Monday, March 25, 2013

Re: Trip report

John,

Thank you for the update. It sounds like a very worth while conference. I am glad you were able to attend and speak.

Bob


On Mon, Mar 25, 2013 at 9:47 AM, John Woodward <jbwoodward@me.com> wrote:

Report on National Conference for AELM (Association of Exchanged Life Ministries)

March 21-23, 2013

As approved by the board, I represented GFI at the AELM Conference in Midwest City, OK. As a personal member, my attendance is required, but I believe the event was worthwhile for GFI and the Exchanged Life Counseling movement. The welcome packet includes a history of this organization with credit given to Chuck whom God used to found the parent organization--GFI. 

The plenary sessions featured worship music by Dennis Jernigan. He has has composed many worship songs that have become part of our generation's praise songs (such as "You are My All in All"). I was able to have a personal conversation with him and give his ministry a sample copy of John Steven's Suicide book. (Dennis was saved out of a homosexual stronghold; many with this struggle turn to suicide.) My mentee and supporter, Ron Browning, was there with his wife. He has a similar testimony and aims his Exchanged Life counseling to those with sexual brokenness--www.NHE7.org.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Andrew Farley. He has written a few popular books on this message in recent years. He is a good communicator and seems especially relevant with the younger generation. He was trained by the Dallas TX office (led by John Best who is GFI-trained). I met him personally and reminded him of Chuck Solomon and GFI. (Andrew read Handbook when he was 19.) (Although 95% of his teaching is right on, I'm concerned that his emphasis and distinctives follows the pattern of Steve McVey and Bob George--personal responsibilities to grow, confess known sin, etc. are all but ignored.)

I was one of the workshop presenters on Friday afternoon. They were all audio recorded for later distribution. I had good participation and feedback. (I will attach a copy of my notes below).

One of the main benefits of my involvement is relationship building and ministry networking. I had important conversations with many leaders including David Howell (author of How to be a Child of God...who may join us in Colombia in June), John Best (founder of Dallas office, author and AELM consultant), Gregg Gibbons (SC), Ward Sanford (VA), Con and Leona Peters from Alberta,  Canada, Mike Daniels (sought-after ministry consultant with stonelife.org), Emily (Director of Development for The Fold youth boys and girls residential program in VT, Greg and Connie Brezina (Christian Families Today inGA), and many others. I also attended the Training Directors meeting (where AELM training standards and resources are discussed) where I promoted the new Suicide book).

Many mentioned to me that they read and use Grace Notes. They were very affirming as to the quality and value of these articles.

We had a GFI resource table in the Book Store room run by AELM during the event. Some of our books were purchased and I promoted three of them in my workshop. Many received a sample Wheel and Line tract who had never seen it before.

To reduce costs I flew on a Delta buddy pass stand-by. And I found a brother from a ministry to room with me so I only paid for one night of lodging instead of two.

Many asked after Chuck's health and members expressed appreciation for Handbook and his classic conference.

The next national conference will probably be held in 2015. I appreciate this opportunity and was personally refreshed by the fellowship, teaching, and worship.

Yours in Christ,

John







Trip report

Report on National Conference for AELM (Association of Exchanged Life Ministries)

March 21-23, 2013

As approved by the board, I represented GFI at the AELM Conference in Midwest City, OK. As a personal member, my attendance is required, but I believe the event was worthwhile for GFI and the Exchanged Life Counseling movement. The welcome packet includes a history of this organization with credit given to Chuck whom God used to found the parent organization--GFI. 

The plenary sessions featured worship music by Dennis Jernigan. He has has composed many worship songs that have become part of our generation's praise songs (such as "You are My All in All"). I was able to have a personal conversation with him and give his ministry a sample copy of John Steven's Suicide book. (Dennis was saved out of a homosexual stronghold; many with this struggle turn to suicide.) My mentee and supporter, Ron Browning, was there with his wife. He has a similar testimony and aims his Exchanged Life counseling to those with sexual brokenness--www.NHE7.org.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Andrew Farley. He has written a few popular books on this message in recent years. He is a good communicator and seems especially relevant with the younger generation. He was trained by the Dallas TX office (led by John Best who is GFI-trained). I met him personally and reminded him of Chuck Solomon and GFI. (Andrew read Handbook when he was 19.) (Although 95% of his teaching is right on, I'm concerned that his emphasis and distinctives follows the pattern of Steve McVey and Bob George--personal responsibilities to grow, confess known sin, etc. are all but ignored.)

I was one of the workshop presenters on Friday afternoon. They were all audio recorded for later distribution. I had good participation and feedback. (I will attach a copy of my notes below).

One of the main benefits of my involvement is relationship building and ministry networking. I had important conversations with many leaders including David Howell (author of How to be a Child of God...who may join us in Colombia in June), John Best (founder of Dallas office, author and AELM consultant), Gregg Gibbons (SC), Ward Sanford (VA), Con and Leona Peters from Alberta,  Canada, Mike Daniels (sought-after ministry consultant with stonelife.org), Emily (Director of Development for The Fold youth boys and girls residential program in VT, Greg and Connie Brezina (Christian Families Today inGA), and many others. I also attended the Training Directors meeting (where AELM training standards and resources are discussed) where I promoted the new Suicide book).

Many mentioned to me that they read and use Grace Notes. They were very affirming as to the quality and value of these articles.

We had a GFI resource table in the Book Store room run by AELM during the event. Some of our books were purchased and I promoted three of them in my workshop. Many received a sample Wheel and Line tract who had never seen it before.

To reduce costs I flew on a Delta buddy pass stand-by. And I found a brother from a ministry to room with me so I only paid for one night of lodging instead of two.

Many asked after Chuck's health and members expressed appreciation for Handbook and his classic conference.

The next national conference will probably be held in 2015. I appreciate this opportunity and was personally refreshed by the fellowship, teaching, and worship.

Yours in Christ,

John