Sunday morning, September 29, Sherry and I had the joy of worshiping at Hope Rising Church in Huntington. Co-Pastors Rev. Carla and Rev. Zach Working are doing an outstanding job of leading this turnaround ministry. The congregation is thriving, the facilities have been remodeled, and the spirit of worship in the service was contagious.
​

Before the service, I was introduced to two women, both new leaders in the church, who taking next steps to answer God’s call to ministry. After the morning service, I met briefly with the leadership team and then we enjoyed lunch with the Workings. Never doubt that God can revive His church!

Sunday evening, I had the privilege of representing our district conference in the official pastor installation of Rev. Jeremy Armiger at Chesterfield Parkview Wesleyan Church. I appreciate the area pastors who joined us for this special occasion. Dr. Jim Lo has done an amazing job leading the church through a transition from the long-term ministry of Pastor Paul Trent, who passed away tragically. Dr. Lo served as lead pastor, helping the church recruit Rev. Armiger and then graciously handed over the leadership baton to now become the assistant pastor.
​

The Lord has been blessing Parkview Wesleyan Church’s renewed emphasis on prayer and community evangelism. Last year, Parkview celebrated 25 professions of faith and 9 baptisms. This morning, they celebrated two more baptisms that came through to the church through their Tuesday evening community meal. God is on the move at Parkview.
​

Monday afternoon, I met with Dr. Lenny Luchetti for an update on his interim ministry at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion. I’m hearing encouraging reports from Dr. Luchetti’s preaching ministry and leadership development work with the staff. Please pray for Lakeview’s congregation as they continue to grieve the loss of Pastor Tim McClellan but move forward to all that God is preparing for them

Assistant DS Mike Colaw convened the pastors of Region 2 on Tuesday morning at Trinity Wesleyan Church in Indianapolis. Pastor Mike and his team hosted the gathering with special guests Dr. Bob Whitesel and an informative panel who discussed the challenge of leading change in the church. Following the seminar, I was able to join Dr. Whitesel and a group of pastors for a continued conversation over lunch.
​

Tuesday afternoon, I was back in Marion to meet with Rev. Mark and Sharie Schnell for our annual coaching conversation. Mark and Sharie are commuting weekly to lead the ministry at Albion Wesleyan Church. The church has responded well to their bi-vocational ministry and the Schnell’s are helping to prepare the church for their next long-term leader.

​Wednesday morning, I joined Dr. Wayne Schmidt and DS colleagues on the monthly ZOOM video conference call that he hosts for information updates and discussion. Of special concern on this call was the downturn in key ministry measures (attendance, conversions, baptisms, and membership). Dr. Schmidt welcomed input and will continue this conversation with the General Board in November. Wednesday afternoon, I was able to meet with Pastor Ryan Budde. He’s been carrying an extra load with his mother’s declining health and I know he’d welcome your prayers.

Thursday was a road trip to Elkhart to connect with Rev. Terry Vaughn, church planter at The Bridge in South Bend. Terry has been ministering to some families in Elkhart and is prayerfully considering the next steps in expanding the ministry of The Bridge into additional zip codes.

Assistant DS Chris Williams and I met in Marion on Friday morning for our weekly briefing. Chris does an amazing job leading Region 3 and our district-wide revitalization projects utilizing StratOp and Maximizing Impact. In addition to his work with our district team, Chris is working on his Ph.D. in organizational leadership and coaching clients with Chick-Fil-A. I am grateful for Chris’s partnership in this ministry!
​

On Saturday, I appreciated the opportunity to sit in with Dr. Jim Lo and the Region 1 DBMD team who met through the day at Brookhaven Wesleyan Church. They interviewed and counseled with a wonderful group of candidates who are in the licensing phase of the ordination track. God is answering our prayers for more workers for His Harvest!

