Vol. 1, No. 2 Houston, May 23, 2001
Dear fellow member of the Body of Christ:
We are now reaching out to area congregations for support of our expanding mission. As we work together to use the internet we will bless one another and promote the work of the Kingdom. Following are services we are working to provide through our regular newsletters and on our website at CrossTies Ministries.org.:
1. Articles and essays of interest to the ministries our congregations.
2. Theological Papers relating to current issues.
3. Original Bible studies by our pastors, educators and lay leaders.
4. Calendar of events relating to all our area congregations.
5. Leadership resources – new and innovative ideas and suggestions.
6. Devotional materials for individuals and families of all ages.
7. Worship and sermon resources for pastors, musicians and lay leaders.
8. Links to websites of churches in our region
9. Links to websites, books and magazines that provide helpful information to our work. These may be both published on paper or on the net.
10. Virtual classrooms for both individual and groups can study.
11. Group leader training materials to supplement seminars and retreats.
12. Mentor couple training materials to assist those trained to work with newly married couples.
We invite you to join us in this work by becoming a contributing member of CrossTies Ministries. Information is available on the website at: Membership Information. There you will find forms and details about both individuals and congregations becoming members.
Let us know of resources you have developed so we may make them available to others through our website. We welcome original Bible studies, essays, sermons and devotional materials. Or if you know of published material that may be used, let us know. We’ll be glad to contact them about copyrights and the like.
Virtual Classroom – It is becoming more and more common for corporations and universities to offer advanced training on the internet. You may have met, for instance, someone who obtained his/her degree in this manner. We have developed a team to study the details and provide us with a detailed strategic plan. We believe virtual classrooms on the internet can provide Bible studies, confirmation studies, leadership training and many opportunities for student interaction via chat rooms and email. All this can be of great value in the parish ministry. Give us your ideas. Watch for new developments.
The Third Purpose of the Law – Depending on your background, you may or may not have heard
about this topic. It is one of the articles on our new website and it was
written by Larry Harvey, J.D., an Elder at Resurrection, Spring and a member of
CrossTies Board of Directors. Larry writes, “The third purpose of the Law is
identified by Dr. Luther as “a rule”. This
purpose is only for the regenerate as they look to the Law for guidance.” He
concludes his excellent essay by pointing out
that “The constant celebration of our Baptism requires us always to
confront the Law according to its second purpose, the Gospel for salvation, and
then to live according to our Baptism by seeing the Law through the Gospel.
That allows us to live in the paradox of being both sinner and saint.”
Check out the complete article at Third
Purpose.
The Fruit of the Spirit of the Local Congregation is another excellent article by Larry Harvey, J.D. After speaking about congregations as well as individuals bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit, he writes, “Only the Gospel works change in man, whether we are looking at the individual or at the local congregation. As a leader in your congregation, you are challenged to first test yourself to act according to that Word, by facing the Law and trusting the Gospel.” Look carefully at Larry’s challenge to leaders at Fruit of the Spirit.
Fall training seminars – in addition to website developments we are laying plans for group facilitator training events: Phase one: The Eight Beatitudes and Phase two: leadership skills. We will also offer a new Mentor Couple training program. Watch for details in our next newsletter.
Our next Board Meeting is set for June 8 at 9:30 a.m. You are invited to attend.
Write to me at mailto:al@crosstiesministries.org
Yours in the service of the Risen Christ,
.
To subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter click:
subscribe: newsletter-request@crosstiesministries.org?body=join&subject=join
unsubscribe: newsletter-request@crosstiesministries.org?body=leave&subject=leave
