A Time to Give Thanks, Proclaim, and Respond By Ed McDowell

We Give Thanks For God’s Faithfulness

“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.”

Psalms 105, NLT

This Psalm proclaims God’s faithfulness through the generations. King David likely wrote it, as much of it is spoken by him when the Ark of the Covenant is being returned to its rightful place among the people, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 16.

It is an active reflection, inviting worship, proclamation, and response.

Reflection

March 20th is the official day of celebrating the beginning of what is today, Christian Leadership Alliance.

Humble Beginnings

In 1976, God brought together a small network of faith-filled executives to address the growing challenges of effective management within ministries across the USA. The focus was to help Christian ministries adopt best management practices, with a strong emphasis on competence and excellence. The community launched under the name of Christian Ministries Management Association (CMMA).

Management Meets Stewardship

In 2008, two associations joined forces (the Christian Management Association and Christian Stewardship Association to take on the growing challenge of inspiring Christian nonprofit professionals.

The focus would be to encourage and equip leaders in Christian ministries worldwide. With this merger, a new name emerged, Christian Leadership Alliance (CLA).

The Outcomes of Impact and Growth

The global reach currently spans more than 100 countries, impacting 11,500+ leaders through the Global Digital Experience. CLA is increasingly known as the worldwide hub for Christian ministry leaders, providing inspiration, encouragement, networking, and practical support for day-to-day issues.

Encouragement

In celebrating its 50th Anniversary, CLA is continuing to respond to God’s leadership with MULTIPLY as the Theme.

• A Mission of Multiplication: Equipping disciples who make disciples.
• Leadership Resilience: Growing a leader’s capacity to absorb and translate an “always-on” culture, rather than being driven by it.
• Sustainable Soul-Care: Preventing burnout and increasing human flourishing through spiritual practices like solitude and Sabbath to sustain in life and ministry for the long haul.
• Strategic Growth: Bring together diverse talents across generations to collaboratively drive meaningful, sustainable growth.

On March 20^th, there is a day of giving focused on CLA in honor of its 50^th Anniversary. Join with me in responding to God’s faithfulness by giving to the effort now. Your generosity will impact Christian leaders worldwide.

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Just as King David remembered your faithfulness through the generations, so do we today.

Thank you for prompting a small group to respond to a significant need for better management practices in your kingdom’s work. Thank you for their obedience and faithfulness.

We praise you for bringing together Christ-centered management and stewardship to create a broader vision and greater impact.

Thank you for faithfully growing this worldwide Christian Leadership Alliance to help with the real needs and opportunities of Your Kingdom around the world.

Lift the current leadership of CLA as they inspire, encourage, and lead us into a deeper experience of our responsibility to faithfully tend to the things of the Kingdom of God through our various ministries.

We worship you, giving you praise for all you have done.

Together, we proclaim your faithfulness in all of this to anyone who will listen.

We respond with generosity, knowing that all you are preparing the Christian Leadership Alliance to do now and in the years to come.

For all of it, we give thanks!

In your name, Jesus, we pray.

Amen.

Ed McDowell is the CEO of Warm Beach Camp Ministries. He also coaches and consults on board leadership and development, bringing fresh perspectives to complex situations. Ed authorizes a devotional series titled A Well-Planted Faith in an Uprooted Culture. His writing and speaking aim to challenge people to let God’s Word inform their lives. Ed and his wife, Bev, live on Camano Island, Washington, where they live out their mission statement: “To give our lives away for the cause of Jesus Christ to as many people as possible.”

Christian Leadership Alliance Celebrates 50 Years!

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