Paper: Lutherans and Pentecostals in dialogue

This handbook was produced by members of a six-year Lutheran-Pentecostal Study Group initiated by the Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg, France. The handbook is designed to facilitate dialogue between Lutherans and Pentecostals. Drawing on the study
group’s experience, it presents insights gained and lessons learned and aims to provide a resource for further dialogue initiatives.
This handbook has three main sections. The first explores goals of Lutheran-Pentecostal dialogue. The second presents an analysis of the the topics that the study group covered, including a number of key insights gained in the process. The third section is more historical and seeks to introduce members of the two church families to each other— Lutherans to Pentecostals and Pentecostals to Lutherans. Much more could be said, of course. As rewarding as this initiative was, its members also recognized that they were merely scratching the surface. Our agenda was preparatory; if we had succeeded in answering every question, there would be no need for further dialogue—and further dialogue between Pentecostals and Lutherans is something all the Study Group members wish to encourage very strongly.

Main areas of dialogue include:
GOALS
To think and speak appropriately about the other, not bearing false witness against each other.
To be mutually enriched by each other’s tradition.
To provide opportunities for mutual correction.
To enable cooperation in ministry, mission, and social outreach.
To resolve and avoid conflicts between our churches.

INSIGHTS
Identifying the dialogue Partners
Method for dialogue
How do we encounter Christ?
    The pure Gospel of Christ
    The full Gospel of Christ
Differences in church culture
How do we encounter Christ in proclamation?
    Necessity of discernment
    Proclamation as the task of the whole community
    Hermenuetics of scriptural interpretation
How do we encounter Christ in sacraments and ordinances?
    Terminology and heritage
    Water Baptism
    Rebaptism
    Presence of Christ in the Lord's Supper
    Areas for further discussion about the Lord's Supper
How do we encounter Christ in charisms?
    Spirit Baptism
    Gifts of the Spirit
    Fruit of the Spirit
    Lutheran responses

HISTORY
Lutheranism to Pentecostals
Pentecostalism to Lutherans
Lutheran reaction to Pentecostalism in the USA

The paper is available here

Discussion Starter: Biggest issue for the mainline church is Grandparents and Parents whose children have deserted the church

Imagine for a moment if at least 50% of the children of those attending church.....were still attending church.....

In many mainline churches... a lot (not all) of the next generation has deserted the church...

Now this is causing significant issues.....

It causes issues for the congregation who:

• often have structures that suit a time when there were many possible future leaders to fill positions.
• no longer have attenders who are able to give financially like they used to and do not have the skills or fitness to give physically like they used to.
• are often ministering and doing mission in a way that is suitable to the past....helping children grow in the faith who have always been part of the church but not connecting to those who have resentment or have never connected really to the Christian community.

And the real people it causes issue for are the Grandparents and parents:

• Some of them blame the church, pastors, leaders and others in the church community for their children and grandchildren not being part of the community.
• Some of them blame the evils of the world...like Sunday Sport, busyness, work, etc.
• Some of them blame themselves.
• Some of them worry about their child and grandchilds eternal future...but don't know what to do because they want to have a positive earthly life with them now.
• Some will think getting a child baptised is enough...
• Some of them seem to continue living only for themselves and not the next generation...

Reflection Time

Take some time to reflect on Psalm 71:18

Even when I am old and gray, 

do not forsake me, O God, 

till I declare your power to the next generation, 

your might to all who are to come. 

How can we help those in your congregation help those whose children and grand children are not in a living relationship with God....so they know of God's real power???

Research: How adults become Christians

How Adults become Christians is the result of the work of Dave Bennett, National Director of Bridge Builders (A UK Evangelical organisation).

His project reveals the following:
Part 1: How do adults become Christians?
The various aspects looked at:
The significance of church involvement during childhood
The nature of conversion experience
The role of crisis in conversion
The involvement of the Church
The use of the Bible
The need for change of attitude, not just increase in knowledge

Part 2: In the process of adults becoming Christians, what part is played by individual Christians?
The role of the individual Christian
The significance of relationships
Assessment of the involvement of strangers
The relevance of activities used by individual Christians
- Praying
- Inviting
- Lifestyle
- Sharing your story
- Using the Bible
- Giving literature
- Explaining the gospel
- Caring and getting alongside
- Answering question
- Making suggestions
- Having a common interest
- Giving videos
- Use of Internet
- Use of variety and imagination
Unhelpful aspects of certain activities
The importance of being sensitive to people

To obtain either a summary or complete paper visit here

Grow Ministries - Lutheran Children Youth and Family

Grow Ministries is the LCA Board for Children, Youth and Family Ministry which exists to support a national vision for children, youth and family ministry in the LCA by being a point of reference and resource for the wider church by researching and developing CYFM resources along with equipping and encouraging districts and congregations in their ministry to children, youth and families including camping. 
Their website offers numerous resources including:
Faith 5
Faith Inkubators
Milestone Ministries
Generations In Faith Together
Studies for Youth Camps
Quiet Time for Christian Life weeks

There is also a regular newsletter, information about upcoming training and links to other resources suitable for Children, Youth and Family Ministries. 

Visit their web site at http://www.lcacyfm.org.au/

video: What God says about giving

A free reflection video on what God says about giving

Also available for viewing at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DNePyYodZs