Sunday morning, July 11, I had the privilege of worshiping with Pastor Charles and Crystal Moorer and the wonderful congregation at Divine Direction Church in Indianapolis. Rev. Moorer is another of our dedicated bi-vocational pastors. In addition to leading the team at Divine Direction, Pastor Chuck runs his own insurance adjustment company and is also a gospel recording artist. His latest releases are played on gospel stations across the country and he’ll be making his international debut at a gospel music festival in London, England this fall. (https://charlesmoorerpraise.com/music) Before the morning service, I was blessed to meet with Pastor Moorer and his prayer team.
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Divine Direction has a wonderful team of lay leaders who are impacting their community through Feed My Sheep, a monthly food distribution and discipleship ministry. They also sponsor an annual Back2School outreach providing free backpacks and school supplies for children in their neighborhood. After the morning service, I enjoyed connecting with the members of the local board. Please keep this vital ministry in your prayers as they serve God in the city!
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Sunday afternoon, Muncie Memorial Drive Wesleyan Church hosted the pastoral installation service for Rev. Eric George. It was an honor to represent our Crossroads District team in presiding over the installation and welcoming Rev. Eric and Diana George to this new ministry appointment. In addition to his leadership at the church, Rev. George is employed full-time as a chaplain in a nearby correctional facility. Pray that God will bless his ministry in each of these important assignments.
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Sunday evening, Frankfort Camp Ministries launched their annual week of Family Camp with Rev. David Duncan as the leadoff evangelist and Anne Downing as special musical guest. David and Shirley Duncan have been friends from back in the days when I was a student at Southern Wesleyan University so it is always good to reconnect with them. Phil and Ronda Foley are doing a great job leading the ministry at Frankfort as an interdenominational camping ministry. Pray that God will meet with them this week.
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Fairmount Camp wrapped up a great week of children’s ministry with 180 kids and 75 workers for the week of “Rise Up.” I was able to drop in at the camp for a couple of the rallies. I also connected with several of our Crossroads District pastors who were serving there through the week including Ben Capshaw (Elwood), Dave Cox (Laketon), Andy Cole (Lapel), and Carol Schenck (Noblesville). Special thanks goes to every pastor who prioritizes these camping ministries with their students.
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Thank you to each pastor who has planned a baptism opportunity this summer. We are praying that people will be coming to Christ every week in our churches and we love to hear the stories of people publicly proclaiming their faith through baptism. Pastor Matthew Trexler and The River Church in Marion had the joy of baptizing two new believers yesterday morning. Praise God for lives #MadeNew!
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For those of you who were not able to join us for district conference this year, here is a list of the elected and appointed leaders who will be serving this year. By ballot, the conference elected the at-large members of the DBA to serve as delegates to General Conference 2022 in St. Louis. The additional delegates elected are also listed.
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Executive Officers
Vice Chair of DBA – Rev. Chris Williams (Marion Lakeview)
District Secretary – Rev. Carol Schenck (Noblesville Circle of Hope)
District Treasurer – Rev. Craig Thurmon (Indianapolis Encounter Assembly)

Assistant District Superintendents
Region 1 – Rev. Matthew Trexler (Marion The River)
Region 2 – Rev. Michael Colaw (Indianapolis Trinity)
Region 3 – Rev. Chris Williams (Marion Lakeview)

District Board of Administration (Ordained)
Amanda Blair (Tipton Trinity)
Barry Dixon (Indianapolis Calvary Family)
Emily Hines (Marion Brookhaven)
Jeffrey Luedtke (Fairmount)

District Board of Administration (Lay)
Randy Griffin (Greenfield Brown’s Chapel)
Joel Hunt (Marion College)
Lisa Knepp (Plymouth Shiloh)
Amy Luchetti (Marion College)
Tonya Scalf (Greentown)
Lennaire Vaughn (South Bend – The Bridge Urban Church)

General Conference Delegates (Ordained)
Mark Atkinson (Gas City Eastview)
Mike Colaw (Indianapolis Trinity)
Steve DeNeff (Marion College)
Jim Lo (Anderson United)
Chris Williams (Marion Lakeview)

General Conference Delegates (Lay)
Ryan Biegel (Marion The River)
Sharon Cady (Indianapolis Trinity)
David Tippey (Marion Brookhaven)
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Dr. Jim Lo and Dr. Andrea Summers are the camp evangelists for this year’s Fairmount Family Camp, July 18-25. The daily schedule is posted on the camp’s Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/FairmountCamp
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​Thank you for all you are doing this week to advance God’s Kingdom!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

This is an abbreviated update given our holiday weekend. Hopefully you were able to take a few days to enjoy celebrating America’s 245th birthday with your family and friends. We really are blessed to live in this wonderful land of freedom and opportunity. America still has room for improvement but the fact is that more people are trying to get into this country than are trying to leave it. I join you in praying that our country may continue to become a more perfect union with liberty and justice for all.
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Sunday morning, July 4, I had the privilege of preaching at Hartford City Wesleyan Church where I’ve been serving as interim pastor. This is a wonderful congregation ministering in Blackford County, one of the smallest and least affluent counties in the state of Indiana. It has been a joy to serve with their leaders and staff during this time of transition. We were blessed to welcome Amanda Banter, Global Partners missionary-appointee, who is preparing to join the team of Wesleyan missionaries serving in the Czech Republic. Amanda shared her testimony of God’s trustworthiness in her life and calling to ministry as part of my sermon from Lamentations 3:22-24 on the great faithfulness of God.
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It was a wonderful blessing to hear from Amanda (a member of The River Church in Marion) and to be able to pray for her as she continues raising prayer partners and financial support. Thank you to each one of our Crossroads District churches who have already partnered with Amanda. If you haven’t had the chance to have Amanda share in your church, there’s still time this summer.

