Great Plains Region Briefing
Andrew Petro, Regional Director
MicroChurch Conference
Missionary Church Leaders Challenged
Multiple Leaders from the Missionary Church attended the MicroChurch Conference in Kansas City. The group included Andy and Ramona Petro, Tim Maki, Tim Morris, Steve Erickson, Danny Hodges and others. The growing MicroChurch Movement believes in the significance of a smaller way of following Jesus and activating people to be followers of the Way.
The Conference is a combination of a family reunion, a summit of faithful missional people obeying Jesus and seeing Him multiply simple churches and decentralized networks in cities and towns around the world. Two years ago about 500 people attended the conference and this year the second conference drew over 1000 people. The MicroChurch Conference is the fruit of multiple Networks of practitioners and is not owned by any of them.
This years conference drew a number of curious tire kickers who are not practitioners, but are taking notice of the movement and are exploring the potential of the smaller way. The vast majority of MicroChurch leaders are bivo/covocational that make and multiply disciples in the everyday places and spaces of life. We operate from the strong belief that every follower of King Jesus is a missionary called to join him in this work. I am thankful for the move of God in this movement and excited to continue to walk in it. If you are interested in learning more about MicroChurch and how you might begin to walk in it I would love to chat and explore your journey.
Steve Erickson
Cultivate Network
Preaching Workshop
Grace Missionary Church, Milford, NE
Andy and Levi Petro are hosting a preaching workshop May 3-4 at Grace Missionary. The workshop will center around the philosophy and practice of exegetical preaching working largely from the book of 1 John. This is open to pastors as well as lay leaders from your congregation.
Check-in opens at 3:30pm on Friday. The evening begins at 5:30pm with supper and one sessions. Saturday will wrap up at 3:00pm.
If you're interested in attending please email gmcmilford@gmail.com. The $30 registration fee covers the event and all meals. Housing options are available in the nearby town of Seward.
UPCOMING REGIONAL EVENTS
National Day of Prayer-May 2
The 2024 theme for the National Day of Prayer is Lift up the Word - Light up the World, based on 2 Samuel 22:29-31: “For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.” Learn more
Children's Camp
Register now for Children's Camp
June 17-21
Early Bird rate ends May 1
Registration closes June 1
Email Christy Sayler at childrenscampgreatplains@gmail.com with any questions
Youth Camp
Register now for Youth Camp
June 3-7
Early Bird rate ends May 1
Contact Adam DeMike at adam@demike.com with any questions
Pastors & Wives' Retreat
The date and location has been set for Pastors & Wives' Retreat 2024. Please mark your calendar for October 17-19. We'll be in Kansas City this year. More details about housing and activities to follow.
STAFF OPENINGS IN THE GREAT PLAINS REGION
Hope Missionary Church-Clatonia, NE
Clatonia is currently looking for a co-vocational pastor to lead a restart/revitalization of a recently adopted UMC congregation. To visit their website go here.
Applications can be send to Andy Petro.
Northwind Church, Keewatin, MN
Northwind Church is looking for a Lead Pastor/Bi-vocational of a three year old church plant in Northern MN. To visit their website go here.
Please send resume to Tim Maki.
Regional Prayer Focus
1. Members of the new finance team would be clear.
2. Pastoral Cohorts would form and deeper connections would be made.
3. Complete the adoption of incoming churches.
4. The development and implementation of an internship program to develop young leaders.
5. Pray for disciples to be made and disciple-making communities & churches to be formed in North Dakota.
National Prayer Focus
PERSONAL REFLECTION — LOOK AT THE FIELDS: “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” (John 4:35).
- When you look at society in general, or when you look at your neighborhood, what do you see? Are you angered or are you broken because of their distance from the Lord?
- Is it possible you live in the middle of a harvest field that you haven’t noticed?
- Pray for the harvest field around you that God will put people in their lives who will tell them about Jesus.
- Ask the Lord to prepare your heart to share the good news with those around you.
Specific Prayer Needs
*We want to join you in prayers of rejoicing and need. Please send any requests to greatplainsregion.mc@gmail.com or text +1-844-463-7808 to have items included here.
Andrew Petro, Regional Director
Email: greatplainsregion.mc@gmail.com
Website: greatplainsregion.org
Phone: (402) 840-5056
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Midwest-District-of-the-Missionary-Church-152079684836953
Regional Director of the Great Plains Region, Missionary Church