By Tom Planck and Israel Munguia
The story of the community surrounding Westlake Church of God on the west side of Indianapolis, Indiana, is familiar to many churches across the state. The culture has vastly changed over the past several years. A once mostly Caucasian community has now shifted to include a large population of African American and Hispanic people. Continue reading
Comments Off on Hispanic Church Coming Soon to West Side of Indianapolis
Posted in All Church of God, Great Lakes
Tagged church planters, church planting, Concilio Hispano, cross-cultural, discipleship, Healthy Growing Churches, Hispanic, Hispanic church, Hispanic Council, IN, Indiana, Indiana Ministries, Indianapolis, Israel Munguia, language, Midwest, multicultural, multiplication, Robin Munguia, Tom Planck, West Side, Westlake Church of God
The crowded entryway of County Line’s new campus church.
By Carl Stagner
Nate Tatman had no idea how pivotal that moment would be. He’d been in the office of Indiana Ministries when something caught his attention. The map of the state on the wall wasn’t anything new; he remembered seeing it before. But what he hadn’t noticed was the distribution of push pins on the map, which indicated counties that did not have a Church of God congregation. In particular, he noticed this time that there were thirty-seven counties in total with no Church of God congregation. And that’s when things began to get interesting. Continue reading
Comments Off on At the Crossroads: Indiana Churches Initiate Plan to Multiply
Posted in All Church of God, Give Life, Great Lakes
Tagged advancement, Auburn, campus church, church multiplication, church planting, County Line Church of God, Crossroads 37, discipleship, Doug Talley, Europe X, evangelism, Garrett, Global Strategy, grassroots, Great Commission, Healthy Growing Churches, IN, Indiana, Indiana Ministries, Marcia Weller, Midwest, mission, missional, multiply, Nate Tatman, Nathan Tatman, satellite campus, Stu Kruse, Stuart Kruse, Three Worlds, vision
By Phyllis Kardatzke Miller
When a person is confronted with the claims of Jesus on his life, he makes a choice—he either accepts or rejects. There is no gray area in between of “tabling for future reference.” After seeing there is one way (and a very narrow way it is!), the person who understands that God is calling him to repentance and consciously takes the truth “under advisement” is choosing not to believe, and seeking his own approach to God. Continue reading
Comments Off on From the Archives: Now I Am Truly Free
Posted in All Church of God
Tagged Anderson, conversion, editorial, freedom, From the Archives, history, IN, Indiana, intellect, intellectual, liberty, library, Park Place Church of God, Phyllis Kardatzke Miller, rational, reasoning, salvation, searching, seeker, seeking, testimony, thinking, Vital Christianity
Students worshiping the Lord at 3SLI.
By Carl Stagner
IYC and state youth conventions do a tremendous job inspiring students to come to Christ, to rededicate their lives to the Lord, and to accept the unique call God has placed on their lives. Most of the students leave these mountain-top experiences having experienced life change to one degree or another, but some also leave recognizing God has called them to lead. Just after the turn of the new century, several youth pastors from the Midwest came together to identify the best way to prepare such students for lifelong Christ-centered leadership. In 2003, 3SLI (then the Tri-State Student Leadership Institute, now Tri-Level) was launched to serve students in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. When West Virginia was added, the name 3SLI didn’t change—and neither did its resolve to come alongside emerging leaders. Continue reading
Comments Off on Youth Pastors, Regions Unite to Prepare Students for Christ-Centered Leadership
Posted in All Church of God, Leadership Development, Youth Ministries
Tagged 3SLI, Cincinnati, discipleship, emerging leaders, high school, IN, Indiana, Indiana Ministries, IYC, Kentucky, KY, leadership development, mentoring, OH, Ohio, students, Tami Byrd, Tim Jones, Tri-Level Student Leadership Institute, West Virginia, WV, youth conventions, youth ministries
Handel Smith with Paul, sub-contractor for the church’s affordable homes ministry.
By Carl Stagner
Church of God Ministries staff are known for their roles they play in the collective work of the Movement. But among those who report to “base camp” day after day are individuals who are very active in their local churches. Some are Sunday school teachers, board members, worship leaders, associate pastors, and senior pastors. Others are laypeople who volunteer and get involved in numerous initiatives and projects at the local church level. When Handel Smith accepted the call to fill an executive leadership position at Church of God Ministries in Anderson, Indiana, he accepted a massive portfolio—oversight of the Movement’s influence and impact in the United States and Canada. His ministry Monday through Saturday—and countless Sundays, too—is extensive and expansive. Though a faithful attender of one of the Anderson-area churches when at home, it soon became apparent that he’d received a special leadership assignment that would both bring God glory and give life to a life-giving soul. Continue reading
Comments Off on Church Pastored by CHOG Ministries’ Handel Smith Celebrates Urban Ministry Renewal
Posted in All Church of God, Give Life, Great Lakes
Tagged addictions, Anderson, base camp, blight, Celebration Church at Arrow Heights, CHOG Ministries, Church of God Ministries, city, community, decline, deliverance, evangelism, Handel Smith, IN, Indiana, metropolitan, Micah Merritt, multicultural, multiethnic, Nancy Jordan, outreach, salvation, Sharon Montgomery, staff, strategy, testimony, transformation, turnaround, urban ministry, urban missions, vision
Zealand leading students in worship at IYC2018.
