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Indiana Ministries and Global Lead Alliance partner in
Leadership Development Training
 More than 50 Indiana pastors and leaders gathered on February 25th to hear from special guests Dr. Leaderwell Pohsngap and Jon Byler, of Global Disciples. It was a great day of discussion, ideas, insights, and helpful information on a topic key to the future of the church and its effective ministry.
Catalyst Kicks Off!
 Sunday, February 7, the Catalyst Church had their official Grand Opening. Pastor Chris Denney writes, "Sometimes you have experiences in life which are hard to use words to describe. Yesterday at Catalyst was one of those days. It's like the birth of a child. When you hear that cry for the first time, how do you verbalize the euphoria that you're feeling? Week One of Catalyst's Grand Opening month took off with high energy, great excitement and a sense that this is just the beginning of something huge in Pendleton/Lapel/Fortville/Ingalls." Over 177 people gathered to celebrate and see what God's doing and is going to do in this new church. Pray for them. To read more, check out the Catalyst blog.
ISYC 2009 Got Pulses Going for Christ
More than 1,200 students and 300 adult leaders from youth groups around Indiana converged on the Indianapolis Convention Center, Nov. 20-22 for the state youth convention. It was a fantastic weekend of worship with Alanna Story (a sister-led CHOG band) and speaker Adam Robinson. God moved in many great ways and we were so encouraged by the response of the students to the messages about giving our whole hearts to God and guarding them, purposefully seeking to grow in relationship with Him. Special thanks to Kim Schuessler, the director and also youth pastor at Meridian CHOG in Indy, and the youth planning council who really made it all happen. There are photos in an album on the youth page...click here.
All Boards Met for Annual Retreat
The Board of Directors, Department of Ministry Services, Dept. of Youth Ministry, and both Ordination & Licensing Committees met on Monday, October 26th for the annual retreat. This is a time to welcome newly ratified members of the board or committees and allow the groups to plan meetings for the coming year and talk over any business they may have. Doug also led a session for everyone at once in which they discussed the purpose of Indiana Ministries, vision for what we do and should be doing, goals, and the future God has for all of us. Everyone enjoyed a delicious catered dinner and then a time of worship, with communion, before heading home. The staff at Indiana Ministries is so thankful for all those who serve on the board and various committees. Truly, we are ALL Indiana Ministries. (See some photos in the gallery to the left)
Indiana Ministries and Global Lead Alliance partner in
Leadership Development Training
More than 50 Indiana pastors and leaders gathered on February 25th to hear from special guests Dr. Leaderwell Pohsngap and Jon Byler, of Global Disciples. It was a great day of discussion, ideas, insights, and helpful information on a topic key to the future of the church and its effective ministry.
Catalyst Kicks Off!
Sunday, February 7, the Catalyst Church had their official Grand Opening. Pastor Chris Denney writes, "Sometimes you have experiences in life which are hard to use words to describe. Yesterday at Catalyst was one of those days. It's like the birth of a child. When you hear that cry for the first time, how do you verbalize the euphoria that you're feeling? Week One of Catalyst's Grand Opening month took off with high energy, great excitement and a sense that this is just the beginning of something huge in Pendleton/Lapel/Fortville/Ingalls." Over 177 people gathered to celebrate and see what God's doing and is going to do in this new church. Pray for them. To read more, check out the Catalyst blog.
ISYC 2009 Got Pulses Going for Christ
More than 1,200 students and 300 adult leaders from youth groups around Indiana converged on the Indianapolis Convention Center, Nov. 20-22 for the state youth convention. It was a fantastic weekend of worship with Alanna Story (a sister-led CHOG band) and speaker Adam Robinson. God moved in many great ways and we were so encouraged by the response of the students to the messages about giving our whole hearts to God and guarding them, purposefully seeking to grow in relationship with Him. Special thanks to Kim Schuessler, the director and also youth pastor at Meridian CHOG in Indy, and the youth planning council who really made it all happen. There are photos in an album on the youth page...click here.
