Fountain City Transition and DBMD

Fountain City Wesleyan Church has a wonderful history serving Christ and His Kingdom for the past 175 years. Rev. David Anderson has faithfully led the church through its most exciting chapter over the past 34 years. Today marked the official transition as Rev. Steve Bray was officially installed as the new senior pastor. It was a joy to represent our Crossroads team and celebrate this special occasion in the Saturday evening and two Sunday morning services.

There were so many significant moments in these services that included a powerful message from Dr. Don Bray (Steve’s father) and more than a few smiles. This photo is from a special moment when Pastor Dave Anderson passed on his mantle (a topcoat he wore years before in a stewardship campaign video) to Pastor Steve. May God grant a double-portion of His favor and anointing on this ministry!

Sunday afternoon, I chaired the Local Church Conference at Colfax Wesleyan Church as they elected their officers and voted to extend an initial call to Rev. Harold Henson. Then, I drove on to Frankfort First Wesleyan Church to join Rev. Alan Downing and his team for their annual conference and to chair the pastoral vote. The congregation voted unanimously to provide an extended call to Pastor Downing. Another highlight of their annual meeting was the report of 5 baptisms and 15 new members this year.
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Last week began with a staff meeting in Marion on Monday morning. Monday afternoon, I was in Fishers to meet with two church planters from inner city Indianapolis who are prayerfully considering transferring into The Wesleyan Church. Then, on Monday evening, the Executive Committee of the General Board of The Wesleyan Church convened in preparation for the General Board (GB) meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday. I’m grateful for the leadership of Dr. Wayne Schmidt and these leaders who gather from across North America to provide governance to our team. Among the presentations at this session of the GB was a multiplication update led by our own Danielle Freed with Rev. Mike Hilson (New Life Network) and Rev. Steve McVey (Dirt Roads Network). God is writing amazing stories through these multiplication networks.
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The General Board set aside time to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the merger between the Pilgrim Holiness Church and The Wesleyan Methodist Church back in June 1968 at Anderson, Indiana. Dr. Bob Black, retiring professor of religion at Southern Wesleyan University, shared his encouraging historical perspective on the trajectory of the merged denomination. These are exciting days as God continues to sharpen our focus on disciple-making and church multiplication.
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​Thursday, I was able to meet with Pastor Ben Parker (Back Creek Wesleyan Church), Rev. Michael Hewitt (Rising Hope Church) and Rev. Calimerio Rodriguez (Frankfort Templo de Poder) for coaching conversations. It was also a joy to meet with Dr. Aron Willis to close out the day. He and Cheryl are close to completing their new home in North Carolina but he was back in Indiana to conduct a family funeral. I’m grateful for his friendship and encouragement through the years.
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Friday and Saturday, I joined with Dr. David Smith and members of the Crossroads District Board of Ministerial Development who met in Marion to interview this year’s ordination candidates. We have an incredible team of committee members across our district who work with our ministerial students in preparation for ordination.

​Our team is blessed to serve the growing cohort of emerging leaders that God is calling as workers into His harvest field. Please mark your calendar for June 22 and plan to join us at College Wesleyan Church for the Celebration of Ordination on Friday at 7 p.m.

Just a quick reminder to our pastors and credentialed ministers that it is time to promptly file annual service reports and annual statistical reports for our churches. Our office team is available if you have questions or need assistance.

Thank you for all you do to advance the Kingdom!

Your servant in Christ,
Mark Gorveatte