Marion Lakeview Wesleyan Church announced on Friday that Rev. Chris Williams, Assistant DS, accepted the call to become their new senior pastor. Chris has been a church planter, church revitalizer, ministry coach, executive pastor and, since 2016, he has done an exceptional job as our full-time Assistant District Superintendent.
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Special thanks to Bob Burchell and the search team who completed a thorough process to identify the best candidate. We are also grateful for the excellent interim ministry provided by Dr. Lenny Luchetti. I’m grateful to report that Rev. Williams has agreed to continue coaching our pastors in Region 3 and serving as one of our assistant superintendents alongside Rev. Mike Colaw and Rev. Matthew Trexler.
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Last week’s schedule included Zoom webinars, Zoom calls with denominational leaders, pastor coaching calls via Zoom, but my favorite Zoom call of the week was on Tuesday afternoon, 2 p.m., when 50 of our Crossroads District pastors connected for updates and then broke out into groups for prayer. My breakout prayer group included Pastor Tim Becker (Elwood Main Street) and Pastor Matthew Ohime (Davis Wesleyan). I am grateful for the way so many of our pastors are rising to the challenge of leading churches in the midst of this pandemic.

This weekend was a bit unusual for our family. Jordan, our daughter, and Samuel An had planned a May wedding in Michigan until the pandemic prompted her county to cease providing marriage licenses. We found a county clerk here in Indiana who was incredibly helpful and so Jordan’s wedding plans were changed.
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The sun was shining on Saturday as our family gathered for a small private ceremony to bless this union. Jordan has two brothers and a sister-in-law who are ordained Wesleyan ministers so we had plenty of help in tying the knot. Sherry and her daughters-in-law worked hard to accommodate the changes and to make it a wonderful day of celebration. Jordan and Sam will reside in Grand Rapids, Michigan where she is the Marketing Communications Manager for the media ministry of the Christian Reformed Church.

We have been encouraged to hear progress reports from Pastor Michele Henry (Brookhaven Wesleyan) as David her husband, continues to slowly recover in Fort Wayne. Pastor Carol Schenck (Noblesville Circle of Hope) was also able to pass along better news from her brother’s hospitalization. Pastor Calimerio Rodriguez (Frankfort Templo de Poder) was feeling well enough to preach the message for his church family on Sunday. Please continue to remember these requests in your prayers.
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While we rejoice with those who rejoice, we also weep with those who weep. Pastor Ryan Budde reached out to me on Sunday to let me know that Mrs. Sue Budde, his mother and the wife of Rev. Roger Budde, had passed away earlier that morning. Sue was a wonderful partner in life and ministry as she and Roger served Wesleyan churches here in Indiana, in Wisconsin and even in Alaska. Mrs. Budde will be greatly missed by her family, friends and the many lives she touched through the years of ministry. We express our sincere condolences and extend our prayers on behalf of the Crossroads District family to the Budde family.

As we noted last week, the Crossroads District Conference has been postponed until June 2021. We are authorizing pastors to postpone their local church conferences until no later than May of 2021, but they may choose to meet earlier as restrictions are lifted.

In this time of national emergency, your Local Board of Administration is empowered to 1) approve any necessary changes to the budget (including any housing designation, if any) and 2) elect/appoint any officers needed to fill vacancies that might occur before your next conference.

Reminder: Annual statistical reports and the pastor’s annual service report are still due on May 15.

TOGETHER: an online Pentecost event

On May 31, Pentecost Sunday, Wesleyans are gathering online to worship and pray for the fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit. This hour-long event begins at 7 p.m. EST.

“Wesleyans are people of prayer,” said General Superintendent Wayne Schmidt. “We live and minister daily knowing that prayer is foundational to any work of the Holy Spirit. May 31 is an important time for us to be together and continue building our Kingdom Force foundation. In the book of Acts, remember the early believers were together in unity and praying. They were anticipating that God was going to move in powerful ways.”

TOGETHER, hosted by Wayne Schmidt, General Superintendent of The Wesleyan Church, will be streaming live from Marion, Indiana on Sunday, May 31, at 7 p.m. EST. The 60-minute online service will feature focused prayer delivered by Wesleyans from around the world with times of worship led by Josh Lavender. Pastors can find more information at:
https://www.wesleyan.org/event/together
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The Center for Congregations has just announced a one-time “Connect Through Tech” grant for all Indiana congregations. This is a unique opportunity for congregations in Indiana to purchase new technology resources to help connect virtually during the pandemic and beyond. This includes streaming hardware, computers, audio/visual equipment, software, video conferencing subscriptions, licensing fees, and more!

