What Does is Mean to Have a Livable Theology?

By Dana Allin
There are many aspects of our Reformed/Presbyterian tradition for which I am thankful. One aspect in particular is our focus on the life of the mind. We deeply value education, study, and wrestling with theological implications as we engage in present culture. There have certainly been weaknesses associated with this strength such as occasionally having an overly cerebral faith that doesn't engage our heart and passion. Nevertheless, I am still thankful for the many benefits that come with valuing the mind.
One of ECO's values that has been newly redesigned is having a "Livable Theology"  (SEE THE VISION FRAME HERE).  This value has sparked some great conversations among many leaders. Is a Livable Theology somehow watering down the depth of our theological heritage? The answer is definitely no! What a livable theology entails is that we want to take all of our rich theology and make sure it is influencing our lives and the ministry of our churches.  READ MORE


Youth culture is changing at an extremely rapid pace, so it is crucial for ECO to come alongside individual congregations and covenant partners to help expand our understanding of the intersection of culture and faith.  

Since the National Gathering is the premier training grounds for ECO congregations, we desire to equip, nurture, invest in, and build meaningful connections with ECO high school and college students in order to empower them to see a pathway to vocational ministry and/or lay leadership for the future. 

Students (sophomores in high school through seniors in college) will fully participate in the National Gathering, with a pre-conference, special sessions, and fun activities planned just for them! Students will need to apply, receive their church's endorsement, and be accepted in order to attend. All information will be on our website after July 15th. 


Commissioned Lay Pastor Training Update


If you are interested in the next CLP cohort,
click here  to see more information.

Exciting Announcement! Flourish and Gordon-Conwell partner to offer online Seminary Classes! 


We are so excited about our new partnership with Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary! This partnership will allow Flourish to greatly expand our Lay and Clergy Leadership equipping and development. It allows seminary classes to be available at very affordable rates to students all across the world (both within our denomination and within the greater Body of Christ) who desire to stay in their local contexts and serve the Lord, while being better equipped for ministry.

In 2019, ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary-Charlotte (GCTS) entered into a partnership whereby the two organizations are collaborating on the creation and offering of twelve (12) graduate-level quality courses in Bible, theology, and practical ministry.  These courses, which align with ECO's ten (10) Core Leadership Competencies are accessible by multiple audiences (from lay members and church leaders seeking personal growth and enrichment to others preparing for church leadership and ordination through ECO by meeting the denomination's educational requirements).


Younique Free Webinar:  How to Get Back to
the Heart of Your Ministry Calling
Thursday, July 11th @ 11am EST

Younique
' s mission is to train believers of all kinds in the practice of gospel-centered life design to make an impact for the Kingdom.



To register for this webinar, click here.  For more information about unique, visit:  www.lifeyounique.com

Presbytery Leaders Gathering - We Had a Great Time!


We had such a great Presbytery Leaders Gathering in April. Over 80 ECO presbytery leaders gathered at Hope Church in Richfield, MN. It was a wonderful time of learning, sharing, renewing, and teaching. We were impressed with the deep commitment these leaders had to be faithful, wise, and discerning. We spent our time together thinking about how to  be a movement that is faithful to reaching this generation for Christ and what is means for ECO churches to truly flourish. This fall, we hope to reach out to as many ECO churches as possible to encourage them to take their Flourishing Next Step!













Exciting ECO Staff Updates to Help Your Church Flourish! 




Discovering Mission Affinity in Cuba

By Jen Haddox, Director of Global Engagement
I recently listened in on a conversation with members of the Central Florida MAG group the week after they returned from a joint trip to Holguin, Cuba. I share this story in hopes that the exciting energy from that conversation will serve as a witness to our ECO movement.

It all started after a full day of fellowship and worship at the first Central Florida Mission Affinity Group meeting. Before closing for the day, the question was asked, "What could we do together?"  Jeff Winter, Pastor at First Presbyterian Church - Haines City, stood and somewhat spontaneously remarked that he thought they should do global mission together, and offered to coordinate a trip to Cuba where his church has a mission partner. Before the meeting had ended, a few people were ready to sign up for the trip that wasn't even planned yet! There was a clear sense of the Spirit stirring amidst the group.

Just a few months later, some pastors and elders from ECO Churches in Haines City, Plant City, and Bartow, Florida (plus a few others) traveled to Holguin, Cuba for a short 3-day vision trip. They spent time in worship and fellowship with a network of churches, seeing and experiencing how God is at work.  READ MORE


World Renew Continues to Serve and Change Lives


World Renew continues to serve and change lives through disaster response even years after a devastating event occurs. Hear one story here about how your donations are put to work and continue to support this life changing ministry!
Click here to watch their video, "Serving in God's Grace". 

Click here   to read a brief summary of   the activities for this month
for World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS).   

Global Engagement Event You Won't Want to Miss! 
 

On Demand Free Webinar: A Purposeful
Partnership - Generational Generosity



YOU CAN WATCH IT NOW!
Is generosity as important to you as it is to us? Have you ever wondered about the best ways to talk about generosity with both the old and the young members of your congregation? 
 
Then, this on demand webinar is for you. Led by John Terech, ECO's Executive Director of Operations, and The Rev. Dr. Rick Young, TPF's President, this educational conversation focuses on giving trends in ECO churches, the generosity differences between generations, actionable strategies for growing a generous spirit. The best part? You can still actively participate, as all additional questions will be directly addressed by John or Rick. Click here to watch the webinar and invigorate your approach to generosity!


PRMI Conference: Growing the Church 
in the Power of the Holy Spirit 


 
How can leaders and churches be enabled to discern and obediently
cooperate with the guidance of the Holy Spirit?

Do you want to Invest in the future of your church and your leadership and renew your vision for life in the Kingdom of God? 

Join PRMI this fall at their conference Norton Shores, Michigan, November 4-7, 2019, and explore how your church can grow in its practice of cooperating with the Holy Spirit as you discern your Flourishing Next Step. 

We want to help you ask and discern: "God, what do you want for our church?"

Click here to check out their video.
 
Click here to see the details about this conference. 


Welcome New ECO Churches!





Click the video to watch Nate Stratman's
message at the 2019 National Gathering