All Boards Met for Annual Retreat
The Board of Directors, Department of Ministry Services, Dept. of Youth Ministry, and both Ordination & Licensing Committees met on Monday, October 26th for the annual retreat. This is a time to welcome newly ratified members of the board or committees and allow the groups to plan meetings for the coming year and talk over any business they may have. Doug also led a session for everyone at once in which they discussed the purpose of Indiana Ministries, vision for what we do and should be doing, goals, and the future God has for all of us. Everyone enjoyed a delicious catered dinner and then a time of worship, with communion, before heading home. The staff at Indiana Ministries is so thankful for all those who serve on the board and various committees. Truly, we are ALL Indiana Ministries. (See some photos in the gallery to the left)
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| Some memories from the last few years with Jeff & Dianne
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Pastors' Wives Retreat - Lots of fun, fellowship and more
17 pastors' wives gathered at Camp Camby for a weekend retreat entitled, "The Chocolate Boutique". The lessons centered around God's extravagant love and grace. There was much chocolate to consume, including delicious fondue, as well as other excellent meals provided by the camp. Old friendships were renewed, new friendships were forged and everyone had a great time. Special thanks to Cindy Talley and Dianne White for organizing the retreat and leading. Thanks also to Debbie Dreger who led everyone in times of worship. We hope next year's retreat will host twice as many of these special women, those called to be pastors' wives. Be on the lookout next year for information!
"I had my reservations about coming but none of them were realized and will look forward to next year’s time…"
"It was a great time of fellowship & getting to know other Pastor's Wives. I am looking forward to next year!"
"I will never look at chocolate the same way again. Some of my thoughts about the retreat...
- Making new friends is priceless, and getting to know my roommate was fun.
- Give it up to God before you make a mess of it.
- Other women are struggling with some of the same issues that you are.
- Even in a room full of women the Lord can sometimes speak the loudest.
- Every time I eat chocolate I think about the retreat and the very special ladies I met. I think I always will.
- I had a great time. Thank you for making it special.
- One of the funniest things was during our shopping outing when some of the ladies were standing in a parking spot to save it for us and Cindy Talley asked a man that drove up first to please not park there. He smiled and said 'but I was here first,' and she said 'but I need it for it a van full of women right behind you.' The man went on his way, and we got the parking spot."
Pastors' Wives Retreat - Lots of fun, fellowship and more
17 pastors' wives gathered at Camp Camby for a weekend retreat entitled, "The Chocolate Boutique". The lessons centered around God's extravagant love and grace. There was much chocolate to consume, including delicious fondue, as well as other excellent meals provided by the camp. Old friendships were renewed, new friendships were forged and everyone had a great time. Special thanks to Cindy Talley and Dianne White for organizing the retreat and leading. Thanks also to Debbie Dreger who led everyone in times of worship. We hope next year's retreat will host twice as many of these special women, those called to be pastors' wives. Be on the lookout next year for information!
"I had my reservations about coming but none of them were realized and will look forward to next year’s time…"
"It was a great time of fellowship & getting to know other Pastor's Wives. I am looking forward to next year!"
"I will never look at chocolate the same way again. Some of my thoughts about the retreat...
- Making new friends is priceless, and getting to know my roommate was fun.
- Give it up to God before you make a mess of it.
- Other women are struggling with some of the same issues that you are.
- Even in a room full of women the Lord can sometimes speak the loudest.
- Every time I eat chocolate I think about the retreat and the very special ladies I met. I think I always will.
- I had a great time. Thank you for making it special.
- One of the funniest things was during our shopping outing when some of the ladies were standing in a parking spot to save it for us and Cindy Talley asked a man that drove up first to please not park there. He smiled and said 'but I was here first,' and she said 'but I need it for it a van full of women right behind you.' The man went on his way, and we got the parking spot."
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Dan and Betty Harman offer Scholarship to Seminary Students
Each fall a scholarship fund in the amount of $2500 will be available to students in the Anderson University School of Theology. The first full awards will be available in the fall of 2009.
