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 Indiana Ministries Update

 

July 25, 2012 - Vol 4, Issue 15


Not In My Church

by Jenene Lighty

 

John has been the church treasurer for over six years at the First Church of God. He comes to all of the business meetings; he works well with the pastor, the elders and the leadership team.  He prepares great financial reports and keeps everyone informed of what is going on with the finances. He really likes taking care of the church finances.  Everyone loves him.  Everyone trusts him implicitly. And why wouldn't you - it is obvious he is devoted to the church. 

 

Here's the problem: no one was double-checking John's work as the treasurer.  Over a period of six years, John embezzled almost $160,000 from the church in cash and personal credit card transactions.

 

While the names are changed, this is a true story and it happened in one of our Church of God congregations in Indiana. My heart aches for these good people in this congregation. 
 
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2012 Important Dates

 

Aug. 25 - Navigating Difficult

               Conversations Workshop

Sept. 28-30 - 3SLI

Sept. 30 - Ordination Service

Oct. 1 - Annual Meeting 

Oct. 13 - Best Practices Conference (Bedford, IN)

Nov. 2-4 - ISYC

Nov. 17 - Best Practices Conference (Nappanee, IN)

 


Wesleyan Holiness Consortium presents the

6th Annual Holiness Leaders' Day

Tues. September 18

9:00am - 3:00pm

Indianapolis, IN

 

Download the flyer for more information 


3SLI Logo 

September 28 - 30, 2012

Kings Island Resort & 

Conference Center

Mason, OH

 
Speaker: Michael Thigpen

Worship Leader: Cody Collier

 

More info?  Please visit: http://www.threesli.com/
 

Our staff lifted these congregations and their pastors in prayer recently. 

 

Join us in saying a prayer on their behalf:

 

Indianapolis

Westlake Community Church

Pastor Mike Cottrell

 

Kendallville

First Church of God

Pastor James Kane

 

Kirklin Church of God

Pastor Richard Pursiful

 

Kokomo

First Church of God

Pastor John Newton

 

Lafayette

First Church of God

Pastor Mike Harville

 

LaGrange

First Church of God

Pastor Brian Van Osdol

Navigating Difficult Conversations

(formerly Crucial Conversations®)

Saturday, August 25

9:45am - 4:00pm

Church at the Crossing, Indianapolis

Space is limited, register now!

 

This one day seminar teaches basic skills for creating alignment and agreement by fostering open dialogue around risky topics-at all levels of your church/organization.  By learning how to present and share ideas well (and encouraging others to do the same), you'll uncover the best ideas, make the best decisions, and then move forward with unity and commitment.  

 

Outcomes of this seminar:

  • Improve teamwork and decision making
  • Build acceptance to new ideas and concepts
  • Resolve individual and group disagreements

 

This workshop is taught by Scott and Leisa McDonald and is for church staffs and church boards.  To read more about Scott & Leisa, click here.

 

 

Maximize the experience by bringing your entire team! Space is limited so register early to ensure space for your team. 

 

Requirement: To best prepare for the seminar, please read the book Crucial Conversations book prior to attending the workshop.  

To purchase, click here

 

Registration is currently limited to church staffs and church boards.  On August 6th, if space is still available, registration will open for everyone.

 

Online Registration Available.  Visit our website for more information:  www.indianaministries.org

 

Sponsored by Indiana Ministries of the Church of God

 

 

Best Practices Conference Announcement

 

The Financial Freedom Fund's Best Practices Conference is coming to a location near you!  The conference will be held in both southern and northern Indiana in the hopes that those who have been unable to attend in the past can participate.

 

Come benefit from excellent educational material regarding clergy and church finance and become qualified to receive assistance from this program offered by Indiana Ministries and funded by the Lilly Endowment.  

 

Now is your chance, mark your calendar!  Don't miss the regional opportunity nearest you.

 

October 13 - Bedford, IN 
November 17 - Nappanee, IN 
 
Registration is available online, please visit our website by clicking here 

 

2012 HGC Training Call Schedule

 

*The calls take place the 3rd Thursday of the month @ 3:00pm EST (excluding the months of January, July and December)

*Registration is FREE for all Indiana Pastors

 

August 16: Learning How to Hear What Others Don't Want You to Hear

September 20: The Difference between Leading an Organization and Leading People

October 18: What is the Role of a Regional Body / Middle Judicatory? Do We Need Them? What Are They Good For?

November 15: Balance is a Crock

 
To register, email Patsy (pjsclemson@gmail.com) by Noon the day before the call to secure a spot! 

Missions Opportunity

Senior (Lead) Pastors are invited to be a part of a group to visit the operations, orphanages and schools in Haiti and observe first-hand Convey of Hope's feeding ministry. 

 

Convoy of Hope will pay all the expenses (air fare, food, accommodations).  All team members will need to pay is to get themselves to the airport in Indy (possibly Chicago) and we may be able to arrange carpooling or a van for that. 

 

If anyone is interested have them contact Kevin Holt at kevinholt@munciegt.org or call 765.288.7309 ASAP.  There are three spots remaining.


 

Go spend three nights with Freedom Church and Dr. Herbert L. Banks (Church of God Pastor) and experience high impact worship and courageous teaching from Dr. Banks on giving. He will systematically teach on giving from the heart, the benefits of giving and giving as exchange.

 

Dates: August 29, 30 and 31st at 7pm

Cost: FREE

Location: Freedom Church, Schererville, IN

 

Promotional Letter

 

For more info visit: www.freedomevchurch.org or call 219-864-8883. 

 

  

Mark your calendar for October 23-24, 2012, for the '24' Conference, sponsored by Church Builders Plus in Anderson, Indiana.  Twenty-four hours of cutting-edge ideas from successful thought leaders will rejuvenate your ministry.  This is a powerful gathering of church leaders that care about the church being all of what God wants it to be.  It is designed for those who want to make a difference. Watch future updates for more detail, including speakers for the event.


Did you know there are learning opportunities for church staff and congregations offered around Indiana?    

 

The Center for Congregations is a unique project dedicated to helping Indiana congregations find solutions to their pressing practical problems by connecting them with excellent local and national resources. 

 

Visit their website, enter your zip code and you will be provided with information pertaining to your area. 

Click here to access their workshops page.

  

Pastors may attend for FREE!

Wknd to Remember


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