Teaching At Epiphany

    When I taught new member classes, I shared with class participants how to determine if they would enjoy and contribute to their new congregation.  I asked participants to list all the ministries that they liked about their previous congregation.  For example, worship, preaching, Sunday School, men’s group, mission trips, etc.  (If this was the first time participants were joining a congregation, I asked them to list their expectations for the congregation.)  Participants then prioritize their list.  If their new congregation had at least three ministries that matched a participant's top five ministries, that participant would probably be happy and contribute to their new congregation. If their new congregation had two or less ministries in the participant’s top five ministries, that participant would probably be inactive or leave the congregation in a short period of time.  The goal of this exercise was to increase the potential that a new member would be happy with the congregation he or she was joining.
    I believe this model is applicable when it comes to determining if an individual will be happy with a new work experience.  When I accepted your invitation to serve as interim senior pastor, I instinctively listed what I believe are my spiritual gifts and how those gifts matched Epiphany’s needs.  (I believe if I could share my spiritual gifts with a Epiphany, I probably would be happy in my ministry.)  The top five ministries that I most enjoy are: 1. teaching: Bible, the Christian faith, and administration principles  2. working with a congregation who wants to grow through relevant ministries, 3. working with lay leaders to build a strong financial base so resources are available for ministry, 4. training and equipping lay leaders to be the deliverers of ministry, and 5. engaging in lively discussions (not arguments) on biblical, systematic, and historical theologies.
    I have been asked many times if I am enjoying Epiphany.  My answer is yes because I have worked with a competent staff and lay leaders (administration).  I have celebrated the difference Epiphany’s ministries have made in the lives of its disciples and non-members (relevant ministries).  During this summer, I plan to work with lay members in the areas of finance and stewardship (financial stability).  With all of this, I miss teaching Bible.  Therefore, I plan to teach Bible at Epiphany this summer. 
    My summer course will be HOW TO READ THE BIBLE.  This is a five week course with the following topics: 1.Reading the Bible As A Newspaper, 2. Reading the Old Testament As Stages Of Life, 3. Reading the New Testament As Niche Marketing, 4. Defining The Major Teachings Of The Scriptures, and 5. Meeting Five Biblical Leaders.  This course will be offered either on Wednesday afternoons (2:00 p.m.) or Wednesday evenings (6:30 p.m.) beginning on June 22 and ending on July 20.  Sign up sheets will be at both campuses for the next two weeks.  For the course to be offered there must be at least 10 participants.  If you can attend both times, put your name on both lists.  We will offer child care if at least five children will use this service.  As of now, the courses will be held at the Far Hills Campus.  The time the class is offered will be announced on Tuesday, June 14.
    I am really looking forward to teaching this class.
Pastor Pete.