By Carl Stagner
For the first time since 1980, Indianapolis, Indiana, was home to the International Youth Convention of the Church of God. Reflecting the local racing culture, the 51st pinnacle of youth ministry experiences capitalized on its proximity to the iconic motor speedway, with four days designed to put students on track for the race of a lifetime. Inspiring worship, top-notch speakers, dozens of breakout sessions, a 5K to support the fight against trafficking, and a day devoted to community service combined to create moments of lasting life change. Those moments may have passed, but eternity—brighter than ever before—lies ahead. The life change continues as four thousand students and youth leaders, who embraced life at IYC2018, return home to give life to their families, schools, churches, and across their communities. Continue reading
Comments Off on IYC2018 Puts Students On Track for Life
Posted in All Church of God, IYC: International Youth Convention, Youth Ministries
Tagged 5K For Freedom, 5K4Freedom, CHOG TraffickLight, Impact Indianapolis, Impact Indy, IN, Indiana, Indianapolis, International Youth Convention of the Church of God, IYC, IYC Indy, IYC2018, IYCindy, life change, Spread the Word, student ministries, students, teenagers, younger generation, youth, youth ministry
Renovation at the new NSpire Church location.
By Carl Stagner
The Latin word spīrāre inspired the name of the Church of God in Westfield, Indiana, now known as NSpire Church. In the Hebrew and Greek, its meaning is understood as having to do with breath, life, wind, and the Spirit. Building up to IYC2018 (July 2–5), the church is preparing to work with IYC students by hosting an Indianapolis-area Impact Day project. As the church transitions out of a season of building and expanding, their partnership with the International Youth Convention is but an extension of who they already are. Leading into a new season of outreach, NSpire Church is breathing life into their community and will soon breathe life into the lives of teenagers attending IYC. Continue reading
Comments Off on Building Up to IYC2018: Indiana Church Breathes Life into Students, Community
Posted in All Church of God, Great Lakes, IYC: International Youth Convention
Tagged Brad Ruggles, community, expansion, Impact Day, Impact Indy, IN, Indiana, International Youth Convention, IYC, IYC2018, life change, Matt Gaylor, Nspire Church, outreach, renovation, service projects, students, teenagers, Westfield, youth
Victory House leadership celebrates a success story!
By Noel Marquis
Since its creation in 2010, Victory House has offered hope and extended the message of Christ’s love to over 150 women in need. Victory House, which is hosted by Destiny Life Center, a Church of God congregation in Fort Wayne, Indiana, serves women in transition by offering them temporary housing and advancement opportunities. In addition, Victory House provides the chance to grow closer and delve deeper into God’s Word. Continue reading
Comments Off on Victory in Jesus: Fort Wayne Ministry Gives Life to Women in Need
Posted in All Church of God, Give Life, Great Lakes
Tagged deliverance, Destiny Life Center, Fort Wayne, homelessness, IN, Indiana, Karen Staton, Noel Marquis, PattiJae Jimerson, poverty, prevention, rescue, social services, transitional housing, Victory House, women in need, women in transition, women's ministry
Bikers gearing up for a ride at Owingsville First Church.
By Carl Stagner
The Church of God movement is known for making Jesus the subject—looking past ethnic and cultural differences for the Lord’s sake. Recognizing that the call to ministry doesn’t distinguish between male and female, and reaching our hands in fellowship to every blood-washed one—regardless of color of skin, or name over the church doors, for example—the Church of God has placed a premium on unity, holiness, and the mission of reaching anyone and everyone with the gospel. It should be no surprise then, that over recent decades Church of God congregations across the country have developed motorcycle ministries that really make a difference. Often stereotyped and frequently feared by a four-wheeled society, the distinct culture and community of bikers has proved a field ready for harvest in the Church of God. Continue reading
Comments Off on Motorcycle Ministry and the Church of God
Posted in All Church of God
Tagged Anderson, Andover, Benton Harbor, bikers, Bill Bridgman, Christian Motorcycles Association, CMA, community, Crystal Springs Church of God, Don Billey, First Church of God, Hope Community Church, IN, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, KS, KY, Lowell Rice, Main Street Church of God, MI, Michigan, Motorcycle, New Martinsville, outreach, Owingsville, Owingsville First Church of God, Rocky Wills, society, Steve Weldon, subculture, West Virginia, WV
Volunteers from local churches help sustain the ministry.
