THE

CENTRAL CONNECTION

January 2018

"We are an organization of churches that is committed

to the mission of Christ to multiply disciple-making churches

through evangelism, leadership training, and connection with

other like-minded churches."

FROM THE DIRECTOR

"No Cowards Here!"

Most of us have had the unpleasant experience of looking back into the rear-view mirror to see those dreaded red and blue flashing lights. No, I am not talking about the twinkling of Christmas lights. It was about 10:00 pm on a weekend and I was in a rush to fill a prescription for my wife because she was in pain. Read More

Pat Phinney

CB North Central Regional Director

KAREN’S HEALTH UPDATE

A week ago on Facebook, I quoted a proverb by Thomas Palmer when he said, “ If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again.” This certainly applies to our faith journey concerning the diagnosis of Karen’s ovarian cancer on September 2, 2017.  Read more about Karen's health update.

Will you stand together in prayer with us?

Pat & Karen Phinney

Moody Pastor's Conference 2018

May 21-24, 2018

Chicago, IL

Enjoy a week of invigorating Bible teaching from today’s foremost Christian leaders and teachers, including Alistair Begg, Charlie Dates, Skye Jethani, and H. B. Charles. Choose from dozens of workshops highlighting innovative ministry strategies and a variety of topics, like urban ministry, spiritual self-care, youth ministry, women’s ministry leaders, church management, and much more—even a track entirely in Spanish! Pastors’ Conference refreshes and equips men and women with challenging Bible teaching and fellowship with other ministry leaders. For more information visit the Moody Bible Institute website for the Pastor's Conference.

You've Got Some GREAT Opportunities This Year!

Take a look at the pricing on the Moody website, but

REGISTER through CB North Central AND SAVE!

50% OFF Registration

Register before April 1st and save 1/2 off the Early Bird pricing for registration.

Moody Early Bird Registration is $199

Through CBNC you'll pay $99.50!

(Meals & Lodging are Additional)

Because we register as a group, Moody is giving us an incredible savings.

ATTENTION COUPLES

Moody now has lodging available for couples. This is great news! No more scrambling to find off site lodging. You pay the same amount as a regular shared room. Shared room with 10 meal plan $250.

Right now through March 31st your full package

Conference Registration/Shared Lodging/10 Meals

$349.50

Please see the Moody website for additional options,

i.e. single room/meal plan, day passes, etc.

Call or email the CBNC office to register.

763-205-9330 or [email protected]

2 Options to Pay for Your Conference Fees

Mail a check

to CB North Central, PO Box 490441, Blaine, MN 55449

or pay online.

Contact the CBNC office for information about scholarships.



Henry C. Spicer Scholarship

The HENRY C. SPICER SCHOLARSHIP is awarded each year to high school seniors planning to attend college in the Fall. To qualify, an applicant must be a committed Christian and a regular attender of a CBNC affiliated church. 

For more information and an application, visit our  website. More questions? 

Contact the CB North Central office by phone 763-205-9330 or email  [email protected].  

Applications must be postmarked no later than April 1st. 

PASTOR'S WIVES. . . JUST FOR YOU

" Go Big or Go home!!! "

Pastor Mike Wetzig has been in ministry 24 years with over 18 at the same church. We asked him to share some knowledge that he has gained from his years of experience and you can read what he has to say here.

I know there are a number of new pastors in our region - some are serving as a pastor for the first time while others are starting in a new ministry location. First off, let me welcome you. Pastoring in a CB church has been a real blessing in my life and ministry. I have gained so much from connecting with other CB pastors and I have been able to glean a lot of wisdom from those within the region that I have rubbed shoulders with. Read More

Pastor Mike Wetzig

Ravenna Baptist Church, Ravenna, MI

#GettingToKnowYou

An Interview With Pastor Ken Pierpont 

Bethel Baptist Church, Jackson, MI

Ken Pierpont is the new pastor at Bethel Baptist Church in Jackson, MI. He began his ministry at Bethel in September, 2017. We've asked him to share some things about him and his family so you can get to know him.

