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IN RETROSPECT A World Of Thanks By James F. Jennings
Conference Council on Ministries Director
“For I know the plans that I have for you,”
says the Lord, “plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a
hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Jeri and I would like to express our deepest appreciation to the Florida Annual Conference for the opportunity of serving the church as associate council director of the Conference Council on Ministries (CCOM), district superintendent and CCOM director. We have been blessed far beyond measure.
The above scripture verse speaks to my heartfelt struggle of discerning God’s plan for my ministry over the past year. After many fervent prayers, much fasting and listening to that still small voice, I feel called back to the local church.
The Christ whom I have come to know and love is beckoning me to be on the cutting edge of ministry for the 21st century, leading people to Jesus Christ. Thus, I feel God-called and Christ-led in this decision, and I really and truly feel a deep sense of peace. I believe God has been preparing me through every appointment to serve the local church.
I commend to you Mr. Bill Walker, my successor. He has the passion, commitment and fortitude to lead the CCOM. More than that, he brings to the Council a fresh interpretation for our future directions. We have by far one of the finest CCOMs in the denomination, and Bill Walker will raise the bar with his leadership.
I am excited about what God is doing in the church today, and I know that’s risky, but I am willing to dare the risk as Abraham and Sarah, Moses, and Joshua did and as other colleagues are doing. If the church is going to have anything to say in today’s society, it must be willing to risk being vulnerable. After all, ours is a gospel of vulnerability.
May God give us a 21st century church where people will leave with their faith stronger, their hope brighter, their love deeper, their sympathies broadened, and their hearts and lives transformed. I invite you to join me in this prayer.
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