The word ‘ecumenism’ evokes suspicion and anger in some quarters. Understandably so, because it has often been synonymous with compromise, and watering down essential truths of the Gospel.
‘Evangelical’ sometimes produces similar reactions. This is because it has often been seen as judgmental and too narrow in its reading of scripture.
Given that ‘evangelical’ should be a proper label for those who share the ‘euangélion’ or ‘evangel’ or ‘good news’, and given that ‘oikoumene’ from which we get the word ‘ecumenical’ is directly connected to the complete unity that Jesus himself prayed for, I do not think we can dismiss either word.
I first came across this audio from Peter Kreeft more than 10 years ago and was immediately attracted to the title – Ecumenism Without Compromise. Kreeft is talking specifically about ecumenical activity between Evangelicals and Catholics, and while I think he leaves one crucial question hanging, this talk still represents a significant challenge for all of us who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ.
Hear about key themes that are emerging for Christian women, the very exciting work of the Global Women’s Commission, and stories from around the globe of women in leadership who are truly making a difference.
Amanda will share her own journey into leadership, and the challenge she believes God is offering to women to more fully walk with a sense of purpose and calling in their own lives.
You will have an opportunity to talk about your own experiences, and pray with others on the journey.
venue AUT, City Campus – Sir Paul Reeves Conference Centre (WA224)
date Tuesday, 11th August, 2015
time 6:30pm mix and mingle, 7pm start – 9:30pm Arrive early and meet other women, and stay afterwards for drinks and nibbles to continue the conversations
RSVP Friday 7th August by filling in the form below
cost Free admissiom, koha welcome
The conference centre is located on level 1 of the WA building, enter from the WG building, and through the Governor Fitzroy plaza. There will be signage at both WG entrances.
Your hosts for the evening, Rachel Afeaki-Taumoepeau and Janet Tuck, regional directors for the NZ and South Pacific Women’s Commission.
This evening will also be the launch of the NZ and South Pacific Women’s Commission, Women As One
Welcome to our first Women’s Commission update in the new format to mark our new name and new ideas.
Amanda Jackson
I am the new Executive Director of the Women’s Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance, and it will be a privilege to learn about your initiatives and encourage you in leadership over the coming years.
We are entering a new and exciting phase of the Commission’s work and I look forward to seeing more women taking the lead in issues affecting women and girls in all regions and denominations.
I am grateful to God for the leadership of women in each region – Leela, Nabila, Jenifer, Joanna, Janet and Rachel, and Yoon Hee. And I am also thrilled that we have the help of Angie Francois in the New York office of the WEA.
Today, we would like to share a story from Egypt and hope that it will inspire you. As well, we have news of an upcoming event against violence in the Caribbean – Please Pray, Learn and Take action.
Education and prayerful action can overcome violence
Three hundred young women and girls in Egypt heard about their rights and the love of God at meetings last week organized by the Women’s Commission.
Dr Nabila Nakhla who led the team in the city of Maghagha, two hours from Cairo is sure the Holy Spirit helped the girls to understand for the first time issues of gender inequality and to know their true worth in God.
She says, “This area has a high incidence of sexual violence. At least 10 of the girls said they were being molested by Moslem lads, who had promised marriage. They feel very guilty and fearful – there is a real fear they could be killed if their father or brother finds out.”
It’s estimated that 14,000 men and boys are trafficked in the Caribbean region each year – that’s 40 a day. A conference in Barbados for men and boys this week (June 24-27) will raise awareness of this terrible threat. Organised by the Caribbean Anti-Trafficking task force, the meeting will try to overcome misconceptions about trafficking and look for solutions.
Jenifer Johnson, head of the Women’s Commission in the Caribbean, who is hosting the meeting, says, “The Caribbean region has seen a sudden influx of guns and violent crimes across the region, associated with the drug trade and trafficking. We want to offer a better way.”
Marq Taylor from Atlanta, which is a hub for trafficked people in the the USA, will speak of his city’s experiences, at a schools’ event and events for youth and men. Many may think that trafficking affects only women but the meeting aims to draw attention to the danger of trafficking for men and boys. Read More
With prayers that your ministry and leadership can be strengthened and grown,
“What would it take to see a move of God initiated and sustained in a geographic area?” This is the question posed by Dr. Joe Aldrich who initiated the Prayer Summit movement. After meeting Joe and others I was trained by them to carry on this ministry, particularly in South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and have now been facilitating prayer summits over the last 20 years. What a great privilege it has been to have seen leaders from different traditions and denominations within the Body of Christ come together. In these times God has melted hearts, reconciled, and directed leaders as they commit to a worshipful, prayerful environment seeking God. Most often it is pastors who attend these summits but over recent years there has been a growing trend for other key ministry people and market place leaders to attend also. This has allowed for a better representation of leaders in the Body of Christ in one locality to pray together. Hence the term ‘leaders prayer summits’.
The key component to these summits is setting our hearts to worship Jesus – with sensitivity to the various worship traditions represented. As leaders stay focused on Jesus, humbly seeking His face, not His hand, (which means leaving aside our prayer requests for the meantime) there comes a greater awareness of God and a greater sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Times of worship can then lead to times of meditating on the Word of God together, often on those scriptures that highlight the greatness of God, who He is and what He has done for us. It may lead to praying for one another or praying for the city or some alone time. All as seems right at the time. As the summit progresses there comes a greater clarity as to the reality of where things are really at and how leaders might better go forward together as they seek to continue in unity and serve their communities.
In the last short while I have facilitated two of these summits as well as having been involved with other prayer gatherings. it is very encouraging to see the number of places where Christians are gathering regularly to worship and pray for their city or town. This coming together to pray and seek God in worship and prayer is a vital component to the wellbeing of the places where God has located us. We need to remember that only God can bring the changes we desire for our cities and towns.
How have you been impacted by prayer summits? I’d encourage you to include your thoughts in the comments so that others can be encouraged by your experiences.
