The 2025 conference year (fiscal year) is coming to a close. The record books close on April 30 and the LCSR (local church statistical report) online portal opens on May 1. Thank you to the pastors and local church leaders who will compile statistics and financial reports as part of our mutual accountability and stewardship of the ministries entrusted to us.
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Your Crossroads District Board of Administration met at Autumn Hills Church in Pendleton on Thursday. In addition to reviewing reports, we had an engaging conversation with a consulting team from the Catapult Group. They have consulted with national ministries including Compassion International and Exponential. We have been invited to apply for a Lilly Foundation planning grant and Catapult would be a partner in our assessment and planning phase.
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Waterline Church hosted our spring fellowship brunch for retired pastors and their spouses. Rev. Mark and Anna James ministered to us in Word and song. We were also delighted to have Dr. Steve Emery, retired DS from Indiana Central, join us and lead in prayer. Most of these faithful pastors continue to serve in their local churches and as other doors of ministry open for them. You can’t help but leave these meetings inspired by these dedicated soldiers of the Cross.

I was in Marion on Monday for our district staff meeting and also had the chance to drop in on the two monthly leadership cohorts Pastor Matthew Trexler has been hosting at The River. It was exciting to hear the reports of Kingdom victories in these churches.
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Last week included coaching conversations (on Tuesday and Wednesday) and a meeting on Tuesday evening with the leadership group at Davis Wesleyan Church near Hamlet, IN. Pastor Matthew Ohime shared his resignation with the group earlier this month so we met together to prayerfully explore next steps. They’ve done a commendable job of updating their facilities and are committed to moving forward together. Pray with us for God’s leader for this team.
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Grandparenting duties called this past weekend. I was scheduled to bring greetings at College Wesleyan Church but Dr. Steve DeNeff graciously allowed me to take a raincheck. Rev. Lindsey Gorveatte, our daughter-in-law, was admitted to the hospital unexpectedly on Friday night so Sherry and I made it to Grand Rapids (MI) in record time. While we were with their two children at home, Rev. John and Rev. Lindsey welcomed Haven Aletta (their third daughter) early on Saturday morning. We welcomed them home on Sunday afternoon.
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Congratulations to our many Crossroads District students and families who celebrated graduations this weekend at Indiana Wesleyan University and Wesley Seminary. Pictured below is Reagan Tippey Ott with her husband and her proud parents. Reagan graduated with her M.Div from Wesley Seminary and has accepted a call to serve on staff in a growing Wesleyan church in Delaware.
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Pastor Joe Jackson shared the good news of two more baptisms at United Wesleyan Church in Anderson on Sunday. This makes 10 baptisms for the conference year (compared with 3 last year). Praise the Lord!
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Pastor Dan Fisher shared the good news of another baptism at Delphi Wesleyan Church this week. God is definitely moving in Delphi!
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Three young adult women showed up for their first time at Three Rivers Wesleyan Church in Fort Wayne on Ash Wednesday. Pastor Kyle Horton had the joy of baptizing all three as new believers this past Sunday. Praise the Lord!
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Pastor Lyle Breeding and the Sonlight Wesleyan team in Bluffton are celebrating ten more baptisms yesterday, bringing their total to 24 baptisms since January!
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Pastor Jacob Gibson and the LifeSpring team in Richmond reported in with 16 baptisms on Easter weekend from their North and South campuses!
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Pastor Ben Thomas and the team at The Branch in Lafayette are rejoicing with three more baptisms on Sunday. Praise God for lives being #MadeNew!
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Pastor Aldean Pablo was encouraged by the response as their “under 30” team led the worship service at ARISE Church in Roanoke. They also celebrated 2 more baptisms!
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Pastor Seth Bye had the joy of baptizing three members of the same household at 317Church in Avon on Sunday, April 27. Another of the family has already spoken to Pastor Seth about taking this step of discipleship.
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​Save the Date! Crossroads District Ordination – June 27, Lakeview Wesleyan Church!

Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

P.S. If you have had baptism reports and photos to share that we’ve not yet featured, please pass them along to Michael Wood at the district office. We will compile those for our district conference at Lakeview Wesleyan Church on June 28.

