|
History of NEMA—Who Are We?
NEMA is a network of pastors, ministry leaders and Christian businessmen from diversified backgrounds. NEMA was birthed in 1991 when a group of spiritual leaders from the greater Humble, Texas area came together to enjoy a meal together and get acquainted. The pastor of the host church extended an invitation to everyone to meet again the next month. A resounding shout of approval filled the air. It was during the second gathering that nine pastors and ministry leaders requested to host the next monthly meeting. Everyone stated that they would bring another person to the ensuing nine-month’s gatherings. Those attending the initial meetings in 1991 never dreamed that these network lunches and prayer meetings would continue for these many consecutive years.
There is a deep sense of unity held by the members of NEMA. This unity did not come about because of a program or project. Dr. Doug Stringer, founder and director of Somebody Cares America/International, says, ‘Unity for the sake of unity has no intrinsic value. When men and women come together to pray, worship God and love each other, unity becomes a lasting reality.’ Unity gained in order to accomplish a short-term project it is almost never permanent. True unity endures when it is fostered through meaningful, and cherished relationships.
NEMA understands the power and value of networking. Ask any small business owner what is the single most important reason for the success of his business and he will tell you, ‘Networking!’ They understand this but seemingly it is a mystery to some pastors and ministry leaders. NEMA believes that networking is God’s way of getting His agenda accomplished (Matthew 28:18f). NEMA ascribes to the biblical paradigms, ‘A three strand cord is not easily broken.’ and ‘If one can put a thousand to flight, two can put ten thousand to flight.’ The power and efficacy of networking is the Church’s forgotten mandate. NEMA holds that no single church or ministry has ‘THE’ key to his or her city or region. It is a mistake to think that because God is blessing a particular church that they have no need of a ‘lesser’ church. NEMA fosters the biblical paradigm that churches that have made great strides in Kingdom have a pastoral calling to those churches that are at a ‘different place’ than they are. It is a beautiful thing to experience the dynamic exchange that goes on between seasoned ministers younger ones. The lunches and prayer meetings afford many opportunities for such rich and needed exchanges to take place. Whatever the challenge there is always a NEMA member willing to give valuable insight and prayer.
Acts of compassion are another valuable dynamic of the NEMA network. The network loves to joyfully share with others. When a church or individual is in need, the network responds. Millions of dollars of materials have been shared over the years among members and the community at large. NEMA has a vision for the spiritual transformation of our urban areas. George Otis, Jr. writes, “A true divine visitation will impact every layer of society.” Our monthly prayer meetings focus on inviting God to visit us in His transforming power to impact our entire community, i.e., government, education, health, arts, communication, judicial, the market place, our families, our churches, etc. Time is also set aside to pray for one another’s needs.
Our meetings are open to all Christian pastors, ministry leaders, and businessmen.
Statement of Faith
• We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God. • We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. • We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and His personal return in power and glory. • We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful people, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential. • We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life. • We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation. • We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
|
|
Email Webmaster |