Report from Rochester
by Todd Venman, Conference President and Pastor Wiltsie Community Church, Russell, PA
Annual Gathering 2015 will ever be etched in my mind as a time when God moved in the hearts of many. With countless hours of prayer and preparation, the CCCC Board of Directors saw Holy Spirit-united delegates. Leading up to the business sessions we as a board sought the heart of God, and listened for his still small voice. The responses in the business sessions and the Q&A were a direct reflection of our God and King moving in the hearts of His people to accomplish His work.
We saw firsthand how God’s plan for the CCCC put into motion many years ago is bearing fruit. We heard reports from staff that are seeing God at work as they stand beside pastors and lay workers in the harvest field. We are seeing God blend the ministries of Conference Care, Church Development and Church Multiplication together to help provide congregations and pastors with life-giving resources. Yet these three areas are only staffed with part-time directors. This furthers the understanding of a great God who is at work in local regions. Due to this integration of priorities we are seeing invigorated pastors and churches reaching out to other pastors and churches.
The Community Pastor initiative is also bearing much fruit. We are witnessing God move in the hearts of pastors to reach out to other pastors with prayerful support as they seek obedience to God as a priority. These Community Pastor groups are developing many who have never been developed. Now as they are developing they in turn develop others. We are seeing Matthew 28:19–20 lived out on a greater scale.
The Board of Directors spent more of our time this year empowering the move of God in local areas. We believe God has uniquely blessed us with a foundation of local churches serving as God leads them. We also have seen God unite hearts and purpose around the Passion of the CCCC, which was and is Christ’s passion.
This renewed obedience in the life of CCCC Pastors and Churches is exciting. God has blessed the CCCC with people who love Him and want His leading in their lives. With varied outcomes expected and realized, we desire to glorify Him with our obedience.
We have much more work to be done as we become more missional. We are working on implementing the changes brought about with the revisions of the By-Laws. A greater Community Pastors effort with support to local pastors and churches continues to be an ongoing focus. We have additional work to be done in the areas of missions and chaplains.
We as a Board of Directors count it a privilege to serve our King as we serve the people He has called. We count on your prayers and active support to God’s Kingdom as He directs you. We serve a faithful God who has provided and will continue to provide. We thank you for your faithfulness to the King in your region and your partnership with the CCCC.
