Dear Friends!
First, some special words from the books of Colossians and 2 Timothy:
He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.
(Colossians 1:28, NIV)
But as for you, continue in what you have learned … and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
(2 Timothy 3:14-15, NIV)
I love the ultimate outcomes of these passages: to present everyone “fully mature in Christ”; to be made “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” It’s striking to see that teaching, wisdom, and the Holy Scriptures are what develop a mature faith, a maturing that comes from a position of rock-solid footing. Helping believers experience this rock-solid footing in walking a path toward maturity is the sacred calling of InWord and has been my personal heartbreak for many years.
In our recent InWord board meeting, we looked critically at InWord’s mission and ministry as we transition into developing content and tools geared for the adult population while still ministering to teens and youth ministry with our recently revised youth studies. As we discussed the many different Bible study ministries available to adults, we were drawn to a compelling conclusion: InWord does possess a “secret sauce,” a unique content that is deep but not daunting, creating Bible engagement experiences that require a small footprint of time but leave a deep imprint on the heart—in hopes of making one “wise for salvation.”
We feel called to spread this secret sauce and have committed to several short-term, critical goals:
- Continue to nurture “Crave!” (please see www.inword.org/crave-for-friends-of-inword) and develop multiple sets (based on Bible themes and Bible books) of bite-sized Bible experiences for the adult population, piloting these with groups known to InWord and InWord’s board.
- Strengthen InWord’s web-based digital platform for reaching into a broader churchwide population.
- Offer InWord’s revised youth studies in a manner that creates opportunities for organic promotion.
- Collaborate with missions organizations to find outlets for inventory that has been replaced by revised studies.
Finally, I want to share an exciting life change. You may (or may not) know that I have been working as a patient representative with our local hospital (Atrium Medical Center) for the past 3-plus years, a “side gig” move for the sake of healthcare benefits. While being the “complaint department” of a hospital can have its hard moments and difficult days (especially during a pandemic!), I found great inspiration in working with all levels of an award-winning hospital. I was not actively seeking change, however, I have recently down-sized my side gig, accepting a position as chaplain with Hospice Care of Middletown. Being a part-time position, I will be able to devote more and higher quality time to InWord duties. The board and I are also looking forward to exploring how InWord’s Bible study on loss and suffering, Lossology 101, may be a tool to minister to the hospice population.
I know this is a pressed economic time, but as you think toward 2022 giving goals, would you consider a year-end contribution to InWord? The support of “Team InWord” allows us to follow God’s call in many ways. Any gift amount helps InWord be in position to encourage people in spiritual maturity through rock-solid footing. You can donate online at www.inword.org/product/donation. I am constantly humbled by the team that God has raised to come alongside InWord’s work.
Gratefully, and on behalf of InWord’s board of Kevin Ledford, Jennifer Bellin, Chuck Bost, and yours truly,
Barry Shafer
Founder/Director