Fairmount Camp, Grow Conference, and Baptisms!

Back in 2015, when the Indiana North District conference voted to set Fairmount Camp up as a distinct nonprofit corporation, some were concerned about what that would mean for the future. Not only has this camping organization survived (even through a pandemic) but, judging from the ministries happening there this summer, Fairmount Camp, Inc., is thriving.
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The youth camp earlier this summer under the leadership of Rev. Andrew Kinney was at maximum capacity and will be split into two sessions next summer (one for middle school/junior high and a second for senior high). The children’s camp under the leadership of Rev. Michele Henry broke through the 200 mark with an amazing week of ministry.
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And just the past week, the historic Camp Meeting (dating back to 1895) led by Rev. Rob Tippey, Rev. Jeff Luedtke, and Executive Director Krista Brown, drew strong crowds from the first Sunday evening rally with Dr. Jim Dunn to the closing service last evening with Rev. Moe Diggs. God moved among His people once again!
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This year’s Crossroads District conference voted to formally recognize the relationship with Fairmount Camp, Inc., as an affiliate corporation. In this structure, the Board of Directors is elected by the DBA of the Crossroads District (from nominees recommended by the camp) and changes in the camp’s corporate bylaw must be ratified by the DBA before filing with the state of Indiana. The Board of Directors is empowered with full operational control of this vital ministry and, going forward, holds full title to the property. (If the ministry were to ever cease, the property title does revert back to The Wesleyan Church.)
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This gives the camping leadership maximum freedom and control for programming and facility development while maintaining doctrinal fidelity and historical connectedness to The Wesleyan Church. Crossroads District doesn’t select speakers, approve budgets, or manage operations. We can celebrate the ministry without controlling the ministry.
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As a district comprised of more than 100 local congregations, each with unique contexts, we understand that local church leaders must make decisions that are best for their ministries. In fact, more than 700 teenagers from district churches participated in a variety of camps last summer. We affirm that the more students engaged in Christian camping experiences the better, no matter how many different options that will involve. One size or style doesn’t fit all but the important thing is that we minister to as many teenagers and children as possible. Fairmount Camp is a great option to consider for you and your students and is certainly worthy of your financial support. We celebrate the life-changing impact of this ministry in the past and pray for God’s continued blessing in the years ahead. Click here to read the most recent camp newsletter.
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I was able to attend several Family Camp services last week. Also, from Tuesday to Thursday, I joined more than 30 pastors and leaders from our district who participated in this year’s GROW Conference at Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama. Hosted by Pastor Chris Hodges and sponsored, in part, by the Wesleyan Investment Foundation, this event gathered more than 5000 leaders from across the USA and 30 other countries to focus on leading our churches in more effective disciple-making.
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One of the highlights of GROW each year is the Wednesday evening service with Dr. John Maxwell as the keynote speaker. Dr. Maxwell has been a coach/mentor to Pastor Chris Hodges for more than 15 years and continues to come to GROW each year. He sits on the front row, takes notes to keep learning, and then provides the main session address on the second night. This year, he and Pastor Chris gave every attendee a copy of their latest book, Jesus, the High Road Leader.
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For those leaders who would like to attend the next GROW event, the full conference is scheduled for July 29-31, 2025. Tickets become available on October 30, 11:00 EST, and last year the conference sold out to full capacity in less than 30 minutes.

Sunday morning, July 21, I had the privilege of worshiping with Pastor Johnnie Blair and the team at Tipton Trinity Wesleyan Church. Pastor Johnnie’s message was anointed and the service concluded with three new believers publicly professing their faith in Jesus as Lord!
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Sunday afternoon, I joined Pastor Zack Working and the team from Huntington Hope Rising Church as they baptized 7 new believers in an outdoor setting followed by a fellowship meal. Emma, teenaged daughter of Rev. Carla Working and Pastor Zack, had discipled two of the baptism candidates and had the joy of baptizing them. Pastor Zack and his team were one of the groups that attended GROW with us last week. God is on the move at Hope Rising!
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I also received word from Pastor Lyle Breeding that they had another great day at Bluffton Sonlight Wesleyan Church. Last year was amazing at Sonlight with a 21% gain in worship attendance and 12 baptisms. Yesterday morning, Pastor Lyle baptized six more new believers. We rejoice with Sonlight in these lives that are being #MadeNew by the power of Christ!
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We’re always excited to welcome new leaders to the Crossroads District. Rev. Duncan Prior has accepted the call to become the next pastor at Laketon Wesleyan Church, following the effective ministry of Rev. David and Suzanne Cox. Rev. Prior will be transferring from the International Fellowship of Bible Churches (with historic Wesleyan roots) bringing extensive pastoral, nonprofit, and missions experience. Please join me in welcoming Rev. Duncan and Elaine Prior to our district team.
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I love hearing stories about district churches impacting their communities with God’s love in tangible ways. I received word that Westview Wesleyan Church in Jonesboro, led by Pastor Ryan Budde, was hosting a back-to-school backpack and resource giveaway. I decided to drop by on Saturday morning to see it for myself. Their team started welcoming and lining up people at 8:30 a.m. for the 10:00 a.m. event. Pastor Ryan shared that they served 548 children from 196 different families. Well done, Westview!
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Don’t miss the Celebration of Ministry on September 15, 5 pm, at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion. The ordained ministers will meet promptly at 4:30 for our group photo and directions for our participation in the service. The service will begin 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 also 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 and for a time of fellowship. 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 excellent report is from Rev. Michele Henry, district champion for kids ministry. Here’s the link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I8DPC1ahtZzJ3OB4g2lskgYzBI6fYI6I/view?usp=sharing
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​Thank you for all you do to make a difference for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent
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P.S. We’re excited to partner with our friend Shawn Lovejoy and his organization, Courage to Lead, to offer this leadership training event for pastors and business leaders on September 17, right here in Indianapolis. Shawn has been both a successful commercial real estate developer and an effective church planter. We’re grateful for Shawn’s willingness to provide a 30% discount for our district pastors. Registration is limited so sign up early and use the discount code “Wesleyan” when you register and let’s enjoy this day together learning to be more courageous leaders. https://www.couragetolead.com/oneday