On Tuesday, June 29, I was able to attend the Indiana South District Conference. It was encouraging to hear the reports of church planting and congregational renewal. Dr. Mark Eckart, who has served as their district superintendent for 18 years, was re-elected to another term. General Superintendent Dr. Wayne Schmidt joined the conference to bring greetings from our denomination. IWU President Dr. David Wright was also there to bring greetings to this district that had been home to his family for years when his father and mother ministered there. We’re excited to partner again this year with Indiana South, Greater Ohio, and Kentucky-Tennessee district to provide The Heartland Region Gathering in Pigeon Forge, TN, March 22-24, 2022.
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Summer camping ministry continues across our district family. Last week, I received the report from Rev. Seth Merrill that Camp United, a partnership of several churches on the western side of our district, had another successful week at Hanging Rock Christian Assemblies Camp. We are celebrating with them as they reported 30 professions of faith and 4 students testified to answering a calling to ministry.

This week, the Fairmount Camp Ministry is hosting their annual children’s camp with another great turnout. Pray for the Executive Director Angela Spangler, her staff, the many volunteers and the precious children who will be ministered to this week. The stakes are high and the statistics are compelling that as many as 85% of all people who ever come to faith in Christ do so between the ages of 4 and 14. (Source: ​http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/ages.htm)
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Fairmount Camp is welcoming Dr. Jim Lo and Dr. Andrea Summers as their evangelists and Rev. Matthew Stewart as the Bible teacher for their family camp beginning on July 18-25. (www.fairmountcamp.org). Frankfort Camp runs from July 11-18 with Rev. David Duncan and Rev. Nathan Bryant as evangelists.
(https://www.facebook.com/Frankfort-Camp-Ministries-442025890366)
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​Pray that God will graciously meet with His people in these camps and empower us for effective service in these great days of opportunity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

“Best of all, God is with us!” These are recorded as John Wesley’s final words and that same thought echoed in my heart as the 2021 Crossroads District Conference adjourned on Saturday afternoon. Thank you to Dr. David Wright and his helpful team (Phil Huber and many others) at Indiana Wesleyan University for being such generous hosts to our delegates for ordination and conference. We were honored once again this year to welcome as our special guest Rev. Dr. Wayne Schmidt, our General Superintendent and a member of our conference, who led our ordination service on Friday evening and our communion service at the first session on Saturday.
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Ordination service is always a highlight in our district life. Thank you to every ordained minister and spouse who, by their presence, helped to make this such a special evening. Dr. Wayne Schmidt ordained Rev. Joyce Dixon (Indianapolis Calvary), Rev. Ed Ensley (Marion Chapel Pike), Rev. Jessica Folz (Marion Lakeview), Rev. Allen Gross (Cicero United), Rev. Kyle Horton (Fort Wayne Three Rivers), Rev. Christian Kelley (Marion Lakeview), Rev. Stephen Mathews (Richmond LifeSpring), Rev. Scott McDermid (Sheridan Six Points), Rev. John Miller (Speedway Way City Church), Rev. Andy Riemersma Westfield ONE Church), Rev. Brandon Shroyer (Tipton Trinity), and Rev. Josh Warren (Laketon Wesleyan). Mr. James Bechdol (Lafayette Evergreen) was affirmed as a Commissioned Special Worker.
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Thank you to our district office team: Rev. Seth Bye, Rev. Carla Working, and Michael (Woody) Wood for their countless hours and “can-do” attitudes. Special thanks to Josh Lavender and his team for leading such meaningful worship, and a profound debt of gratitude to Rev. Chip Bos who did amazing work this year as our videographer.
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In addition to elections, the conference delegates debated three proposals brought forward by the Conference Action Committee. Delegates approved electing DBA members to 3-year alternating terms. Delegates approved an amended recommendation to move the minimum recommended salary for full-time pastors from $575 per week to $650 per week. (This adjustment reflected the change in cost of living since the original amount was established.) Delegates debated but ultimately defeated a recommendation that would have allowed local churches to withdraw from the denomination and retain their property if the denomination were to ever change its official position on same-sex marriage. Similar proposals have been passed in other districts and will likely be considered at General Conference 2022.

Our district conference concluded on a high note with a closing challenge and prayer for pastors who were willing to lead their churches in prayerfully considering where and by when they might be used of God to plant a new Kingdom community. Dr. Jim Lo led us in this closing prayer time over these pastors and our present corps of church planters. Mark your calendar and make plans to join us next year on June 24-25 for ordination and conference!
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Sunday morning, June 27, I had the privilege of worshiping with Pastor Dan Fisher and the wonderful folks at Delphi Wesleyan Church. Pastor Dan and Amy are beginning their 15th year of ministry at Delphi Wesleyan. Last year they averaged 38 in person and 13 online with four professions of faith and four baptisms. Dan preached a powerful message on “The Miracle of The Church” from Acts 2. Please remember Amy, Dan’s wife, who has some continuing health issues that may be related to her bout with Covid19.

