New Wineskins Initiative begins registrations for June convocation
By Craig M. Kibler, The Layman Online, March 29, 2005
The New Wineskins Initiative has begun offering both online and printed registrations to a national convocation considering a “bold new design” for the Presbyterian Church (USA).
The convocation, with the theme “Following Christ into the 21st Century,” will be held June 15-18 at Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, Minn., a growing 4,100-member congregation whose senior pastor is the Rev. John Crosby.
The group also has begun releasing draft documents that will be acted on by the convocation, such as proposed new statements of faith essentials, ethical imperatives and a revised constitution that calls for greater flexibility, a new approach to leadership development at the congregational level and a pared-down, adaptive service structure at the national level.
While the convocation will include preaching, prayer and worship, the focus will be on how evangelical Presbyterians respond to what the group’s leaders called “grave concerns about the health and effectiveness of our present organization” in theology, mission and structure.
The group’s members said the convocation is likely to have an international flavor, as the plans include inviting guests and speakers from Presbyterian churches around the world. More information about the convocation and registration is available on a special convocation Web site.
For further information, contact “Following Christ into the 21st Century” at 888-754-9693, or 7435 E. Oxford Ct., Wichita, Kan. 67226.