• Applications are being accepted now through May 15, 2020
• Grant Amount: maximum award is $5,000
  ​(10% congregational contribution / 90% grant)
• The grant does not reimburse for expenses already incurred
• Available to Indiana congregations only

​For more information and to submit your grant application, click here:
Center for Congregations Grant Form
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Never think you’re too old to try something new. Reverend Duane Seitz is in his 6th decade of ministry and serves our congregation in Silver Lake. Most of his congregants don’t readily access social media so Pastor Seitz took a page from John Wesley and preached from the back of his Toyota pickup on Easter Sunday and again yesterday. His innovation and sermon were well-received by the members. He was excited to report that some neighbors he’d been reaching out to listened in for the first time. The person who doesn’t think it can be done should not discourage the person who is doing it!​
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​Thank you for all you are doing to lead and love in this challenging season of ministry!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

P.S. – As I’ve been talking with our pastors over the last few weeks, I’ve been concerned about the fatigue factor that can easily overtake us if we’re not being intentional about our own well-being. Back in the days when we were still traveling by air, the flight attendant would remind us to secure our own oxygen masks first in an emergency before attempting to assist others. That is good advice for leading in any crisis. The Barna Report spoke to this topic in a recent article. They quoted Dr. Henry Cloud, Christian psychologist and author, said: “What you need to do in a time of crisis is reset your system and God has given us ways to do this. There are four main areas that need to be reset: your sense of connectedness, structure and routines, sense of control and, lastly, mental space. We also need to be increasing our regular spiritual practices…”

Easter Sunday 2020 will go down as one of the most memorable in recent memory. Most every church in America was providing online ministry to their congregation and many thousands of others who may have been exploring faith for the first time. Saturday afternoon, my son and I participated in the drive-in worship and communion service hosted by Pastor Gary Bingham and the team at Marion Hillside Wesleyan Church.
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First thing on Sunday morning I was able to be part of the drive-in communion service hosted by Pastor David Shafer and Executive Pastor James Stamper at North Anderson Wesleyan Church. I was also able to join Pastor Eric Roemer and the team at Greentown Wesleyan Church for their drive-in Easter service. Not every church has the parking lot layout or even the community approval for a drive-in service but several of our churches were able to provide this option. Several people expressed their appreciation for this unique opportunity to gather for worship, even though parking 9 feet apart.
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In another memorable first, Marion Lakeview Wesleyan Church conducted their candidating and voting for a new pastor completely online this weekend. Rev. Chris Williams, currently Assistant DS, interviewed on a live streaming event on Saturday afternoon with a call-in line for the question and answer session. Then, on Sunday morning, Rev. Williams preached online for Lakeview. The Discipline allows for absentee ballots for pastoral votes and every member of the church received their absentee ballot to mail in by this Friday. We’re excited about the possibilities for Kingdom impact and will be praying for Lakeview Wesleyan and Pastor Chris as they await the results.
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Last Monday included Zoom meetings with the Heartland Region district superintendents and then with the Executive Board of the General Board of The Wesleyan Church with Dr. Wayne Schmidt, General Superintendent. Tuesday included teaching online for IWU, our district staff meeting, and Zoom coaching calls with Rev. Logan Patriquin (Lafayette The Branch), Rev. Johnnie Blair (Tipton Trinity), and Rev. Gary Bingham (Marion Hillside). Wednesday included a weekly Zoom huddle with many of the district superintendents of The Wesleyan Church, and coaching calls with Pastor Kory Christensen (New Haven Impact), Pastor David Cox (Laketon Wesleyan), and Pastor Heath Croft (Fort Wayne Level 13).

Coaching calls on Thursday included Rev. Eric George (New Castle Memorial), Rev. Jarod Osborne (Warsaw Pathway), and Rev. Chuck Moorer (Indianapolis Divine Direction). Thursday evening, I met online with Dr. Joe Harmon and the LBA at New Castle Memorial Drive Wesleyan Church. The DBA will receive a recommendation later this month to appoint Dr. Harmon as the interim pastor for the coming conference year.

On Friday, Dr. David Smith, Chris Williams and I met online for a contingency planning session as we prepare for the final interviews of more than a dozen ordination candidates. We are also looking at options for ordination this summer as the impact of the pandemic is mitigated.
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Praise the Lord that both Rev. Calimerio Rodriguez (pastor of Frankfort Templo de Poder) and David Henry, husband of Rev. Michelle Henry (Brookhaven Wesleyan) are both making measured progress in their recoveries. Please continue to remember them in your prayers!

*** All Crossroads District pastors are invited to a ZOOM connection on Tuesday, April 14, at 2 p.m. We’ll be connecting for an update on the PPP/CARES program, local church conference matters, and other questions that our pastors may have. There are 100 participant slots available and we would love to have you join us. Pastors will receive an email invitation with the password for login.

Lead Pastors, Staff Pastors and Ministerial Students – Annual Service Report (ASR). You should have received an email from Wesleyan Headquarters with your login username to complete this year’s report. For instructions, please access this link:
https://www.wesleyan.org/asr-and-lcsr-instructions

Congratulations to Pastor Steve & Susan Bray on the occasion of the marriage of Taylor, their daughter, to Mr. Andrew Rieck. Wedding plans are being altered by the pandemic but we want to join the Bray family in praying for God’s blessing on this new couple!
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​Our sympathies are extended to Rev. and Mrs. Barry Faucett (retired pastor) on the death last week of their son, Brandon. Please remember the Faucett family, including Brandon’s wife and children, in your prayers for God’s grace and comfort.

Again, let me say how impressed I am with the courageous and creative leadership that our pastors and staff members are providing to our congregations in this challenging season of ministry. Few pastors had training to prepare for online ministry or crisis management. Many have been working even longer hours with added stress. Please keep your pastors in your prayers and support them in every way that you can!