Saturday evening was another highlight as I represented our district team in bringing congratulations to Rev. and Mrs. Eliorgy Guerrero and the congregation of Cielos Abiertos (Open Heavens) Church in Elkhart as they celebrated their second anniversary.
​

​One key moment in the celebration was the consecration prayer for Jose and Angie Cardenas. Jose and Angie were commissioned by the church to work with Rev. Jarod Osborne at Pathway Church to reach Spanish-speakers in Warsaw. I love the partnership and vision of Rev. Guerrero who has an incredible heart for church planting. Every church can be a sending church!

This promises to be another exciting week with Region 1 pastors meeting on Monday and our DBA meeting this Thursday, October 3, at The Branch in Fairmount. We’re also looking forward to hosting Pastor Jarod Osborne and the north zone of Region 1 at Thornapple on Friday night for our pastors and spouse fellowship.

Please join me in remembering Brett Matthews, son of Pastor Rick Matthews (Indianapolis Southview Wesleyan Church), in prayer for a serious health concern and upcoming surgery.

Thank you for all you do to advance the cause of Jesus Christ in your congregations and communities!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday, September 22, I had the privilege of worshiping with Rev. Jere and Ruth Ann Gowin and the congregation at Kingsford Heights Wesleyan Church, near LaPorte. Pastor Jere was first appointed here in 2013 and serves sacrificially as another of our committed bi-vocational pastors. After the morning service, I met briefly with the Local Board of Administration and then we joined the congregation for a fellowship luncheon.
​

One of my favorite stories from yesterday was about Pastor Gowin claiming five of our “#MadeNew” baptism T-shirts at district conference. KHWC averages less than 20 and last year baptized one person so taking 5 shirts seemed to be a huge step of faith. The picture below is of the 5 young people that they baptized last weekend. I was able to speak with the young man in the blue shirt who helped bring his friend in the grey shirt to Christ. Praise the Lord for answered prayers!
​

Last week began with a road trip to LaPorte on Monday to connect with Pastor Matthew Ohime and leaders of Davis Wesleyan Church to sign legal documents as they proceed with their facility renovation. It was good to hear about the progress they are making in reaching out to their community. While on the trip up, I joined a conference call with the three other Heartland Region district superintendents as we look toward a special joint session of our DBAs in November with Dr. Dan Reiland as our guest speaker. Registration is now open for the Heartland Region Gathering, March 10-12, 2020. I’m looking forward to our speakers and a great time of inspiration as we meet in Pigeon Forge, TN. If you’ve not yet registered, today would be a great day to get that done! Here’s the link: ​https://gathering.heartlandregion.org/
​

Tuesday began with our weekly staff meeting in Marion and then I connected with Chad Peters for lunch at IWU. Chad has been serving for the last few years at SWU but we’re glad he came back home to lead student recruitment at Indiana Wesleyan University. Pastors, you’ll find Chad to be a valuable partner as you help your high school students prepare to take advantage of the amazing Christian higher education available at IWU.

Tuesday afternoon, I was in Fishers to attend the celebration of life service for Rev. Lloyd Moore, one of our retired pastors, hosted by Waterline Church at Wesleyan HQ. Lloyd was a valued pastor, counselor, and mentor to many, including a host of students that he poured into during his time as an instructor in the FLAME program. Please remember Rhonda in your prayers as she continues to serve in the General Department of Church Multiplication and Discipleship.
​

Wednesday, I returned to Fishers to meet with Pastor Tomasa Granados and Assistant Pastor Chris Granados for our annual coaching conversation. Sister Tomasa has led the church faithfully since the passing of her husband and she is ably assisted by Chris, her son. Iglesias Monte de Sion (Mount Zion Church) celebrated her 15th Anniversary last weekend with guests, including Pastor Calimerio & Maria Rodriguez from Frankfort.

Wednesday evening, I was back in Grant County to connect with Justin Bradbury (soon-to-be “Dr. Bradbury”). Justin and his family are planting an amazing multi-cultural, multi-ethnic church in Winnipeg, Canada. Justin’s son is a football player at IWU.

