Washington Baptist Church Holds Lay Renewal Weekend

Washington Baptist Church experienced Lay Ministry Weekend, April 24-26, the second phase in the Church Lay Renewal Emphasis. This year’s emphasis was on discovering our  SHAPE for ministry, based on spiritual gifts, heart (or passion), abilities, personality, and experiences in life.  Donald C. Taft, author of  The Christian Journey and nationally known presenter in Church Renewal, led the adults. 

Once again Henry and Robyn Bass led the twelve-member team from North Carolina and Virginia, who served as lay leaders for the four sessions, with classes for children, youth, and adults. Small group sessions, four shared meals, testimonies, an affirmation service, and an opportunity to publicly commit to “being the church and doing the work of the church” helped each of the 30-40 adults to more clearly define their individual ministries and deepen relationships with one another.  “What a reminder that when we make ourselves available, God will use us to His glory.  We have an obligation to commit ourselves for service,” commented Pam Young.  In addition,  we tasted “koinonia,” the shared life intended in the body of Christ.  Without a doubt, Sue Gardner spoke for the majority when she said, “I feel a lot closer to members of the body and I know them better.”   

Pastor Jim Herod says, “Lay Ministry Weekend is one of the most effective tools for personal and corporate spiritual growth.  I’d urge every church to host a renewal weekend.”    WBC has already set in motion plans to host another weekend with an emphasis on missions for the spring of 2010.