By Carl Stagner
Another title of this article could have appropriately been, “Local Churches Set Aside Differences, Discover They Can Do More Together.” That’s because this is exactly what happened when Operation Love Ministries was formed in Anderson, Indiana. The collaboration and unity among churches representing multiple denominations and cultures make this yet another Jesus-is-the-subject story, and a potential model for other communities. Today, twenty-seven area churches prayerfully and financially support the parachurch organization, also giving governance to the work. As a result, these local churches have access to a tried-and-tested resource to more effectively help neighbors in need. Continue reading
Comments Off on Local Churches Set Aside Differences, Establish and Sustain Community Ministry
Posted in All Church of God, Give Life, Great Lakes
Tagged Anderson, Andrea Baker, better together, collaboration, community, cooperative, IN, Indiana, Jesus Is the Subject, needy, neighbors, Operation Love Ministries, poverty, unity, urban, Volunteers
By Charlie Arms
In 2014, after consultation with Indiana Ministries, our family moved from sunny Florida and took on the responsibility of planting a church in northwest Indiana. Locals refer to this area of Indiana as “the Region,” primarily because we are part of Indiana, yet in many ways more closely connected through business and lifestyle with Chicago. Continue reading
Comments Off on Chicago-Area Church Plant Gains Momentum
Posted in All Church of God, Great Lakes
Tagged Charlie Arms, Chicago, church plant, church planting, community, Crown Point, IN, Indiana, Indiana Ministries, Momentum Church, outreach, Schererville
Photo: A creative welcome to Dove Harbor.
By Karen Roberts
“Have You Ever…” is a game I play with a class I teach. It begins innocently enough, with an easy question, and then it moves into more challenging ones. Let’s try it. Have you ever…gone sledding? Have you ever…had to sleep in your car? Have you ever…knowingly talked with a homeless person? Those who answered yes are ready for more. Have you ever…volunteered somewhere out of your comfort zone? Have you ever…donated material items or money to a food pantry? Have you ever…shared a meal with someone living in a shelter? Continue reading
Comments Off on Comfort Zones Stretched, A Harbor for Women Gained
Posted in All Church of God, Great Lakes
Tagged Anderson, Cherilyn Horning, community, Dove Harbor, IN, Indiana, Karen Roberts, Madison Park Church of God, mentoring, outreach, safe haven, transitional shelter, Tyrone Chandler, women's shelter
Truth, Faith, and Service Speaker Scott Russell Sanders
Writer and conservationist Scott Russell Sanders will be speaking in Nicholson Library on the campus of Anderson University on Friday, September 8, at 7 PM as part of the Truth, Faith, and Service speaker series. The event is free and open to the public.
Sanders’ work examines the human place in nature, the pursuit of social justice, the relationship between culture and geography, and the search for a spiritual path. He has written more than twenty books exploring these topics, and retired in 2009 as distinguished professor of English after thirty-eight years at Indiana University. Continue reading
Comments Off on Upcoming AU Events Attract Community Interest, Involvement
Posted in All Church of God, Colleges & Universities
Tagged 100th anniversary, Anderson, Anderson University, AU, Centennial, IN, Indiana, Scott Russell Sanders, speaker series, York Children's Literature Festival
Photo: Cross-cultural footwashing in Bangladesh.
By Carl Stagner
If you’ve ever been on a mission trip, you know it’s a mistake to think you’re going to another country only to teach and bless someone else. More often than not, you end up learning more than you could offer. Instead of leaving feeling impressed by all the good you did, you feel humbled by the good people you met. When a group from Church at the Crossing in Indianapolis, Indiana; First Church of God in Marion, South Dakota; and Church of God Ministries in Anderson, Indiana, came together for a missions trip to Bangladesh this year, the teachers once again became the learners. Continue reading
Comments Off on When Teachers Become Learners: Barefoot and Humbled in Bangladesh
Posted in All Church of God, CHOG TraffickLight, Global Strategy
Tagged Asia and the Pacific, Asia-Pacific, Bangladesh, baptism, Barefoot Pastors Training, CARE, Carla Zerkle, Caroline Armstrong, Church at the Crossing, Church of God Ministries, cross-cultural, Don Armstrong, First Church of God, footwashing, Hindu, IN, Indiana, Indianapolis, international, Islam, Joe Cookston, John Zerkle, Joseph Cookston, Lalmonirhat, Marion, mission trips, missions, multicultural, Muslim, Nikki Bauerle, SD, Shelly Clasen, South Dakota, travel
By Megan DeBruyn
Since the early 1900s, American women have been fighting for equal rights and impartial treatment in both society and the workplace. This movement has developed monumentally since its humble origins, and today, women enjoy freedoms across a plethora of fields. The single institution that lags behind the rest is the church. Continue reading
Comments Off on Stuck in the Past: Women Still Denied Their Place in Church Leadership
Posted in All Church of God
Tagged Akron, Akron Church of God, egalitarian, female pastors, IN, Indiana, Kathy Nelson, leadership, Megan DeBruyn, women clergy, women in ministry, women pastors
