CDM Archive

Discipleship Ministries of the PCA

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A New Connection

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CDM-staff2FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Committee on Christian Education and Publications Receives New Name

Houston, Texas – June 18, 2014 – The 42nd General Assembly approved a name change for the Committee on Christian Education and Publications (CEP) which will now be known as the Committee on Discipleship Ministries (CDM).  “For a number of years, we have considered making a change to our name to better convey the relational aspects of our ministry. In discussing the many options, we kept returning to our biblical charter – make disciples” said Coordinator, Stephen Estock.

Estock went on to emphasize the new name more closely connects our work to the Great Commission. Obeying Jesus’ command in today’s world involves education and resources like publications, but also much more. The content of the gospel must be conveyed in relationships that are empowered by the truth of the gospel. “Discipleship” encompasses all of what it means to walk with Christ, and “making disciples” includes personally inviting others to know Christ and coming alongside them in relationship.

The 42nd General Assembly directed the Stated Clerk to make the necessary editorial amendments to the Book of Church Order and Rules of Assembly Operation and the CDM staff will work [in the coming weeks] to inform PCA churches and members of the change.  Questions may be directed to the CDM office at cdm@pcanet.org

Check Out the Top 10 Books Sold at GA

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Top 10 Books Sold at General Assembly

Click titles to purchase your copy today!

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  1. Philippians-Reformed Expository Commentary
  2. Revelation: Let the One Who Is Thirsty Come
  3. Your Baby’s Baptism
  4. 2013 PCA Yearbook: 2 Volume Set
  5. Insourcing: Bringing Discipleship Back to the Local Church
  6. Christianity and World Religions: An Introduction to the World’s Major Faiths
  7. Briarpatch Gospel: Fearlessly Following Jesus into the Thorny Places
  8. Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry
  9. When Helping Hurts
  10. An Inquirer’s Guide to PCA

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Please Partner with us in the Ministry of CEP

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As CEP opens a new chapter under the leadership of Coordinator Stephen Estock, an important goal is to see growth in the number of PCA churches who contribute to the ministry. In 2012, 32% of PCA congregations contributed in some way to sustain the work of CEP. Our hope is to see over 50% of PCA churches express in a tangible way the connectional nature of our Presbyterian polity. Some churches are able to give much (e.g., above the “ministry ask” of $7/member), while others are only able to give a portion of their share (e.g., $100, $500, etc.). Whenever a congregation provides a gift (of any amount), it is a physical expression of encouragement and support. If your church is part of the 32%, we thank you for your partnership with us. If you are part of the 68% that has yet to contribute, we prayerfully ask you to join with us as we seek to connect and equip those who serve the local church in the area of discipleship ministries. If you don’t know if your church support CEP- ask your session.

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CEP Calls Dr. Stephen Estock as new Coordinator

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estock-sm.jpgTeaching elder Dr. Stephen Estock has been called by the Christian Education and Publications Committee, at its fall meeting, to become the provisional coordinator as of January 1, 2013, according to the RAO (Rules of Assembly Operations). He will be presented to the 41st General Assembly, meeting in Greenville, SC, in June to be elected as coordinator to replace Dr. Charles Dunahoo who will be leaving the position, December 31, 2012.

Estock, a native of Alabama, received his BA from Rhodes College, MDiv. from Covenant Theological Seminary, and his Phd. from Cappella . He served at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, AL , and most recently serves on the staff of Kirk of the Hills in St. Louis, MO. With his wife Susan, the Estocks have three children: Brandon, Nathan, and Morgan.

Stephen has also taught numerous classes at Covenant Seminary, spoken at various CEP Conferences, including CEP’s women’s leadership conference. He has served on the CEP Committee and chaired the committee for two years which gives him first hand experience and knowledge of CEP’s operation, staff, and procedures.

With the background of Christian education and its discipleship focus, Estock demonstrates the gifts and experience that the CEP Committee believes to be needed for this role. He also is aware of the need to work together with the other committees and agencies of the church. He served as one of CEP’s six board members in the PCA’s joint venture, Great Commission Publications, with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

The Committee believes that his understanding of the importance of Christian education and the role of CEP in the PCA, along with his commitment to a team building approach, growing out of his on hands experience in the local church further qualifies him for this position.

According to teaching elder Will Hesterberg, chairman of the CEP search committee, “Stephen Estock has experience of PCA operation and the administration level and appreciates the opportunity to strengthen cooperation between agencies. He is known and respected throughout the PCA.” Hesterberg further stated, “Through our interview and our personal relationships, we believe him to be of a gracious and humble spirit, teachable, and a man who loves God, the church, and his family.”

Dunahoo believes that Estock is God’s provision for CEP at this time, bringing with him a desire to develop a vision for the continuation of CEP’s role in the life of the church and kingdom. Dunahoo said, “Our kindred spirit leads me to believe that he will continue to keep CEP front and center of the PCA’s ministry and make the training and resources for local churches a top priority.”

Church Treasurer Alert: CEP now accepts electronic giving

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frequency-icon.gifChristian Education and Publications (CEP) now encourages churches to send support via the ACH (Automated Clearing House).

CEP recently entered an agreement with Stewardship Technologies to serve as the front-end processor of electronic gifts which are established using a secure website. Using this portal, church treasurers will be able to easily create and then maintain their recurring gift setup including changing amounts and frequencies as needed. All of this can be done at no expense to the church. In fact, churches will save postage and mailing costs and avoid the potential of lost, mistaken or omitted payments.

CEP depends on PCA churches for the vast majority of its operating income. CEP estimates that if every church gave $7 per communicant member per year, then the ministry assigned to CEP by the General Assembly would be fully funded.

Churches, click here to access secure web portal to establish and maintain gift amounts and frequencies.

Email Privacy Policy

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Christian Education and Publications Email Privacy Policy

We have created this privacy policy to demonstrate our firm commitment to your privacy and the protection of your information.

Why are you receiving a mailing from us?

Our email marketing is permission based. If you received a mailing from us, our records indicate that either you have expressly shared this address for the purpose of receiving information in the future, or you have registered or purchased or otherwise have an existing relationship with us. We respect your time and attention by controlling the frequency of our mailings. If you believe you have received unwanted, unsolicited email sent via this system or purporting to be sent via this system, please forward a copy of that email with your comments to info@pcacep.org for review.

How can you stop receiving email from us?

Each email sent contains an easy, automated way for you to cease receiving email from us, or to change your expressed interests. If you wish to do this, simply follow the Unsubscribe link at the end of any email.

How we protect your privacy

We use appropriate security measures to protect against the loss, misuse and alteration of data used by our system.

Sharing and Usage

CEP never share, sell, or rent individual personal information with anyone for their promotional use without your advance permission or unless ordered by a court of law. Information submitted to us is only available to employees managing this information for purposes of contacting you orsending you emails based on your request for information.