Divine Direction, IWU Apologetics and Asbury Seminary visit

Sunday, March 18, Sherry and I were privileged to worship with Pastor Charles and Crystal Moorer at Divine Direction Christian Church in Indianapolis. This congregation meets in what was formerly known as the Northside Wesleyan Church building on 46th Street. Pastor Charles is bi-vocational, leading a thriving business and volunteering his time and energy to leading this predominantly African American congregation.
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​Their ministries include a pre-school, juvenile detention outreach, and a Back-to-School Backpack Jam. Pastor Moorer is also an accomplished musician who leads their worship ministry called “Faithful Few.” Here’s a link to a sample of their music: Faithful Few on YouTube
The worship service at Divine Direction begins at 11:30 so Sherry and I were able to drop in on Waterline, our home church, for their 9:30 service as Pastor John Freed preached on Anger. It’s a joy to be part of a congregation that is committed to making disciples and multiplying churches!

Sunday afternoon, I was in Huntington at Etna Avenue Wesleyan Church as we took the next step in the pastoral transition. The Advisory Team had recommended a candidate couple and we held a congregational meeting to meet and interview the prospective leaders. There was a wonderful spirit in the meeting with those present voting 29-1 to request the DBA to appoint this couple to lead into a new season of ministry.
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​Last week included coaching conversations with Dr. Max Kingsolver (Knightstown), Pastor Keith Jones (Crawfordsville), Rev. Paul Walden (Muncie 18th Street) and Dr. David Anderson (Fountain City Wesleyan).
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Sherry traveled with me to Asbury Theological Seminary on Wednesday. I conducted interviews on Thursday with two of our Crossroads District students studying there and two ministry candidates interested in service with our district. While in Wilmore, we were able to connect with Dr. Matthew and Nancy Sleeth (http://www.blessedearth.org/).

​Wednesday evening, we attended a public seminar led by Dr. Sleeth on the significance of trees in the Bible, a sneak preview of his upcoming book. They also graciously hosted us for supper on Thursday evening. Many of you will know them from their work on Sabbath Living (http://sabbathliving.org/ ) and Matthew’s book: 24/6
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We were back in Indiana on Friday in time to join with Pastor Johnnie and Pastor Amanda Blair for the home-going celebration for Rev. Johnnie Blair, Sr. It really was an inspiring service testifying to a life well-lived and a legacy of faith left in his family that is serving the God that Rev. Blair loved.

​Our prayers and sympathies are also extended to Pastor Steve DeNeff and the other members of the family of Mrs. Evelyn DeNeff. Rev. Chris Williams represented the district team at her funeral service on Thursday, March 15.
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Friday evening, I was able to take in the “Apologetics and Apple Pie” seminar hosted by Dr. Ken Schenck at IWU with Dr. Jerry Walls (guest lecturer) and Dr. Scott Burson (IWU professor) discussing the philosophical arguments for the existence of God. They co-authored a book on C.S. Lewis and Francis Schaffer. It was encouraging to see a full house of IWU ministerial students out on Friday night for an apologetics seminar!

​Don’t delay! Register today! You and your leadership team won’t want to miss the 2018 ReEquip workshops with Professor Mark Wilson, Rev. Ron Wickard and Matthew DePrez coming up on April 21 in Marion, Indiana. The price is right. The location is convenient. The time is now. Make tracks, not excuses!  REGISTER FOR REEQUIP

There’s still time to register your youth group for Fusion 2018, April 6-7 at Indiana Wesleyan University! FUSION at IWU

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

Your servant in Christ,
Mark Gorveatte