Faith Exploration Course
“The Shack” book review
In August as part of a new focus for adult education, an opportunity was offered to do a book club type review of a novel which has captured much attention in the secular and Christian world – ” The Shack ” by William P Young. The book explores the difficult journey of one man to understand the triune nature of God and the importance of forgiveness in the face of very tragic circumstances. The evening review proved very valuable to those who attended.
Malan Nel – The Church as God’s gift to society
On Thursday Oct 30 (65 people) and Saturday Nov 1 (40 people) had a unique opportunity to attend education sessions given by Prof Malan Nel of the University of Pretoria in South Africa on &ampquotThe Church as God’s gift to Society”. He presented challenging research on types of churches and dynamics in churches which may help or hinder us being what God&amprsquos wants us to be and become. His discussion of the 8 ministries in every church – the ways in which God cares for us and the world – challenged us to pass on to others what we have received.
Malan helped our understanding of the church&amprsquos role in working out God’s purpose (not ours). He shared research on resources and processes to help build relational groups in the church. Where do each one of us fit in?
We are all gifted by God and as His gifted body we are all equipped to build up the church for His purpose, to become relevant in God’s world within our families, our congregation and our community locally and around the world.
Thank you to all the volunteers and participants in each Adult Education program. May God continue to bless us all as we seek to follow his purpose and path for our lives and as we grow and help others to grow in their knowledge and understanding of God, Father Son and Holy Spirit.
