New Branches During the years 1982-1988 we established the People of Praise in 20 new locations: Corvallis and northern Virginia in 1982; Oahu, Servant Branch and Vancouver/Portland in 1983; Muncie, Mobile, Biloxi, New Orleans and Appleton in 1985; Buffalo, Rockford and Saskatoon in 1986; Charlotte, Indianapolis, Dominica and Kingston in 1987; Shreveport, Cincinnati and … [Read more...] about 300. Background Information for 1982-1988 Sources
1982-1988 Time Period
332. Integrating Life and Work: The Matrix
This paper is a retrospective and informative commentary on the first sentence of our Principles of Structure and Government: “The People of Praise is structured according to branches and program offices for its life and work respectively.” To integrate our life (being) and work (doing) we used what is called a “matrix” form of organization. The paper explains the purpose of … [Read more...] about 332. Integrating Life and Work: The Matrix
331. Aging Gracefully
In this 1988 women’s retreat talk, Jackie Curran explained the advantages and disadvantages of growing old. She addressed topics of weakness, isolation, giving up possessions and giving in to being served. Her main idea was that, as we age, the best place to be is in Christian community. The talk ended with an endearing personal sharing from Eva Kruse. Transcript This … [Read more...] about 331. Aging Gracefully
330. Comments on Ecumenism
Paul DeCelles gave these brief comments at the 1988 Singles Conference, explaining the ecumenical origins of the People of Praise and encouraging the 200+ single people in attendance to place a very high value on our commitment to ecumenism. Transcript This document is a direct transcript of an audio recording, and may contain transcription errors and other minor edits … [Read more...] about 330. Comments on Ecumenism
329. Discernment of Spirits
In this talk, given at the 1988 Singles Conference, Paul DeCelles quoted the Spirit and Purpose: “We oppose in earnest the activities of Satan . . . ,” He then taught how to do that, how to understand the different movements in the soul (consolations and desolations), their purpose and how to leverage them to live for God’s glory. Transcript This document is a direct … [Read more...] about 329. Discernment of Spirits
328. Our Charter: Philippians 2:1-14
Paul DeCelles gave this talk as part of the conclusion to a November, 1987, Servant Branch Pastoral Training Weekend. He said that the first part of Philippians 2 is a charter for the kind of people we should be. He then talked about the need to meditate on how Christ is in us and we are in Christ and on the importance of being subject to one another out of reverence for … [Read more...] about 328. Our Charter: Philippians 2:1-14
323. The Use of Our Time in Families
Kerry Koller gave this talk at a meeting for coordinators and mission branch leaders. He started with the assumption that we want a culture in our families consistent with People of Praise culture. In particular he analyzed the way time is used, with a focus on the problems of spending too much time on worldly entertainment and recreation. He offered a long list of worthwhile … [Read more...] about 323. The Use of Our Time in Families
322. Traditions and Customs in the POP
Kevin Ranaghan explained numerous customs that had developed in the South Bend branch by 1986: celebrating the Lord’s Day, norms of dress at community meetings, respect between men and women, special events, holidays, courtship, etc. Customs and traditions like these are important both to express and perpetuate the identity and values of a people. These customs didn’t … [Read more...] about 322. Traditions and Customs in the POP
321. Men’s and Women’s Roles (1986)
This document is an outline covering topics related to the roles of men and women. It examines the state of men’s and women’s roles in modern (1986) culture, God’s plan for humanity in this area, roles of men and women in marriage and in family, and scriptural models for men and women. Introduction 1. In talks like this we speak of men as men and women as women. In … [Read more...] about 321. Men’s and Women’s Roles (1986)
320. Cathedral-Building
In this talk, given at a 1986 South Bend community meeting, Paul DeCelles used cathedral-building as an image for building Christian community in the People of Praise. It is a long-term project requiring the investment of time and resources. It involves many people working together, putting aside personal style and preference for the sake of unity and following a specific … [Read more...] about 320. Cathedral-Building
318. Pastoral Care: Expressing God’s Love
This talk, given by Paul DeCelles at an area leaders’ retreat in Servant Branch, offered instruction for pastors. Although Paul was specifically addressing heads of men’s groups, what he said applies to all pastoral care. He explained different phases of interaction, moving from teaching and learning to friendship. The health and vitality of the community rests in pastoral … [Read more...] about 318. Pastoral Care: Expressing God’s Love
319. Personal Prayer: Whatever the Cost
In this talk, given at an area leaders’ retreat in Servant Branch, Paul DeCelles taught about how to love God with our whole heart, mind and strength. He explained the realities of the spiritual life and the stages of growth in prayer, which begin with an emotional connection and move to encountering the cross. Transcript This document is a direct transcript of an audio … [Read more...] about 319. Personal Prayer: Whatever the Cost