Letter from the President
A letter from FEC President, Rocky Rocholl
Many thanks to all that participated in IGNITE! The opportunity to network with other FEC brothers and sisters while being challenged by our great speakers has me excited and optimistic for the future. Much has been going on since we were all together in Peoria. Let me touch on some of the highlights.
The residency program at Christ the King launched on August 1st. This ten-month discipline is designed in two parts. Phase one focuses on the spiritual and personal growth of each resident in their relationship with the church. Phase two incorporates a personal ministry plan with exposure and hands-on experience in five areas of ministry, all in the context of church multiplication.
The Tri-state Church Multiplication Co-op held its first meeting just last week. Six churches from NW Ohio and NE Indiana are coming together with a vision for a movement of church plants that will expand into southern Michigan and beyond.
Speaking of cooperation between churches, Highland Bethel Church has joined forces with Gospel Community to increase the impact they can have on the city of Fort Wayne and the Highland Park neighborhood in particular. Last Sunday the two congregations combined formally under the new name Highland Gospel Community. Their vision of doing ministry better together is a model I believe we may be able to employ in multiple communities.
Later this month, FEC is partnering with Northwoods Community Church and Dave Ramsey’s Momentum Training to provide stewardship training for the pastors and leaders of our churches. If your church has not yet committed to attend, let me encourage you to use this opportunity to invest in the health of your local congregation.
I also want to share several very important prayer needs. The first concerns the Ebola outbreak. Most are aware that our West Africa initiative is located near the borders of Mali, Senegal, and Guinea. We are monitoring the situation closely. (At this point we know of only one case of Ebola in Senegal, and that person is in isolation.) FEC personnel in the area are Michael, Jenn, and Eden Sprunger, Troy, Gerri, Chloe, and Cora Masters, and Ashley Freytag. Also, Steve and Pat Nelson and Jim, Paula, Amanda, and Aaron Hanes are scheduled to leave for Senegal shortly. Please pray for all of the infected areas of Africa, and that people will experience God’s presence and healing power.
Another item of prayer is for wisdom and direction in the days ahead as we have received inquiries by existing churches that are interested in affiliation with FEC. Changes in the doctrinal positions of other conferences are leading some to look to us as a possible denominational home. While we want to partner with like-minded congregations to fulfill the Great Commission, we are equally sensitive to the process and any differences we may hold. We need to be in prayer first for the churches themselves; for God’s guidance in their decision. And then we want to be wise on our part. Unity in purpose and mission along with an orientation to our history and values are necessary before finalizing any decisions. Pray for our Elders and General Board as we navigate these challenges.
Thank you for the privilege of serving together in the task of strengthening churches to be equipped to establish reproducing churches worldwide!
In HIS grip,
Rocky