While much of last week was consumed with conference prep, I was blessed to sit in on the Region 1 pastors and spouses enrichment event hosted last Monday at The River Church in Marion. Pastor Matthew Trexler, Assistant DS for Region 1, and his team at The River welcomed us for a lunch session, an afternoon Q & A, and an evening meal with Rev. Ken and Serena Murphy who lead the dynamic ministry of Cypress Wesleyan Church in Columbus, Ohio. The learning was rich, the fellowship was sweet, and the meals were delicious! Thank you, Pastor Trexler!
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I am always encouraged to receive praise reports from our pastors. Yesterday afternoon, I heard from two of our pastors via texts with pictures. Pastor David Cox and the team at Laketon Wesleyan Church were rejoicing to report five baptisms on Sunday morning. The group pictured below includes one lady who is 95-years-old and also includes Pastor David’s 14-year-old grandson. Praise God for lives being #MadeNew!
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Pastor Rich VanVuren shared the exciting report of five new members joining the Shiloh Wesleyan Church last Sunday and two new believers being baptized yesterday as a public profession of their new lives in Christ. We rejoice with Pastor Rich and the Shiloh team as they continue to pray and work together to see more lives being #MadeNew!
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Pastor Matthew Stewart passed along the good report that the Wesleyan Bible Bowl team from Sweetser Wesleyan Church placed 2nd in the national event in Oklahoma earlier this month and that Brian Crossman, their team member, won 1st place in individual quizzing. Congratulations to Sweetser Wesleyan and Pastor Stewart who served as their team’s coach. If your church would be interested in developing a Bible quizzing team, Pastor Stewart is willing to help your volunteers get off to a strong start.
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Thank you for all you do to advance God’s Kingdom here in the Crossroads of America!

​Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday afternoon, I had the privilege of worshiping with Rev. Terry and Lennaire Vaughn at The Bridge in South Bend. Pastor Terry and Lennaire have been faithfully making disciples and developing leaders in the core city. They are truly Kingdom entrepreneurs who serve wholeheartedly while managing a growing family and three businesses. Commitment to Christ, creativity in ministry, and passion for the lost are key markers of this ministry. I enjoyed the original rap songs and the testimonies that were shared for Father’s Day. The Bridge runs from 30 to 50 in person while also growing their online ministry. Last year they were blessed to baptize 11 new believers. Most of you know this, but church planting is truly a team effort. Spouses of church planters are real heroes. Terry and Lennaire Vaughn are great examples of that partnership. Pray as they continue to advance the Kingdom!
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Sunday morning, I was also able to drop in on Rev. Greg Holmes and the team at South Bend Sonlight Fellowship. Pastor Greg interviewed two participants from their youth camp and several members of the congregation took time to share tributes to their fathers. Pastor Greg and Cheryl are beginning their 16th year of ministry at Sonlight Fellowship. Earlier this spring, Sonlight Fellowship began hosting the South Bend campus of Cielos Abiertos Iglesia Wesleyana that is being launched by Pastor Ruben and Susana Santos. Join me in praying for the impact of these ministries in South Bend.
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Last week’s schedule included appointments on Monday, staff meetings on Tuesday, and one of the last coaching conversations of the season. On Wednesday, our office staff and some terrific volunteers gathered to assemble the 500 packets for delegates and friends who will gather this Saturday, June 26, for district conference. Many hands made light work so we finished promptly and then shared lunch together at one of our favorite spots in downtown Marion.
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Thursday evening, I was blessed to connect with Rev. Jeff and Arianna Eckhart for the last evening rally of Never The Same Camp (NTS) held again this year at Indiana Wesleyan University. Approximately 1000 students and their leaders gathered for this year’s event. More than one hundred students responded to the salvation message and professed faith in Jesus Christ. The Thursday evening rally has traditionally been focused on the call to ministry. This year, 112 students responded by saying “Yes” to serving wherever God calls them to serve. Pray for the important followup work that will be taking place in our local churches over the coming months. If your youth group is looking for solid discipleship resources to help your teenagers take their next steps, check out the helpful “Soul Exercises” material that NTS has developed: https://soulexercises.com/

Sherry and I enjoyed a couple of days away last week including time with our granddaughter Lennon and her parents. John, our oldest child and Lennon’s dad, turned 30 on Friday so we gathered in Grand Rapids with all of our children to celebrate his birthday and his first Father’s Day.

