January 2023
A Word from Ken Nabi, Regional President
When I became a Christian at the age of 18 years old, one of the first few verses I was encouraged to memorize was Hebrews 4:12-13. In that day, it was dynamite in my mind and soul.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4;12-13 (ESV)
There is so much in these two verses but let me linger only on the first phrase: “the word of God is living and active….” God’s word is alive. God’s word is like no other book or material to be experienced. The presence of Christ is IN the words of God so they come to life when recorded under the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The entire Trinity is wrapped up in the giving of the Word of God it seems to me.
I knew of a young man who was a professional psychologist and he had to work in another town for a lengthy time. To focus his mind, he would listen to the Bible on audio as he drove. He was a curious seeker attending my church back in the day. Hours and hours of God’s word penetrated his thinking and he gave his life to Jesus after 6 months of such exposure. No preacher, no commentary, no analytical discussion. He simply listened to the Bible spoken audibly and it changed his life.
The Word of God is alive. Preacher, make sure it is the Word of God that you espouse from the pulpit and not your own opinions. Small group leaders must make sure that people’s opinions of the text are not more authoritative as THE text itself. The text must be studied, memorized, recalled, and savored if it is to change the heart and mind of a follower.
Questions:
· When was the last time you memorized a Bible verse or passage?
· How do you recall verses when you are in the midst of difficulty or decision making?
· What part does the actual biblical text play in your discipleship efforts?
Biblical truth can make you uncomfortable. Biblical truth can make you whole. The Bible can guide your mind and your heart to the wellspring of life Jesus. Let us be people of the Word so the Word can transform what we love and live for.
Church Planting
Join us at the Summit
Glenn Herschberger, Executive Director of Church Planting
Converge Great Lakes is hosting a unique event, Summit for the Nations put on by Converge International Ministries, that could significantly enhance your church's gospel impact around the world.
As pastors and ministry leaders, one of our greatest challenges is to help our people grow a heart for the lost ― both in our neighborhoods and among the nations. You have an excellent opportunity to do just that. We encourage you to bring leaders from your church to Summit for the Nations on Saturday, March 11th from 9:00 am-4:00 pm at Journey Community Church in DePere, WI. This is for lead pastors and missions pastors/leaders/directors and anyone who is interested in missions!
During this summit, you and your team will learn:
Best practices and new strategies in missions and global outreach
Practical steps to discern your church’s unique calling to the nations
How to activate every person in your congregation to reach the nations
How to move your church toward strategic missional efforts with clear, targeted goals
In addition, your team will hear from key leaders overseeing missions in Converge regions and initiatives around the world, participate in breakout sessions and network with churches that are focused with like passions and areas in the world.
All this will help you develop more effective strategies and opportunities to extend your church's gospel reach locally and globally.
We would love to see you there! and connect in person. Will you join us? Register now by clicking HERE or clicking the button below.
Church Strengthening
Building Bridges for the Coming Year
Gary Harrison, Executive Director of Church Strengthening
If you were at the “Meet and Greet” with John Jenkins, Converge’s new transitional president, you heard him talk about two big thrusts that was on his heart for our churches in 2023 – evangelism and discipleship. They are at once the most fundamental things we are called to do, and sometimes the most difficult to do effectively. Can I recommend that 2023 is the year you renew your call to increasing effectiveness is both areas?
And, not coincidently, we can help with that. One of the fundamental tools I use is the Retool Kit Pathway, a process whose goal is to develop a shared vision and effective strategies for impact your community and the world by reproducing healthy disciples, leaders and congregations. It’s a 12-18 month pathway designed to focus and mobilize the church.
12-18 months! We don’t have the time or margin to commit to that! Fair enough, but if you want to refocus your energies in evangelism and discipleship, might I suggest just using a part of the pathway. The first two modules cover a fundamental understanding of the structure of the church, an overview of how Jesus approached discipling, a look into the heart of an effective leader, and preparing your church to have healthy relationships and deal with potential conflict effectively. All of these are key essentials in increasing our effectiveness in evangelism and discipleship, and can be
accomplished in two weekend modules, either Friday evening/Saturday morning or all day Saturday. Two weekends. Is that worth the investment of time and money to improve your ability to make Biblical disciples? I have a saying I use a lot in my work – it’s our responsibility to build the bridge, and it’s the Spirit’s responsibility to move people across it. How’s your “bridge”. Often times we expect to do both, and He seldom does. If you’d like a deeper understanding of how Retool can help build that bridge for your church, just contact me (gharrison@convergegreatlakes.org or 715-551-0198) and let’s talk.
