This intentionally fundamental personal comment is in response to and support of the GP's report and his passion to engage the session's vision to vital ministry. My response does not represent any person within the Newark Presbytery, nor was I asked to type a disclaimer. It is by choice that I simply publish my own commentary.

I often think about why I am a believer in, and follower of Christ. Why? Because daily and sometimes moment by moment I do a self analysis. Sometimes I recognize my shortcomings and when I do, I repent (not repeating) but learning from the experience. In fact to have the courage to self-check my-own heart using Christ's teachings is not always pleasant nor easy. But it must be done. More to the point; to visibly convey that I am a ethical follower of Christ is the ultimate goal. Like Paul I too have had my Damascus Road moment which really shook me to the core of wanting to be involved in ministry-even to the point of considering the goal of Seminary.

In being purposeful to live the life of sharing the Good News about Jesus Christ - in the 21st Century to everyone that comes into my life as God sees fit. Allowing my lifestyle to "be a ministry" of Christ. I pray several times a day, have a consistent private prayer and fasting life; and partners who also pray with me. Why did I even mention that? Because prayer is vital in ministry. Jesus took time to pray and even taught his disciples how to pray. Why? I think because it is a requirement for wisdom, power and other gifting tools in ministry.

The main point or question I respectfully wanted to ask in this Forum is: Why are you in Ministry? Has "doing ministry or being in ministry" simply become just a job that you receive a reliable source of income from? Just a group you can say you volunteer in? Or maybe a routine that has become a habit? What is the point of gathering? Are lives transformed for the better, even in a small way? Where is the impact of this ministry? Is the ministry respected and valued by your self and others around you? If you don't know, will you ask for input? If you where on the receiving end of "your" ministry, what would you change to be more insightful of the needs for yourself and others? How would you change the ministry to show others that you do care and value the teachings of Christ?

How would your ministry change to send "the safe and true message" to the community that the fundamentals are solid? What is it or (is not) about your ministry that verbally and non verbally speaks to the outside community and inside congregation that show you are about saving lives, families and souls?

Deliberately ask yourself "is it working? (The above are not rhetorical questions-hoping to spur dialogue here "in the Forum"). Or in your session meetings. To date, I have not seen any responses from anyone about any blogs or Forums at this Website. It would be refreshing if people would begin engage one another via these outlets. Be bold, publish a blog or a Forum comment. Give it some though first and be mindful that this is the world wide web...then be free to share your opinions, ideas and heart. Also its a part of ministry for the 21st Century.

Whether your ministry is working or is not working well, be open to new ideas. Ministry is a process....repent if needed, of the old ideas that are or where stumbling blocks. Be open to taking a look at difficult circumstances that can be improved for the betterment of the health of your ministry, church and the community. Some of these questions and others, are some processes I partake in frequently. I certainly do not envy those in charge of any Presbytery or church denomination or non denominational body. Nor do I pretend to know how to fully run one. However, I am deeply involved in supporting the leadership within many ministries and do affect the lives of those in the, ministries, church and community very directly...I am a responsible party to the transformation of the lives...in Christ as God has equipped and calls me to be.

Ministry to redeem people and their lives is serious fundamental business that God instructed and chose Jesus Christ for, who in turn left us in charge until his return to manage. It ultimately effects and affects their souls. The structure here, limits my role to be involved in ministry or at this time, community events however I have faith and am grateful I can share with you my opinions in this Forum.

May your inner man (or woman) be healed if that is needed, may all stumbling blocks be removed so that you may be blessed in the most secret and public places that only God can touch...enabling you to to the same for other people in your ministry, church, families, communities...the world.

I am hopeful and excited for Newark Presbytery and pray God's blessings for this ministry body.

Deuteronomy 28: 1-14