This is the week! Prayers have been focused. Plans have been made. Now we gather from our 108 local churches. Our aim is for pastors and lay delegates to come away with renewed vision and passion for the great mission to which God has called us. If you’re not attending the sessions, I would be grateful if you would join us in prayer for the Ordination Service on Friday evening, 7 p.m., and for District Conference 2021 on Saturday, from 9 until 4:30. We are pleased that Dr. Wayne Schmidt, our General Superintendent, will be able to join us for both days. Together, may we rise to the challenge of making disciples who make disciples and multiplying churches among the 3 million unreached people here in Indiana and on to the ends of the earth!
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Your servant in Christ,
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Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, Sherry and I worshiped with the congregation at Hartford City Wesleyan Church. The DBA graciously permitted me to fill in as the interim (very part-time) pastor for HCWC after the unexpected resignation of their pastor last summer. I’m not there often on Sundays but have chaired the weekly staff meetings and monthly LBA meetings. One of the joys has been working alongside their ministry staff which includes Rev. Mark Schnell (Assistant Pastor), Ben Robison (assistant for youth and preaching), Gillian Haenggi (youth director), Zera Garrett (children), John Bonham (administration) and others.
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Yesterday was a special occasion as we said farewell to Ben Robison who has served the church so well in this transition. He carried much of the preaching load in the fall and also mentored Gillian who will be leading the youth team this year. It was a joy to join with Rev. Schnell and the leadership team in praying a blessing over Ben and Mandi as they move to Georgia for new ministry and graduate school opportunities.
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Sunday evening, I enjoyed connecting with Pastor Jerome Bell and the launch team for Autumn Hills Church in Pendleton. The team enjoyed supper together (thank you, Jayne) followed by Bible study and planning. Pastor Joe and Julia Jackson (Anderson United Wesleyan) also dropped in to be an encouragement. Pastor Jerome and Lenita are excited about their “Art Camp” community connection event beginning next week. Pray that God will continue to open hearts to the Gospel as this team reaches out with God’s love!
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Last week’s schedule included preparation for District Conference 2021. Our staff met on Tuesday, and then again Thursday with the DBMD and the DC2021 planning team. Tuesday also included joining in with General Superintendent Dr. Wayne Schmidt for one of his monthly Zoom meetings with the district superintendents. One of the highlights of that call was his report that 1873 unique connections joined in on one of the two live presentations of the Pentecost Prayer Gathering that he hosted last month. That online gathering included Wesleyans from 54 countries of the world!
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Wednesday morning, I first met with Rev. Chip Bos (Marion College Wesleyan) and Seth Bye to shoot video for our conference before heading to Union City for my coaching conversation with Pastor John Hannan. Pastor John and Beth are doing a remarkable job of loving their community and launching CrossRoads Church. I closed out the day worshiping with the students and leaders at Fairmount Youth Camp. Jacob Thurston was the camp evangelist and the leadership team was very encouraged by the strong spiritual response (more than 30 professions of faith). Pray for the important follow-up work that will be happening in their home churches. Also pray for our district students who will be gathering this week at Indiana Wesleyan University for Never The Same (NTS) Camp.
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Thursday, the DBMD (District Board of Ministerial Development) convened for a report on the review of Annual Service Reports and to make final ministerial appointment recommendations for district conference. Thursday afternoon, I met with Rev. Duane Seitz for an update on the ministry at Silver Lake Wesleyan Church. While Silver Lake only averaged 19 in worship, they celebrated 4 new professions of faith and 7 baptisms last year!

The highlight of Friday was welcoming six pastors and their spouses to our home for an evening of food, fun, and fellowship. There is something powerful that happens when pastors and their spouses get together. Laughing together, occasionally crying together, and always praying together makes a stronger team. I am grateful for each leader who was able to make this investment of time in their teammates this year.
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Here’s another opportunity to join us in building a stronger team. Our next district-wide leadership development opportunity is coming up on Monday, June 21. Assistant DS Matthew Trexler and the team at The River Church in Marion are hosting Rev. Ken and Serena Murphy for three powerful sessions. You can come for only one of those sessions or join us for all three.
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Many of you will know Ken from his leadership at Cypress Wesleyan Church, one of the fastest growing Wesleyan churches in the USA. Ken has a huge heart for encouraging pastors and their spouses. He and Serena understand the pressures of leadership on couples and families. There is no charge for pastors and their spouses but we do need you to pre-register so we can make arrangements for the meals. Here’s the link for more information and your registration:
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​https://crossroadsdistrict.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/888124

For those of you who will be joining us in person, Ordination Service will begin promptly on Friday, June 25, at 7 p.m. in the chapel at Indiana Wesleyan University. All ministers under appointment in the Crossroads District are expected to attend. We are honored that Dr. Wayne Schmidt, our General Superintendent, will be leading the service again this year.

Conference begins promptly at 9 on Saturday morning in the same location. Delegates, both ministerial and lay, have preregistered online so that meal preparations are adequate. We look forward to celebrating God’s faithfulness together. Please join us in praying that God will direct our deliberations and be glorified in our collective ministry.

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, June 6, I had the privilege of worshiping with Pastor John Miller and the team at Way City Church in Speedway. It was also good to reconnect with Ethan Zent, recent Kingswood University graduate who just completed his initial residency with Indianapolis Trinity Church. Ethan is heading to Sioux Falls, SD for a two-year residency at Ransom Church.
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Pastor John and Heather Miller stepped out in faith to plant here in their hometown back in the fall of 2019. They came back to Speedway after serving on staff at a larger church and also being part of the launch team at Waterline Church with Rev. John and Danielle Freed.

Way City Church currently leases space in a sanctuary owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis. They share the building with a food bank and an immigration center. Launching a new church a few months before the pandemic was not part of their strategic plan but they flexed to hybrid church with an average of 30 “in person” and 15 engaged online each week this last conference year. Pray that God will continue to bless the Miller’s and this new Kingdom community!

Sunday evening, I dropped in on one of the three youth camps in which our district churches will be partnering this summer. In addition to Hanging Rock Camp and Never The Same Camps, a good number of our district teenagers take advantage of the camping programs offered by Fairmount Camp.
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I was glad to see several of our pastoral team members serving at Fairmount Camp this week. Rev. Emily and Rev. David Hines (Brookhaven Wesleyan), Pastor Ben Capshaw (Elwood Central), Pastor Jeff Brady (Commoners Church), and Ty Combs (youth pastor at Indianapolis Trinity) were just a few of the leaders I had the chance to connect with before the evening rally. Pray that God moves powerfully in the lives of our students during these summer camps!
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Last week’s schedule was abbreviated with Memorial Day on Monday, but I was able to connect with our staff on Tuesday before heading to Wisconsin for the meaningful memorial service for Rev. Dan Bickel, former DS of Wisconsin District. Pastor Dan was one of our own having been raised in Muncie, graduated from IWU and first served in pastoral ministry here in the Crossroads District. Please continue to remember Mrs. Reenie (Hoover) Bickel and the family in your prayers.

