THE CENTRAL CONNECTION
January 2023
"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."
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The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled – Mark 5:14-20.
Here was a man in serious bondage. This man was possessed by an unclean spirit and a host of evil spirits. The people from the city had done all they could to keep him away from their community by placing physical restraints on him. These efforts to restrain him were futile because the unclean spirits gave him extraordinary strength and he broke free. All that to say that he was desperately tormented by these unclean, evil spirits that occupied his space. To say the least, he was helpless. He could do nothing to free himself and no one else was able to help him either. Read More
Pastor Brad Little, Regional Executive Director
Venture Church Network Midwest
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Charting Next Steps
This past weekend we had over 160 people attend VCN Midwest Arctic Advance. The weekend was an amazing time of seeing students worship God and dig deeper into His Word. I am so grateful for the VCN Youth Pastors who preached God’s Word during the weekend as we focused on the Gospel. During our sessions we looked at the following, what is the Gospel, why remember the gospel, why treasure the gospel, and how to proclaim the gospel.
I want to reflect on the sending out challenge brought by Pastor Chad Eastridge from Creekside Bible Church. Read More
Chuck Babbitt, Youth Pastor
Bloomer Baptist Church
VCNMidwest Youth Ministries Director
| ***Click below to watch the video.*** |
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Charting Next Steps for your Personal Finances
I like to write personal goals. Twenty years ago (whew – that’s tough to say) – I was hired as a youth pastor and the senior pastor encouraged me to write goals and held me accountable to them – that’s reason number one. Secondly, I am geared toward thought rather than action, so goals get me moving. Finally, goals allow me to take responsibility for my definition of success – removing it from the control of others.
Vision
When it comes to charting next steps for the you pastor and your money, you must have a vision. . It’s imperative you have a direction you want to go. You can say retirement, but it’s not specific enough. I suppose it’s comparable to saying, “I’m driving to Mexico”. “Where in Mexico,” someone would ask, “I don’t know, just Mexico”. No bueno. Read More
Pastor Rob Buhl
First Baptist Church, Whitehall, WI
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Artic Advance - A picture of Pastor Chad's sending out challenge. This is how they ended the session, down on their knees in prayer. | |
2023 Henry C. Spicer Scholarship
This region has been blessed to be able to give away scholarships to graduating high school seniors for 25 years! On top of that there has been a total of $57,000 awarded to scholarship winners. Again this year Venture Church Network Midwest will be awarding the Henry C. Spicer Scholarship to a graduating high school senior planning to further their education this fall. Previous scholarships have ranged from $300 to $2,000.
The scholarship from the Henry C. Spicer Scholarship Fund is available to all qualifying high school seniors. To qualify, an applicant must be a 2023 high school graduate planning to attend college this fall. The applicant must be a committed Christian and a regular attender of a VCNMidwest affiliated church.
Applications are due by April 1, 2023.
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Pastors Retreat
Camp Lebanon
1205 Acorn Rd, Burtrum, MN
April 23-26, 2023
Last year we enjoyed a great time of fellowship and a time away at Camp Lebanon. We want you to have an opportunity to do it again!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND
PLAN TO ATTEND!
More Information Coming
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What the Respect for Marriage Act Means for Churches
"Bipartisan law confirms and protects certain religious liberties." Read More
-by Richard R. Hammer, Churchlawandtax.com
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Tuesday, January 24, 9:00am (CT)
with an alternative repeat session
Wednesday, January 25, 3:00pm (CT)
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WATCH FOR YOUR ZOOM INVITE COMING SOON!
The Purpose of ENGAGE is to address gospel and missional critical issues and challenge our thinking related to pastoral ministry, leadership and the purpose of our churches.
The Goal of ENGAGE is to continue to become gospel-centered, grace driven, biblically anchored churches passionately committed to fulfill the mission of Christ.
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Venture Church Network Midwest
CLUSTER GROUPS
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Iowa
Tuesday, January 17, 12:00 (CT)
Location - Creekside Bible Church, Marion, IA
Jay Jentink, Calvary Baptist Church Cedar Rapids, IA
319-396-3233
[email protected]
Michigan/Ohio
TBD
Meeting by Zoom
Allen Grover, Ganson Street Baptist Church, Jackson, MI
517-740-8961 [email protected]
Central Minnesota
Monday, January 16, 10:00 (CT)
Leader: Brad Little
Location - River of Life Church, Hastings, MN
Contact: Dan Vesta
651-468-1045
[email protected]
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Southern Minnesota
Tuesday, January 17, 11:30 (CT)
Location - Pizza Ranch, Jackson
Walt Moser, First Baptist Church, Luverne, MN
605-254-3092
[email protected]
Wisconsin
Thursday, January 19, 11:00 (CT)
Location - Season's Cafe, Barron
Wade Duroe, Crossroads Church, Chippewa Falls, WI
715-723-1054
[email protected]
VCNMidwest Youth Pastor Collaboration
Thursday, January 26, 10:00 (CT)
Meeting by Zoom
Chuck Babbitt, Bloomer Baptist Church, Bloomer, WI
515-230-0774
[email protected]
To Be Decided
Illinois
Northern Minnesota/North Dakota
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Venture Church Network Midwest
1410 44th Street, Marion, IA 52302
Dr. Brad Little
Regional Executive Director
[email protected]
763-350-4263
Administrative Office
Regular Hours: Tues. thru Fri. 8am - 2pm
Gina Perry, Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
319-830-6478
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All articles and submissions are the view of the individual writer and are not necessarily the official position of Venture Church Network Midwest. | | | | |