New Wineskins calls on Presbyterians to ‘begin to live out our vision right where God has us today’
By Craig M. Kibler, The Layman Online, September 23, 2005
In the wake of a well-attended convocation in June, the New Wineskins Initiative is calling on Presbyterians to “begin to live out our vision right where God has us today.”
The co-moderators of the group, Rev. Dave Henderson and Rev. Dean Weaver, say in an letter that Presbyterians can live out this vision “by joining with other New Wineskins congregations in upholding the faith essentials and ethical imperatives, in entering into covenant relationships of mutual encouragement and accountability, and in engaging with one another in collaborative ministry and mission.”
The organization also has established working groups in such areas as prayer, networking and training, a leadership manual, G.A. vvertures and real property issues, a manual for discipline and a manual for worship.
During its convocation in Edina, Minn., delegates approved in principle a draft constitution that affirms the voice and vote of local church sessions. The New Wineskins Constitution recognizes that congregations – and not its higher governing bodies – are the lifeblood of the Presbyterian Church (USA) because they provide the people, the money, and the vision for the church.
Henderson and Weaver, in their letter, said that, “Three months ago we were privileged to gather together before God: to seek His face, to listen for His heart, and to continue to advance the vision of New Wineskins. How God met us in those days! They were days of joy, of unity, and of hope.”
They also thanked those who participated in the convocation, citing Nehemiah and his work rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem: “The gracious hand of the Lord was upon me” (Nehemiah 2.8). Henderson and Weaver said that, “we believe that God’s gracious hand was upon us as we met together and gave ourselves to the task of refining a bold new vision for our life together as Presbyterians. We were not only able to affirm key core commitments and practices by which we wish to live now, but were also able to make substantive progress on a constitution that we hope might one day be the basis of our shared ministry and mission as Presbyterians.”
In a section titled “Sharing the Vision,” they write that, “We believe the vision of New Wineskins is one that has the potential of uniting a vast number of congregations within our denomination and even beyond. One of the most valuable ways you can further the work of NWI is by reaching out to the congregations and leaders with whom you already have relationship and introducing them to our vision. You could play a crucial role in sharing with others the exciting vision that we believe God is forging among us. We encourage you to take a moment right now to think about those churches and pastors with whom you have contact, and to make a plan for getting in touch with them.”
Presbyterians interested in connecting with congregations in their area that have endorsed the New Wineskins Initiatives, or seeking more information about the organization, are asked to e-mail the group.
The New Wineskins Initiative also has listed a number of working groups that have been established for the purpose of furthering its work, and “to help us live into the reality of a new wineskin.” The groups, their purpose and contacts are:
Prayer
Moderator: Kay George
The purpose of the prayer working group is to bathe the efforts of the New Wineskins Initiative in prayer; to beseech God to continue to reshape and remake us into the likeness and image of Jesus Christ; and to uphold one another in prayer as we have need.
Networking and Training
Co-Moderators: Renee Guth and Tom Gray
The purpose of the networking and training working group is to develop area and regional networks, and to teach those interested in forming a network new ways of developing such networks.
Leadership
Manual Co-Moderators: Ken Mulder and Brant Baker
The purpose of this working group is to further develop a manual of standards and objectives for training and empowering church leaders in the 21st century. The manual will include Christ-centered processes by which men and women, whom God has called into leadership, may be equipped and commissioned for service.
GA Overtures and Real Property issues
Co-Moderators: John van Genderen and Randy Jenkins
This working group will help sessions and presbyteries to successfully overture the General Assembly on issues relating to New Wineskins concerns. (Jenkins will focus on overtures and van Genderen on real property issues).
Manual for Discipline
Moderator: Peggy Hedden (call 614-252-2476)
The purpose of this working group is to further develop a Manual for Discipline for a New Wineskin church by which grace-filled discipline might operate in our church, and Biblical standards may be upheld.
Manual for Worship
Moderator: Ron Olson
The purpose of this working group is to develop a Manual for worship, building upon the best of our Reformed heritage as found in other directories and manuals for worship.