Easter may be behind us on the calendar, but the resurrection story is still being written in real time across the district. In every church, every baptism, and every celebration, we’re seeing lives changed and hope renewed — and the stories coming in are too good not to share. Let’s keep celebrating together!
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​Pastor Steve DeNeff and the College Wesleyan team celebrated as four individuals took the step of baptism, publicly declaring their faith in Christ.

​Pastor Andy Jellison and the Fort Wayne Lifeway team celebrated eight baptisms this week, including the baptism of Pastor Andy’s own son. What a meaningful moment for their family and a testimony to God's faithfulness across generations.
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Pastor Mike Henry and the Fort Wayne Inspire team had the joy of celebrating three baptisms, including Pastor Mike’s brother. Few things are sweeter than seeing family members come to faith and take this public step together.
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Pastor Mike Colaw and the Indianapolis Trinity team celebrated an incredible weekend with over twenty baptisms across their campuses. God is clearly on the move, and we are celebrating alongside them for every life made new.
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Pastor Rob Tippey and the Wabash New Journey team celebrated a baptism this week, another testimony of God’s powerful work in their church family.

Pastor Michael Hewitt and the Muncie Rising Hope team had the joy of celebrating eight baptisms, a sign of the spiritual momentum building in their community.
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Pastor Scott Miller and the Anderson Lone Oak team celebrated two baptisms this week, praise God for lives #MadeNew!
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​Pastor Scott McDermid and the Sheridan Six Points team had an amazing weekend, with 385 people in attendance and over 100 participating in their Thursday Seder service.

What a week! ​Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

“I serve a living Savior, He’s in the world today!”

Praise God for the power and hope of Christ’s triumphant resurrection!

Easter weekend began for me on Thursday night when I joined Rev. Shane Wilson and the team at New Hope Wesleyan Church in Columbia City. They have become known for their dramatic Easter presentations. This was a powerful portrayal of the events leading to the crucifixion and resurrection. Pastor Shane is not just a gifted leader but he’s also a talented actor. In this photo, he’s the one in the middle reading from the scroll.

Friday, at noon, I worshiped at Westview Wesleyan Church in Jonesboro. Pastor Ryan Budde and his team were hosting the Good Friday Service with the Twin Cities Ministerial. The service featured scripture readings, congregational songs, a brief message from Rev. Brian Holland, and beautiful anthems sung by a choral group from Mississinewa High School. Thank you to Rev. Ken Dykhoff, chair of the ministerial association, for coordinating this meaningful community worship service.
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Friday evening, Sherry and I attended the first of five Easter weekend services presented by Pastor Matthew Trexler and the team at The River Church in Marion. They were still gathering information from the response cards but at least 190 adults indicated they prayed to receive Christ as Lord. Attendance between the two campuses (Marion and Chesterton) topped 3000.
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Saturday evening, I joined with Pastor Noah Farmer and the team at Eastview Wesleyan Church. In addition to this service, they provided two more opportunities to worship on Sunday morning. They are also providing sign language interpretation for the hearing impaired.
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Sunday morning began with a drop-in to check on Pastor David Shafer and Dr. James Stamper at North Anderson Wesleyan Church. They hosted a breakfast for the congregation and then celebrated Easter with two baptisms and a baby dedication.
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My next stop was with Rev. Barry Dixon and the congregation of Calvary Family Church in Indianapolis for their 9:00 A.M. service. Pastor Dixon brought an anointed message from Romans 8:37 on being more than a conqueror through Christ, our Risen Lord!
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Pastor Walter Martir and the growing congregation at Monte de Sion welcomed me to their 11 A.M. service. This service was standing room only. Assistant DS Grace Lopez has been coaching this church and earlier this month they became the newest established church in our Crossroads District.
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My last stop of the morning was in Anderson with Pastor Janiel Caraballo and the team at The Exit Church. They hosted an outdoor worship service, shared a meal, and had creative experiences set up for children. The highlight of the morning was the baptism service!
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I stopped back in Anderson later in the afternoon as Pastor Mike Weller and the team at Restoration Church prepared for their service and another meal serving homeless and marginalized people. Pastor Mike leads a small but dedicated team of volunteers who serve meals for 50 to 100 people almost every night of the week.
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My last stop for Easter weekend was with Rev. Jerome Bell and the team at Autumn Hills Church in Pendleton. This unique ministry meets only on Sunday evenings and the congregation is seated at tables. They also have a growing outreach to children through their summer art camp and monthly art nights. Pastor Bell preached a powerful message and closed the service by leading us in celebrating communion.
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You’ve probably heard me say it before but this Easter weekend was a terrific reminder to me that it takes all kinds of Gospel-preaching churches to reach all kinds of people.