These will be awarded by the School of Theology, with preference being given to those students who are also presently on staff at a Church of God congregation and wish to continue their graduate education.
Details concerning the School of Theology, the costs of attending, as well as details of this endowed scholarship can be obtained by contacting Dean David Sebastian.
Dan and Betty Harman offer Scholarship to Seminary Students
Each fall a scholarship fund in the amount of $2500 will be available to students in the Anderson University School of Theology. The first full awards will be available in the fall of 2009.
These will be awarded by the School of Theology, with preference being given to those students who are also presently on staff at a Church of God congregation and wish to continue their graduate education.
Details concerning the School of Theology, the costs of attending, as well as details of this endowed scholarship can be obtained by contacting Dean David Sebastian.
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Pastors and SHAPE Participants Gathered for Church Life Cycle Workshop
Thursday, March 12th, more than 60 pastors, associates and other SHAPE participants gathered at Westlake Community Church for a workshop on the life cycle of the church, led by state minister Doug Talley.
The main thrust of the workshop was vision and mission - how having a clear focus on our true mission as the Church and a heart for lost people keeps the church growing, thriving and alive. Losing that focus and getting caught up in having church for ourselves or for the sake of maintaining programs because they've always been done is a sign that a church is headed toward decline and even death. Will we pray and ask God to give us His heart for people who aren't yet a part of His family and aren't yet living in relationship with Him? Will we sacrifice and offer ministries that may not necessarily appeal to us but appeal to those outside the church, in order to win them to Christ? Will we seek to be selfless and consider other's needs more important than our own?
The Gospel has never changed. Jesus is still as alive and active in our world as He was thousands of years ago. Jesus still offers new life and new beginnings to anyone who accepts Him. God still heals broken hearts and lives. The Church is still his chosen tool to reach lost people!
There are some photos of our day in the gallery on the left of this page. Here are some comments, responses to the day we all spent together:
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"It was just really encouraging to know we are headed down the right track. We have been in the process of creating a mission/vision statement and it was great to hear Doug affirm some of the things we are currently doing. I'm looking forward to launching a new lifecycle here at [our church]!"
"It was awesome."
"[Doug] did us all a great favor."
"I think we gained most from idea of 'Jumping the curve to launch a new life cycle.' In our staff opinion our church is between adolescence and adulthood so planning now to jump from adulthood to a new life cycle is critical."
"I felt like the conference was very helpful and encouraging. We have been working on these very issues. Leading a very traditional church to have a sincere heart of Christ for the lost can be very, very challenging."
"Our team really enjoyed the workshop. It was extremely practical and relevant."
"I have to believe there's a new sense of hope in a lot of Indiana pastors."
Pastors and SHAPE Participants Gathered for Church Life Cycle Workshop
Thursday, March 12th, more than 60 pastors, associates and other SHAPE participants gathered at Westlake Community Church for a workshop on the life cycle of the church, led by state minister Doug Talley.
The main thrust of the workshop was vision and mission - how having a clear focus on our true mission as the Church and a heart for lost people keeps the church growing, thriving and alive. Losing that focus and getting caught up in having church for ourselves or for the sake of maintaining programs because they've always been done is a sign that a church is headed toward decline and even death. Will we pray and ask God to give us His heart for people who aren't yet a part of His family and aren't yet living in relationship with Him? Will we sacrifice and offer ministries that may not necessarily appeal to us but appeal to those outside the church, in order to win them to Christ? Will we seek to be selfless and consider other's needs more important than our own?
The Gospel has never changed. Jesus is still as alive and active in our world as He was thousands of years ago. Jesus still offers new life and new beginnings to anyone who accepts Him. God still heals broken hearts and lives. The Church is still his chosen tool to reach lost people!
There are some photos of our day in the gallery on the left of this page. Here are some comments, responses to the day we all spent together:
-
"It was just really encouraging to know we are headed down the right track. We have been in the process of creating a mission/vision statement and it was great to hear Doug affirm some of the things we are currently doing. I'm looking forward to launching a new lifecycle here at [our church]!"
