23 June 2003

Leaders Embrace the Mission to North America

“The Lord Jesus Christ is calling to the Community of Christ to launch out into the deeps of discipleship and mission in North American society today!” said Apostle Steve Veazey in his address at Mission 2003: Launch Out! on Monday evening, June 9. Nearly 900 people were registered for this leadership conference that launched the church’s mission to North America.

Mission 2003: Launch Out! offered 95 tool classes; daily devotions and plenary sessions featuring keynote speakers with expertise in town and country, suburban, and urban ministry; and unique worship experiences from June 9-13. One participant remarked that the most enjoyable thing about Mission 2003: Launch Out! was the “enthusiasm of the people [and] the Holy Spirit present in abundance.”

Another attendee commented that it was an awe-inspiring week that will directly affect her ministry and congregation. The First Presidency noted that “it was evident from the overall spirit that prevailed and the joy in people’s faces that this was an experience that provided much satisfaction and encouragement.”

The emphasis of classes and worship was on the Called to Discipleship goal Share Your Witness and Resources. More than 200 people participated in a class led by Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith titled “What’s Our Good News?” to clarify how to share one’s faith and the beliefs of the church. “Seek and Follow Christ,” a class facilitated by Bob Kyser, Mike Richard, Jim Doty, and John Wight, introduced new missionary resources that support seekers. Jane Gardner led more than 150 participants through holistic, creative approaches in “Spiritual Sensibilities: Telling the Story in Worship.”

Carolyn Brock and Donna Sperry conducted the first Covenant Discipleship Group facilitator training with 225 participants. “Shaped by the Spirit: Starting and Leading a Covenant Discipleship Group” was a three-day commitment that focused participants on the relationship between spirituality and deepening discipleship, small group dynamics, and unique skills for facilitation of spiritual formation.

All those present at Mission 2003: Launch Out! participated in the “Covenant Discipleship Group Experience” on Friday morning. Attendees gathered in the sanctuary and observed a small group, who had participated in training throughout the week, as they modeled a Covenant Discipleship Group meeting. Participant Pam Robison said, “It was quite powerful.” The gathering then broke into small groups to talk about their visions for Covenant Discipleship Groups in their own congregations.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Community of Christ International Peace Award to Jean Vanier, founder of L’Arche, on Wednesday evening. A song service opened the worship and Peter Judd, First Presidency, presided. L’Arche community members led the congregation in a responsive reading, and Vanier delivered the keynote, “Becoming Human: The Weak Can Be a Sign of Hope.”

Vanier said that with this award, the church honors all who are most fragile in the world through him. He said, “Those who are pushed aside, frequently seen as of little value, are the ones who can teach us what it is to be human and what it is to be disciples of Jesus Christ.”

Vanier spent time Tuesday evening dialoguing with young adults on the topic “Discerning Your Calling.” He answered questions and talked about the importance of prayer, getting to know oneself, and living in the present. “I never worried about the future. I live for today,” he explained. With a knowing smile he added, “As for tomorrow-tomorrow, we shall see.”

Visit /broadcast/2003archive.asp#Launch Out to see clips from Mission 2003: Launch Out! daily events, including Vanier’s complete keynote. Videotapes featuring each of the keynote speakers are available from Herald House: 1-800-767-8181, sales@HeraldHouse.org, www.heraldhouse.org/custom/list.asp?c=19830.

Apostle Mary Jacks Dynes, Mission 2003: Launch Out! director, said, “It was a great week. Participants were excited and the Holy Spirit was present.” The desire of people to become better equipped to share themselves with each other, their communities, and the World Church filled the atmosphere. A deepening of discipleship occurred during the week, and the momentum will continue as leaders return to the field to share with members, friends, and seekers. Mary said, “People are returning to their homes to share insights gained during the conference and to share their resources and their witness!”

-Kendra Friend reporting

Note: New resources that debuted at Mission 2003: Launch Out! are featured on the Herald House Web site at www.HeraldHouse.org.