Together for His Kingdom!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

This week marked the first time for most of us to celebrate Palm Sunday via technology.  April 5 would have been my regularly-scheduled visit to The River Church in Marion so I joined Pastor Matthew Trexler and his team in leading their congregation for a first-time online communion service.
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I received an exciting praise report yesterday from Dr. Steve Bray, lead pastor at LifeSpring Church (Richmond). He shared that 53 people responded to the salvation invitation at the close of Palm Sunday message. God is on the move!

We continue to pray for David Henry, husband of Rev. Michelle Henry (staff pastor at Brookhaven Wesleyan Church) and received word yesterday that Pastor Calimerio Rodriquez (Frankfort Templo de Poder) has also been hospitalized. Please join us in praying for these pastoral families.

Please continue to pray for our amazing health-care workers who are battling this pandemic. We have so many graduates of IWU serving on the frontlines and caring for patients. Churches in Marion are hosting a prayer vigil each evening this week in the parking lot of Marion General Hospital and Pastor Ryan VanMatre (LifeSpring Church South) is coordinating the same initiative in Richmond.
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Our Crossroads District pastors and their leadership teams are responding to this challenge with innovation and creativity. Some of our larger churches have been streaming and offering online services for years but this pandemic has created a learning opportunity for churches of all sizes. Thank you for doing whatever it takes to keep preaching the Gospel!

Last week’s schedule included coaching calls, teaching online for IWU, meeting with the Wesley Seminary board and the Indiana Wesleyan University board, and chairing our Crossroads District Conference Action Committee. The highlight of the week was connecting with 50 of our pastors for a conversation on Tuesday afternoon via Zoom. Even the introverts are looking forward to the opportunity to get together!
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Lead Pastors, Staff Pastors and Ministerial Students – Annual Service Report (ASR). You should have received an email from Wesleyan Headquarters with your login username to complete this year’s report. For instructions, please access this link:
https://www.wesleyan.org/asr-and-lcsr-instructions

Join us in praying for each of our congregations as we respond to the opportunity to celebrate the hope of Easter in new ways during this pandemic. The church buildings may be empty but so is His tomb. The Lord is Risen!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

All of us are learning to lead in a new normal. Maybe you, like me, feel a little overwhelmed by the challenge. I was reminded of this encouraging truth last week:  “When God was choosing who should pastor and lead the church through the crisis of this pandemic, He chose you.” We may find ourselves in uncharted territory but God is still on the throne, we are still in His hands, and His Kingdom is still advancing!
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Sunday, March 29, it was clear that more and more of our churches are learning to navigate this digital frontier. Pastor David Dignal and the team at Edgerton Wesleyan Church stepped up to the challenge and are learning quickly. Pastor John Freed and the team at Waterline Church extended congregational engagement beyond the sermon by offering a large-group Zoom meeting following their streaming service. They had about 30 adults and 20 kids jump in on that call. They’re also offering a call-in number for adults or students who want pastoral counseling through the week.

At Harvest Church (McCordsville), Pastor Brad and Heidi LeRoy are hosting a Tuesday evening open session to answer frequently asked questions.
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It is exciting to see so many of you that are figuring out how to offer on-line Bible studies, family devotionals, and discipleship groups on Zoom. For example, Pastor Emily Hines at Brookhaven Wesleyan Church is coaching 24 discipleship groups that are now meeting through the week via Zoom.

One of my favorite stories is of Maelle, daughter of Pastor Mike and Kim Hewitt at Rising Hope Church. This past week, she led her first Zoom Bible study for her friends. You can find an inspiring video on their Facebook page. In the picture below, she’s the one wearing the Colts jersey. Did I mention that she’s just 9 years old?
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​WCJC, the local country radio station for Eastview Wesleyan Church (Gas City), has agreed to offer a one-hour time slot on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday for Eastview to broadcast their services. Has your team reached out to your TV/radio stations?

With the new April 30 mandate, it’s clear that all of us will be imagining new ways to celebrate Easter with our congregations. I heard of one church where the children’s ministry leaders are conspiring with parents and will be out getting their exercise by hiding Easter eggs (with candy and Scripture verses inside) on the lawns of each home of the children from the church. Tony Morgan’s UnStuck team provided helpful insights in this webinar entitled, “Re-Imagine Easter Gathering”  – Click HERE to watch this with your leaders.

One practical way we can help each other in this new digital reality is to subscribe to each others’ YouTube channel. When a church reaches 100 subscribers, they can personalize their URL making it easier for people to find them. The next time you find yourself stuck at home with nothing urgent to do, jump on YouTube and help each other get over the top. (tip from @Karl Vaters)

Measuring engagement can be challenging in the digital realm. Pastor Kaleb Wakeman at The River Church recommends that, if you’re using Facebook for streaming your services, you may want to track 1) one-minute views, 2) shares, and 3) clicks on video. Average watch time is also a helpful stat to understand engagement.

