Christian Education and Publication’s mission is to provide biblical, reformed training and resources and disciple church leaders with a kingdom world and life view. Our objective is to see believers serve the triune God in all areas of life, intentionally focusing on passing the faith to the rising generations. One part of this mission is CE&P’s ministry to women.

On February 26-29, 2004, more than 225 women from twenty-six states and Canada braved a rare southeast snowstorm, delayed flights and lots of traffic to come to Atlanta for Women in the Church Leadership Training 2004. This annual by-invitation training event began some twenty years ago and is growing. What began as an annual presbytery president’s meeting in the late 1970s with twenty-five women now has a much greater scope. More presbyteries, more tracks, more ages and more diversity characterized this year’s gathering. And the focus is still on sound teaching and equipping for ministry – not on personalities, felt needs or programmatic models. Our prayer was and is for every participant to be equipped to think biblically and live covenantally.

The past two years have been about new beginnings:

·        In 2003, a new track was introduced for women who serve on local church staffs with responsibilities for ministry to women. This component provides networking, encouragement and continuing education to build a philosophy of biblical womanhood. This philosophy is to be consistent with reformed doctrine and should have covenantal emphasis. Returning participants give feedback that helps us assess the value of our ministry to local Directors of Women.

·      CE&P has always focused on providing WIC resources written from a reformed, covenantal perspective. In designing a new track for Bible study leaders this year, our goal was to celebrate the depth of teaching that has been the PCA’s heritage. Eighty women signed up for this option and were armed with tools and encouragement for teaching with sound theology and methodology. As the Women’s Advisory Sub-Committee and CE&P/WIC staff prayed and planned, we asked the Lord for fifty women – and he exceeded our reach!

      PresWIC leadership training continues to be the core purpose of this event. This year we challenged each president to invite a “next-generation” woman and Bible study leaders from their presbytery. We were delighted to welcome twenty-five future leaders in the PresWIC track. Their weekend was full of regional team building and idea-sharing to take back to local churches. We provided workshops to practically equip them for passing on the legacy of faith to women in their regions.

Here are a few reflections on Leadership Training 2004:

“Hearing from the leadership of CE&P, their vision in teaching Scripture…I also feel more comfortable with the thought of calling CEP/WIC – appreciated their accessibility and willingness to help - not some high and mighty organization”

Thoughts from a woman whose local church is poised to come into the PCA – “What an amazing pool of rich history and knowledge…oh, the ministry implications this offers – thank you for making us feel so at home.”

“I am here (Bible Study Track) because my PresWIC sponsored me and my local church paid for meals that were not covered. I am very thankful. I go home full, tired, encouraged, and exhorted!!!

“Thank you for helping me gain a greater understanding of the importance of connectedness with our denomination.”

A PresWIC track participant says the most beneficial part of LT 2004 is “meeting with other women regionally, sharing ideas, getting advice, encouraging one another – it’s like a big family reunion.”

“The accessibility of the workshop speakers and the excellence of their teaching – only disappointment – too many good choices!”

“After three years of attendance in the Directors of Women’s Ministry track – this is the best yet…thank you all for a job well done from publicity to program.”

“I sensed the warm and welcome presence of Christ in all who participated; the speakers, the WIC Trainers and others were available and approachable for questions – I sensed their care for the body of women as individuals as well as a whole.” Bible Study Track Participant

So another chapter in the CE&P/WIC pilgrimage has been written on the hearts and minds of the women who participated in Leadership Training 2004. Women are returning to their local churches and PresWICs to continue to be helpers, connectors, compassionate nurturers and servants of the Bride of Christ. Welcome them home, give them an opportunity to share what this weekend has meant to them personally and corporately. Pray for and with them that the training and resources they have been given through this intense time will bear much kingdom fruit and pass a legacy of faith to future generations. 

From PCANews.com

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Pre-Assembly on Westminster Confession Announced

“The Westminster Confession into the 21^st Century” is the theme for a pre-assembly event to be held in Pittsburgh on June 14-15, 2004, prior to the opening of the annual PCA General Assembly. Men from several denominations, including the PCA, will address vital and biblical truths, as well as present the latest research on the Westminster Assembly.

The conference will be hosted Dr. Jerry O’Neill, President of Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary and coordinated by Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Mississippi.

The sponsors of the event include PCA’s Christian Education and Publications Committee, Covenant Theological Seminary, PCANews.com, and PCA Historical Archives. Reformed Theological Seminary’s Westminster Assembly Project, Crown and Covenant Publications, Christian Focus, Craig Study Center for the Westminster Standards, Westminster Theological Seminary and Reformed Presbyterian Missions will all serve as co-sponsors.

Visit the CE&P website www.pcanet.org/cep and click the graphics for conference details. The new second volume of The Westminster Confession into the 21^st Century (Mentor 2004) will be introduced at the conference. The first volume, edited by Ligon Duncun, is available from the CE/P bookstore.

Speakers will include Dr. William S. Barker, Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson, Dr. Samuel T. Logan, Jr., Dr. Carl Trueman, Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, Dr. Bryan Chapell, Dr. Robert Cara, Dr. Robert C. Cannada, Jr., and Dr. Jerry O’Neill. Books relating to the topic [Westminster confession??] will be available for purchase. A registration fee will be required for the participants.

This conference is being coordinated with Mission to North America’s pre-assembly program, as usual.

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