Thayne Thompson | Lead Superintendent
About a month ago, we concluded our final Regional Leadership Retreat in South Texas. Without a doubt we were encouraged by the 160 or so people from 23 churches across EFC-MAYM that participated in one of these four gatherings. There was great discussion and participation at all four events. At each of the retreats a portion of the afternoon was dedicated to hearing from the churches represented regarding the vision God seems to be giving them. We walked away with a sense that God may be up to some new things in Mid-America.
As a result of these four Regional Retreats Tony and I are planning some follow-up steps to help churches continue to engage in their process of determining and implementing God’s vision for them in the days ahead. As all of us are aware, seeking God and following His plan for us is a daily adventure. It is our desire to continue to support and facilitate what Jesus seems to be saying to your church. So, if we can resource you in any way as you continue to “Encounter Jesus and Engage the World” we would be honored to do so.
In the next month Tony and I will be kicking off a monthly podcast entitled, “Mid America Musings” (Okay, there is probably a better title. Suggestions? Let us know!) as another way of connecting with church leaders and pastors from across Mid-America regarding various church leadership topics. On our first three podcasts we will discuss more in depth some of the ideas and principles that came out of our Regional Retreats. Each podcast will be 20 minutes in length and will be able to be listened to at your convenience. There will also be an opportunity to submit questions for further discussion or future podcasts.
Following our trip to South Texas twelve of us traveled to the national Exponential Conference on church multiplication and discipleship in Orlando. Five thousand people from around the world gathered to be challenged and inspired towards planting new expressions of churches of all shapes and sizes. Nick and Charla Shaffer, who led our Home Mission Team, joined us with others interested in church planting, as well as a potential church planting couple.
We left that event believing that God wants to start new works among Mid-America Friends. It is likely these new church plants and mission points will take on various “looks” in the days ahead as we expand our church planting models across EFC-MAYM while pointing people towards Jesus and making new disciples.
When you add to this all of the exciting opportunities we have globally by partnering with EFM to launch new mission fields next year, I am reminded that we have so much for which to be grateful.
Although it was a busy week of travel, I came back with increased vision for the future of our movement. Signs of new life always do that. As we just completed our celebration of Easter and the hope we have resulting from the resurrection, how fitting it is that we consider how all of our churches (existing and future) can bring honor to the One who gave everything for us. Praise Him for conquering death, sin, and the grave. Praise Him for offering us new life and hope for the future. And, praise Him for choosing to use us.
“And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”
2 Corinthians 5:19b-20a
Follow Us!