A fresh encounter with Scripture Shane Raynor talks to Will Willimon about The Wesley Study Bible.
The Wesley Study Bible at your local church Bishop Will Willimon illustrates how every church can use this new resource.
The heartcries of women in our pews Liza Kittle writes about the unique spiritual challenges of women.
Wesley and Predestination Les Longden wrestles with a central tenent of Calvinist theology.
Children's ministry helps make disciples Boyce Bowdon reports on the unique outreaches at Chapel Hill UM Church.
Next Generation What We Say and What We Hear
Renew Women’s Network What House Will You Build Me?
The Great Commission A Leading Question
From the Heart Cultivating His Presence
News
Renfroe accepts Good News presidency upon
Heidinger retirement
For the cause of Christ: A statement from Rob
Renfroe
Korean Methodist church built on prayer
Asbury Seminary selects Tennent as new leader
Commentary: Amendments deserve debate
News Analysis
Has GBCS been faithful to the provisions of
trust document?
The title of this column is a question the Lord asks of his people in Isaiah 66:1 and again in Acts 7:49. “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What house will you build for me? says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest?” The message revealed in this Scripture is that God doesn’t dwell in temples made with human hands, but in the humble hearts of faithful believers. Any calling we undertake in the Lord’s name must be focused on his glory, for every endeavor is futile without God as the foundation. Psalm 127:1 echoes this directive: “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.”
In the New Testament, Paul expounds on this concept of building for God’s kingdom through Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 3:10, he says, “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds, for no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
God asks all of us this question—what house will you build for me? It is in this spirit that Renew undertakes the task of building a house for God—one that builds on the foundation of Jesus Christ, provides a spiritual shelter for the women of the United Methodist Church, and brings honor and glory to God at its completion.
One of the major components of this house is our new website at www.renewnetwork.org. We hope it will be a useful “room” for the women of the church to enter, take their shoes off, and rest at the feet of Jesus. The website is divided into three major sections which mirror our mission statement: “Seeking, Sharing, and Serving…Christ.”
Seeking—Growing in Christ, focuses on providing tools for individual and group spiritual growth. Areas under this link include: devotions by various authors; the importance of prayer; the power of holy habits; recommended Bible studies and resources; workshops, events, and speakers; and links to other discipleship resources. We are proud to be offering an entire series of Bible studies by Dee Brestin, a noted author, commentator, and women’s event speaker.
Sharing—Connecting with women, concentrates on practical steps for the formation of fruitful women’s ministries and the building of relationships with sisters in Christ. Included are: ideas and examples of women’s ministry programs; stories about godly women past and present; leadership development tools; ways to network with other women of faith; and information about local and national women’s ministry events.
Serving—Kingdom building, centers on ways that women can use their gifts in Christian outreach and mission. This section highlights the foundations of Wesleyan personal and social witness; provides evangelism tools and links; explains how women are called and equipped to serve the kingdom; recommends outreach ideas for women’s ministry programs; and showcases mission emphases of the Renew Network. These mission areas will combat sexual trafficking, aid persecuted Christians, endorse mercy ministries for troubled teenagers, connect with families in our central conferences, and support missionary partners.
We are excited about our new blog section that features a variety of opportunities to communicate and share experiences with other Christian women. There is a section devoted to various topics such as abortion, homosexuality, women in the workplace, depression, infertility, and time management. This interactive section will provide information and resources for women to tackle important issues from a faith perspective.
The website is just one of many “rooms” being built at the house of Renew. God has been so gracious to this ministry by guiding us daily in this construction project. He is the master planner, Jesus is the firm foundation, and the Holy Spirit is the power that moves us forward.
Jesus had only one goal for his labors on earth. In his heartfelt prayer to God on the night before his death, Jesus said, “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do” (John 17:4). As children of the King, that should be our only goal as well—to finish the job set before us, bringing honor and glory to God.
As we endeavor to build a house for God that serves the women of the United Methodist Church, we invite you to come alongside us. Many gifts, talents, and financial resources are required to accomplish this task. We would love for you to join us as co-laborers with Renew in this building project.
Liza Kittle is the President of the Renew Network. In addition to visiting their website (www.renewnetwork.org ), you can write to the Renew Network at P.O. Box 16055, Augusta, GA 30919, or call them at 706-364-0166.
Click here to send your response plus the title of this article to us at Good News.