LeaderOnline

Table of Contents: Summer 04

Editorial - Richard Kauffman

Features

Apprentices in faith
Ten proposals inspired by ancient baptism practices
by Alan Kreider
In an increasingly secular society, the church should be intentional about preparing people for baptism and the Christian life. The third-century church has much to teach us.

Recruiting youth for God’s Story
An interview with Michele Hershberger
Postmodern youth are attracted to a faith of the heart that is based on God’s story, not just doctrinal statements. They need solid relationships in the church to support them as they say yes to Jesus.

God’s call among the corn fields
Iowa congregation finds its mission during tough times
by Laurie L. Oswald
With agricultural markets unstable and the rural population declining, West Union Mennonite Church seeks new visions of what God is doing.

Called to faith, empowered for leadership
by Melissa Miller
Manitoba’s Steinbach Mennonite Church believes in calling young people to faith and equipping them to lead. Randy Hildebrand and Erin Kehler are two who know what good mentoring is.

Departments

Editorial
Pastoring God’s People – Creating a climate of invitation
by April Yamasaki
Guiding Worship – A case for altar calls
by Regina Shands Stoltzfus
Forming Faith – Keeping camp alive
by Keith Zehr
Managing the Church – Eyes on the church’s mission
by Mark L. Vincent
Engaging the World – Vacation Bible School: when missional means fun
by Sandi Hannigan

Leader Tips: Reminders of God’s invitation (page 15); Come to my baptism (page 20); “Starbucks” Mennonite Church (page 22); Ordinary Time preaching (page 26) Staying on the same page in summer (page 27); Adopt-a-block (page 38);

Worship in “Ordinary Time”
Advent, Lent, and Easter-Pentecost resources appear in Leader in the Fall, Winter, and Spring issues respectively. This issue offers resources for “Ordinary Time” – the long period that comes between Pentecost and Advent in the church calendar.

Resources for leaders