In April, a new THRIVE support group formed, comprised of Spanish-speaking ministry leaders. The group meets every four to six weeks for an hour on Zoom to check in, fellowship, pray together, and encourage one another in Spanish. Led by Hal Lehman, FEC Cross-Cultural Church Multiplication Coordinator, this “Band of Brothers” is a safe place for leaders to discuss the unique joys and challenges of growing their various ministries. “It turns into a rich discussion,” says Hal. “For me, the hour goes really quick.”
Pastor Hugo Reyes, originally from Venezuela, who now leads the Spanish ministry at Pine Hills Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has received a lot of encouragement after joining this group. “The fact that I get to share with other people in a position similar to mine, I immediately feel connected. Someone can closely relate to me. It makes you feel like you’re not alone.”
Band of Brothers and Circle of Sisters groups first launched three years ago and are designed to be “a next-level connection among those serving in church ministry leadership.” This level of “Soul Care” is a universal need for anyone God has called to help shepherd his flock. Now we are embracing the multicultural growth FEC has seen in recent years, like Arabic churches in Toledo and Fishers, and a Burmese church in Fort Wayne. As John wrote in Revelation 7 about every tribe and nation gathering around the throne of God, so our church body can “reflect the cultures and languages of where we are,” Hal says. “where God has placed us.”
Both Hugo and Hal hope this is the first of many Band of Brothers and Circle of Sisters groups to include leaders from a variety of cultures and languages. “I see intentionality,” Hugo says, “and my hope is that it keeps growing.”
For more information on getting involved with a Band of Brothers or Circle of Sisters group, follow this link: https://fecministries.org/resources-all/soul-care-provisions/peer-support-encouragement/