​Thursday morning, I joined Rev. Chris Williams, Assistant DS, and his team of pastors from Region 3 as Pastor Logan Patriquin hosted us in The Branch’s newly-remodeled facility (formerly Schuyler Avenue). Chris shared powerful insights on planning for personal growth and development as a leader.
​

It was also encouraging to hear the stories of life change from across the region, including a special testimony from Pastor Joe Park at Evergreen Church in Lafayette. Pastor Joe shared the story of an older couple who’d been living together and started attending their church. They wanted to get right with God so, in addition to praying to receive Christ, they asked Pastor Joe to perform their wedding. Next, they wanted to join the church but haven’t been baptized yet, so Pastor Joe led them through the membership class and baptism. Did I mention they were older? The husband in 90 and his new bride is 86. Praise the Lord for lives “#MadeNew”!

From Lafayette, I headed to Fort Wayne to connect with Pastor Kyle Horton (Three Rivers Church) for our coaching conversation. Three Rivers Church has been in a season of transition and they are seeing growth this fall due, in part, to their long-term ministry with a nearby elementary school. They’re also excited to have Kalina Carlson join their team as Assistant Pastor. Kalina completed her MDiv at Princeton Theological Seminary this year and we’re glad to welcome her and Brad, her husband, back home to Indiana!
​

Friday was a quiet day back in the office answering emails and phone calls. Sherry began a new adventure taking her first class in the Doctor of Business Administration degree program (Thursday over Saturday) with Indiana Wesleyan University so it was a good time to catch up on some projects and reading.

Pastor Aldean Pablo, our planter for SEND Church in SW Fort Wayne/Roanoke, reported a good meeting with launch team members yesterday. They had 12 adults present from five families that are working together on their next outreach project, a block party in Roanoke in October. Thank you for to every pastor and church that prays for and invests in these new church planting projects. We have 3 million reasons to make disciples and multiply churches.
​

In other news, Pastor John Miller reported in with 40 present for week #2 with first-time guests at Way City Church in Speedway. Pastor Calimerio Rodriguez and Frankfort Templo de Poder celebrated their 18th anniversary yesterday and Pastor Allen Gross and the Cicero United Family Church celebrated their 10th-anniversary last weekend. They also celebrated one baptism. Pastor Mark Atkinson (Gas City Eastview) and Pastor David Dignal (Edgerton) also send along pictures and baptism reports, (2 at Eastview and 1 in Edgerton) so we could celebrate with them. And, just as I was finishing up this update, I received a text (pictures by next week) from Pastor Matthew Trexler to let me know that they baptized 7 more this Sunday at The River Church (a total of 23 in two weeks). Lives are being made new by the power of God for the glory of God!
​

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

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday, September 15, was historic for the Crossroads District. Pastor John & Heather Miller are planting Way City Church in Speedway and today was their launching service. I was privileged to represent our district team for this special occasion. This marks the first time, according to our records, that The Wesleyan Church has had a congregation in the city of Speedway. Pray that God will bless the Millers and nearly 80 others who joined us today. Pray God makes Way City Church a transforming presence in this new zip code.
​

Meanwhile, Rev. Chris Williams, our Assistant District Superintendent, represented our district at the “Grand Opening” at Rising Hope Church in Muncie. Pastor Mike and Kim Hewitt launched last September in a middle school and spent the year developing their young congregation and renovating the old Northview Wesleyan Church building. Today, they welcomed more than 200 people for the first time in their new home. Pray that God will continue to bless Muncie’s newest church.
​

We’re joining the team at Memorial Drive Wesleyan Church in praising God for baptisms today. Pastor Lee Miller shared this picture from today’s baptism celebration held in Buck Creek. Lee told me that there are wonderful stories of grace here in this picture.
​

Pastor Matthew Trexler and the team at The River Church celebrated baptisms today on both campuses, Marion and Chesterton. Pastor Trexler baptized 10 in Marion and Pastor Kaleb Wakeman baptized 5 in Chesterton. Praise God for lives being made new!
​

And here’s one more exciting report from Pastor Tim Becker at Main Street Wesleyan Church in Elwood. They gathered on Sunday evening and celebrated 7 baptisms. God is on the move across the cornfields of Indiana!
​

Pastor Scott McDermid and the team at Six Points Church in Sheridan hosted their Tailgate Sunday. They welcomed 385 people for this outdoor worship experience with former Indianapolis Colt Hunter Smith as their guest speaker. Hats off to Six Points for this creative outreach event!
​

Last week’s schedule for me included two of the chapel services at IWU’s Summit (Spiritual Emphasis Week), staff meeting, annual coaching conversation with Dan Fisher (Delphi Wesleyan) and Aaron Lee (Cultivate Church), interviews with prospective pastors, and a World Hope update evening with Dr. JoAnne Lyon.

