"What a blessing!" This was the predominant commentary on the recently concluded 2000 National Workers' and Elders' Conference (Lawrence, KS). The theme focused on "A Vision for Growth" and the ministry brought needful topics into focus.

Brother Mike Atwood (GA), who was a substitute for the absent Boyd Nicholson (ON), brought exhortation from Psalm 1. The first day we were exhorted not only to be separate from the world, but separated also to God. On the following two days, he directed our attention to beautiful portraits of our Lord from Psalm 2 and 22. We considered how it could be that He would be made a worm, being treated by God as if He were the sinner? This type of ministry prepared our hearts for further discussions throughout the day.

The schedule commenced with a "Vision for Evangelism," when Wad LeBlanc (NB) stimulated us with his passion for spreading the gospel. Floyd Pierce (IN) encouraged us to pursue the discipling of new believers.

We ended the first day with a presentation of "A Vision for Priesthood," by Dr. Ken Daughters (IA). Careful but needful demarcation was made concerning the practice of priesthood and the exercise of the speaking gifts.

The second day opened with prayer and Bible study, again led by Mike Atwood. The audience was motivated to consider insightful practices for developing unity (by David Dunlap, FL) and leadership in the assembly (by Jack Spender, CT).

This prepared the ground for a discussion of practical applications of New Testament assembly principles (by Colin Anderson, ON). However, we were encouraged not to forget impediments to progress, for example George Farber's (IA) presentation, "A Vision for Healing Division."

On the final day, Bob Brown (LA) substituted for Bob Johnson (MI) on the topic, "A Vision for Healing the Broken-Hearted."

Our seminar sessions proved equally helpful with a discussion format and beneficial subjects such as: pre-marital counseling, working with society's rebels, counseling family problems, helping single parent families, and assembly responsibilities in sending out new workers and toward current workers. Each theme was pertinent to issues facing today's assemblies.

It is always encouraging to hear reports of the Lord's work in North America. Corporate and small group prayer provided a unique bond with one another, and the times of fellowship in the Lord were precious. The Lord gives direction for questions and answers to problems not only through messages or seminars, but also through times of personal discussion.

The assembly in Morgantown, West Virginia, is making arrangements to host next year's event during October 9-11, 2001. Your heart may find there the encouragement so often needed on the front lines of spiritual battle. All involved in the work of the local assembly -- whether an elder or not, young or old, full or part-time worker -- should consider attending.

(reprinted with permission from uplook.org)