Central Region had the Next Gen Leader’s Retreat on February 2-4, 2023 at First Church in Des Moines, IA. We welcomed youth leaders, kid’s leaders, and for the first time ever, young adult leaders.
Our theme was BEYOND: The Power of Dreams. It is important to us, while leaders gather at this event, that we make time to dream. God is always speaking and we want to intentionally listen so leaders can return with precision in their vision, a renewed hope, a refreshed soul, a healed heart and a new fire to be an impact in advancing God’s kingdom.
We opened each session with worship to soak in the presence of God. It was deep, rich and spirit lead worship by Ben Chapman, who we had the privilege of hearing at The Gathering in September 2022.
Some of the content covered in the sessions were:
- Micheal Nortune– Dreaming God sized dreams and how God’s dreams for you are bigger than your plans for you.
- Levi Nortune—Leaders aren’t just living in the shadow of their pastor, but God has uniquely made them and called them for such a time as this. He threw out a challenge, asking what we’re struggling to believe God for?
- Arjay Johnson– Significance is often found on the other side of resistance, but resilience is the vehicle that’ll get you there.
- Ben Carlson– an inspiring close with how to push past all the discouragements thrown at you and hold tight to make the dreams that God has given you a reality.
Our targeted breakout sessions covered great content for each ministry. The topics were wide ranged from ministry marketing and recruiting, to retaining volunteers and transitioning students into the next phase of life, and mental health and how it effects the way we do ministry today. We had a powerful Q&A time where leaders could pour into other leaders, which built new relationships as we helped each other trouble shoot areas of difficulty in our ministries.
We are so thankful for our “first”. The Lord delights that it has begun (Zechariah 4:10). We want to encourage every Pastor reading this to send your leaders next year to our BEYOND: Next Gen Leader’s Retreat. It’ll be February 8-10, 2024 in Des Moines, IA. You don’t want to miss an opportunity to refresh your leaders and keep their God sized dreams alive.
Partnering with you,
Ben and Lola Carlson
SABBATICAL
Just a reminder that Bruce and Robin Pfadenhauer are on sabbatical March 1 through April 9, 2023. They will return to the office on Monday, April 10. To fully maximize their sabbatical, they will NOT BE AVAILABLE for any ministry or job-related matters in person, by phone, email, or messaging. If you have a concern or need, please contact the office staff at 515-282-6491 or at the following:
Kimberly Veenstra Kimberly@openbiblecentral.org 319-329-9261 (after hours)
Kevin Starkey Kevin@openbiblecentral.org 515-202-8776 (after hours)
BROTHERHOOD MUTUAL
We have arranged with Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, to be part of their ministry partner program. Brotherhood Mutual provides high-quality insurance protection and risk management services and works exclusively with churches and related ministries.
When churches practice good risk management, they provide a safer place for their members to worship, resulting in few losses. When that happens, Brotherhood Mutual gives our denominational office a Safe Ministry Reward payment. The ministry partner program does not affect insurance premiums, but it does help our denomination when member churches and ministries manage their risks well.
You can find more information about Brotherhood Mutual and the many risk management services that the company offers at www.brotherhoodmutual.com, or you can contact our agency American Church Group at 515-957-8400. If I can answer any questions about our experience with Brotherhood Mutual, just let me know.
Blessings,
Bruce A. Pfadenhauer, Central Region Executive Director
MISSIONARY ITINERATION
Linda Wilson is itinerating now and has plenty of available dates.
Please call the Central Region office at 515-282-6491 or email info@openbiblecentral.org to schedule a time for missionary Linda Wilson to come visit. She is available for an entire service, partial service, or for a brief highlight.
We would ask that you honor your missionary guest by providing for her lodging, meals, travel, as well as opportunity for your people to give either in an offering or in monthly support. Some churches will receive an offering toward their expenses and then make a monthly commitment from the church missions/outreach budget. Jesus stated the following in Matthew 10:40 to those he sent out, “He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me.”
Open your hearts to receive these who have been sent on behalf of Open Bible Churches!
CONGRATULATIONS
Lauro Reyna, Lead Pastor of Agape Open Bible Church in Urbandale, IA, was granted a Certified License with Open Bible Churches! Pastors Lauro and Gina Reyna are church planters in Central Region.
COMFORT
Ronald Krier, father of Pastor Rodney Krier in Streator, IL passed away on February 8, 2023. Services were held on Thursday, February 16, 2023. Here is a link to Ron’s obituary https://www.winterrowdfh.com/obituaries/ronald-kreier.
Mumu Vandi from Sierra Leonne West Africa, mother of Pastor Steven Vandi at Better Life Church in Garland, TX, passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Funeral services will be in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Pray for Pastor Steven as he and Oretha travel for her services.
