News from The Northwest Conference

For staff members and leaders

of Northwest Conference churches

Senior Pastor, Emmanuel Covenant Church

Leaders are easy targets.

While the "Absalom's" of this world can get away with making promises (2 Samuel 15:1-6), leaders must make decisions. In doing so, leaders regularly place ourselves in the crosshairs of criticism.

Absorbing attacks is part of our job.

But what about our families? Should they be expected to develop the same thick skin that we have, or is there an alternative? Chances are you've heard stories of pastor's kids growing up hating church-or spouses that get to a breaking point.

While I'm not one to offer simple solutions, I do want to point you to a passage that leapt off the page while I was reading through Exodus. Here it is ...

"Now Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, had taken Zipporah, Moses' wife, after [Moses] had sent her home, along with her two sons ..." - Exodus 18:2

Did you catch that? I've frequently visited Exodus 18 for wisdom regarding delegation, but I believe there's another leadership lesson here for us as well.

Looking at the context, I'm under the impression that Moses sent Zipporah and the boys home to get them out of harm's way. Can I get an "Amen"?

Far too often our families are subjected to insider ugliness, ridiculous expectations and boundary violations that would leave Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend shaking their heads. Before moving on to whatever is next on your plate, take a few moments to pause and ask the Holy Spirit, "What steps should I be taking to position my family out of harm's way?"

Imagine: A day for those serving Children & Families

What do we mean by "real biblical teaching" for our children? And how can the church help parents with this at home?

The Children & Family Commission of the Northwest Conference is excited to sponsor a new event to address these essential issues. Imagine: A day for those serving Children & Families will take place on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at First Covenant Church in Willmar, MN.

The event is FREE and open to anyone who works with kids in our churches. Lunch will be provided, and the day will feature a keynote speaker and time for discussion. Mark your calendars and please share this event with your staff and volunteers.

Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and join others in ministry from across North America for a free hour-long ministry discussion and networking time.

To participate, visit the WebEx Attend a Meeting page and enter the meeting number. Available meeting numbers are listed with each meeting. Meetings are held from 2:30-3:30 pm.

2011 Events:

Thursday, Oct. 20: Fostering Faith/Life Conversation at Church and at Home, led by Steve Burger - Children's Ministry

Thursday, Nov. 17: Everything You Wanted to Know About Spiritual Direction, led by Millie Lungren - Adult Ministry

2011 Ministerial Association to focus on character

2011 Min Assoc Icon big

Last call! Our Northwest Conference Fall Ministerial Association Retreat is next week, Monday-Wednesday, Oct. 10-12. Registrations are coming in well, but there are still openings for procrastinators!

Go to http://nwc-cov.org/affiliated-ministries/ministerial-association for retreat reservation and scholarship application forms.

Besides worship and sessions with our facilitators, Larry and Barbara Magnuson of SonScape Retreats, there will be guided times of prayer and reflection both individually and in groups. And on Tuesday afternoon, a number of sightseeing, shopping and indoor/outdoor activities await!

Be sure to bring workout clothes, tennis racquets, golf clubs, swimsuits, bikes, rollerblades and/or any other gear you might want to enjoy the day. And those wanting a free tour of the Tastefully Simple headquarters on Tuesday afternoon will need to e-mail catalyst@catalystcov.org by this Thursday at noon.

Last minute questions? Contact Steve Eng, NWCMA vice chair, at 320-759-1800 or stevee@catalystcov.org.

Still time to register for Town and Country Workshop

You still have time to register for the Town and Country Workshop, which begins at 7 p.m. on Oct. 9 and continues on the morning of Oct. 10, at Arrowwood Resort, just prior to the Ministerial Retreat. Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your leadership skills in shaping the vision and purpose of your church.

Dr. Mark McCloskey, a leading expert on leadership in the church from Bethel Seminary, will be leading the sessions. There is no charge for the workshop, but you need to pre-register (Sunday night sleeping room is not covered). Go to the NWC Town and Country Commission page for more details and the registration form. If you have any questions, call Randy Young, chair of the Town and Country Commission, at 218-692-1854.

Communications Corner

Church Media U coming to Twin Cities ... very soon

By Bryan Malley

It's late notice to be sure, but Church Media U is coming to the Twin Cities on Oct. 6. This one day church media seminar covers topics such as maximizing technology in your ministry, video projectors and hardware, presentation software, media design, video recording and streaming, and much more.

Although I have not been to this particular seminar, it does appear to be highly informative, and the presenters seem highly qualified in the area of media use in worship. The fee of $50 per person also appears to include individual consultation on your facility as well.

If your church is considering a change or enhancement in worship service media use, visit www.churchmediau.com to learn more.

Daybreak Human Trafficking Forum

Bloomington Covenant Church

Saturday, October 29, 2011

9 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

Registration opens at 8:30 a.m.

Trafficking in Minnesota is a reality. Come hear a Federal agent, area trafficking and homeless youth experts, survivor stories, original music and spoken word. See exhibits and purchase gifts at a Microbusiness boutique. Professional Nursing, Social Work and Education CEU's will be offered.

For more information, download the brochure or contact Bloomington Covenant Church at 952-831-8339 or Cyd Cole Johnson at cydstercj@gmail.com.

Bethany Benefit Service reminder

Bethany Benefit Service would like to remind you of a policy that is often misunderstood or unknown. If you or your employees have health insurance through another employer (either a spouse's employer or a secondary place of employment), we recommend enrolling in life and long-term disability benefits with Bethany Benefits. If you are enrolled in Bethany Benefit Service's life and long-term disability benefits, you are eligible to add health insurance to your policy at any time in the year. If you are not enrolled in life and long-term disability benefits, you must wait until open enrollment (Jan. 1) to enroll. If this applies to you or your employees, please request an enrollment packet to enroll in life and long-term disability benefits Jan. 1, 2012.