On Friday, I hosted a creative planning session with Scott Rhyno and Damian Williams, both of whom are on staff with Leadership League. We are working with Leadership League to design a life-planning experience (Kingdom Leadership Summit) for pastors and marketplace leaders who desire clarity and intensity as they bring their unique contributions to God’s Kingdom force. If you’d like to be considered for participation in this pilot project, drop me a note.
​

My last meeting of the week (after the IWU football game) was to join with Pastor Mike and Kim Hewitt with their wonderful team of volunteers on Saturday evening as they prayed for God’s blessing on their Grand Opening. It was a full and fulfilling week of ministry with our Crossroads District leaders.

Our sympathies and prayers are extended to the family and many friends of Rev. Lloyd Moore, beloved pastor, counselor, and FLAME instructor. Pastor Moore passed away on Saturday morning after a long but valiant battle with cancer. Please keep Rhonda, his wife, and Scott, his son who pastors at First Wesleyan Church in Tuscaloosa (AL), in your prayers. Funeral arrangements will be emailed to our district pastors.
​

October 5 is also the date for our stewardship seminar with Dr. Bob Hallett. The event will be hosted at Eastview Wesleyan Church (9-3 pm) in Gas City. All pastors have received their registration information directly. Lay leaders are invited to join their pastors for this helpful event. If your church could use additional financial resources to pursue God’s vision, encourage your pastor to attend and join them for this seminar. Tickets are free but you do need to sign up in advance. Here’s the link for registration: Resourcing God’s Vision

Registrations opened last week for the first Heartland Region Gathering. 45 registrations were received by noon on the first day so don’t delay in saving your place. We have a great lineup of speakers and a wonderful site for you and your family to be inspired and refreshed. If you are a lay leader, consider this as a Pastor Appreciation gift next month!
https://gathering.heartlandregion.org

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

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte
​
Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, September 8, I had the joy of worshiping with Pastor Shane Wilson and the team at New Hope Wesleyan Church in Columbia City. This is one of our stronger congregations located right on Hwy 30 just west of town. Pastor Shane is doing a wonderful job of following in the footsteps of strong pastors like Rev. Barry Faucett and Rev. Jason Tash. I appreciated the opportunity to connect with the local board members after the second service. Pastor Shane, Jill, and Rhett (their younger son) joined me for lunch and it was encouraging to hear how God is at work in their family and ministry. Last year, New Hope baptized 20 believers. Their faith goal for this year is 35 baptisms!
​

Assistant DS Chris Williams and our consultation team were with Pastor Steve and the congregation at Lone Oak Wesleyan Church in Anderson this weekend. I was able to join them for lunch on Friday and for the closing session on Saturday. In addition to Chris, Rev. Don Bayne, Rev. Matthew Ohime, and Rev Matthew Stewart joined Rev. Paul James, our lead consultant, for this important weekend of training and vision casting. Pastor Binns and the folks at Lone Oak received the consultation team’s report on Sunday morning and will take the next few weeks to pray as they seek God’s direction for greater Kingdom impact in the days ahead.
​

Last week’s schedule included our office team meeting on Tuesday morning, coaching conversations with Pastor Rick Fletcher (Lifeway Wesleyan Church) and Pastor David Dignal (Edgerton Wesleyan Church) on Wednesday, a day of study and correspondence on Thursday, and hosting the Region 3 South Zone pastors and spouses at our home on Friday evening.