Stories and photos are already coming in from around the Crossroads District so watch for a special midweek edition of our team update to share more of the praise reports.

Dr. Chris Williams and the team at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion sent a photo with the thirteen new believers who were baptized on Sunday morning. Lakeview welcomed 518 in worship and 5 first-time commitments to Christ.
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Pastor Sam Maddox reported in from Albion Wesleyan Church with seven professions of faith and 1 new believer baptized. Praise the Lord!
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Pastor Greg Holmes checked in from Sonlight Wesleyan Church with the good news that they baptized another new follower of Jesus Christ!
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Pastor Duane Cragun reported in from Brinker Heights Wesleyan Church in Marion. They are praising God for a new believer who publicly professed her faith in Christ through baptism!

Pastor Marc Ulrich leads ReThink Church in Merrillville, one of our youngest congregations. They had the privilege of baptizing a young man this weekend who has found victory over addictions through the power of the Cross. Praise God!
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Rev. Don Bayne and the team at New Carlisle Wesleyan Church had an unusual experience that sounded like the Philippian jailer’s household in Acts 16. Pastor Don baptized an entire family of six on Easter Sunday morning. God is on the move!

This is what it looks when church comes to the YMCA! Pastor Andy Riemersma moved into the Westfield Y earlier this spring and it was just in time because they welcomed 280 in worship for Easter!
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Two events coming this week for which we welcome your prayers. The District Board of Administration meets on Thursday as we wrap up this fiscal year and prepare for DC25, our district conference on June 28 at Lakeview Wesleyan Church. Then, on Friday, April 25, 10:00 a.m. I’ll host our retired pastors and spouses for the spring fellowship at Waterline Church.

This retirees’ fellowship will be different having just said goodbye to two of our beloved retirees. Rev. Richard Cole’s funeral was on Monday and Rev. William Babb, Jr, was buried with military honors on Thursday. Please remember the Cole and Babb families in your prayers.
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​Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent
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P.S. The Crossroads District Chaplains’ Fellowship is holding their quarterly meeting on May 17 at North Anderson Wesleyan Church. All chaplains are invited, whether you serve full-time in a paid position or hold a volunteer chaplaincy role with your local law enforcement officers. Please contact the district office if you’d like to be included in their monthly e-mail.

Sunday morning, April 13, was a special day at Mt. Etna Community Life Church, north of Marion and south of the Salamonie Reservoir on Hwy 9. This congregation joined The Wesleyan Church in 2022 with Rev. Michael Gallant, an ordained Wesleyan minister, who then served as their pastor. The church grew under Pastor Mike’s leadership to average 67 in worship last year with five baptisms.
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Rev. Gallant announced his retirement and concluded his service this spring. Mt Etna called Rev. Dr. Scotty Murphy to join their team. I had the honor of installing him as their pastor yesterday morning. The ushers reported 130 in attendance yesterday. Please join me in welcoming Pastor Murphy and his family.
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Last week was originally scheduled for Rev. Kyle Horton and I to make a recruiting visit to Houghton University. The recovery process from the tornado’s damage to our house required me to stay in Indiana but God’s timing was providential.

I am so glad that I was here to visit and pray with Rev. Richard Cole in his hospital room on Tuesday morning and again on Wednesday morning before he passed away on Wednesday evening. Thank you for your prayers and support for Mrs. Debbie Cole, his beloved wife, Rev. Andy Cole, his son and successor at Lapel Daybreak, and his beautiful family. The celebration of life for Rev. Richard Cole will be held at Daybreak Church on Monday, April 14, 12 noon.
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Tuesday, I joined Rev. Duane Seitz for a meeting at Silver Lake Wesleyan Church with the two remaining members of the Local Advisory Council. Pastor Duane is semi-retiring this year at the age of 90. Having served the church since 2016, Rev. Seitz holds the record for the longest tenure in the 100-year history of the church.

