Beaver Creek, Exit Church, and Baptisms!

Sunday morning, August 18, Pastor Ben & Kirsten Jones welcomed me to Beaver Creek Wesleyan Church to bring greetings from our Crossroads District team and to preach the Word. Rev. Jones is in his fifth year pastoring, his fourth year of marriage and now the proud father of two beautiful children.
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Last year, with an average of 36 in attendance, they baptized 6 new believers. Pastor Ben already has 2 people lined up for their next baptism. Following the morning service, I met briefly with the LBA (Local Board of Administration) and then hosted the Jones family for lunch. We were delighted that they went out of their way on Saturday to come by the Open House Pastors’ Fellowship on their way back home from visiting family in Ohio.
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My next stop was in Anderson to connect with Pastor Janiel and Leanna Caraballo as they lead the Exit Church launch team in hosting a neighborhood block party. They were encouraged by the number of new connections and the overall positive response. Things are moving quickly as they prepare to launch Exit Church on September 15. Keep praying!
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My final stop of the day was at Fairmount Camp for the closing rally of Legacy Camp. Rev. Gale Janofski directed the camp under the leadership of Krista Brown, Executive Director. Rev. Ken Dykhoff led the singing and the Janofski’s joined him in singing the Gaither classic, Something Beautiful. Rev. George Cecil was the camp evangelist and challenged all of us to “get used to different” as we follow Christ in His mission to make disciples. Next year’s Legacy Camp will welcome Dr. Joe Harmon as the keynote speaker.
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Monday’s schedule included a district staff meeting in Marion and a board meeting in Monon, but the highlight was dropping in to say hello to the monthly cohort that Rev. Carla Working leads for women in ministry. I’m grateful for Carla’s continued invest in this group even as she leads at Wesleyan HQ and chairs our DBMD (District Board of Ministerial Development).
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Tuesday morning, I met with Dr. David Drury online for our annual coaching conversation as he continues to lead a team of pastors in One Multichurch Network, a house church movement, in addition to his full-time responsibilities at Global Partners. Tuesday evening, I was able to join Pastor Matthew Trexler at The River Church as they closed their 3-night revival services themed “ReSet.” Jason Delgado from Courage to Lead preached the final service and the altar was lined with people coming for prayer.
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Wednesday, I was back on the road for a coaching conversation with Pastor Jacob Gibson (LifeSpring Church). We met in Richmond at Carlos’ Cuisine, a new restaurant launched by Carlos and Jessie, two of our staff members in the Casa Network of churches. My final stop of the day was with the LBA at The Branch Wesleyan Church in Lafayette. I also connected with youth staff who were leading an exciting game of “Capture the Flag.” Yes, I did have temporary flashbacks from my years as youth pastor and district teen camp director.

I had a minor surgery scheduled on Thursday afternoon, so I took advantage of the online seminar led by Tom Cheyney, expert in church revitalization. I’ve heard Tom before but this seminar was a sobering reminder that if churches lose sight of their disciple-making mission, they are headed for closure sooner than later.
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The highlight of Friday was joining in the celebration as Rev. Theo Griffin, pastor of Brown’s Chapel Wesleyan Church in Greenfield, successfully presented his doctoral research project to the online colloquium. On behalf of Wesley Seminary at IWU, Dr. Connie Erpelding conferred his earned degree. Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Theo Griffin (and to Randy, his very supportive wife) on this significant accomplishment!
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Saturday was so much fun! Sherry and I welcomed 70 pastors, spouses, and some PK’s to our home in Gaston. We had so much fun hosting pastors and spouses in our home in Upland for Friday evening fellowship over the past 7 years. With the change in location, we wanted our team to know they’re always welcome. Best of all, it provided an end of summer fun opportunity for our pastors to get together.
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We couldn’t have pulled this off without James and Kelly Stamper. Rev. Stamper (North Anderson Wesleyan Church) is not only an executive pastor, but he is also a master chef when it comes to smoked brisket. The meal received raving reviews. Pastor Mike Hewitt (Muncie Rising Hope) came through with the tent, tables and chairs. Our youngest guests were under 5 years old and our most senior guests (Rev. Duane and JoEllen Seitz) are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary this coming Saturday. And, thanks to my coach and partner, Randy Yaryan, the DS is undefeated in the cornhole competition!
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Yes, God is moving and we have more baptisms to report this week:

Pastor Joshua Fox passed along the good news of another baptism at Hartford City Wesleyan Church as a high school student publicly professed his faith in Christ. Praise the Lord for young lives impacted by the Gospel!
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Rev. Sam Maddox and Albion Wesleyan Church were blessed by the powerful testimonies of two men who publicly professed their faith in Christ through baptism. We join AWC in rejoicing with these lives #MadeNew by God’s amazing grace!
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Pastor Dan Fisher and Delphi Wesleyan celebrated baptisms in the river at the city park with dozens of people looking on and six new believers publicly professing their faith in Christ. Delphi Wesleyan averaged 54 in worship last year and had 11 baptisms. God is answering prayers for revival!
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Less than 30 days! That’s right, our Crossroads District team is gathering on September 15, 5 p.m., at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion for an inspiring Celebration of Ministry. Our ordained ministers will meet promptly at 4:30 for a group photo with the ordinands and final directions for our participation in the service. The service begins promptly at 5 p.m. led by our General Superintendent, Dr. Wayne Schmidt. We will share in the ordination of twelve persons approved by this year’s district conference. We will celebrate retiring ministers and those who have achieved decadal milestones in their ministry. The service will be followed by a reception to greet those newly ordained ministers. Plan to join us!
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Each year, our district conference receives reports from our various ministry champions. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing several of those reports for you to enjoy. Every ministry matters and we’re grateful for the outstanding ministers who generously provide point leadership for these initiatives. This week’s report is from Rev. Carla Working, Chair of the District Board of Ministerial Development. Click here to read her report.

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

Your servant in Christ,
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​Mark Gorveatte
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​Crossroads District Superintendent
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P.S. COURAGE TO LEAD – Join us as Shawn Lovejoy brings his one-day leadership training event for pastors and business leaders to Indianapolis on September 17. We’re grateful for Shawn’s willingness to offer a 30% discount for our district pastors. Sign up early and use the discount code “Wesleyan” when you register and let’s learn to be more courageous leaders. https://www.couragetolead.com/oneday Shawn brings wisdom from his experiences both as a successful commercial real estate developer and an effective church planter, so this event can be a good investment in your lay leaders.