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What's Next?
We have been calling discipleship, "A Journey of Grace." We know from Scriptures and experience that God's grace continually draws us toward the heart of the Father over our lifetime. As we walk the path of God's grace, we experience the true meaning of discipleship. This journey involves Bible studies and relationships with others. It includes moments of success and joy, as well as moments of crisis and great loss. The journey compels us to follow Jesus as the Way. It is filled with joyful discovery as we experience Jesus as the Truth and brings great peace and promise as we encounter Jesus as the abundant Life!
In the last few months, we have been living through a global crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every continent, every country, countless families, and every church in our denomination. There have been lives lost, employment cancelled, futures destroyed. Everyone has grieved these losses with friends and loved ones. As we've grieved, we've prayed, read the Word, and prayed some more. As we've bowed our knees and wills, God has been so very faithful. He has drawn us closer to Himself, bringing us peace and strength.
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Many of us are now asking the questions: How do we come out of this global crisis? How and when do we open our church buildings and resume face-to-face ministries? How do we help restore people who are living in fear and post-trauma paralysis? Articles in this issue of the SDMI Connections e-newsletter are designed to help you respond to such questions.
For SDMI, we look forward to our Leadership Conference in the fall (LC2020). This special event will likely be the FIRST opportunity for the Church of the Nazarene in USA and Canada to gather as ONE since the pandemic altered our daily reality. LC2020 will take place from September 29 - October 1, 2020, at the Ridgecrest Camp and Conference Center near Ashville, North Carolina.
At LC2020, the new framework for discipleship will be revealed for SDMI. This event is designed for district SDMI chairs, SDMI district officers (women's and men's ministry leaders, single adult ministry leaders, children's ministry leaders, CLT leaders, etc.), district superintendents, and all SDMI disciple-makers regardless of location or position. More information about the location, speakers, schedule, and cost is available at LC2020.
Let’s emerge from this global crisis unified and mobilized for making Christlike disciples in our countries, communities, and neighborhoods. We can't wait to meet you there!
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Scott Rainey,
SDMI Global Director
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|  "Jesus Wept!"
Dealing with Grief and Loss during COVID-19Our losses from the current pandemic have been extensive, at times staggering. Losing a family member is a great grief. Losing your job is scary. We grieve the loss of corporate worship. Read more
| |  Do You Truly Love Me? Care for and Feed My Lambs and SheepIs the COVID-19 experience strengthening or diminishing your intentional teaching and training of your family? This exercise, combined with the previous one in the last issue of SDMI Connections, will help strengthen your family's growth in Christlikeness.
Read more
| |  Doomed to Hell, Rescued by GraceSteve Sands shares a personal testimony of how he has seen God's prevenient grace working in his life. "I know I am still a work in process, but I work daily at giving my whole heart to God." Read more
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| | Have you taken advantage of the Early Bird rate for LC2020?
We are three months away from one of the most important SDMI Leaders Conferences in the last 20 years. Are you registered yet?
Because of the pandemic, we’ve extended the Early Bird rate until June 30th. Make sure you and your SDMI team take advantage of this savings.
For more information about this very special conference and to view a special video by Dr. Gustavo Crocker, click here.
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| | Ten Preparation Recommendations for Reopening your Church for Ministry to Children
We have all experienced the impacts of this pandemic differently. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution to reopening our church facilities for children. Certainly, national, state, county, and local governments are providing guidance on how and when to open worship facilities. However, as ministry leaders, we know that timely preparation and clear communication will breed trust and confidence in those who are anxious about returning with their children for Sunday school and worship. Click here for a list of reopening recommendations from children’s ministry leaders.
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| | Looking for Ministry Enrichment?
Playback of Recent Discipleship Webinars Available
In the last several weeks, The Discipleship Place has responded to the recent pandemic with numerous webinars addressing a wide variety of topics. You will find the links to the recording of these videos archived at DiscipleshipPlace.org. The most recent webinars always appear at the top of the page, which you will find by clicking here.
Discipleship First with Dr. Scott Rainey: Lifelong Learning Code is 14729.
Intentionally Loving Your Neighbors with Chris Cooper: Lifelong Learning Code is 59193.
If you are a pastor, Lifelong Learning credit is available for watching these webinars. You will need to self-report these through the Lifelong Learning Registry.
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| | The Foundry Publishing to offer digital curriculum beginning in June
Starting in the Summer quarter, The Foundry will offer both print and digital versions of all its curriculum resources for purchase. Learn more
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| | Beyond COVID-19
Taking the next step toward Recovery
Beyond Disaster is a free resource guide from the American Bible Society for people who have survived (or are surviving) disasters. This Bible-based booklet offers (1) strategies for coping in the short term, (2) guidance on what to expect during recovery, and (3) practical steps for the journey toward emotional and spiritual healing. Based on the globally proven model of the Trauma Healing Institute, Beyond Disaster integrates best practices in mental health into a biblical framework.”
As you and your family recover from the pandemic and the cultural unrest that is a part of today’s world, you will find Godly wisdom and advice in this free booklet entitled Beyond Disaster. This free bible resource can be downloaded in English here and in Spanish here.
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2020
September 29-October 1: SDMI Leaders' Conference ( LC2020)
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