I’ve also appreciated how most people have kept their sense of humor. Here’s one of my favorite examples:
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Last Monday evening, I was scheduled to meet with the LBA at Lancaster Wesleyan Church as they continue in their pastoral search. We ended up cancelling the meeting with the updated “social distancing” directives but I dropped off resumes at the church and they are beginning to process through candidates. Tuesday morning, I taught online for IWU and then led our district staff meeting via Zoom. Tuesday afternoon, Pastor Don Bayne (New Carlisle Wesleyan) and I connected online for our annual coaching conversation. Wednesday’s online coaching conversations included Pastor Alan Downing (Frankfort Connecting Point) and Pastor Eliorgy Guerrero (Elkhart Cielos Abiertos). Thursday, Pastor Mike Cloud (Rochester The Cross) and Pastor Marc Ulrich (Merrillville ReThink Church) took time out to join me via Zoom for our annual coaching connection. My final coaching conversation for the week was on Friday afternoon with Pastor Ollie Dongell (Plymouth Wesleyan Church).

The Crossroads District partners with the Bangladesh Wesleyan Church led by Rev. Joshe Bose, National Superintendent. I reached out on Monday to wish him a “Happy Birthday” from our district team. He shared an amazing praise report of baptizing 57 new believers last week at their national church gathering. Recently, municipal authorities have requested their 5 Jesus film teams to bring the ministry to their communities.
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​Our prayers and sympathy are extended to Pastor Scott McDermid (Sheridan Six Points Church) on the passing of his grandmother last week. The private family service will be held this coming Thursday. We’re also praying for David Henry, husband of Assistant Pastor Michele Henry (Brookhaven Wesleyan), who was hospitalized last weekend. The family has shared updates on Facebook requesting prayer for his serious condition.

Just a reminder for our pastors that we’re hosting an all-district connection event via Zoom on Tuesday afternoon at 2:00. We want to share the latest information of how churches can participate in the “payroll protection” provisions in the $2 trillion package CARES legislation signed last Friday. Kevin Batman, General Treasurer of The Wesleyan Church, and Rev. Jerry Alexander, regional representative for U.S. Senator Mike Braun, are encouraging our churches to make the most of this opportunity. Join us Tuesday at 2.

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

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

P.S. Special thanks to General Treasurer Kevin Batman and his team who mobilized an online giving platform for Wesleyan churches. If your church doesn’t yet provide that option, here’s the link for more information:

Sunday, March 22, was the second weekend that our Crossroads District churches made the decision not to gather in physical spaces and to cooperate with the public health efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19. Thank you to every pastor, team leader, and volunteer who worked countless hours to serve your congregation in these unusual days.
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Sherry and I viewed several services online yesterday morning but also made it over to Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion to participate in their drive-through prayer ministry. In spite of the colder weather, Interim Pastor Lenny Luchetti and the Lakeview team took the opportunity to open their parking lot for a brief greeting (at the appropriate social distance) and offered pastoral prayers for specific needs.

We are all learning, and unlearning, to meet the challenge of change. Some of the changes that have been forced upon us may have been overdue and will undoubtedly serve us well going into the future.
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For example, most churches could get better at meeting needs in their congregation between Sundays. I’m seeing pastors sharing daily devotional thoughts on their personal Facebook page in the morning. Pastor Ben Parker at Back Creek Wesleyan Church has been doing this for months now and it has been received well by his church family.

Most churches could step up to another level of effectiveness in their online ministry for not just replaying services but engaging people for next steps. Small churches are learning what can be done with even an old iPhone on Facebook Live. We are also learning that many meetings can be handled online through platforms like Zoom.
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Last week, in addition to teaching an IWU class via Zoom, I participated in a General Board Executive Committee meeting, a General Board meeting, a District Board of Administration meeting, and with several meetings with smaller groups of district pastors hosted by our Assistant District Superintendents. While the technology is not perfect, there are new ways to connect to which we can adapt.

Most churches, if they didn’t already provide a way for people to give digitally, had at least considered the possibility. Special thanks to General Treasurer Kevin Batman and his team who mobilized an online giving platform for Wesleyan churches. Pastor Joe Jackson at United Wesleyan Church in Anderson was our first church to take advantage of this convenient platform which has $0 start-up costs. If your church doesn’t yet provide that option, here’s the link for more information:

Last week, our Crossroads District Board of Administration met via Zoom and approved an initial response to the challenges our churches are facing. We approved a refund of district portion (40%) of the March and April USF payments for every church that paid 100% last conference year, or up through February of this year. Also included in this package were funds to assist churches in meeting utility bills or insurance payments on their property, a grant for pastoral families, and a Great Commission grant of $1000 for every church to be creative in reaching out to their community with the love of Christ. (Pastor, if you did not receive the video and response form, please let us know ASAP.)

You will also want to be aware that The Wesleyan Church General HQ has provided a 1/12 reduction in this current year’s USF so that you will not need to send in the 60% of the April USF payment that goes to our EIF (Educational Institution Fund) and to the GSF (General Stewardship Fund).
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An important announcement for all church leaders is that this year’s General Conference is being postponed by one full year. The General Board (as authorized by Discipline 1530) felt this was the most prudent course of action given the uncertainties of the national emergency in which we find ourselves. The collective prayer gathering scheduled for May 31, Pentecost Sunday, will still be offered online and we would love for you to share that invitation with your congregation.

The Crossroads District Board of Administration has followed in that decision (Discipline 1112), determining that most of our agenda for the upcoming session was to focus on the results of the General Conference. We will be working with the General Superintendent to set the exact date of conference but anticipate that it will be June 25-26, 2021. The District Board is authorized (in the interim of our conferences to 1233:38) to approve the recommendation of the DBMD for ordination candidates. We anticipate holding an ordination service on a Sunday evening as close as possible to the original date.
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Here are the implications for your local church. No annual local church conference needs to be scheduled until such time as you are able to gather in person. Pastors will complete their annual service reports and statistical reports online at the normal time with special directions coming to them from Wesleyan HQ. Any of your officers or board members who were planning to transition at the end of this conference year may still do so. The LBA is empowered to appoint successors to fill those vacancies (Discipline 815:2) in the interim and to make all necessary budget adjustments during this emergency. Again, no annual local church conference needs to be scheduled until such time as we receive official notice that we are cleared to convene in person.

We do have churches that are in the middle of searching for their next pastor and I know they would be grateful for your prayers. Pastor Eric George has resigned at New Castle Memorial Wesleyan Church and I met with their LBA on Wednesday night to prepare for this transition. I met with the LBA of Wabash New Journey Community Church on Thursday evening and they will be conducting interviews over the next few weeks. Tonight, I’ll be meeting with the LBA at Lancaster Wesleyan Church to assist them in their search process.
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We believe that God is able to work in any circumstance to advance His Kingdom. I received a report that Facebook, YouTube, Boxcast, Zoom and others had service failures during the peak morning window yesterday. Churches almost broke the internet! In spite of the down time, the church online platform (offered free by lifechurch.tv) recorded over 28,000 people who clicked the Salvation Moment as a response to the invitation.

We are praying as you and your team continue to adjust and respond positively to these new realities. Please call, text or email if there are questions you have or ways that our district office staff can assist your church. I can’t wait to hear the creative ways in which you’re preparing for an amazing Easter outreach!

Your servant in Christ,
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Mark Gorveatte
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Crossroads District Superintendent

P.S. Here’s what Bethany Wesleyan Church in Pennsylvania did this past Sunday:

We find ourselves in a time filled with uncertainty and fear due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) challenge. We are tracking the news surrounding this ever-changing situation. We are taking the challenges presented by this virus seriously.

That said, we want to remind you of the words of Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…”

This is an opportunity for us to demonstrate his peace and compassion to our world that is currently filled with anxiety and fear. We are praying for God to use this situation and your church to draw people back to himself.

You may be wondering…

1. How do we stay informed on this issue?

• CDC Website
• Indiana State Health Department
• Check with your town/city and county government for any restrictions or guidelines particular to your location.

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2. Should we meet face-to-face on Sunday?

• Follow guidelines that are being established by local, state, and federal authorities.
• If you do meet, please encourage those who are elderly and those with underlying health issues to remain home for their own safety during this time.

3. How can our people still gather if we don’t meet face-to-face?

• FREE resources from Life.Church and an ARTICLE to help you know how to do it.
• A FREE online platform from One Multichurch Network.
• Facebook Live: If you have a Facebook account, stream your “gathering” from your living room or wherever you might be.

4. How do people keep giving?

• Encourage your people to set up a recurring gift online.
• If you don’t have an online giving portal, consider using one of THESE OPTIONS.

5. What other resources are available to help me lead my church during this time?

• Christianity Today Article on leading your church through this season.
• Michael Frost’s article on Love in the Time of COVID-19.
• Stadia’s upcoming webinar about online church.

Finally, please know that our district team stands ready to assist you during this time. If you have questions, need help processing the next steps, or require assistance to access resources, please contact one of us directly.

Mark: 317.645.7980 
Chris: 765.617.7882
Seth: 765.618.1045 

Praying for you!
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Your District Team

Sunday morning, March 8, I had the joy of worshiping with Pastor Johnnie and Pastor Amanda Blair at Trinity Wesleyan Church in Tipton. Trinity also has a campus in Kokomo led by Pastor Marc Watkins. It has been exciting to watch the changes at Tipton Trinity over the past 5 years since my first visit. While some of those changes are more surface (i.e. signage, branding, guest parking), the most exciting change has been the increased passion for reaching lost people for Christ.
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The church is in a new life cycle and reaching younger families. The LBA is working with an architect to develop a master plan for significant changes to accommodate future growth. Pray that God will continue to bless and protect this team as they labor in the Harvest.

Sunday evening, Pastor Mark Atkinson invited to me to sit in with his leadership mentoring group at Eastview Wesleyan Church. Mark and a team of his key leaders are meeting each week to work through “Lead Like Wesley.” It was fun to share the story behind the book and to answer questions. That was the exact target audience for whom the book was written so it was encouraging to hear that they were finding it helpful.
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I am always excited to share news of baptisms from across our district. The first report that came in this week was from Pastor Mike Hewitt and the team at Rising Hope Church in Muncie. Praise the Lord for another life made new! If you’ve had a baptism service recently that we’ve not yet shared in the team update, please send photos to our office e-mail with the subject line: #madenew
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Last week, more than 40 leaders from Crossroads District participated in the Exponential Conference in Orlando, Florida and I traveled down on Monday. Each year for the past several years, The Wesleyan Church has hosted a pre-conference event. This year’s event welcomed the 500+ Wesleyan leaders who registered for this year’s conference.
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Dr. Ed Love and his team put together a gathering which included a challenge from Dr. Wayne Schmidt, General Superintendent, on Tuesday morning and a networking supper on Tuesday evening. The full conference ran from Tuesday afternoon through lunchtime on Thursday with more than 5000 registered from across America and around the globe.

Keynote speakers for Exponential included Kadi Cole, Jossy Chacko, Pete Scazzero, Ephrem Smith, Danielle Strickland, Andy Stanley and Albert Tate. More than 150  breakout workshops were offered on topics ranging from disciple-making to fund-raising. In addition to these learning opportunities, the Exponential Conference also featured powerful times of worship, including one service with Ron Kenoly (from PromiseKeepers) as a guest. If you’ve never attended Exponential in Orlando, consider putting this learning event on your calendar for next year, March 1-4.
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I traveled back home on Friday and was able to join Assistant DS Mike Colaw and the pastors of Region 2 for their breakfast on Saturday morning. Pastor Mike and Barbara Nichter, his dedicated assistant, always do a wonderful job of welcoming and pouring into our pastors. The topic of the day was the power of friendships. Thank you to each Region 2 pastor who was able to make it a priority to join us for this gathering.
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Speaking of gatherings, the Heartland Gathering is this week (Tuesday-Thursday) in Pigeon Forge, TN. I’m grateful for all those who have worked diligently to make this an incredible renewal opportunity for our pastors and their families. More than 300 are registered from the 4 districts that make up our Heartland Region. Special thanks to Rev. Chris Williams and Rev. Seth Bye who have served on the steering committee. Please join us in prayer and ask God to meet with us in a powerful way.

Thank you for all you do to advance the Kingdom!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

District Superintendent

Sunday morning, March 1, Sherry and I had the privilege of worshiping with Pastor Theo and Randy Griffin and the congregation of Brown’s Chapel Wesleyan Church in Greenfield. There was a positive spirit in the service and they are looking forward to interviewing an assistant pastor next weekend. The LBA and I met briefly after the service and then Sherry and I hosted Pastor Theo and Randy for lunch. It was a joy to get better acquainted with these newest members of our Crossroads District pastoral family.
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Monday, I met with my Heartland Region DS colleagues via Zoom. We’re looking forward to a great time together with more than 300 pastors and their spouses in Pigeon Forge, March 10-12. Monday evening, I was back in Lancaster to meet with their LBA as they move forward in their pastoral search process.

Tuesday morning, our district office staff met for planning and prayer. Pastor Steve Arnett (New Castle Mount Zion) and I met for our annual coaching conversation over lunch. These are exciting days at Mount Zion with major updates to their facility and stories of lives being changed. I was back in Marion later that afternoon to meet with a prospective church planter who is exploring next steps in leading a bi-vocational micro-church network. Tuesday evening, I met with the LBA at Nelson Street Wesleyan Church as they begin their pastoral search process.

Pastor Tony Bye (Brookhaven Wesleyan) and I met for our annual coaching conversation on Wednesday morning. Wednesday afternoon, Pastor Ben Capshaw (Elwood Central Wesleyan) and I connected for our coaching conversation. I love hearing the stories of community outreach and life change in our congregations.

Thursday morning, I drove over to meet with Pastor Daniel Clark (Monon Wesleyan Church) for our annual coaching conversation. This is Pastor Dan’s first year at Monon and he’s looking forward to graduating from Anderson Seminary this year so he can give even more focus to the revitalization ministry in Monon. On the way back from Monon, I dropped in on Pastor Zach Szmara and the team at The Bridge in Logansport. Their Immigrant Connection staff was having a great time hosting staff from the Mexican consulate in Chicago this week. God continues to open incredible doors for Zach and his team as they are reaching out to meet this growing need in our communities.
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Friday morning, Assistant DS Chris Williams and I met for planning before I headed over to Muncie to meet with Pastor Lee Miller for our annual coaching conversation. Pastor Lee is recovering well after a recent surgery and is encouraged by recent worship attendance increases at Memorial Drive Wesleyan Church.

Friday evening, Pastor Eric & Diane George (New Castle Memorial) and I joined Pastor Bernie Haddad to connect with our newest Kingdom community that meets in the L Building at the prison in New Castle. Pastor Bernie and her team have been consistently ministering here with discipleship groups meeting on Wednesdays night and a worship service on Friday evenings. It was a blessing to worship with these men and to present a Wesley Study Bible from our Crossroads District team to Danny, their lay leader. Please pray for these brothers in Christ as they stand for God behind prison bars.
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Heaven rejoices with us in the celebration of lives made new by the grace of God. I’ve already received word of baptisms this past week from Pastor Scott McDermid at Sheridan Six Points Wesleyan Church, Pastor Danielle Freed at Waterline’s Pendleton Campus, and Pastor Marc Watkins at the Kokomo campus of Tipton Trinity. There’s still time to schedule a baptism service at your church before the end of this conference year. Remember that we’re praying, believing, and working to see 1000 new believers baptized this conference year.
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​Several of our team members and I will be in Orlando this week for the annual Exponential Conference. Dr. Wayne Schmidt and the HQ team host a Wesleyan pre-conference event on Tuesday. Last year, there were approximately 400 Wesleyan leaders who gathered for this event focused on multiplying disciples and churches.

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

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, I had the privilege of worshiping with Pastor Mike Colaw and the team at Trinity Church in Indianapolis. Earlier this week, Mike had shared the vision that God had planted in his heart. This Sunday, after the third worship service, the ministry directors and small group leaders of the church gathered for a luncheon and powerful vision-casting conversation with Pastor Mike. They are building out a mobilization strategy to unleash hundreds of lay pastors in the marketplace. Pray that God will bless this missional initiative. I am personally grateful for Mike’s partnership as Assistant DS.
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Later on Sunday afternoon, I connected with Pastor Aldean and Jesse Pablo in Fort Wayne. The launch team for SEND Church was hosting a community connection event with their local YMCA. Pastor Aldean has been approved as one of the volunteer chaplains for this YMCA and they will also have the opportunity to host launch team meetings here. Pastor Aldean is working toward launching their first micro-church by Easter weekend. Please keep this team in your prayers.
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Tuesday, February 18, our district staff met in the morning for planning and prayer. Pastor Steve DeNeff and I met over lunch for our annual coaching conversation. I met with Assistant DS Mike Colaw in the afternoon to review the annual DS evaluation that our district pastors completed. Thank you to each pastor who took time to provide this helpful feedback to our District Board of Administration.

Wednesday morning, I met with Pastor Brad LeRoy (Harvest Church) for our annual coaching conversation. Pastor Michael Hewitt (Rising Hope Church) and I met in Muncie for our annual coaching conversation in the afternoon. Assistant DS Matthew Trexler and I met with a prospective church planter over supper in Marion. Pray that God will send workers into His Harvest!

Our District Board of Administration met at the Branch Coffee Shop in Fairmount on Thursday. Special thanks to Pastor Jeff Luedtke and his team for their hospitality to our board. Kathy Drury brought our devotional and Rev. Emily Hines led our prayer time. I am grateful for the diverse perspectives and collective wisdom of this board. After a productive meeting, we shared a supper meal with members and their spouses who were able to join us. Our next meeting is set for April 30.
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Assistant DS Chris Williams and I met on Friday for follow-up work from the DBA meeting. Later that morning, I met with one of the leading UMC pastors in our area and appreciated his insights on the transitions taking place within their movement. Friday evening, I was in Fort Wayne to connect with Rev. Lane Sander and the fearless leaders of our Crossroads District All-Nighter. More than 500 students and their leaders/chaperones shared an action-packed event that included sermons from Rev. Aldean Pablo and worship led by Olivia Eckart. Thank you to every pastor, parent, and volunteer who helps to make this annual event a huge success!

Saturday morning, I joined Assistant DS Chris Williams and a great group of Region 3 pastors for their spring meeting at the Whistle Stop Restaurant in Monon. It was great to hear the stories of God at work in our ministries. Pastor Chris shared a preview of the church revitalization seminars we’ll be rolling out this fall and encouraged the pastors in keeping our churches focused on multiplying disciple-makers.
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We are always thrilled to praise God with our local churches as they celebrate baptisms. Trinity Wesleyan Church in Indianapolis passed along word of five more baptisms on February 16. Here’s a picture of some of those new believers:
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Pastor Rick Fletcher and Associate Pastor Andy Jellison were excited to pass along this photo of the 19th, 20th, and 21st baptisms of the year that they celebrated on February 23 at Lifeway Wesleyan Church in Fort Wayne.
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Pastor Mark Atkinson and the team at Gas City Eastview Wesleyan Church are praising God for more lives being changed by the Gospel through their ministry. They celebrated the baptism of three more new believers on Sunday, February 23.
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Tipton Trinity Wesleyan Church shared the news of this young man who prayed to receive Christ with his mother and with Aleah, the children’s pastor. Eli’s testimony was “I want to be baptized because I believe in Jesus… I want to show others that I’ve made that decision. I cannot wait to grow in my relationship with Jesus.”  Praise God and pray for Eli to continue to flourish in his faith!
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Congratulations to Jeff Clark, ViceChair of the LBA at Marion College Wesleyan Church, on the regular season championship for the men’s basketball team at Indiana Wesleyan University. Jeff, the Associate Head Coach, and Greg Tonagel, Head Coach, are both graduates of Wesley Seminary and recognized nationally for their excellence in coaching with their philosophy of “I Am 3rd.”
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Our sympathy and prayers are extended to Mrs. Esther Osborne, wife and ministry partner at Warsaw Pathway Wesleyan Church with her husband Rev. Jarod Osborne. Esther’s father, José Antonio Nuñez, passed away earlier this month and was buried in Uganda where he had effectively served as a missionary for 16 years.

​Thank you for all that each one of you are doing to advance the Kingdom of God in your corner of His Harvest!