I appreciated the opportunity to connect with four of our pastors for coaching conversations this past week. Pastor Jerome Bell and I met for our coaching conversation at the Autumn Hills Church building in Pendleton on Tuesday morning. Pastor Bell is continuing to invest in launch team development and community connections projects. The Autumn Hills Church team members are excited about their next outreach event using the Art Camp concept. Pray that God will bless their ministry to neighborhood children and their families.

Dr. David Drury is completing his ninth year of service as Chief of Staff for the General Superintendent’s office while also serving as a church planter. We met in his office on Thursday morning for our annual coaching conversation. David will be transitioning into a full-time writing and consulting role this summer while he and Kathy continue to plant One MultiChurch Network. Their microchurch has a specific focus on their Muslim neighbors. This significant ministry requires longterm commitment. David also coaches a network of more than 40 microchurch leaders across the country. Pray that God will guide and provide!

Rev. Gwen Jackson and I met online on Thursday afternoon for our coaching conversation. Pastor Gwen leads another microchurch in the network with the Drurys called 3D. She and her team have also been able to build relationships with Muslims who are open to studying the Bible and learning more about Jesus. Pray that God will continue to deepen these friendships and open the door for more conversations about the hope we have in Christ.

Thursday evening, I met with potential partners for a church planting project in Hendricks County. It was a delight to connect with this team and to hear their vision for reaching friends and neighbors among the 100,000 unchurched people in their county. Pray with me that God will continue to raise up laborers for His harvest!

Friday morning, Pastor Ben Parker (Fairmount Back Creek Church) and I met for our coaching conversation. Pastor Ben just came through a recent challenging experience with Covid-19 in their congregation. Pastor Ben and Helen, his wife, along with several congregation members in their church family tested positive. Only one member was hospitalized but is now on the road to recovery. Pray for God’s continued healing and full recoveries.

Pastor Don Bayne and the team at New Carlisle Wesleyan Church found that people responded well to outdoor services last summer in the peak of the pandemic. They decided to offer this again even though their county has relaxed indoor seating restrictions. Pastor Don reported another positive response with strong attendance in person and folks also joining online. They will continue offering this outdoor worship experience through July 4.
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Our greatest celebration is when people surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. We are celebrating this week with Pastor Seth Bye and the team at Nehemiah Church in Avon as they baptized their first new believer in this calendar year. Pastor Seth is leading the church through a process that will result in their relaunching this fall so this was an encouraging way to conclude the present season of ministry as they look forward to the next. Praise the Lord for lives being #MadeNew!
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Pastors have already received their invitations directly via email but just a reminder about our next district-wide leadership development opportunity coming up on Monday, June 21. Assistant DS Matthew Trexler and the team at The River Church in Marion are hosting three sessions with Rev. Ken and Serena Murphy. Many of you will know Ken from his leadership at Cypress Wesleyan Church, one of the fastest growing Wesleyan churches in the USA. Ken has a huge heart for encouraging pastors and their spouses. He and Serena understand the pressures of leadership on couples and families. There is no charge for pastors and their spouses but we do need you to pre-register so we can make arrangements for the meals. Here’s the link for more information and your registration:
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​https://crossroadsdistrict.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/888124

Your prayers make a difference. Please continue to intercede for the health concerns of Pastor Dan Clark (Monon Wesleyan), Mrs. Amy Fisher (Delphi Wesleyan), and Pastor Brad LeRoy (McCordsville Harvest Community Church).
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Thank you for all you do to advance God’s Kingdom in your zip code and beyond!

Your servant in Christ,
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Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, May 30, Sherry and I had the privilege of worshiping with the fine folks at North Anderson Wesleyan Church. Pastor David Shafer and Assistant Pastor James Scott Stamper lead this growing ministry. NAWC has stayed busy during the pandemic with the most recent project being the expansion of their entryway to make room for a welcome center and coffee counter. Following the morning service, I met briefly with their Local Board of Administration and then Sherry and I hosted the pastoral families for lunch.
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Last week's schedule included a board meeting (via Zoom) for the Wesleyan Bible Conference Association (Brooksville) and a district conference planning team meeting in Marion. Please make plans now to join us for ordination service at the IWU Chapel Auditorium on Friday evening, June 25, at 7 p.m. as we celebrate the ordination of 12 women and men who are answering God's call. District Conference will convene on Saturday morning, June 26, with doors opening at 8 a.m. and the business session beginning at 9. We are grateful that our General Superintendent Dr. Wayne Schmidt will be able to be with us for both of these events. Pastors have already received information for pre-registering their delegation. For more information, follow this link:
https://conference.crossroadsdistrict.org/

