Represent Retreat Book

Foreword

At World Impact, we believe the local church is the foundational element for personal life and community transformation. Our ministry training programs are designed to be affordable, accessible, and affirming of ministry calling, utilizing the “train the trainer” model. In other words, we believe that as you apply biblical principles to your own life, we want you to empower someone else. To empower someone is to help them do something. Who doesn’t need help navigating life? This is a highly undervalued function. I’m not talking about a vibrant small group program. I’m talking about authentic relationships built over long periods of time. This book is a tool to help you move towards being more empowered and to empower someone else. Christ said in Matthew 16.18, “I will build my church—” not food pantry, tutoring program, or community development enterprise— “and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” I am all for good works like the ones mentioned, yet I also believe the church being the church is an undervalued asset in our moment in history. What makes a church special? The people. A healthy church is a holy place. Holiness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. First Peter 1.16 states, “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (KJB). We’re instructed to be like God—holy in everything we do. Holiness means to represent the character of God and be set apart for service by God. By doing so, we gain the privilege to influence situations for God’s glory. And here is a key understanding of holiness that I think most miss: Holiness is the way of empowerment.

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