Twice yearly I get together with our CGGC officers and regional directors to discuss mutual concerns and to work on our vision for ongoing ministry. Normally we meet early in the New Year and sometime during the summer. Last weekend we held our winter retreat in Columbus, Ohio. Since this event usually falls near Valentine’s Day and because ministry on behalf of the CGGC often takes our leaders away from home and family, I always invite the wives to attend. So, in some ways it becomes a couples’ weekend together.

Left to Right, back: Dr. Kevin Richardson, Pastor Dave Green, Pastor Dennis Hamsher, Pastor Ed Rosenberry, Pastor Bob Eatherton
Front: Ruth Richardson, Sally Green, Barbara Hamsher, Linda Rosenberry, Deb Eatherton

The retreat began Friday night with dinner together at Hickory House, near our hotel. Actually we checked out two other places first, but the third time was the charm. The ambiance and food were both quite acceptable. In fact, I’d recommend it when in Columbus.

Don’t trust the internet ratings, as our first stop was rated with four stars and turned out to be a dive, and the second was out of business. Afterwards we returned to the hotel and spent some time in the hospitality area just catching up on family and church news.

Saturday morning we began our day with devotions and a time of sharing our regional ministry updates. It seemed that despite the economy the churches did well with giving in 2009 and the response for Haiti emergency relief is now over $260,000 with gifts still coming in. Eastern Region is employing two part time persons in the office to oversee finances with Jim Brandt serving as financial secretary (one day) and Colleen Gross as treasurer (three days). One church disbanded and Harrisburg First is struggling, but four new churches are starting up this year. Allegheny Region is in process of planting a new congregation and receiving an affiliating church into the CGGC. The Great Lakes reported that several congregations (including Mt Tabor and Mt Carmel) are or will be expanding facility for greater ministry. The region expects to plant two new churches this year. Midwest Region, because of its geography covering three states, plans to develop a cluster model to foster fellowship, accountability and growth. The Lifespring Church in Plainfield, IL is engaged in planting new congregations in neighboring Joliet, IL and Sheboygan, WI. The Western region is in process of selecting a regional director. Church plants in Kansas City, MO and San Antonio, TX are in the offing. In California the Wheatland Church expects to expand facility and the Manteca congregation continues to grow in ministry. The new San Diego Hispanic congregation continues to thrive. It was great to hear all the good stories!

After a time of prayer, the ladies left the meeting for regions beyond (shopping). The meeting continued through the morning and the first part of the afternoon. We talked about a number of things including the CGGC church development agenda, field director’s work, finances, ministerial credentials, upcoming conference sessions, etc. In regard to church development I shared my 100 X 100 vision for this decade. My prayer is that the CGGC will see 100 new viable congregations established in the next ten years and 100 existing churches renewed for greater Kingdom impact. I asked each director to give me a list of the churches in their region capable of planting a new congregation and those ready for renewal transformation.

Saturday evening we all went out to dinner with the launch team for the new church plant in Columbus (pictured above). They plan to launch in June. It was great to sit with this passionate group of young professionals and hear their vision for The Covenant plant in the suburb of Grove City. Sunday morning they came over to our hotel and led us in morning worship.

Taylor & Rachel leading worship

A number of their core group also came along. Pastor Travis Davenport told his story and shared the vision for the city that God gave him. We closed our time together by praying over the lead team for the plant and asking God’s blessing upon their work.

The Covenant Lead Team (l to r): Nick Hershberger, Cory Ball, Taylor Valarik, Dave Palmer, Travis Davenport and Maria Shanlian

As I drove home my heart was filled with praise for all the wonderful things God is doing across the CGGC. Please continue to pray for our leaders.

Pastor Ed