Tuesday afternoon I led the weekly meeting for our district office team and then met with the staff at Hartford City Wesleyan. On Tuesday evening, I met with the Local Board of Administration at Lone Oak Wesleyan Church. I chaired the meeting as they interviewed Dr. Robert Hallett to serve as their interim pastor. The LBA voted unanimously to request the DBA to make that appointment and the DBA approved that request. Dr. Hallett will begin his ministry at Lone Oak on Sunday, June 27, and lead the congregation through a process similar to the work he did with Lancaster Wesleyan last year.
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Our schedule took a delightful turn last week with the arrival of our first grandchild. John and Lindsey, our oldest son and his wife, welcomed Lennon Joy Gorveatte early on Monday morning. With Covid restrictions, we waited until they were released home on Wednesday but were thrilled to take a few days off to meet this special gift from God. We welcome tips and advice from those of you who have more experience at grandparenting.
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Pastor Mark Atkinson (Gas City Eastview Wesleyan) dedicated a baby and baptized the mother in a special service at their home last week. The family attended Eastview Wesleyan while they were students at IWU. While they’ve moved back home, they continue to feel like part of the Eastview congregation through the online ministry.
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Dr. Steve Bray and our LifeSpring Church in Richmond celebrated a total of 20 baptisms last weekend with 9 of those at the South campus and 11 more at the North campus. Praise the Lord for these lives being #MadeNew!
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​Our prayers and sympathies are extended to the family of Rev. Dan Bickel, formerly the Wisconsin District Superintendent. Sherry and I will be traveling to Wisconsin for his funeral on Wednesday. Dan was pastor to our family when we moved to Wisconsin back in 1998.

Dan graduated from Marion College (Indiana Wesleyan University) in 1973, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1976. Dan married Reenie (Hoover) on July 8, 1972. They were married for 49 wonderful years with two sons and six grandchildren.

Dan served as youth pastor and worship director at Brookhaven Wesleyan Church, Marion, IN, and as pastor at Etna Avenue Wesleyan Church, Huntington, IN. In 2001 he became District Superintendent of the Wisconsin District.
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Dan and Reenie both have deep roots in the Crossroads District. He was born in Hartford City (April 17, 1951) and raised in Muncie. His parents were part of the team that helped launch Rising Hope Church in Muncie. His father-in-law is Dr. Ed Hoover, former district treasurer, and his brothers-in-law (through marriage to Reenie's sisters) are Rev. Stan Hoover (retired DS), Rev. Joel Gearhart (Brookhaven Wesleyan), and Rev. Mike Schultz (Indianapolis Trinity). Please remember the Bickel family in your prayers.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dan’s name to the Wesley Seminary Scholarship Fund at Indiana Wesleyan University.  The memorial service will be held at Blackhawk Church, 9620 Brader Way, Middleton, WI, on Wednesday, June 2, at 2:00 pm, with Rev. Ron Gormong officiating. 

Thank you for all you do to make a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,
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Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

​Sunday morning, May 23, I had the privilege of worshiping with Rev. Neftali and Grace Lopez and the congregation at Carmel Amistad Cristiana. It is always a joy to be with this loving church family. Pastor Neftali had the privilege of dedicating the newest member of the church. I brought the message and then met with the board members after the service.

Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday and many of us were able to participate in the special online prayer events (7 a.m. and 7 p.m.) hosted by our General Superintendent Dr. Wayne Schmidt. It was encouraging to hear the stories of God at work in Wesleyan churches around the world. It was also good to see the number of people from our district who joined in the comment section.
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Last Monday included a meeting with Rev. Matthew Trexler (Marion River Church) about an exciting leadership development opportunity coming up on June 21. Ken Murphy (Cypress Wesleyan Church) and Serena, his wife, will be joining us for a day of learning for pastors and their spouses. Hold the date and stay tuned for details that will be emailed to pastors.

Tuesday morning, I met with Rev. Ervin Webster (Indianapolis St. Stephen Church) for our annual coaching conversation. Tuesday afternoon, I met with the Crossroads District staff and then closed out the day with Rev. Mark Schnell and the Hartford City Wesleyan staff.

Wednesday morning, Dr. David Smith and I met for an update on his new book and work with our district pastors. Dr. Bob Hallett and I met about a potential interim ministry assignment. That afternoon, I met with Dr. Rich Schenck (Noblesville Circle of Hope) for an update on our missions partnership with Bangladesh. My last meeting of the day was on Zoom with the board of Wesleyan Bible Conference Association (Wesleyan Village in Brooksville).
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Thursday and Friday were office days primarily working on year end reporting. Thursday wrapped up with an LBA meeting at Hartford City Wesleyan.
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Saturday, I was able to jump in with Pastor Mike Colaw and the team at Fishers Trinity Wesleyan Church for their inaugural Veritas Conference. We had a strong turnout from across the district for these helpful sessions on crucial issues that we’re facing today. Thank you to Pastor Mike and the Trinity team for their vision and hospitality!
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Saturday afternoon, I joined Pastor Aldean Pablo and the team at SEND Church in Roanoke as Rev. Jason Tash was wrapping up their StratOp planning retreat. Aldean is doing a great job bringing together his team as they prepare for a fresh relaunching this fall. If you and your team would value the investment of a weekend with our StratOp team, please reach out to the district office for the remaining dates available this fall.
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Praise the Lord that He is still in the business of changing lives! Dr. Steve Bray and Campus Pastor Ryan Van Matre had 8 people step forward for baptism yesterday at Richmond LifeSpring South and Pastor Kyle Horton and the Fort Wayne Three Rivers Wesleyan Church celebrated with Thomas this month as he publicly professed his faith and obeyed the command of Jesus Christ to be baptized. #MadeNew
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​Our prayers and sympathies are extended to Rev. Bob McHenry (Marion Nelson Street Wesleyan Church) on the passing of his brother Walt McHenry on Sunday morning, May 23.

