As I have matured, I am convinced that humility is the fuel that powers Godly leadership. Genuine humility, originating from the realization of our fallen state and complete dependence on the grace of God, peels back the layers of pride and independence and places each of us at the merciful feet of Jesus.  

To lead is to reveal our humanness, accept it in others and refuse to give in to the collective limitations of our team-acknowledging God's sufficiency and that his gifts spread among us are more than enough for the tasks ahead.

We have witnessed the strength of team effort and interdependence in nature as tiny but industrious ant colonies build complex structures, in nail-biting athletic competitions when the underdogs at times prevail, through the coordinated response of communities in times of disaster, and in the steadfastness of co-laborers straining forward in fulfilling God-inspired dreams. What power!

Yet, the refusal to give in to our collective limitations is still critical. What are your areas of weakness that need attention to better strengthen your team? What does the gaze in the mirror disclose? What can you learn from straightforward and constructive insight from trusted friends? And then, for the good of the team, what will be your personal improvement plan based on your discoveries?

As a leader, powered by a spirit of humility that is pleasing to God, be committed to self-growth, thus setting an example for and providing encouragement to those who God has given you to lead.

"... clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" 1 Peter 5:5.

Sugar Lake Lodge has informed us that there is a new Fax number for submitting Ministerial Association Retreat registrations. The new fax number is 218-326-1676. Registration materials on our website have been updated, but if you have already attempted to register for the retreat by Fax, we suggest contacting Sugar Lake Lodge to confirm your reservation.

The retreat will be Oct. 1-3 at the beautiful Ruttgers' Sugar Lake Lodge in Grand Rapids, MN, and is for all pastors, spouses and ministry staff. Peter Sung, former director of church planting for the Evangelical Covenant Church, will be our speaker and retreat facilitator. Sung will focus on the theme of "Engaging the Culture and Moving Your Church Forward."

You can also find the retreat brochure, registration form and scholarship application form on the NWC website Ministerial Association page. We encourage you to encourage your pastors to attend. 

Make plans to send a team to the Converge leadership training event, which will take place at Redeemer Covenant Church in Brooklyn Park, MN, on Oct. 27.
 
The one-day event will feature a variety of workshops designed for pastors and lay leaders to come together to learn and be inspired. Some of the topics that will be addressed include: church communications, local church governance, church finances, processing setbacks, children's ministry, funding strategies for local churches, risk management, working with volunteers, and more.
 
Visit our Converge page to download a promo poster and flyer/registration form.  

Children & Family Ministry workers and volunteers: Mark your calendars for our next Imagine event, which will take place Nov. 10 at Crossroads Covenant Church in Forest Lake, MN from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

We are super exited to welcome Tiger McLuen of Youth Leadership as our featured speaker.  

Look for more details soon. 

Northwest Conference churches, members and attendees have an opportunity to stand alongside our Congolese friends in the remote area of Congo known as Equateur Province. Along with them, we are seeking to turn around the most overlooked province in the neediest country of the world.  

But it will take all of us, says ECC President Gary Walter. A partnership with World Vision is about to make sure our Congolese friends receive the help they need. Together we can make a difference!

Right now, we ask our NWC churches to schedule a "Hope Sunday" this coming fall 2012 in order to give members and attendees the opportunity to sponsor a child in Congo.  

For $40 per month, a Covenant household can make it possible to promote clean water, nutrition, education, health, and economic development; expressing God's love in tangible ways that provide opportunities for the recipients to experience new life in Jesus Christ.

An unprecedented need ... an unprecedented partnership!

Visit the Covenant Kids Congo blog to learn more and sign up to host a "Hope Sunday."  

Watch a video introduction to Covenant Kids Congo by ECC staff. 

Communications Corner

ChurchMediaDesign.tv offers links to a variety of helpful resources   

Covenant Trust Company 

Back to School    

Our 2012 Annual Meeting included the debut of three new videos highlighting the Ministry Priorities of the Northwest Conference. Each video features interview segments with church staff, lay leaders and pastors, intermixed with animations of statistics and key statements designed to help explain each priority.  

The videos are designed for use throughout the year in church new member classes, services and other adult education opportunities to help congregations better understand and engage the work of the NWC. The delegates from each church left with a DVD copy of the videos, and the series is available on the NWC web site's video page (www.nwc-cov.org/resources/videos) and Vimeo Channel (http://vimeo.com/channels/northwest).