The theme of the 2017 Pastors’ Renewal Retreat is “REST”. We all know that rest is necessary but it is often the first thing that we compromise when the whirlwind of life and ministry hits us, our marriage or our families. Through the compiled evaluations from the past several years, we have heard our district pastors and are intentionally moving the Pastors’ Renewal Retreat away from a conference feel and towards an atmosphere and weekend schedule that promotes greater rest. Pastors and their spouses are warmly invited to a relaxed weekend at Lied Lodge which includes time for fun and feasting, discovery and interaction as well as time for worship and solitude. Our relaxed time together is designed to promote the restful elements of relationships, reflection, worship and laughter. Churches, please make a way for your pastors and their wives to come and rest at the 2017 Pastors’ Renewal Retreat!
Be sure to take advantage of the $65 Early Bird Registration price for the 2017 Cultivate Conference, being held at Faith Baptist Fellowship, in Sioux Falls, SD on September 15-16. On the morning of the 15th, we will take care of business at the Converge Heartland Annual Meeting followed by the Converge Heartland Pastors' Luncheon. At 1PM, we will begin the 2017 Cultivate Conference which is hosting the 9 Marks Church Health Workshop. This is a fantastic, affordable and accessible opportunity to gather your ministry staff and church leaders for a focusing time of equipping and encouragment in healthy church practices. As the conference schedule unfolds, we will spend six sessions addressing the following church health topics:
God's Plan and the Church
Preaching Biblical Theology
Gospel, Conversion and Evangelism
Membership
Discipline
Discipleship and Leadership
Rally your church leaders and make this conference a priority! You won't be sorry!
Celebrating a Founding Father by Jim Capaldo - District Executive Minister
The day was full of nostalgia, love, respect, sorrow and celebration. Kansas City was saying farewell to Dr. Donald Ford (1947-2017), a legendary founding father who had been called to glory. On February 11, 2017, I was eye witness as nearly 1,000 people attended the funeral of one of Kansas City's pastoral legends, Dr. Donald Ford, the 38-year founding pastor of Second Missionary Baptist Church (SMBC), which was the first African American Church in the south Kansas City area. The day was one for the ages as the story-filled messages were magnificent, the SMBC Mass Choir was emotionally releasing, the honor was tangible and God's glory was undeniable. Perhaps what moved me to tears the most was the living proof of Gospel impact and life transformation. As I took photos and enjoyed meeting many people, I found myself surrounded by approximately 40 people who had been called into the Gospel ministry under Dr. Ford's teaching and discipleship. As the living reality of that truth set in, I sat in silence with tears of praise rolling down my cheeks. "God", I pleaded "Give us 1,000 more multiplying pastors across the Heartland District!" We need unwavering men of God, like Dr. Ford, who will lead their families and churches towards a gospel-centered, life-transforming and sold-out obedience to the Great Commission! I was blessed to have developed a meaningful friendship with Dr. Ford in his last year of life. Initially I attended his funeral out of a strong desire to show honor. However, nothing could have prepared me for the blessing I would receive by coming into contact with the living legacy of this Godly man's Kingdom investment into so many lives. To God be the glory!
Dr. Ford's passing was preceded by the passing of his wife, Verna (2012). He is survived by his son Duwayne, daughter Toshanda and their respective children. Please continue to pray for Dr. Ford's grieving family as well as for the transitioning Second Missionary Baptist Church family.
Converge Heartland's Pastoral Search Services
Our District currently has several churches going through pastoral transitions. It is during these times when both a church's strengths and vulnerabilities become clear, whether they want it or not. However, beyond the challenges of pastoral transitions, we find that these transitions can serve as a refocussing and revitalizing season for a local church. Converge Heartland's Pastoral Search Services are much more than simply placing pastors; we serve the local church, leading her to rediscover gospel vision, mission, values, and overall direction as a part of the pastoral search process. Through our 12-step search process, we help a church identify the qualities and capacities that are necessary in their next senior pastor as well as help the church understand what that next pastor will need from them. Pastoral transitions are some of the most strategic opportunites in a church's life. If you know of a church going through such a transition, please pray for them, and then encourage them to contact Converge Heartland to discuss our Pastoral Search Services. Converge Heartland wants to see a gospel-centered church bringing transformation to every Heartland community. Churches tansitioning well plays a critical role in realizing this shared vision.
2017 Camp Registration is OPEN!!!
Sr. High Camp
Sr. High Camp (incoming 9th graders to graduated 12th graders) will be held from July 2-7, at Kamp Kinship, which is nestled in the beautiful Black Hills, near the city of Deadwood, SD. This is a fantastic site with many entertaining ammenities including swimming, boating, a climbing wall, hiking, a zip line and more! This year's speaker will be Josh Robertson, who serves as the Senior Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Brookings, SD. Before becoming a senior pastor, Josh served many years as a youth pastor in Minnesota and he is really looking forward to speaking this year's Heartland District Sr. High Camp. For more info, be sure to WATCH THIS AWESOME PROMO VIDEO.
Cost: $355 per Sr. High Student $75 per Sr. High Counselor
2017 Middle School Camp (incoming 6th graders to 8th graders) will be held from July 16-21, at Swan Lake Christian Camp and Retreat Center. Located near Viborg, SD, the camp has great cabins, a new retreat center, many activities and a lake with a beachfront. Your middle schooler is guaranteed to have a great week and to come home encouraged from a week full of fun, solid Bible teaching, and more fun! Don't miss out on this year's Middle School Camp. Be sure to register your middle school camper or register as a camp counselor, today!
Cost: $325 per Middle School Student
$75 per Middle School Counselor
We are cutting the cord...and expenses! We are going fully mobile and doing away with the office "land line". Although the District briefly entertained a refurbished 90's-throwback-brick-phone option, we decided to go with something a bit more subtle and TSA friendly. Please take note of this new District Office number and add it to your records. We look forward to staying in touch!
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