Wednesday evening, Pastor Joseph Park and the team at Evergreen Wesleyan Church in Lafayette were continuing their spring revival services. Rev. Keith Hinton was the evangelist and it was a blessing to sit under his preaching again. Pastor Keith and I served together for 10 years when I was his district superintendent in West Michigan.
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On my way to Evergreen, I dropped in on Rev. Ben Thomas and the team at The Branch on Schuyler Avenue. This congregation has been rebounding under the leadership of Pastor Ben. I found him encouraging the team of leaders that is preparing to relaunch their midweek ministry to children. They are also seeing growth in their ministry to teens under the direction of Cole Thomas, IWU student and son of Pastor Ben. Exciting days ahead at The Branch!
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Thursday morning, I was in Fishers to meet with Michael Wood for the final edits on a grant proposal to the Lilly Foundation and then dropped in on Dr. Joe Sawyer at Westminister Village. The Education and Clergy Development department hosted a Zoom call for district superintendents on Thursday afternoon and Rev. Carla Working provided an update on our chaplaincy endorsing process.
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Pastor Scott McDermid and the team at Six Points Wesleyan Church in Sheridan are welcoming Rev. Skyler Norton and his family to join the pastoral staff. Pastor Skyler and Erin, his wife, will be moving their family from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where they were serving on staff with Rev. Scott Moore at One Hope Church.

Let’s lift each other in prayer this week as we prepare to celebrate another triumphant Resurrection Sunday with our congregations. This may be the Sunday that someone who hasn’t been in church for years, or maybe never, will walk through your doors for the first time. Let’s lift Jesus high as The Way, The Truth, and The Life!
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​Let’s preach with fresh anointing and a sense of urgency as we proclaim our Risen Lord, the only hope for our world. Richard Baxter, the 17th-century Puritan, put it this way, “I preach as a dying man to dying men, never sure to preach again.”

Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

​Mark Gorveatte
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Crossroads District Superintendent
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Save the Date: Crossroads District Ordination and Conference will be at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion on Friday-Saturday, June 27-28.

Sunday morning, April 6, Tipton Trinity Wesleyan Church welcomed their new lead pastor, Rev. Nicholas Hect. I brought an update from the recent international conference and then led the installation ritual for a new pastor. Rev. Hect brought a message of vision and conviction to anchor the church’s mission on making disciples. Pastor Nicholas, Tifani (his wife), and their four young children have been graciously welcomed by their new congregation As you have opportunity, I hope you’ll do the same.

Sunday evening, I hosted a question-and-answer session with the congregation at Elwood Central Wesleyan Church. Rev. Mark Atkinson was appointed last week to serve as supply pastor for this developing church. Transitions are never easy and this congregation has experienced more than its share since the tragic death of Rev. Ben Capshaw back in August 2021. The church is blessed with a strong core group committed to coming alongside Rev. Atkinson as Central Wesleyan moves forward in making and multiplying disciples.
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Last Monday, I was able to sit in on the IWU chapel service led by Dr. Josh Lavender with Pastor Matthew Trexler as the guest speaker. Josh does a great job leading worship teams and raising up young leaders. On his team that day was Jenna Love, daughter of Rev. Dr. Ed and Emily Love. It is always encouraging to see the next generation stepping up in ministry!
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Dr. Mike Tapper allowed me to sit in on his Christian Theology class. We’re grateful that “Tapp,” as he’s affectionately known, has joined the team at IWU. He has already been a real blessing to our Crossroads District churches through his preaching ministry and drop-in visits. If you’ve not yet had the opportunity to meet Dr. Tapper, he’s always up for a coffee break at Lola’s.
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Monday afternoon, I was in Indianapolis to meet with Rev. Dr. Craig Thurmon, our Crossroads district secretary. It was fun to close out the day over supper with Dr. David Medders, Vice President for the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). Dr. Medders, former president of Kingswood University, has been a friend and colleague since Delta District youth ministry days back in the early 1980s. David was the successor pastor at the church I planted in Mississippi in 1983 and a groomsman in our wedding party in 1984. Friends are a blessing from the Lord!

