Connectional Ministries

With change always comes sadness and anxiety and the departure of Michelle Schwartzman, as Director of Community Life, brings both to the life of Aldersgate. We pray for her as she moves onto a new position with the Central PA Conference Camping Program. Michelle has done a wonderful job in birthing the Community Life area of Adult Discipleship and leaves this position with wonderful leaders, teachers and groups and we pray that we will be able to expand this wonderful ministry.

The new area, Connectional Ministries, will encompass Adult Discipleship and Equipping Ministries. As Pastor Jon always shares, the vision of Aldersgate is to have each person regularly attend worship, and faithfully participate in a small group and a ministry.   This change will allow us to put a singular, intentional focus on this very important vision.

As Pastor of Connectional Ministries, it is my prayer that the Connectional Ministries team will be able to work with each person to find their spiritual gifts, find where their heart is for ministry, assess abilities and personality and find what experiences will assist in matching each person with the perfect group and ministry. It is so important that everyone be able to assess these areas of their lives to be matched with the “perfect” ministry and small group. Though this will take time, many of you have already found your niche and would be assets, as members of the Connectional Ministries team, to help others find their place. If you are interested in acting in this capacity, please contact me.

I will also need a core group of Coaches to assist with the small group area of the ministry. Coaches will act as a liaison between the small groups and me. This role will entail frequent communication, listening and encouragement. You will also assist in being a resource person. One of the most important roles will be as a prayer warrior. Some of you were coaches for Michelle during the 40 Days of Community. If you would like to reprise that role, please give me a call. If you were not a coach before and have an interest in assisting in the small group’s area, please call.

This is a new venture with this area of ministry and your prayers are needed to help the area to grow. May God continue to bless us as we continue to strive to make disciples who make a difference.