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Home | News > NIC Lay Leader Reflects on Laity Convocation

NIC Lay Leader Reflects on Laity Convocation

02/08/2011
2011 Laity Convocation on Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations

by Arnold Rivera, your Conference Lay Leader

The annual Laity Convocation, sponsored by the NIC Board of Laity, was held on Saturday, February 5 at the Sycamore UMC in Sycamore, Illinois.  Bishop Robert Schnase made a presentation from his book “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations.”

Last Wednesday, it was doubtful that the event would even go forward, given that almost two feet of snow fell to the ground, streets were blocked, and the snow made it almost impossible to travel. Ah, but God is good…all the time, and the roads today were passable.  The sun shone brightly over all who ventured outdoors.  More than 350 people attended the event, and were blessed by the useful, inspirational material provided by Bishop Schnase. 

The day began with a joyful worship service that focused on Psalm 100, “Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands…Know that the Lord, He is God…Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise…”  and yours truly gave a brief reflection on this Psalm; the service concluded with songs of praise.

Bishop Schnase then began his presentation.  After reviewing the Five Practices, Bishop Schnase talked about the importance of being an outward-focused church, rather than focusing on our own needs and wants.  He got the group thinking about the message that our physical structures convey to the world, depending on how they look. Do we give our best to God in all, or do we just get by, coasting along.

Bishop Schnase recounted how he was surprised to learn that his Conference in Missouri, originally came into existence because the Methodists in Illinois crossed the Mississippi River to perform weddings, baptize babies and bring God’s word to the unchurched people of Missouri.  After describing the enormity and width of the river, he asked the hard question, “Would you cross the river?”  What would we do to take God’s message about the good news of Jesus Christ outside of the four walls of our church buildings?  Where would we be willing to go?

Bishop Schnase got us thinking about what we do to witness, in unspectacular, every-day ways, to those whom we encounter on a daily basis. He made us consider how – sadly - we could be both good Methodists, and not-so-good witnesses of God’s grace, at the same time.  He also challenged us to stop some long-standing practices in our churches, that are just not bearing fruit.

Bishop Schnase’s presentation was inspiring and enlightening. And everyone left feeling that much self-evaluation is needed in our churches.

After Bishop Schnase spoke, the event concluded with a closing worship service during which our own Bishop Hee-Soo Jung reflected on the topic, “My People, Just Go For It” in which he encouraged us to go forth and implement the message we received.   It was a rousing, passionate conclusion to the day, as we prepared to participate in Holy Communion.

Of the 351 people who attended, 187 completed evaluations, and of those 187 evaluations,157 persons (84%) rated the event “Excellent” , while 28 persons rated the event as good.  There were no “fair” or “poor” ratings, and following are some of the comments made in the evaluations.

  • “Everything was covered so wonderfully and spiritually. Thank God.”
  • “Wanted greater opportunity to interact with speaker. “
  • “It was awesome. Don’t change a thing.”
  • “Bishop Schnase gave meaningful, provocative ideas.”
  • “Would have also liked some idea sharing among laity as to what’s working in local churches.”
  • “This was my first Laity Convocation and I found it so inspirational.”
  • “I liked it. Hard to do better. “
  • “Really very good and inspiring”
  • “Very well organized.”

As we bring an end to the 2011 Laity Convocation, let us not forget the important lessons we learned here today, and the helpful ways to remember them.  Are we practicing radical hospitality. Is our worship passionate? Are we implementing intentional  faith development ? Are we practicing risk taking mission and service, and are we extravagantly  generous?  Let us remember that we must focus outward, on reaching the world, for the glory of God.