"It was awesome."
"[Doug] did us all a great favor."
"I think we gained most from idea of 'Jumping the curve to launch a new life cycle.' In our staff opinion our church is between adolescence and adulthood so planning now to jump from adulthood to a new life cycle is critical."
"I felt like the conference was very helpful and encouraging. We have been working on these very issues. Leading a very traditional church to have a sincere heart of Christ for the lost can be very, very challenging."
"Our team really enjoyed the workshop. It was extremely practical and relevant."
"I have to believe there's a new sense of hope in a lot of Indiana pastors."
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2008 Indiana Ministries Annual Business Meeting and General Assembly
During the beautiful fall weekend of Oct. 5-6, Indiana Ministries ordained 12 new ministers and hosted approximately 200 ministers from around the state for the annual meeting. Those ordained in the Sunday evening service were: Denver Burns, David Casterline, Mike Harville, Anita Jack, Dennis Judy, Tina Kerfoot, Kristen Larson, James Nipp, Mary Ellen Rayle, Sandy Sherrick, Darrell Smith, and Erin Taylor. Dan Chitwood is being ordained this year, as well. We also acknowledged David Coolidge, Donald Tawney and Cecil Watson for 50 years of ordained ministry.
On Monday, during morning and afternoon sessions, attendees were challenged and inspired by Milfred Minitrea of the Missional Church Center and Larry McKain of New Church Specialties.
During the general assembly the budget was approved and all nominees were ratified.
It is always a good opportunity to see friends from around Indiana and reconnect, while making new friends and new connections. We need each other! We thank the staff at The Church at the Crossing for all their help and generous hospitality. See you next year!
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Update on Bell's Chapel and How You Can Help!
A fire did extensive damage to Bell's Chapel Church of God (Prepare the Way blog), Indianapolis, during the early morning hours of November 10. Pastor Adrienne Holmes is providing fantastic leadership for the church and is seeing it as an opportunity for God to do something new. The church is developing transition plans for a place to worship and for their day care ministry. Bell's Chapel Relief Fund at National City Bank was established for donations to help restore the day care supplies and the church. You can also send funds to Indiana Ministries (please designate Bell's Chapel Fire Fund), and we will relay them.
One of the areas destroyed by the fire was Pastor Holme's office. That means she lost entire library of books, commentaries, resources, computer, etc... The pastoral staff at Church at the Crossing (Indianapolis) and Indiana Ministries would like to challenge pastors to either send a church or personal donation to Indiana Ministries that we can present to Pastor Adrienne to help in rebuilding her library. A gift of $25 or $50 or more dollars would be a great encouragement to Pastor Adrienne. If you choose to do this, simple indicate "library" on the check or an attached noted so that your gift is not confused with general assistance to the church.
Pastor Adrienne asks that we continue to pray for her and the church as they continue to minister to their community.
Update on Bell's Chapel and How You Can Help!
A fire did extensive damage to Bell's Chapel Church of God (Prepare the Way blog), Indianapolis, during the early morning hours of November 10. Pastor Adrienne Holmes is providing fantastic leadership for the church and is seeing it as an opportunity for God to do something new. The church is developing transition plans for a place to worship and for their day care ministry. Bell's Chapel Relief Fund at National City Bank was established for donations to help restore the day care supplies and the church. You can also send funds to Indiana Ministries (please designate Bell's Chapel Fire Fund), and we will relay them.
One of the areas destroyed by the fire was Pastor Holme's office. That means she lost entire library of books, commentaries, resources, computer, etc... The pastoral staff at Church at the Crossing (Indianapolis) and Indiana Ministries would like to challenge pastors to either send a church or personal donation to Indiana Ministries that we can present to Pastor Adrienne to help in rebuilding her library. A gift of $25 or $50 or more dollars would be a great encouragement to Pastor Adrienne. If you choose to do this, simple indicate "library" on the check or an attached noted so that your gift is not confused with general assistance to the church.
Pastor Adrienne asks that we continue to pray for her and the church as they continue to minister to their community.
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