Our congratulations are extended to Assistant Pastor Laura Walls (Fishers Waterline Church) and her husband Micah on the birth of Malachi, their first child. Rev. Clifton (retired) and Arletta Ashlock are Laura’s parents and Malachi’s proud grandparents.
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In less than five weeks, we’ll be gathering in Marion at Indiana Wesleyan University for our 2021 District Conference and Ordination. Ordination is on Friday, June 25, and conference will be held on Saturday, June 26. Pastors have received links to register themselves and their delegates. For more information, including the schedule, visit our website:
​https://conference.crossroadsdistrict.org/

Thank you for making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

P.S. Happy Aldersgate Day!
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Fowler is a small community of less than 2,500 people located 30 minutes northwest of Lafayette. Sunday morning, May 16, I had the privilege of ministering with Rev. Judy Hatt and the faithful folks who attend Hope Wesleyan Church. Pastor Judy, now in her 80s, has served as their pastor since 2017. Pastor Judy also conducts a Bible study for a retirement facility in the community. She is hoping to restart their outreach to community children that was shutdown last year by pandemic restrictions.
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After the morning service, I met with the Local Advisory Council led by John Paul Godbey, vice chair and treasurer. Following that meeting, Rev. Hatt and I met for our coaching conversation. Pastor Judy’s husband John has been battling cancer and they would be grateful for your prayers. Pictured here are Rev. Hatt and Mr. Godbey:
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Sunday afternoon, I connected with Rev. Jerome Bell who is leading the church planting team in Pendleton as they prepare to launch Autumn Hills Church this fall. They are currently gathering on Sunday evenings for prayer, planning and discipleship. They have an art camp for neighborhood children coming up as the next step in serving the community and building relationships. The new sign arrived this weekend and plans are still pointing toward a launch this fall. Pastor Jerome and Lenita Bell welcome your prayers and would be glad to follow up on any leads for unchurched prospects you may know in the Pendleton area. You can follow their progress and communicate via their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Autumn-Hills-Church-103364954912201

Last week’s coaching conversations began with Rev. Chris Williams (Marion Lakeview) on Monday. Then, on Wednesday, Rev. Craig Thurmon (Indianapolis The Encounter Assembly), Rev. Jeff Brady (Marion Commoner’s Church), and Rev. Calimerio Rodriguez (Frankfort Templo de Poder). Thursday’s first coaching conversation was with Rev. David Leitzel (Hamilton Wesleyan) and then I met with Rev. Shawnda (Dykhoff) Bilbee later that afternoon.
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My visit with Pastor Calimerio Rodriguez was a special joy as his team recently completed a new worship and fellowship building that they have been working on since 2014. Pastor Calimerio and Maria planted Templo de Poder (Temple of Power) Wesleyan Church in 2001. Although Connecting Point Church and Pastor Alan Downing have been gracious hosts for the past few years, it has always been part of this congregation’s vision to have their own ministry facility.
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Through the generosity and sacrificial efforts of their members, the building was completed in March and the grand opening was held on the weekend of April 10-11. We are praising God with Pastor Rodriguez and the growing congregation at Templo de Poder!
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Last week’s schedule included participating in the monthly meeting of the Wesleyan Bible Conference Association board of directors, leading our district staff meeting and a planning meeting for DBMD, and connecting with the staff team at Hartford City Wesleyan Church.
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Another highlight of the week was dropping in on Pastor Chris Williams and the Lakeview team on Saturday evening as they hosted their annual “Dream Team” event. In addition to valuing their volunteers and recognizing outstanding service, Pastor Chris took this opportunity to share a sneak preview of the inspiring new vision that Lakeview has been developing over the past several months. God has great things in store for this team!
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We’re always delighted to hear reports of life change and baptism celebrations across our district family. Sunday morning, May 16, Pastor Andy Cole and the team at Lapel Daybreak Community Church had the joy of celebrating with four believers who publicly professed their faith in Jesus Christ!
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General Superintendent Dr. Wayne Schmidt is calling the worldwide Wesleyan Church to a special prayer event on May 23, Pentecost Sunday. Pastors have already received this communication directly from HQ but everyone is welcome to join together in this online prayer experience.
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Here are a few things to know: You’ll be able to access the video and chat by visiting the same link you use to RSVP: www.wesleyan.org/together. You may also see live.wesleyan.org in some materials, and don’t worry — that link will work too! The chat room for our service will open at 6:30 a.m. (EDT) and 6:30 p.m. (EDT), 30 minutes prior to the event. Our hosts look forward to talking and praying with you!
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In less than six weeks, we’ll be gathering in Marion at Indiana Wesleyan University for our 2021 District Conference and Ordination. Ordination is on Friday, June 25, and conference will be held on Saturday, June 26. Pastors have received links to register themselves and their delegates. For more information, including the schedule, visit our website:
​https://conference.crossroadsdistrict.org/

Thank you again to all pastors and district leaders who completed their annual reports by the deadline. Your assistance is greatly appreciated as we prepare for annual conference.
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​You still have time to register for the Veritas Pastors Conference coming this Saturday, May 22. This is a new event hosted by Rev. Mike Colaw and the team at Indianapolis Trinity Wesleyan Church. Crossroads District is pleased to co-sponsor this equipping experience for pastors and their leadership teams to better understand and address key cultural issues from an orthodox Christian perspective. Registration is free for Crossroads District pastoral staff members but you need to register so that they can make arrangements to welcome you:
​​https://encountertrinity.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/783945
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​Thank you for all you do to advance the Kingdom!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, May 9, I had the privilege of worshiping with Pastor Logan Patriquin and the team at The Branch Wesleyan Church in Lafayette. Pastor Logan and Shaina have been blessed to help lead the turnaround. It was encouraging to see the younger families who’ve become part of the congregation with 20 or more in children’s ministry each Sunday.
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Following the morning service, I met with the LBA and then was able to connect with the Patriquin family. It was also good to see Allan and Pam Conley who have played a key role as lay leaders at The Branch. In addition to leading children’s ministry, Pam is also a member of our District Board of Ministerial Development.

