The first session was held to address Faith and Order issues of the Olivet Community. The participants in this meeting were the national leaders and South American mission leaders. The meeting was led by Pastor David Chang, who in his first intervention broadly addressed the most important issues regarding membership.
After a prayer, it began with the explanation of the biblical basis for establishing membership. Many were followers of Jesus, but not all of them became his disciples. Many listened to him, but only to some did he reveal the meaning of the parables. Not because there are hidden messages, but rather because of the level of understanding that people can have. In this way, our community also manages three levels of membership: registered member, committed member, and leader.
And through these three levels, Pastor David Chang shared extensively about the requirements for each of them, their commitments, responsibilities, etc. Something that greatly impacted the lives of the leaders who listened to him was his emphasis on the heart and being, rather than on doing and assigned work. He spoke of the heart of the member, of his personal devotion rather than his work, of attendance at services, of the importance of community life to raise leaders, and of reformed principles and why we are not rebaptizing.
This session was very enriching, and full of grace for all who participated in it. More than a unilateral exposition, it was an open dialogue where the leaders asked their questions, felt heard, and delved into many fundamental issues for our church.
May God help us to continue with this ongoing education for South American leaders, and that by inheriting our faith well and understanding our order, we can continue to build well the Kingdom of God in this region and wherever God sends us.
Written by: Moises Gonzalez