One of the highlights for me last week was joining Pastor Matthew Trexler, Region 1 Assistant DS, and his team at The River Church on Tuesday morning, 6 a.m., for day 16 in their 21 Days of Prayer. I was glad to bring encouragement from God’s Word on prayers of freedom. Thank you to each of our pastors who make prayer a central focus in the ministry of your church. The Kingdom of God advances on its knees!
​

Please pray with us for Rev. Lloyd Moore, one of our retired pastors. Rhonda, his wife, has been posting updates to let friends know that Lloyd has battled cancer before and just last week they found lymphoma cancer of the brain. They did a biopsy of the liver to see if the lesions there are also lymphoma. They have released him to await test results. Pray for Pastor Moore’s healing and for Rhonda’s strength as she walks with him.

Please remember Pastor Craig Thurmon (Encounter Assembly) and his family in prayer with the passing of his mother in Chicago last week. Funeral arrangements are awaiting the return of a granddaughter coming from overseas. We’re grateful for Pastor Craig and Tiffany, his wife, as they make disciples and build a team to launch this new Kingdom community on the eastside of Indianapolis.

We’re celebrating with Pastor Randy Yaryan and the Winchester Wesleyan Church as they had the joy of baptizing two new believers this week. Crossroads District pastors have set a faith goal this year for more than 1000 baptisms.
​

This coming Sunday will mark the “Grand Opening” for Rising Hope in Muncie after a year-long project of community outreach and facility remodeling of the old Northview Wesleyan Church building on Cowing Avenue. Thank you to the pastors, lay volunteers and youth groups from across the district who pitched in to help remodel the space and serve the community. They are looking forward to a full house this Sunday.

This coming Sunday will be “Launch Day” for Way City Church in Speedway. Pastor John and Heather Miller have been working faithfully to build a team and make disciples for the launching of this new Kingdom community. We are grateful for the churches and individuals who have generously supported the Miller’s in the prelaunch season. We are joining them in praying that the seeds that have been planted will bring a harvest of lives changed by the Gospel!
​

There are some wonderful opportunities coming up for leadership development. Pastor Mike Colaw, Assistant DS for Region 2, is inviting us to join them on Tuesday, September 24, 10 until noon, at Trinity Wesleyan Church to hear Dr. Bob Whitesel and a panel share on the subject of “How to Change Your Church Without Getting Fired.” Change leadership is challenging in every environment but there are lessons we can learn to help navigate change in our congregations.

Roger Gross, Wesleyan Men’s Director, and Jim Dodge, event coordinator, invite all men of the Crossroads District to the 2019 Wesleyan Men’s Banquet at United Wesleyan Church in Cicero on Saturday, October 5, (5:30 p.m.).  Kevin Freeman, host of the WFMS radio morning show will be the guest speaker. You may RSVP directly to Roger Gross by September 25 either by e-mail ([email protected]) or by phone: 317-753-0270. The cost is $15 per person.
​

October 5 is also the date for our stewardship seminar with Dr. Bob Hallett. The event will be hosted at Eastview Wesleyan Church (9-3 pm) in Gas City. All pastors have received their registration information directly. Lay leaders are invited to join their pastors for this helpful event. If your church could use additional financial resources to pursue God’s vision, encourage your pastor to attend and join them for this seminar. Tickets are free but you do need to sign up in advance. Here’s the link for registration: Resourcing God’s Vision

Registrations opened last week for the first Heartland Region Gathering. 45 registrations were received by noon on the first day so don’t delay in saving your place. We have a great lineup of speakers and a wonderful site for you and your family to be inspired and refreshed. If you are a lay leader, consider this as a Pastor Appreciation gift next month!

https://gathering.heartlandregion.org
​

​Thank you for all you do to advance God’s Kingdom!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

I trust you were able to enjoy some quality time with your friends and family over this Labor Day Weekend. The big announcement for this first week of September is that registration is now open for our first Heartland Region Gathering. If you enjoyed The Gathering in Orlando, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to join more than 200 pastors and their families in Pigeon Forge, March 10-12, 2020. The location is terrific, the price is affordable, and the program has been designed just for you and your family. Here’s the link for more information and to register before it sells out: https://gathering.heartlandregion.org
​