Last week’s schedule included a Monday evening Executive Committee meeting followed by a full day with the General Board of The Wesleyan Church on Tuesday. In addition to receiving the normal departmental reports, it was encouraging to hear from our own Zach Szmara who shared about the progress of Immigrant Connection. Pastor Zach reported that this ministry, in its seven years of operation, has directly served over 10,000 individuals and families from over 125 countries of origin.
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Perhaps the most significant outcome of the General Board meeting was the following shared statement:

​​A Statement of the General Board of the North American General Conference of The Wesleyan Church
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We affirm our deep commitment to our core mission of evangelizing the lost, discipling believers, equipping the Church, and ministering to society. This mission is foundational as we seek to be agents of the hope and holiness of Jesus Christ.

Unprecedented times is a term often used to accurately describe our current reality. The COVID-19 pandemic has upended many things we have taken for granted for decades. Coupled with the ever-shifting sands of our culture on the social and political issues of our time, uneasiness, and a sense of angst hover in the air.

Changes thrust on us have raised questions and perhaps even fears and apprehension as we attempt to navigate the shifting landscape. More than once we have asked, “What next?”

Our General Superintendent, General Board, and the presidents and board chairs of our college and universities, have prayed, discussed, and reasoned together on these matters and unanimously approved the following statement of affirmation:

“We hereby declare that we remain deeply committed to proclaim, defend, and hold each other accountable for the historic and orthodox doctrinal positions of The Wesleyan Church as presented in our Articles of Religion, and

We hereby affirm our full and ongoing support for the official Position Papers on the social issues of our time including our commitments:

1) To affirm that persons of all races are created equal in the image of God and are entitled to equal justice under the law.

2) To affirm the sanctity of life and that all life is sacred from conception to death.

3) To affirm that God’s only design for marriage is between one man and one woman.

4) To affirm that religious freedom is a liberty essential for our pluralistic democracy.”

Loyalty has not changed. Love still thrives. Commitment remains strong. The core is solid.

While commitment to our understanding of Biblical truth is unwavering, we do understand that there are other points of view on a range of social issues. There is room for courteous dialog on these issues within the boundaries of Biblical truth.
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As our leaders, we commit ourselves to pray earnestly for the power of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to rest on the ministry of The Wesleyan Church. Our deep passion is to be agents of both grace and truth in this time and place in history.“
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I stand in agreement with them and I am grateful for these leaders who are united in championing our historic, orthodox doctrines and the statements of collective conscience that have been approved by our General Conference.

Wednesday, I was back on the road for lunch with a prospective church planter from Indianapolis. Then I connected with one of our churches that is taking steps to launch a ministry training center. I finished the day meeting with the Local Advisory Council for Albion Cornerstone Wesleyan Church.
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Thursday morning, I was in Kokomo to meet with one of our ministers for a pastoral counseling conversation. Rev. Steve Binns and I met over lunch in Anderson for an exit interview as he concludes his ministry tenure at Lone Oak Wesleyan. My last appointment of the day was with Rev. Mike Weller who is planting Restoration Church in downtown Anderson. We met for our annual coaching conversation and a positive report on this newest Wesleyan church launch in Madison County.
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Friday and Saturday were invested in final interviews with this year’s group of ordination candidates. Rev. Chris Williams, interim chair, and Rev. Carla Working, vice-chair, led our District Board of Ministerial Development through two days of intensive interviews with a dozen individuals and their spouses who are nearing completion of their journey toward ordination. I am grateful for the prayerful and deliberate way in which our DBMD members undertake this process. I am thankful for the dedicated candidates who are answering God’s call to the equipping ministry of Word and sacrament. Please make plans to join us in Marion on Friday evening, June 25, 7 p.m., for the ordination service to be led by our General Superintendent Dr. Wayne Schmidt.
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Our prayers and sympathies continue to be extended to the family and friends of Dr. Wilbur and Professor Ardelia Williams who passed away earlier this spring. Indiana Wesleyan University and College Wesleyan Church shared a beautiful celebration of their lives on Monday afternoon, May 3. Together, Wilbur and Ardelia made a profound impact on thousands of students, Indiana Wesleyan University, and our denomination. For those who may not know of their legacy, here is a video that was produced by IWU back in 2011.
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Pastors, thank you in advance for your timely completion of both your Annual Service Report (ASR) and annual Local Church Statistical Report (LCSR). District reporting opened on May 1, 2021. Each credentialed person should have been notified and given direction by email for completing your reports. Please contact us if you did not receive that email. Wesleyan HQ has also provided helpful video resources to assist you in completing these required reports. These step-by-step videos can be found at:
https://www.wesleyan.org/communication/2021-twchub-ministerial-community-help-site
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Today would be a good day to register for Veritas! Rev. Mike Colaw and the team at Indianapolis Trinity Wesleyan Church are hosting the inaugural Veritas Pastors’ Conference on May 22. Crossroads District is pleased to co-sponsor this event that will equip pastors to better understand and address key cultural issues from an orthodox Christian perspective. Registration is free for Crossroads District pastoral staff members but you need to register so that they can make arrangements to welcome you:
​​https://encountertrinity.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/783945
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​Thank you for all you do to advance the Kingdom!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent