Rev. Josh Patty

Regional Minister & President



Recently, I came across an essay where a pastor reflects on how engaging more fully and vulnerably in mission transformed him spiritually. It also shows how expanding the impact of a ministry outreach program – in this case a food pantry – required spiritual change first among the participants.

Here is how this United Methodist minister sums it up, “When leaders walk in humility, prayer, and trust, God multiplies their efforts. God turns uncertainty into purpose and weakness into strength.”  

While not all faithful efforts may see the exponential growth this feeding ministry in Las Vegas did – from serving 50 families a month to over 3000 people each month – there are important lessons here for all of the ways we serve. We best help others when we first listen to their needs and dreams.  Sometimes we don’t know what to do. Usually the need seems far beyond our financial and human resources. As much as God is touching others through our efforts, God is also transforming us in powerful ways.

Have you experienced this when you serve others? Has God multiplied your efforts? Do you recognize change and growth in your life and in others serving with you? Are spiritual practices an important part of the experience for your leaders and volunteers? Looking back, where has there been vulnerability and uncertainty? Where is there vulnerability and uncertainty now?

Sometimes, church folk can do more talking than doing. Perhaps people frustrated by this often end up serving in outreach programs where the focus is on “doing” for others. Still, I’d invite you to reflect and to have an explicit conversation with outreach ministry leaders and volunteers using this article and the above questions. Occasionally doing this can strengthen your faith and the mission effort.

Conversation Cafe, hosted by Disciples Home Missions, is a bi-monthly online gathering for congregations, clergy, lay leaders, and staff. During this webinar, participants will explore a framework that congregations can use to build community partnerships in their local context. The webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21 from 11:30a-12:45p CST. For more information.

The Parenting for Justice Summit gathers community leaders, psychologists, educators, ministers, and activists to explore how we raise liberated children in an unjust world - without losing our joy. For ministry leaders who walk with families, this is an invitation to deepen the practices of justice, compassion, and healing in the home - right alongside the work you're already doing in your community. You - and the families you serve - are invited into this work. The Summit runs from April 13-17. Register for free at http://parenting4justice.com/

Join 2,000+ people of faith at the National Faith + Climate Forum on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Attend at a host congregation near you or join from home via live stream. This year’s theme: The Future We Choose: Faith in Action for a Thriving Tomorrow. Last year 19 Disciples churches hosted and 120 Disciples participated—be part of this growing movement! It's not too late to register to be a host site. The deadline to register as a host site is April 10. In the Des Moines area? New Beginnings Christian Church, Urbandale, IA, has registered to be a host site, and will even provide lunch. Register for the Forum here.

This Lent, I will be sharing 2-3 minute video meditations on the theme, Remember Your Baptism. These videos are appropriate for use in worship services, devotions for small groups or education classes, sharing on social media, etc. – please use them to support and strengthen your ministry. Videos premiere each Tuesday at 9 am on our YouTube channel (Find the playlist here.). Planned videos: Confession & Baptism (Feb 17), Baptized into Christ (Feb 24), Preparation Seasons (Mar 3), Baptized Living (Mar 10), Sacrament (Mar 17), Remembering and Re-membering (Mar 24), God’s Promises (Mar 31), Hope (Apr 7).

Lisa's recorded post-Easter sermon is available. Instructions on how to access it were sent last week. If you didn't receive it, please contact the regional office at 515.255.3168 or office@uppermidwestcc.org.