Sunday morning, I was able to drop in for worship services at both Brookhaven Wesleyan Church and The River Church in Marion. Pastor Tony Bye and Pastor Matthew Trexler both brought challenging messages from God’s Word. I was reminded of the blessing it is to be part of a denomination where ministers preach the Bible without compromise or apology. It was good to see many IWU students attending both of these services. Our pastors in Marion have the unique challenge and opportunity of ministering to this dynamic population of world-changing students and staff members.
​

Last week’s schedule included a meeting with Dr. Lenny Luchetti on Monday in his office at Lakeview Wesleyan Church where he’s serving as interim pastor. I dropped in at Colonial Oaks to check on Pastor Ryan Budde and his family. His mother has seen some recovery but they continue to request our prayers. My last meeting on Monday was with President Colleen Derr at Wesley Seminary. These are challenging days in Christian higher education so please join me in praying for Dr. Derr as she leads this vital ministry.

Tuesday, Roxene, Seth, Chris and I met for our weekly staff meeting at The Abbey Coffee. It is a privilege to serve with such a dedicated team! Wednesday, I met with Jon Wiest in Fishers to learn more about the new discipleship training initiative that he’s leading. I checked in on the progress at Rising Hope as they complete facility renovations and prepare for their Grand Opening on September 15. Pastor Mike Hewitt shared that they welcomed over 100 in worship both of the previous weekends.  They were also excited to welcome 60 students who gathered at Rising Hope for the first evening of Awaken’s outreach to Ball State University.
​

Chris and I had our weekly meeting on Thursday and then I met with Rev. Bob McHenry for lunch. I’ve known and respected Bob since we first connected while he was serving in the Northwest (former Dakota) District. Bob and his wife are spending this year in Marion near family and Bob will be available for supply preaching in area churches. Thursday afternoon I made a quick trip to Kokomo to sign legal documents for the sale of the Howard Chapel Wesleyan Church property.

We celebrated Sherry’s birthday (September 1) this weekend with the added blessing of having her brother, Kerry Wilkerson, visiting us from Louisiana. I took a vacation day on Friday to enjoy visiting Shipshewana with her family.

Pastor Aldean Pablo passed along the encouraging news that SEND Church in SW Fort Wayne/Roanoke celebrated their first baptisms this past week. He posted this report: “Sharon, Will, & Rachel invited a dozen of their neighbors and friends to witness the baptism of Will and Rachel (husband & wife) in the neighborhood pool @ Roanoke! 🙂 Tears and laughter were all present! Seeds had been planted today, we are getting excited for the harvest!”
​

Thank you to every pastor and congregation in our Crossroads District that makes church planting a top priority in their prayers and giving. When one church celebrates lives changed by the Gospel, we all rejoice in knowing that God is allowing us to impact the 3 million unreached people in our district mission field.

The Crossroads District team is welcoming new members as we move into the fall season. Greenfield Brown’s Chapel Wesleyan recently completed their pastor search process and extended a call to Rev. Theo Griffin. Pastor Theo has accepted their call and is coming to us from the Shenandoah District where he was most recently serving as campus pastor for Crosspointe Church near Lynchburg, Virginia. He and Randy, his wife, plan to arrive early in October and I will be with them on Sunday evening, October 13, for their pastoral installation.
​

McCordsville Harvest Chapel was excited to welcome Rev. Jennifer Munsell and her family just last month. Pastor Jennifer was most recently serving in student ministry at The Ransom Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Jennifer and Aaron, her husband, are both graduates of Indiana Wesleyan University and are happy to be home in Indiana. Rumor has it that Pastor Dale and Lori Munsell (Albion Cornerstone) are also happy to have these grandchildren a little closer.
​

​We’re looking forward to hosting our first fall Pastor and Spouse Fellowship at Thornapple this Friday evening as we’re joined by Rev. Dan Fisher’s group from Region 3 South Zone. Sherry and I appreciate these special evenings for connecting with our team.

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

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent