daddy4ms

Last week, I had the privilege of being in Houston and getting to spend time with the staff at Wood's Edge Church in Houston, Texas.  First of all, let me say that the staff was so hospitable and went above and beyond what I had in mind.  I spent about an hour talking logistics and history with their Prayer and Care Pastor, Carol.  It was so fun to hear their journey over the years of becoming a church that not just talks about prayer, but actually makes prayer a priority.  She shared lots of great resources and details about how they transitioned as a church and some of the obstacles along the way. In addition, to a great visit with Carol, I was treated to an amazing supper with Carol as well as three of their elders and their wives.  Not only was the food amazing, but also was able to hear the heart of these leaders and how prayer had changed them and their church.   After the meal, I was able to attend their Wednesday Evening Prayer Meeting.  I...

Today is one of my favorite Sundays at Hesston MB Church.  It is the day we introduce new teachers for our Sunday School classes, present small gifts to 1st Graders as they promote out of Children's Church, and present Bibles to our 3rd graders.  We also host a brunch for our youth and adults after all the teachers from children through adults have been introduced.  It is a great kickoff to our year together in "Making Disciples who Make Disciples." But even more than all of these great things, it is a reminder of my calling and the faithfulness of God.  It was on Promotion Sunday in 2008 that I interviewed for the ministry position I now serve in.  Bethany and I sat in the Promotion Sunday activities and were blessed by the stories of leaders sharing how they were called to teach children and youth. We joyfully participated in worship as God confirmed to us that this was where we were to be.  So, if you are looking for a church home, join us today....

This week (September 21-23) is the D6 Conference in Dallas. I am excited to be going along with my lead pastor and a leader in one of our ministries. We head out tomorrow afternoon to drive down to Dallas. This summer, I had the opportunity to attend the AMFM conference in Dallas as well and heard John McGee speak. Those attending D6 are in for a treat when John shares about his heart & vision for strengthening marriages. I was able to interview John McGee via email. Here are my questions and his answers below. 1. Briefly share about yourself, family, and ministry at Watermark. Pam and I have been married 16 years and have 4 kids. I have been the director of Marriage Ministry at Watermark for last 9 years. It is not a role I signed up for, but is now one I don’t want to relinquish. I am really grateful to have a front row seat for all the life change that is happening in marriages at our church and in our community. 2. What can the church do to help strengthen marria...

Today, I am going to be writing about our journey to Hesston . It all began about this time last year. We were content ministering in Iola , KS. My ministry included leading the children's and youth ministry as well as some preaching and teaching adult Sunday School. The church was in the process of building a new church. Our children and youth ministry were growing. Things were going well! Then I received an email. I remember it clearly-it was June 30. I was sitting in Steve and Shirley's living room checking email on their laptop. The email was from Steve Toews and he mentioned he was a graduate of Denver Seminary and would like to talk with me. I received a phone call the following Monday and Steve asked if I was interested in applying for a ministry position at his church. As I mentioned above, I was not looking to leave Iola . However, I said I would pray about it and talk it over with Bethany. At lunch that day, I brought up the subject with Bethany. I was expecting her ...