Annual Meeting Almost Here

The Indiana Ministries annual meeting (October 5) marks the beginning of my 12^th month as state pastor in Indiana.  There have been lots of changes during this time - both in my personal life (moving from tropical climate back to four seasons) and in the life of Indiana Ministries.  I'm excited by what we've been able to accomplish thus far this year.  You can read about it in my annual report.

I want to remind you about the three regional information meetings that I am hosting in preparation for the Indiana Ministries Annual Meeting.  I'll be sharing information about what is happening at Indiana Ministries, where we are going, and the 2010 budget.  For information about dates and locations, click on this link                  Read more...

"Church should be what ends up happening as a natural response to people wanting to follow us, be with us, and be like us, as we follow the way of Christ."  

- Hugh Halter and Matt Smay, The Tangible Kingdom: Creating Incarnational Communities

I have interacted with a number of church leaders about the ideas I have presented in this series so far.  I want to share some of the comments that Rev. Fontaine Green, a Church of God pastor in Florida, shared.  He told me about one of the groups in the church he served in Orlando.  The impact and inspiration of this community of love, belonging and acceptance is a great example of the importance of incarnational communities for the church.  Rev. Green wrote:

     I had to honestly evaluate our effectiveness to the unchurched.  Our weekly gathering required a lot of energy, finances, etc. - and what was the fruit of that to the unchurched?  I came to the conclusion that our most effective ministry was taking place in a home group that was really being community and reaching out to others.  This lean - mean group was reaching the addicted and the lost, and most resembled Acts 2 stuff!          Read more...