"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength…they will run and not grow weary." (Isaiah 40:31)
On August 5, 2016, the Chicago Central District sent out our first weekly insights e-mail to readers across our district. It is hard to believe that was 7½ years ago! From the beginning, we believed this communication should have 3 goals: 1) to spark intercession, 2) to offer inspiration and 3) to provide information.
We still believe the greatest gift you can offer our district is the gift of praying for us. We believe prayer is not preparation for the battle. Prayer IS the battle. We want to thank you for believing enough in intercession to take a moment and breathe a prayer that God will grant wisdom and energize every church leader involved in the CCD this week to be Christ in Action where they serve!" (1 Samuel 12:23). The first purpose of Insights was to solicit intercession.
The second purpose for Insights was to offer inspiration. John the Baptist was an incredible spiritual leader. He baptized Jesus. He declared who Jesus was (John 1:29). But when things got difficult, even John the Baptist struggled with doubt and uncertainty (Matthew 11:2-3). What he needed at that time was inspiration to keep going. Every one of us is the same. That is why inspiration was the second purpose of Insights. And then the third basic purpose for Insights was to offer information.
As our district prepares for transition in the next few weeks, we know the next superintendent may want to offer a different strategy for communication so we have decided to cease devotionals for the coming weeks. Our next devotionals will be our denomination-wide daily Journey from Easter to Pentecost (March 31 – May 19). Thanks for all your church is doing to take positive steps forward by focusing on the basics of what the Lord has revealed to us for a healthy future:
mobilizing everyone in unity
blessing our community
bringing people to Jesus
becoming Christlike disciples
We are leaning in together, encouraging everyone to participate in selecting our next superintendent. Make sure you reach out to a District Advisory Committee member and give your feedback. We have wonderful days ahead on the CCD. You are loved.
Larry McKain, Superintendent
Chicago Central District
Church of the Nazarene