I was back on the road Tuesday with coaching conversations. Pastor Joseph Park and I met in Lafayette. Rev. Park holds the record in our district for longest consecutive service to one church. He’s in his 51st year leading the congregation at Evergreen Wesleyan Church. Pray with them as they host Rev. Keith Hinton for their spring revival services this week. I dropped in on Pastor Alan Downing (Frankfort Connecting Point) at the shop where he works bi-vocationally in Lafayette. My last scheduled stop of the day was with Dr. Morris Jones (Lebanon Wesleyan Church) and Rev. Andy Riemersma (Westfield ONE Church). Dr. Jones is looking at possibilities for the next generation of ministry in Lebanon. We’re praying about what role the team at ONE Church might have in that vision.
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Wednesday morning, I headed north for a coaching conversation with Rev. Aldean Pablo at Huntington University. Pastor Aldean has found an open door of ministry there at HU with both students and staff. Any given Sunday, up to 1/3 of the attendance at ARISE Church comes from Huntington University.

My afternoon coaching conversation was with Rev. Sam Maddox, pastor of Albion Wesleyan Church. The Christian school that has been leasing what was once the Cornerstone property is dissolving. Pastor Sam and his team are excited to explore the potential for this to become an active community center, much like Pastor Dave Leitzel’s team directs at Hamilton Wesleyan Church.
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Like some of you, the tornadoes of Wednesday night found their way to our neighborhood. Of the four homes closest to us, we sustained the least damage. Water intrusion through our damaged roof had the biggest impact. We’re grateful for the restoration teams and insurance agent who are helping us get things put back together. Thank you to so many who’ve generously reached out to offer assistance. Pastor Kyle Horton (Three Rivers Wesleyan) and I were scheduled to be at Houghton University for recruiting this week but we have rescheduled for a fall visit.
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Rev. Mark Atkinson and I met with the Local Advisory Council (LAC) at Elwood Central on Thursday night. Dr. Joe Harmon and I met in Anderson on Friday morning. With Rev. Atkinson stepping in as supply pastor at Elwood Central, Dr. Harmon has graciously agreed to help us with circuit riding. Pastor Michael Hewitt (Rising Hope Church) and I met with representatives of the Ron Blue Institute over lunch in Muncie on Friday to explore partnership opportunities for financial health initiatives. You’ll be hearing more about this at our district conference.
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Saturday morning, I was able to drop in on Professor Charlie Alcock’s team at IWU as they hosted the 53rd annual Fusion Conference. I’m grateful to Professor Alcock and the team at IWU for hosting this impactful conference for over five decades. If you’ve not already made plans, there is still time to register your middle school students ($25 each) for “Never Too Young” but the deadline is April 19!
https://www.indwes.edu/academics/youth-ministry-events/never2young/

My last coaching conversation of the week was with Rev. Tim Becker (Elwood Main Street Wesleyan Church). Pastor Tim and his team are praying about their search process as they send Rev. Alexander Henry back to serve at Brookhaven Church. Rev. Becker has an identified strength in developing young leaders so he’s looking forward to see who God is already preparing to join their team.
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Rev. Rick Carder agreed to candidate at Lancaster Wesleyan Church and I received good news that the members voted unanimously yesterday to call him as their next pastor. We’re excited for Pastor Rick and Cindy to continue the momentum that the church has experienced under the ministry of Rev. Ron Forsythe. Pastor Ron is moving back to Marion and is available for pulpit supply or open to a part-time pastoral care position.

We love to share the news of lives being changed by the Gospel. Pastor Janiel Caraballo and the team at The Exit Church in Anderson, our newest church, celebrated baptisms last weekend. Thank you for the many churches that have already included The Exit Church in your 1% Multiplication Matching Grant. There’s still time to send that grant before April 30.
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​Yesterday was another exciting baptism Sunday at The River Church with a total of 22 baptisms spread across the three morning services. Pastor Trexler and his team are praising God for 78 baptisms so far in this calendar year.
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Our friends at ​Fairmount Camp have opened registration for the summer youth camps. This year, Fairmount Camp will offer separate camps for middle school students (June 9-13) and high school students (June 16-20). For more information or to register, check out their website:
​https://www.fairmountcamp.org/teen-camp.html

​Our friends at NTS (Never the Same) Camps have released their schedule for 2025 with two camps at IWU in June followed by camps at Houghton University and Southern Wesleyan University in July. You can find their full schedule lineup here: https://ntscamp.com/

Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

​Mark Gorveatte
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Crossroads District Superintendent
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Save the Date: Crossroads District Ordination and Conference will be at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion on Friday-Saturday, June 27-28.