wfn.org | Disciples evangelism ministries strengthened with new

[DISCNEWS.parti@ecunet.org]

accord
November 15, 1996
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
CWillis@oc.disciples.org

96b-94                        

     INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- A new agreement ratified by the
Homeland Ministries governing board will coordinate and
strengthen evangelism ministries with the National Evangelistic
Association.

     The covenant was one of several endorsed by the HM board of
the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) during its Nov. 7-10
meeting here. NEA officials signed off on the document during a
board of directors meeting the following week.

     Under the new accord, the Lubbock, Texas-based NEA and the
division's Center for Congregational Growth and Vitality will
create a joint evangelism strategy for the denomination. 

     CGV and NEA will share and develop resources aimed at
enhancing the evangelism ministries of regions and congregations.
In another expression of the partnership, the association and
Homeland Ministries will share display space and jointly sponsor
a workshop at the 1997 General Assembly in Denver, Colo. 

     While the National Evangelistic Association has been an
organization of the Disciples for 80 years, in the mid-to-late
1980s it began offering evangelism consulting services to other
U.S. church groups. The association is headed by a Disciples
minister, the Rev. Herb Miller.

     "We welcome the resources and insight NEA brings," said the
Rev. Roger Pierce, HM vice president of the Center for
Congregational Growth and Vitality. "This partnership brings us
closer together." 

     The agreement also calls for NEA to follow guidelines set by
the Church Finance Council which preclude direct appeals to
congregations for financial support. 

     In  addition, the association will annually report to the
General Assembly and General Board through Homeland Ministries.
NEA previously reported to the decision-making bodies through the
Office of General Minister and President.

     Similar covenants also were approved by the Homeland
Ministries board with the General Youth Council and Disciples for
Women in Ministry. 

                           - 30 -
 
Editors' note: Enclosed is a photo of General Minister and
President Richard L. Hamm and officials from Homeland Ministries
and NEA. 

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