the politics, MEASURE seniority by faithfulness, BURY outdated traditions, SERVE and let others serve for the GLORY of GOD.
Clarify
We must teach, explain, and repeat over and over the values of the faith. Create space for questions and a deep and clear understanding of what it means to follow as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Edify
Build each other up! Make each other stronger by participation on ministry teams. Be part of a small group.
Amplify
Increase, expand, and share the gospel. Invite others into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ with Holy Spirit enthusiasm.
Until next time remember, God’s will for us is good. We must do the rest.
With love,
Your Bishop,
James R. King, Jr.
