Southeastern Hosts First “Growing to Serve” Spiritual Retreat

BY SEC communication staff

Southeastern Conference administrators and some retreat attendees stand outside the Conference office after a weekend of workshops and activities. Attendees were reminded that God owns everything, grows relationships, expects money management, and supports Christian stewardship, which results in their spiritual growth.

SEC Communication

The Southeastern stewardship and treasury ministries hosted their first stewardship leaders and treasurers spiritual retreat on February 21-22, 2020. More than 60 pastors, elders, treasurers, and stewardship leaders from all over Florida, and some from Alabama and Georgia, attended.

SEC Communication Staff

Christians, from newborn believers to mature disciples, seem to realize that giving is intrinsic to being a Christian. The need to give arises from believing that God sent His only Son to all to make Him known, and his Son gave His life for all. His love is unconditional, and giving is a grateful response to Him. Martin Luther, the great Protestant reformer, once said that every Christian goes through three conversions in life — first the heart, then the head, and finally the purse. For God to really be first in the lives of Christians, all three are necessary.

The stewardship and treasury ministries at Southeastern Conference hosted the first stewardship leaders and treasurers spiritual retreat, “Growing to Serve,” on February 21-22, 2020. The event drew more than 60 pastors, elders, treasurers, and stewardship leaders from all over Florida, and some from Alabama and Georgia. Michael Owusu, D.Min., Southeastern executive secretary, gave the Friday Vesper thought, “Chosen to Serve.” He reminded all that no matter what many have, it all belongs to God. He [Jesus] chose to give all life, health, and strength to accumulate what all think is theirs.

Mithra Williams, Southeastern director of prayer and women’s ministries, set the pace on Sabbath with a devotional and workshop on “Growing Relationships,” and taught 10 ways to grow a relationship. David Long, Southern Union Conference stewardship director, presented two powerful and timely workshops: “First things First,” giving back to God what’s rightfully His; and “What Happened to My Money?” which focused on how money is divided after you give. Sheree Brown, CFO, spoke on Christian stewardship, which transitioned smoothly into Southeast President Gregory O. Mack’s sermon on “Growing Spiritually.”

As Seventh-day Adventists, many believe that a consecrated life will manifest the joy of dedicating to God the whole being, and the gifts He has given. The Planned Giving and Trust Services departments are available to provide consulting services to any church or individual. The goal is to help congregations develop zeal to give as an answer to the goodness of God without a second thought.

Southeastern | April 2020