Some of the men at devotional during overnight men's retreat. 6 audio files and 19 more photos below.
By Jamali Jack (Kingstown Church of Christ, SVG)
Kingstown Church of Christ (KCC) on Friday September 18, 2015 held an overnight men's retreat at their building. The retreat, which has been an annual item on their calendar of events over the years, was an opportunity for the men of the congregation to give greater attention to focus their study on some area of Christian teaching or practice.
The theme for this year was Equipping the Saints for the Ministry. The foundation of the theme is Paul's exhortation in Ephesians 4:11-16 that each Christian should be equipped and desirous to be equipped to contribute toward the work and growth of the church. The studies were presented by Jamali Jack and based on a series on Executable Outlines, developed by Mark A. Copeland. Copeland is a minister at the church of Christ at Fortune Road in Kissimmee, Florida. The men at Kingstown were able to discuss the first four lessons of the five-part study.
Kingstown Church of Christ (KCC) on Friday September 18, 2015 held an overnight men's retreat at their building. The retreat, which has been an annual item on their calendar of events over the years, was an opportunity for the men of the congregation to give greater attention to focus their study on some area of Christian teaching or practice.
The theme for this year was Equipping the Saints for the Ministry. The foundation of the theme is Paul's exhortation in Ephesians 4:11-16 that each Christian should be equipped and desirous to be equipped to contribute toward the work and growth of the church. The studies were presented by Jamali Jack and based on a series on Executable Outlines, developed by Mark A. Copeland. Copeland is a minister at the church of Christ at Fortune Road in Kissimmee, Florida. The men at Kingstown were able to discuss the first four lessons of the five-part study.
After a light dinner and devotional on Friday night, the study began with a consideration of The Providential Necessity for equipping the saints for the ministry. This lesson outlined the biblical truth that the Lord has been, and is very much still involved in, providing opportunities for men and women who are prepared to labour toward the expansion of His kingdom, i.e, His church. Therefore, if we desire the Lord to open doors of opportunity for us to share the gospel, we must be prepared to serve, both as individuals and as a congregation (2 Timothy 2:20-21; Revelations 3:8). The study was followed by a very lively discussion that continued after the session was oner, well into the wee hours of the morning.
Saturday morning began with breakfast and a devotional. The first study session of the day built upon the Friday night study and focused on The Practical Necessity of equipping the saints for ministry. This lesson demonstrated in a very pragmatic way that if the congregation wants those who come our way to feel that the congregation is important to them and vice versa, opportunities most be provided for every member to serve. Before the next lesson, the men were able to take a short break to contribute to the preparation of ingredients for the huge pot that would contain their lunch meal. Head chef and evangelist at KCC, Elton Lewis, was very effective in putting to good use those wanting to provide labour in the kitchen while maintaining the integrity of his culinary creation.
Following the extended break, the men combined two lessons by looking at both the Diversity of Function in the Body and Areas of Service in the Body for their final session. Diversity of function highlighted three main points. First, the body (church) of Christ is made up of many members (individual Christians). Second, not all members have the same function. Finally, every function is crucial to the operation of the body. These points drew heavily on Paul's writings to the Christians at Rome and Corinth in Romans 12:4-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-30. As was the case with the previous sessions, the study generated much edifying discussion.
After some closing remarks, chorus and giving of thanks, the treated them selves to a delicious serving of callaloo soup. Some brethren used the opportunity to help themselves to double and triple portions of the meal which is testament to its delectability. Tasty though it was, all in attendance agreed that the overnight retreat was savory synthesis of physical fulfillment, social bonding and spiritual edification. As such, it was a sweet success!
Saturday morning began with breakfast and a devotional. The first study session of the day built upon the Friday night study and focused on The Practical Necessity of equipping the saints for ministry. This lesson demonstrated in a very pragmatic way that if the congregation wants those who come our way to feel that the congregation is important to them and vice versa, opportunities most be provided for every member to serve. Before the next lesson, the men were able to take a short break to contribute to the preparation of ingredients for the huge pot that would contain their lunch meal. Head chef and evangelist at KCC, Elton Lewis, was very effective in putting to good use those wanting to provide labour in the kitchen while maintaining the integrity of his culinary creation.
Following the extended break, the men combined two lessons by looking at both the Diversity of Function in the Body and Areas of Service in the Body for their final session. Diversity of function highlighted three main points. First, the body (church) of Christ is made up of many members (individual Christians). Second, not all members have the same function. Finally, every function is crucial to the operation of the body. These points drew heavily on Paul's writings to the Christians at Rome and Corinth in Romans 12:4-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-30. As was the case with the previous sessions, the study generated much edifying discussion.
After some closing remarks, chorus and giving of thanks, the treated them selves to a delicious serving of callaloo soup. Some brethren used the opportunity to help themselves to double and triple portions of the meal which is testament to its delectability. Tasty though it was, all in attendance agreed that the overnight retreat was savory synthesis of physical fulfillment, social bonding and spiritual edification. As such, it was a sweet success!
