In This Issue

The Privilege of Access
National Leadership Team Report
Conference 2007

The Privilege of Access

A leadership article by Merv Bassett.

Merv Bassett is a member of the National Leadership Team and is Senior Leader of Faith Christian Centre, Christchurch.

So, friends, we can now--without hesitation--walk right up to God, into "the Holy Place." Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The "curtain" into God's presence is his body. So let's do it--full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching. (Heb 10:19-25 MSG)

Recently I attended a large conference and because of “who” I know I was able to get a “Backstage Pass” giving me access to all the comforts and benefits that go with such a privilege.

I could walk past all the burly security guards, by pass all the crowds mix with the conference team and have my meals provided. Plus free coffee, comfortable seating and could come and go at will. All because I carried the right pass.

In a similar but much “higher” way because of “who” we know (Jesus) the above verse tells us that we have access to the “Most Holy Place.” Jesus has given us a pass giving us direct access to God the Father.

I don’t know about you but as a leader and as a believer in Christ I find that tremendously encouraging. My access to God is not based on my performance it is based on who I know and His performance.

We have unlimited access to God. Without hesitation you and I can walk right up to God, into “the Holy Place” All because of “who” we know “Jesus” He has given us a back stage pass to the “Most Holy Place”.

“Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of His sacrifice, acting as our priest before God.”

So let’s do it, full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He (Jesus) always keeps His Word.

As leaders we need to spend as much time backstage with God as possible. Often times we don’t think about the importance of what goes on backstage when we are out front with the crowd. I can tell you from personal experience that the quality of what goes on out front, is nothing more than a reflection of the quality of what goes on backstage.

We have the privilege of access to the “Most Holy Place” lets make the most of it because what happens out front is nothing more than a reflection of the effort that has been put in backstage.

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Greetings from the National Leadership Team

We met in Nelson on 10th – 11th August 2007.

George encouraged us with a devotion based on Proverbs 3:6, before we spent time praying for our churches.

We then moved on to looking at vision. We discussed what defines a church plant verses an extension service and came to the conclusion a church plant is recognition of individual reporting, leadership in each congregation, and an oversight team.

We were very pleased with the response we had to the draft constitution. Most of the feed back was positive with very helpful editing comments. The question regarding term of President was discussed in depth. We believe that the opportunity for voting every two years allows for a new President to be nominated and provides a check on their support bases.

The results for the next term for the National Leadership Team are:
Brent Liebezeit – President
Linda Scott – new
Brent Pickworth – new
Jocelyn Stephens
Paul Burton

There have been a number of requests from lay people wanting to be added to our Marriage Celebrant list. For this to happen there needs to be a recommendation from the leadership team, or when there is no minister, an endorsement vote of 20 members plus a statement of belief from the applicant. This is to be sent to National office for forwarding the National Leadership Team.

The second day of our meetings was spent with the CEPTB discussing ways we can move forward together. This was a positive meeting and the agenda included discussion regarding the future funding of the Movement.

Because of the increased work load of the National Leadership team we are choosing to meet once a month for one day. Our next meetings will be Wednesday October 3rd in Nelson and November 14th in Wellington. We value your prayers for us as a team.

Blessings
National Leadership Team

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Conference 2007

Thursday 15th November - Saturday 17th November

We are counting down to our time together in Silverstream. Thanks to those who have already registered. The Stonewall Lodge is filling up fast so make sure you get in quick as accommodation is worked out by a first in first served basis. Remember too that conference is for all generations and not just those in full time ministry. Why not ask around your church to see if there are others that would like to attend.

Conference dates are: Thursday 15th November - Saturday 17th November
Senior Leaders/Elders Day - Starts with lunch on Thursday
Registration for Conference - after dinner on Thursday [Session 1 starts at 7:30pm Thursday Night]

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