Your servant in Christ,
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Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, February 16, I was in New Castle to worship with Pastor Eric George and the congregation of Memorial Wesleyan Church. The technical team was scrambling after an equipment failure but they were able to patch something together in time for the service (thank you, Mark!). I appreciated the warm reception and the privilege of preaching to this responsive congregation. After the service, I had a brief meeting with the LBA before heading on to Carmel.
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Sunday afternoon, I met with Pastor Neftali Lopez and the leadership team at Carmel Amistad Cristiana Iglesia Wesleyana for a ministry planning session. I was able to arrive in time to bring greetings in the service and then to enjoy a cup of coffee in their spacious new welcome center. This is a wonderful multi-generational congregation and I appreciate the leadership that Pastor Neftali brings both to his church and to our Crossroads District Hispanic ministries.
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Last Monday, I represented our Crossroads District team at the funeral service for Rev. Dr. John Dunn, retired CEO of Wesleyan Investment Foundation, former district superintendent and church planter. Dr. Kevin Myers officiated the memorial service, General Superintendent Dr. Wayne Schmidt brought remarks on behalf of The Wesleyan Church, and Dr. Craig Dunn shared cherished memories from the family. Dr. Dunn left an amazing legacy of faithful leadership in the The Wesleyan Church. His family carries that legacy well. Please remember the Dunn family in your prayers.
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Monday afternoon, I met with Pastor Theo Griffin (Greenfield Brown’s Chapel) for our annual coaching conversation. We are delighted to have Theo and Randy as the newest members of our Crossroads District team.

Monday evening, I was with Pastor George and the LBA at New Castle Memorial as they prepared for the upcoming pastoral vote. I was reminded once again of how deeply The Wesleyan Church is indebted to faithful lay leaders who serve alongside pastors to provide direction and protection to the ministry of our congregations.
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Tuesday morning, I met with our district office staff for planning and prayer. Seth Bye reported that more than 300 have registered for the first Heartland Gathering next month in Pigeon Forge. Pastor Dan VanCise (Marion West 8th Street) and I met over lunch for our annual coaching conversation.
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Pastor Aldean Pablo and I met for our coaching conversation and an exciting update on doors that God is opening for our SEND Church planting project in Fort Wayne. Please remember Aldean and Jesse in your prayers as they lead this disciple-making mission.

Tuesday evening, I joined the LBA at North Anderson Wesleyan Church as they prepared for the upcoming pastor vote. The board enthusiastically affirmed the ministry that Pastor David Shafer and Rev. James Stamper are bringing to the congregation. Both of these effective leaders serve their church bi-vocationally.
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Wednesday morning, Pastor Steve Colter (Marion Chapel Pike Wesleyan) and I met for our annual coaching conversation in Marion. The next coaching conversation was with Rev. Paul Walden, supply pastor at the Muncie 8th Street Wesleyan Church. While in Muncie, Rev. Mike Hewitt and I connected with a prospective church planter who is prayerfully considering a project in the Yorktown community. Join us in praying that God will send workers into His harvest!

Thursday morning, after teaching at IWU, I met with Dr. Colleen Derr, our president of Wesley Seminary. I am grateful for the leadership she is bringing to this vital ministry that is training so many of our present and future leaders for The Wesleyan Church.

Co-pastors Carla and Zach Working met with me over lunch in Marion to update me on the ministry of Hope Rising in Huntington and the possibility of expanding the impact of their congregation in neighboring communities.

My final meeting of the day was with the leadership team at Wabash New Journey Community Church. They are celebrating significant progress in updating their facility and their technical capacity. Pastor Brian Scramlin has done a terrific job following in the footsteps of the church planter, Tom Cochran.

Friday morning, Assistant DS Chris Williams and I met in Marion. I was in Fishers for a lunch meeting with Rev. Scott Rhyno, General Manager of Leadership League. Nancy Schoonmaker, District Treasurer, and I met via Zoom in the afternoon to prepare for this week’s DBA meeting and to begin budget preparations for the coming conference year.

Nancy Schoonmaker has done an incredible job serving as Crossroads District Treasurer since our district was created in 2016. In addition to her many other responsibilities at IWU, with national boards, and in her local church, Nancy has just started a doctoral program. In light of that, we’re reluctantly accepting her resignation at the rise of the conference with our deep gratitude and prayers for every success in her new endeavor.
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Dr. Richard Schenck, Rev. Emily Hines, and Rev. David Hines were in Bangladesh representing our Crossroads District partnership and serving alongside Rev. Joshe Bose, National Director, for the annual conference and leadership training. The Wesleyan Church of Bangladesh began with 11 churches in 2002 and today has grown to 56 congregations with 2,185 members. Four new churches were launched in the past 12 months with 140 new believers. Up to 95% of the members of these churches are new believers reached through the Jesus film and evangelistic efforts of church planters.

Here in Indiana, our own mission field, we are celebrating with churches reporting baptisms this past week. Pastor Jeremy Armiger and Assistant Pastor Dr. Jim Lo had the privilege of baptizing a new sister in Christ at Chesterfield Parkview Wesleyan Church on Sunday morning. Carol’s story is unique in that she was delivered from involvement in Wicca. Praise God for setting captives free!
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Pastor Jim Weinmann and the Indianapolis Evanston Avenue Wesleyan Church are also rejoicing this week. Pastor Jim has the privilege of baptizing a new believer on Sunday morning. Due to physical limitations from a stroke, Pastor Jim was glad to accommodate her with a pouring baptism. We join the team at Evanston Avenue Wesleyan Church in celebrating another life made new by the grace of God!
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​Thank you for all that you are doing to advance the Kingdom in your corner of His Harvest!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent