Home Page

Challenge 2010

It seems like it was just a few months ago that the world was bracing themselves for the debut of a new millennium, and yet it was really 10 years ago, a decade of time. I recall the anxiety that many felt as we approached Y2K. In fact, the Christian community helped to spawn the anxiety which proved to be unfounded. Many felt that utility services, computers, banking and financial institutions would crumble on
Jan. 1, 2000. Yet, there really was not even a hiccup. I recall as a pastor telling my members not to be so anxious, but to stay faithful and focused.

To be sure, during the past decade our world had experienced some dramatic changes. We now speak of a pre - 9/11 and a post 9/11 world. Our nation is at war, in both Iraq and now Afghanistan, and there are rising tensions with Iran. We have witnessed the collapse of the financial market having a global impact. Other changes include our having elected our first African-American President. And during the last decade, there have been literally millions who have entered into eternity.

So, here we are in a new decade; consequently, there are questions we need to ask and challenges we need to consider. Perhaps the most pressing are: "In one, three, five and ten years where do you see yourself, your ministry? In one, three, five and ten years, where do you see your church? In one, three, five and ten years, where do you see this region?"

A decade ago, we were not region. There has been an evolution of change. We have gone from being four states, to two regions, to one large region, the Great Lakes, included is Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

The Holy Spirit has been dealing with my heart about the need of a new church plants. The Holy Spirit keeps bringing this passage to me ... "But he replied, We must go on to other to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too, because that is why I came" - Mark 1:38 NLT

I am asking the Lord to help us get an introduction into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We currently have no work there. As well, I am burdened for Madison and northern Wisconsin, as well as western Illinois. Additionally, there is a town in Indiana called Ligonier. It is a small town, yet when driving through, one would almost get the impression that you were in Latin America. Hispanic businesses line the street, having revitalized this small town. Every time I drive through Ligonier, I feel we should plant a Hispanic church in this town.

The reality is this. We need laborers. We need emerging leaders to answer the challenge. Jesus said, "Pray ye therefore the Lord of harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest" - Matt. 9:38 KJV

At the close of our fiscal year in May 2009, we reported 3401 members and 71 churches in the Great Lakes region. I am asking the Lord that by the 2010 General Assembly, we will report 3600 members. As well, I am asking the Lord that by the 2011 Regional Convention, we will report 4000 members and 75 churches. Admittedly, these are modest gains. However, we must begin somewhere. In the near future, we will be announcing training events for our emerging leaders in evangelism and new church plants that will have a multi-cultural emphasis.

                                                          
                                                                 Will you accept the challenge?
                                                                                  Bishop Tim Harper
                                                                                  Regional Overseer