Ken comes from a rich history of pastors in his family. He was born in Xenia, Ohio while his dad was training for ministry. Both his dad and grandfather are pastors as well as his two brothers and two of his sons. Now that's a history! Ken met his wife, Lois, while training for ministry. Together they have four sons and four daughters.

Reading and writing are Ken's hobbies and after a long day he likes to read by the fire in the winter and in the summer he enjoys time on the front porch with a good book.

He has written seven books and a couple of them are available print on demand. The rest are available at kenpierpont.com.

At the young age of 14 a strong desire to be a pastor formed in Ken and it has never, ever waned. He started preaching at the age of 14 and pastored his first church at 17. He has been a pastor for a total of 38 years.

When asked, "What was a blessing during your recent transition?", this is what we found out. Presently Ken and his family are still in the process of moving to Jackson. The transition from his previous church was extremely painful and difficult, and yet when he and Lois make their 1 hr. & 20 min. commute to Jackson, MI on Sunday mornings they weep with gratitude because of God's great provision. Their daughter had married into an abusive relationship and God protected their girl, He protected their reputation, He kept their car running, and He provided financially when they were down to their last dollar. God's timing was amazing, meeting their needs one after another, after another. Ken says, "God is faithful when things are hard. If you can't trust God when things are hard what kind of ministry do you have? This is a good church. God prepared me for this church and the Church for me."

CBAmerica Chaplaincy

"You're sitting with someone who is dying - what do you do? What do you say?

For Mark Mitera, the answers, while never easy, are less difficult. Spending time with patients in their last days of life is his job." Read More -by Fred Kight, Live Local, Athens Ohio Chamber of Commerce magazine, December 2017, Vol. 1, Issue 8

Zero-Based Church Scheduling

"Your church calendar may be so full you have rendered much of the activity of the members ineffective. It’s time to start fresh." Read more

- ThomRainer.com

IRS Announces 2018 Mileage Rates

"The Internal Revenue Service issued the 2018 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes." Read more

- ChurchLawandTax.com

The GOP Tax Bill Just Passed. Here’s What Church Leaders Need to Know.

Three tax experts weigh in. Read more - by Emily Lund, ChurchLawandTax.com

First Baptist Church - Colfax, IA

Moline Baptist Church - Moline, MI

Oak Park Community Church - Blaine, MN

First Baptist Church - Jackson, MN

First Baptist Church - Minneapolis, MN

Faithbridge Church - Park Rapids, MN



CB North Central Cluster Groups

Central Minnesota

Monday, February 12, 10am to Noon

Meeting at River of Live Church, Hastings, MN

Steve Schoenwald, River of Life Church, Hastings, MN

651-437-3965 [email protected]

Southwest Minnesota

Tuesday, February 6, 11am - 1pm

Meeting at First Baptist Church, Jackson, MN

Walt Moser, First Baptist Church, Luverne, MN

507-283-4091 [email protected]

Wisconsin

Tuesday, January 23 at 8:30 am

Meeting at Perkins on Hastings Way in Eau Claire, WI

Eldon Carlson, Bloomer Baptist, Bloomer, WI

715-568-1979 [email protected]

Wade Duroe, Crossroads Church, Chippewa Falls, WI

715-723-1054 [email protected]

Iowa

Tuesday, January 9, at Noon

Meeting at Cornerstone Community Church, Manchester, IA

Jay Jentink, Calvary Baptist Church, Cedar Rapids, IA

319-396-3233 [email protected]

Illinois

Next Meeting to be Announced

Art Georges, Living Hope Community Church, Bartonville, IL

309-633-0028 [email protected]

Michigan

Next Meeting to be Announced

Nate Wagner, Sparta Baptist Church, Sparta, MI

616-887-8813 [email protected]



SERVICES & INFORMATION PROVIDED BY CB NORTH CENTRAL

Below you will find a partial list of the many services provided

by CB North Central, click on any image for more information.