For the sixth straight year, Douglas Arthur, Boston Church of Christ lead evangelist, hosted the Church Builder’s Workshop. The event has been held in many different locales (Niagara Falls, Washington, D.C., etc.) and covered a host of topics (preaching, building to last, etc.). This year’s topic was “As Each Part Does Its Work” and took place in beautiful, downtown Providence, Rhode Island.
Over 100 leaders from around the U.S. gathered on Monday night, April 19, to kick off the spirited retreat with a welcome dinner, fellowship and singing. Tony Martin (Baltimore) and friends led the inspired worship times during our three days together. In the spirit of each part doing its work, the conference was divided into several sections. Monday night was devoted to the evangelists.
Campus evangelist Kevin Miller introduced the evening and then handed the podium over to event founder, Douglas Arthur, for a speech that set the table for the week – “As Each Part Does its Work.” Doug was followed by three powerful evangelists talking about various parts of their role.
Sam Powell (New York City) communicated that an evangelist is part “prophet.” Hector and Miriam Morales shared their incredible success story from the Boston Spanish Ministry as they spoke about being part “trainer.” Glenn Petruzzi gave a memorable closing speech with WWF photos mixed with Bible teaching on being part “evangelizer.”
After a short night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, Tuesday morning was devoted to the role of elders. Again, three men spoke. Jimmy Allen (Hartford) started by highlighting “God’s Breakthroughs” from I Chronicles 14 and preaching on the elder as church builder. John McGuirk challenged our shepherding hearts (Ezekiel 34) and spoke about the elder as a “Healer and Peacemaker.” Wyndham Shaw concluded with the elder as a “Defender of the Faith” and called us to committing ourselves to both the lifestyle and doctrine found in God’s word.
The afternoon of day two was reserved for workshops among the different leadership functions. Some used their two or three hours with short speeches and panel discussions. Others had questions and answer times. The women’s ministry portion was led by Anita Allen (Hartford) and Carol McGuirk (Boston). Doug Lambert (Baltimore) and Chip Mitchell (Boston) led a discussion group on transitional leadership teams, for those who don’t have elders and wives at the present time. Evangelists and elders also connected, commented and questioned each other.
Following a dinner break and more mighty music, the day concluded on a high note with lessons on “Women’s Ministry Revisited” by Mike and Laura Fix (New Hampshire) and “Teachers as Church Builders” by Kelly Petre, Jeanie Shaw and Fred Faller. In our earlier days, primarily the role of evangelist was promoted. In the last six years, elderships have been spotlighted. All agreed, there is a greater need to wrestle with the Scriptures and promote the work our women’s ministries are doing and the depth of spirituality that must be gained from our gifted teachers.
Wednesday morning was the day that all were to hop on planes or in cars to disperse back to awaiting ministries. The inspiration of the week, however, was to finish strong with more fellowship (at breakfast &/or lunch), singing and preaching. Val Koha (Boston) and Randy Jordan (HOPE CEO from Philadelphia) spoke on “Boards that Build Faith.”
Finally, Walter Evans (Philadelphia) brought it all together with conviction and heart in his lesson entitled, “A Beautiful Blend.” The noon close-out could shut down our time together but not our dreams and plans to get everyone involved using his or her talents for God. As Douglas stated in the first speech, “Learning to work together is the most challenging task of leadership.” Yet God’s Word shouts back that we can move on to maturity “As Each Part Does Its Work (Ephesians 4:11-16).”
