In 1986, women in the People of Praise were encountering a new reality and new challenges, with more of them working outside the home. In this talk, Jeanne DeCelles offered practical wisdom and a large dose of humor to address very real problems and their solutions. She emphasized the importance of observing the Lord’s Day and encouraged the women to avoid unrealistic … [Read more...] about 317. Working Women
1982-1988 Time Period
327. The How and Why of Our Structure
This document is a transcription of a talk dating from 1986 or 1987. We have not found the recording from which this transcription was made. The first part of the talk is about being a community that is doing what God wants us to do. The second part of the talk is a discussion of why we are organized the way we are. In the talk, Paul DeCelles spoke about men’s and women’s … [Read more...] about 327. The How and Why of Our Structure
326. Our Goals and Objectives
This source consists of several documents. The first document is the board of governor’s 1988 formulation of the goals and objectives of the People of Praise. The second document is a transcription of a talk dating from 1986 or 1987. We have not found the recording from which this transcription was made. In the talk Paul DeCelles described our goals, objectives and the method … [Read more...] about 326. Our Goals and Objectives
325. How Children Fit into the Community
This document is a set of guidelines on how children fit into the People of Praise. It includes topics such as: who has responsibility for the children, whether children are members of the community or not, the environments of our children, community standards for raising children and the delicate interaction of parental and community authority over children. I. Because we … [Read more...] about 325. How Children Fit into the Community
324. Purposes of Pastoral Care
In this document, Paul DeCelles corrected misconceptions about headship and submission. He explained two goals of pastoral care: to assist us in becoming free individuals and to build unity of mind and heart in the body. This is a manuscript for a talk and seems to end abruptly. We don’t know whether the talk was ever given. I'm sure you've noticed that the words headship … [Read more...] about 324. Purposes of Pastoral Care
314. First Elections and Appointments
This is an excerpt from Vine & Branches published in 1985 to bring the community up to date on the election of and terms of office for new leaders, including the seven-member board of governors, the principal branch coordinators, area coordinators, handmaids and the overall coordinator. Note: This source is displayed in two parts. Click the pdf image below to read the … [Read more...] about 314. First Elections and Appointments
315. State in Life Decisions
In this text version of a talk given in 1985 in Servant Branch, Nano Farabaugh taught people how to assist others in praying through a state-in-life decision. She described the different states of life and the benefits of praying about and making a clear decision. First I would like to begin by defining some terms. Let’s look at the difference between state in life decision … [Read more...] about 315. State in Life Decisions
316. How to Head your Wife
This outline provides practical and specific instruction for how husbands should head their wives, looking to Christ as the model. Headship in marriage should provide support, care and freedom for the wife. [Note: Passages in brackets are marginal notes in the original handwritten outline. Italic passages in brackets are editorial additions for clarity.] Neither male nor … [Read more...] about 316. How to Head your Wife
313. 1984 Letter to Coordinators
This introductory letter to the coordinators from Paul DeCelles outlined the topics they would be discussing at an upcoming meeting. He and the head coordinators were introducing proposed changes to the structure and government of the People of Praise such as term limits, a more defined leadership structure and a way of nominating new coordinators. These proposals eventually … [Read more...] about 313. 1984 Letter to Coordinators
312. Domesticity
Jeanne DeCelles gave this talk at a women’s leadership training event on the value of making a home and creating a place where Christian life is lived out. She talked about the importance and value of hospitality, being woman of the house, serving and being a helper. This is Part 1 of a two-part talk. “Domesticity Part 2” is available in the File Library. Transcript This … [Read more...] about 312. Domesticity
311. Self-Image
Jeanne DeCelles gave this talk at a women’s leadership training event. She began with many Scripture passages having to do with self-image. She discussed some origins of poor self-image, such as self-love, envy, sloth, pride and sin. She equipped women in pastoral positions with ways to deal with poor self-image among the women they relate to, using prayer, deliverance, … [Read more...] about 311. Self-Image
310. Idolatry
In this 1983 talk given at a South Bend community meeting, Paul read Romans 1, explaining all the sins and wrongdoing that result from denying God’s authority. Sexuality, riches and power are areas of particular concern where people can easily fall into idolatry. Paul discussed antidotes to these three forms of idolatry. Transcript This document is a direct transcript of … [Read more...] about 310. Idolatry