Maximizing Impact in Anderson, Regional Meetings, and Fusion

This past weekend, I joined with Rev. Paul James (lead consultant with Church Health Initiative), Rev. David Dignal and Rev. Mark Atkinson for a Maximizing Impact consultation at Anderson Central Wesleyan Church. Pastor Jerry and Teresa Alexander have been leading this turnaround project which has had some ups and downs. (There were 71 in attendance on Sunday.)
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After the individual interviews and focus group on Friday, Rev. James taught the Maximizing Impact principles to an engaged group on Saturday. On Sunday morning, Rev. James preached and then presented the consultation team’s report. I’ll be back at Anderson Central next Sunday evening for the town hall meeting and the congregation will vote on the report on April 29. Pray that God will grant clear direction and unity!
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Sunday afternoon, I had the privilege of worshiping with Rev. Calimerio and Maria Rodriguez and the growing congregation of Templo de Poder in Frankfort. The ministry has been welcomed into the Frankfort First Wesleyan facility and this partnership is benefiting both congregations. Pray as they seek ways to deepen this partnership in the days ahead.
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​My final meeting of the day was with Rev. Alan Downing and the LBA of Frankfort First. Pastor Alan’s call will be voted on at their upcoming annual conference and it was encouraging to see the strong support of the LBA that unanimously recommended an extended call.
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Much of last week was consumed in board meetings. First, on Tuesday, I participated as a member of the Wesley Seminary board. Rev. Stan Hoover chairs that group and it was an interesting day given to stewarding the remarkable progress that has been made in the past 10 years. Dr. Colleen (Wilson) Derr is off to a strong start as the new president and it was a delight to be there for her installation on Wednesday. The highlight, for me, of her installation was the moment when the faculty gathered around her for the consecration prayer that was led by her father, retired General Superintendent, Dr. Earle Wilson.

​Wednesday afternoon, I met with Rev. Dr. Mark Eckart (Indiana South DS), Rev. Les Crossfield (Great Ohio DS), and Rev. Aaron Sherman (KY-TN DS) at Thornapple Lodge for continued dialogue around the opportunities for partnership in the heartland region. One of the possibilities is a shared services agreement with the General Treasurer’s office so we were pleased to welcome Mr. Kevin Batman to the discussion. Our pastors will hear more about these developments at our regional meetings this week.
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The Indiana Wesleyan University Board of Trustees met on Thursday. I was able to participate in the morning session before heading to Avon to minister to the family and conduct the funeral service for retired Crossroads District pastor, Rev. Edward Reel, Jr.  Please remember Sister Rose Reel and her daughters in your prayers as they grieve the loss of their husband, father, and faithful servant of the Lord.

Friday morning, the IWU Board continued to meet and took part in the chapel service that marked the beginning of FUSION weekend. The chapel service was anointed and I’ve heard great reports from the weekend led by Rev. Charlie Alcock and his dedicated team of students. Sherry and I were privileged to provide housing at Thornapple Lodge and host the youth group from Journey Church in Caledonia, Michigan.
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​I’m looking forward to our Regional Meetings this week where we’ll be drawing names to win the Grand Prize of a free couples registration to “The Gathering” in Orlando!
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• Region 2 (Indy region), led by Assistant District Superintendent Mike Colaw, meets on Monday afternoon, from 3:00-4:30 pm, at Trinity Wesleyan Church on Allisonville Road in Fishers.
• Region 1 (Fort Wayne region), led by Assistant District Superintendent Matthew Trexler, meets on Tuesday morning, 9:00-10:30 am, at The River Church in Marion
• Region 3 (northwest region), led by Assistant District Superintendent Chris Williams, meets on Wednesday morning, 10:30-noon, at The Bridge Wesleyan Church in Logansport (301 E Linden Avenue).

Sherry and I are looking forward to Friday when we’ll be hosting the Retired Ministers and Spouses for “Coffee & Cupcakes” in the morning at Wesleyan HQ in Fishers and in the afternoon at Brookhaven Wesleyan Church in Marion. Invitations were mailed last month and we’ve already heard back from nearly 30 friends who will join us for fellowship and a presentation from Rev. Ron McClung on the latest developments at HQ.

Friday evening, April 13, Sherry and I are pleased to welcome the lead pastors and spouses from the Indy Zone for supper and fellowship at Thornapple Lodge (from 6:30 to 9). You may still RSVP by calling or emailing Seth Bye.

Thank you for all you do to advance the Kingdom!

Your servant in Christ,
Mark Gorveatte