Greetings From the Editor
Greetings!
O LORD, I have heard of your renown,
and I stand in awe, O LORD, of your work.
In our own time revive it;
in our own time make it known;
in wrath may you remember mercy.
On June 18, 2012, an assembly gathered at the Community Room of American Bible Society at 61st and Broadway; they witnessed an event that could have been called “the best Broadway show in town.” The conference theme was “A Season for Renewal.” Sponsored by New York Theological Seminary’s Hostetter and Habib Program Fund, this was one of NYTS’s several partnership projects with American Bible Society, and the focus was to explore ways that could help stop the fall in membership of U.S. mainline churches and perhaps even reverse it! The October issue of The Living Pulpit offers the articles by the Conference speakers.
The presenters, a mix of pastors and scholars, engaged the crowd of more than one hundred people with upbeat messages and words of encouragement about some of the positive activities that churches are actively pursuing with notable success. In a manner that is not often heard among the mainline churches, the speakers spoke in favor of keeping the Bible front and center in the life of churches. These educators reflected on how theological education helps maintain a tuned-in attitude for their graduates entering the ministry. The audience also had a chance to dwell on some practical ideas that the church leaders have used to sustain and grow their churches. The venue was charged with spiritual yearning expressed with many rounds of vocal “Amens,” reflecting the hunger for new and practical ways with what has been reported in the media and experienced by attendees. It was engrossing and informative for all.
We bring the gleanings of this conference in a written format—not just for the preservation of an historical record of this event, but for the ongoing endeavor to welcome the work of renewal God is doing in our midst.
May the Lord bless the churches and the servants of the gospel of Jesus Christ!
In Christ,
Jin Han, Ph.D.
Editor-in-Chief
