Proclaimer Blog
The next EMA
It might seem a bit soon to start talking about the next EMA, given that this year’s is only two thirds through. But most of us find that if we don’t plan dates ahead, it just gets too difficult to do things the nearer the time. Our diaries necessarily get crowded.
The EMA for 2016 is entitled Leaders Who Last. Our aim is to help people see that, at every level of experience, we have to invest to ensure we stay the course. This is no certainty for any of us. In fact, all of us probably know someone who has fallen away from ministry. They may have grown tired and given up. They may have fallen morally. They may have simply believed there are better things for them to be doing. As I scan my list of friends in ministry, even at my tender age, the stats are rather sobering.
Those of us who have been in ministry some time tend to be a bit blue about this. But there is another danger – those who are gung ho. There is a kind of Christian ministry which is accompanied by an invincibility. “We will withstand anything” the mantra goes.
So, for next year, we want to plan the EMA to help everyone (those starting out, those in the middle years, those near the finishing line) to be Leaders Who Last. We’ve yet to finalise the speakers, but those already confirmed include Don Carson (with particular reference to the experience of his father, of course), Simon Manchester, Dan Steel, Tim Ward and Robin Weekes. There will be seminar streams aimed at different stages of ministry, and expositions from those in different stages – someone just starting out and so on.
Above all, we’re praying and planning for an encouraging time which will be honest about the hardships and dangers, but optimistic about the gospel work of God to sustain and bless. The dates are 21-23 June 2016. Why not put it in your diary now?