Between You, Me and the Fence Post
Archer Leupp, Converge Great Lakes Chaplain
"Between you, me, and the fence post..."
The goal, as I explain my presence to officers, is that I might be able to win their friendship, at least their trust, and the opportunity to be in their top three people they may call when they are in need.
But, that ministry of presence, requires absolute trust and confidentiality, tested, over time and intensity of subjects. Without that, a chaplain program at an agency could be destroyed for a decade or more. And the credibility of the chaplain, or a pastor, could also.
“Between you, me and the fence post, …”, he said. The officer, talking with one of his leaders about an aggravating issue and incident, pointing to me…, the Fence Post. There seemed to be no hesitation in the officer as he pointed to me when he said, “fence post”, and continued right on with what he was saying, confidentially to his superior, with me in their presence… knowing trust was there.
I am honored to be trusted. It is often rare for officers to trust anyone other than their family members. Maybe some of their fellow officers, at times. Maybe some of their leadership, especially if some have proven they may be in their positions for other than those whom they serve.
Later during the ride, the same officer asked me how another officer was doing, not thinking too much about his question or to whom he was asking. In many cases, I think we all would love to answer questions like that... to be in the know and to have an answer that shows we have the depths of relationships in order to have that knowledge... and it could be easy to divulge the tidbits that we know. But, over the years of pastoral and chaplain ministry, I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut. This time saying, “Well, you know me, the weathered fence post. Even if I knew something, I
think you would have to ask them that question.”
Weathered. Time tested. Adversity tested. Privacy tested. Still standing, wired up, pock-marked, weather stained & worn. Reminds me of old pictures of two farmers or ranchers leaning up against old fences, chatting about the herds and the crops, the weather, and the lack of rain, ... or the cancer they just heard about, ... or what their kids are struggling with... whatever it is. Instead of two people talking over a fence (and a post), I am the post. What an honored position.
Please continue to pray for my relationships to develop deeply among the officers, deputies, troopers and wardens, and for whatever God is up to with me in this ministry.
Want to read more about the Chaplain Ministry? Click here to read the latest article.
CGL News
Getaway Opportunity
Looking for a fun winter getaway? Did you know that Converge Great Lakes has a cabin available for rent at Lake Ellen Bible Camp? Lake Ellen Bible Camp is in the beautiful upper peninsula of Michigan, near Crystal Falls. There are a lot of fun outdoor activities such as sledding, snow shoeing, cross country skiing and more! Not the outdoors type? Snuggle in the cabin for board games, reading, watching movies and other fun activities.
The cabin can sleep six comfortably in the two bedrooms. It also has a full bathroom and a fully stocked kitchen and laundry. The cost is extremely reasonable:
Weekend (Friday to Sunday): $100
Week (Friday to Thursday): $250
Please contact Sarah Motiff at smotiff@convergegreatlakes.org to get more details and schedule your getaway today!
Foundations 2022
If you missed the Foundations Conference last year, we would encourage you to listen to these main session talks to get challenged and focused about ministry expansion.
Session One with Ken Nabi HERE
Session Two with Andy Addis HERE
Financial Summary
Here is a quick snapshot of CGL's financial status as of November 2022:
Giving year to date: $206,081
Expenses year to date: $172,400
Variance year to date: $33,681
Upcoming Events
Unleash
Orlando, FL | Converge Headquarters
February 1-2, 2023
The Unleash conference will help you unleash every ministry and leader in your church by giving them effective strategies, tools and new ways to connect people to Jesus that will impact generations for eternity.
Summit for the Nations
De Pere, WI | Journey Community Church
March 11, 2023
A half-day experience to help your church strategically reach the nations—near and far.