LYON HEARTED

I was at the Wisconsin District Conference today. Joanne Lyon was there. It was her first Conference since being elected General Superintendent. She did two things I really liked. First, when she gave her State of the Church Address, she did not run through a litany of stats. She simply mentioned they were in the notebook and available for their review. She then launched into a visionary challenge.

She had five points: 1) 1000 Kingdom lights (churches that will invade secular space); 2) 1000 churches to experience ministry of deliverance for people; 3) Global Wesleyan Education Systems; 4) 90% of our churches become involved in global issues (e.g. human trafficking, poverty, HIV/AIDS, etc...) 5) Living under the resurrection power of Christ.

Can we achieve all of this in twelve months? I don't know. This is not the point. The point is it is a compelling vision. Details can be worked out as we go.

Second, she allowed the DS to chair the conference. She was there as a resource person. The DS did an excellent job.

I liked this because I feel this is how it should be. Nice change.