Happy New Year!! A friend recently compared coming into 2024 like coming over the crest of a hill at night. We don't really know what is ahead of us or what direction the road will lead. There is a degree of uncertainty in anything new, including a new year. Anything is possible! This year certainly contains the unknown. We only have to observe what is taking place in the world around us to feel unsettled but we know who has numbered our days and walks with us through them.
This year is a national election year, and the last few election years have been more than a little tumultuous. Nebraska is looking at several possible ballot initiatives including to make abortion a constitutional "right".
We are facing an increasing shortage of pastors. Many churches across the state have had vacancies, some for years and the numbers of those who are entering the ministry are not able to keep up with the number of retiring and resigning pastors and leaders.
The church is also facing a decline in leaders (and members) with a biblical worldview. The information being provided from Barna research shows that there has been a dramatic change even in the last three years.
However, even with these and so many more challenges facing us as the church, and as a society, we are firmly placed on the Rock. We can rest assured that God is working through all of the challenges and shakings as He is our Rock. I have been studying out the scriptures where God is described as the Rock. Deuteronomy 32:1-18 is a passage that has stood out both for the description of God as our Rock but also for the picture of a nation who has turned from God. It's an interesting and revealing study.
The last several years we have worked to see the Body of Christ connect as the Lord leads. The testimonies of how this has happened and the results from these connections have been incredibly encouraging. This year as we continue this work it is clear that there are instructions he is giving to his people for how to walk faithfully with him. As we seek him, there will be direction that will be practical and strategic for the gospel message to be advanced and the gospel demonstrated.
We are beginning the year by asking churches to pray for our leaders. 1Tim 2 gives the command and shows us the importance to pray and the desired answer to our prayers. Since Nero was emperor at the time this passage was written it takes on extra importance as it was an instruction to pray for him, their persecutor. Paul when writing this had been a prisoner in Rome under the rulers he is asking the church to pray for. We have this as an opportunity as a "first thing" this year. God has given us both leaders who follow him and those who are hostile to the church. We have a responsibility to pray for both.
Here is the link for your church to sign up and take one day and pray for our "rulers and those in authority". I wonder how God can use us this year as the answer to the prayers we pray. Whenever praying I make it a habit to ask the Lord if there is an action that should be following what I have prayed. Many people have received a text message from me after I have prayed for them, other times it is more significant such as meeting with leaders in person.
Legislative Prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-4) Video from our state senators.
In Lincoln the Worship Leaders Network and NECLF are hosting worship and prayer nights. If you are a worship leader in the Lincoln area there is a luncheon coming on Jan 10 as well. Click here for info
The Oasis gathering for pastors and leaders met the beginning of December in Kearney.
North Platte Ministerial Association gathering. It is always great to be with you and hear about the work of the Church in the city.
Thank you to Senator Erdman for introducing us to pastors in your district.
We love western Nebraska!! Bridgeport NE proclaiming the message of Jesus on their sign this Christmas.
When this is the password for the Airbnb that you booked...its a good place to be. It was a pleasant surprise that I booked a room at the home of Pastor Wayne and Linda in Scottsbluff.
Thank you to all of our partners. 2023 would not have been the amazing year it was without you! If you prayed, gave financially, volunteered, or are a leader we work with. Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity. If you would like to become a partner or volunteer please use the link below or reply to this email. We are looking forward to this new year!
Upcoming dates across the state.
January 3rd City Leaders Prayer (Lincoln)
January 3rd Legislative Prayer Begins
January 9th Non-Profit's meeting (Lincoln)
January 10th Worship Leaders Network (Lincoln)
January 11th-13 Men's Encounter (Lexington)
January 13th Men in the Gap (North Platte)
January 15th State Wide gathering of First Responder Chaplains (Kearney)
January 17th Pastors Day at the Capitol (Lincoln)
January 18th Within Reach Summit (Omaha)
January 21st Youth Pastor's (Lincoln)
January 24th Evangelism Huddle (Lincoln)
January 25th The Gospel Coalition (Lincoln)
January 25-27th Cross Encounter with NMM (Council Bluffs)
January 26-27th Children's Ministry Conference (Omaha)
February 1st WLN and NECLF Worship Night (Lincoln)
February 3rd NECLF Volunteer Celebration (Lincoln)
February 7th City Leaders Prayer (Lincoln)
February 11-17th Nebraska week at David's Tent (Washington DC)
February 21st Youth Pastors (Lincoln)
February 28th Evangelism Huddle (Lincoln)
March 1-3 Women's Encounter (Lexington)
March 6th City Leaders Prayer (Lincoln)
If you need more information on one of the dates, please don't hesitate to contact us.
If you have an event in your city that you would like to add please email the information to neclf@protonmail.com. It will be posted at the admin's discretion.
Blessings,
Jason Kirsch
Lead Facilitator
Nebraska Christian Leaders Forum (NECLF)
402-915-7800
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