A Call to Love

by Conference Minister Ron Hamilton

In preparation for the CCCC 65th anniversary celebration, I have been reading some of the early issues of the Congregational Christian Beacon. This newsletter laid the foundation for the beginning of our Conference, which was officially formed in 1948. The CCCC will celebrate its 65th anniversary at the 2013 Annual Family Conference, to be held in St. Paul, Minnesota on July 22–25. These are exciting days to celebrate the Lord’s work in our fellowship and to envision His work through us in the future.

The 1942 editions of the Beacon included a series of articles by Dr. Harold John Ockenga, pastor of the Park Street Church in Boston. These articles were based on a series of expository sermons from 2 Corinthians. The October 1942 article titled, “The Love Which I Have More Abundantly Toward You,” includes these words,

The one characteristic which imparts moral authority to our words and deeds whether in the pulpit, Sunday School or the home is love. A loving heart will do more than learning discipline or pleading. It is the parent who loves who is able to exercise authority over children. This way of love commends itself unto us so that its authority is recognized.

Dr. Ockenga was a gifted pastor and spiritual leader who was influential in the beginnings of the CCCC as well as the evangelical movement that developed into the National Association of Evangelicals. I am confident that he would be pleased to know that God has called us to renew a spirit of love in our fellowship.

We have focused our ministry and mission to reflect a life of obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ. We have agreed that this obedience is summarized in the “irreducible core” of obedience to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission: Love God… love others… as we go, make disciples. This call to love is foundational to a way of life devoted to Jesus, his people and his mission. Our commitment to Biblical Congregationalism is energized by this call as our beliefs flow from a growing relationship with God. We walk side-by-side in loving relationships as we share the mission of Christ to make disciples.

Dr. Ockenga was correct when he said, “The one characteristic which imparts moral authority to our words and deeds is love.” May love for God and others characterize the celebration of our 65th anniversary.