wfn.org | ABCUSA: New Stewardship Resource Lifts Up Discipleship

["SCHRAMM, Richard" <Richard.Schramm@abc-usa.org>]

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 4/19/04)--The Office of
World Mission Support of American Baptist Churches USA has announced the
publication of a new resource in the Stewards for New Life series, "Do You
Really Want to Follow Jesus?"

The resource, to be available in mid-July, will emphasize discipleship and
responding to God's grace, and encourages Christians to follow the example of
the Macedonians who first "gave themselves to the Lord" (2 Cor. 8:1-5). 
Because of the joy experienced in a renewed commitment to God, the people of
Macedonia responded with an outpouring of generosity.

 "Finances are a critical issue in our culture," according to American
Baptist Churches USA General Secretary the Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley.  "For
Christians the issue is more than just 'getting by'; it is 'How does
following Jesus order and reorder my financial priorities?'"

For churches and individuals sensing that God is calling them to a deeper
level of trust and generosity, "Do You Really Want to Follow Jesus?" explores
several ways to imitate the example found in the early churches of Macedonia.
 The use of this resource as one element in a congregation's overall plan for
discipleship and stewardship teaching can assist in funding the ministry to
which God is calling each church.

Provided by generous gifts to United Mission and the America for Christ
Offering, "Do You Really Want to Follow Jesus?" will be shipped free of
charge from region offices to every American Baptist church in July.  

Previous publications in the Stewards for New Life Series include four
educational resources, "Synergy," "Change," "Abundance" and "Money," in
addition to the program resource "God Changes My Life."  All are available
for purchase from Judson Customer Service (1-800-458-3766 or
www.abcusamissions.org/resources).  Additional support for stewardship issues
is available from regional ministers of Mission Support.

K/2004ABNS/04ABN53

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (800)ABC-3USA x2077
/ (610)768-2077; fax: (610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org;
richard.schramm@abc-usa.org