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June 28, 2017

July 2017 DS Tom Newsletter

This is the season of summer that we get to enjoy some fruits of labor and love…strawberries,

vegetables and other items out of the garden. As the summer days go by other blessings of sowing and reaping will be enjoyed.

So what about the sowing and reaping of spiritual fruit? The Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6 this message which is so applicable to each of us. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Gal. 6:7-10. of Christ.

DISTRICT CONFERENCE What a joy and privilege to see more than 200 leaders from the North Michigan District churches. Laity and Pastors it is an honor to serve with you. Twenty two churches were honored for their impact for the kingdom of God and in their community as a Lighthouse Church and 17 churches as honorable mention. It would be awesome if every North Michigan District Church was recognized next year at District Conference. Attached is the Lighthouse Church Health Report. There are only 8 criteria to receive this recognition. See that the attached Lighthouse Church Health Report.

1. Some “new gathering” or outreach event to reach the unchurched. 2. People saved through the ministry of the local church and people baptized. 3. Have a numerical gain in worship attendance or people being disciple/in small groups. 4. Do local church ministry goal setting this year or at least in the past three years. 5. Support one or more Global Partner(s) or World Hope. 6. Support by prayer, promotion or financially one or more church planter. 7. Budget to district and general church paid in full. 8. A worship service, class, mentoring or sermon on being called to full-time-ministry.

SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE at Whispering Pines Revival Weekend Camp is June 30-July 2 with Speaker Kevin Green and Worship Leader

Greg Johnson. Skylight Quartet concert is Friday June 30 at 7:00 pm. Family Weekend is July 7-9 with Speaker Joy McMillan (Temple Care 101) and Worship Leaders Mandy and Nick Pidek.

Camp 180 for Teens – July 11-15 for Junior and Senior High students with speakers Trevor & Kaitlin Heyd. Worship will be led by Mandy and Nick Pidek. Cost is only $195 each person.

WK Camp – Wesleyan Kids Camp July 17-19 for children ages 6-9 and July 19-22 for children 10-12. Ben Stout from Lakeveiw Community Church is speaking on “Is God Calling” with Tressa Sacrey as music leader.

REGISTER TODAY FOR THE ABOVE CAMPS: Find pricing, registration forms, items to bring and other pertinent information on the website: www.whisperingpinescamp.org.

North Michigan District of The Wesleyan Church Vision: Transforming people through Christ. Empowering an expanding number of churches to be missionally healthy, to passionately transform diverse cultures for Christ. Mission: Exists to equip, enrich, administrate and communicate to pastors and laity in

redemptive ways to accomplish the Great Commission

https://northmichigandistrictofthewesleyanchurch.org

2 Two of Dan Reiland leadership recent posts are at the end of this ds newsletter and they make excellent leadership training discussions for your leaders: “5 Elements For Great Volunteer Conversations”and “The Top 7 Reasons Guests Return To Your Church”

LIGHTHOUSE LEADERSHIP EVENT and REPLENISH EVENT “HOW TO GET YOUR CHURCH UNSTUCK AND BE REVITALIZED FOR MINISTRY IMPACT!” will

be lead by Rev. Mark Wilson on Tuesday, August 1 at Hart Wesleyan Church and Thursday August 3 at Lakeview Community Church. Lighthouse Events take place 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Cost is only $5 and includes lunch. Rev. Mark Wilson will be the speaker at REPLENISH, A Conference to Refresh Your Soul & Revitalize Your Church taking place at Hart Wesleyan Church (3757 W. Polk Rd, Hart) July 31 – August 3 at 7:00 pm each night. For more information please contact Paulette Zoulek at zoulekpaulette@gmail.com.

EXPONENTIAL REGIONAL EVENT in Chicago

North Michigan Church leaders, plan now to attend DREAM BIG, Exponential Regional Event in Chicago November 7 & 8 (depart November 6). DREAM BIG will encourage, enrich and empower your leaders to be more effective in ministry. NMD Church Multiplication will be providing financial support for those who attend, such as group registration, lodging and travel expense. PLEASE GIVE NAMES TO Dave Hansen or DS Tom before July 12: pastordwhansen@hotmail.com and/or DS Tom nmdoffice.dstom@yahoo.com. Website info: https://exponential.org/events/2017chi/. This is a group registration event.

NMD PRAYER CONNECT – Live on Location at 7:00 pm, second Wednesday of each month Join DS Tom for NMD Prayer Connect on July 12 for 10 minutes of prayer at 7:00 pm via FB live

(Facebook: Thomas K. Schmidt) or Zoom (meeting ID 9897790188). --- Praying for relevancy of ministry --- Praying for revival --- Praying for relationship ministry --- Praying for radical outreach

Have DS Tom join your Wednesday event (Bible study, small group, worship gathering, etc) for a NMD Prayer Connect where he will pray for your local church leadership and ministries and for the district. Contact DS Tom for a “live on location” NMD Prayer Connect.

DISCUSSION FORUMS REGARDING THE GREAT LAKES REGION MINISTRY CONCEPT DS Tom will be scheduling 4 forums in four district areas in August (potential dates 7&8,21&22) to discuss the Great Lakes Region concept which would join together districts of The Wesleyan Church into a larger ministry area. The discussion page shared at District Conference is attached to this newsletter.

MIDLAND CHURCHES LOVE OFFERING

Consider taking a love offering on July 2 or 9 for Midland Wesleyan Churches for restoration following the flood and send the special offering to NMD Treasurer Annette DeGraaf, PO Box 197, Pierson, MI 49339-0197. Thank you

NMD Prayer requests and praises: - Restoration of Midland church properties (Faith, Wesley Chapel and Trinity) following the recent flooding. -Continue to pray for Matt & Joelle Mabey as -NORTH MICHIGAN DISTRICT SUMMER CAMPING MINISRIES Directors, Workers and attendees at Family Camp, Camp 180 (Student/Teen Camp) and Kid’s Camp -Pastor search:

- Midland Faith – Pastor search continuing - West Golden – Pastor search continuing. Dave & JoAnne Willett serving as interim pastor. - Muskegon Community – Direction for future ministry -New Pastor relationships: -Bellaire as Dennis & Sue Curell begin pastoral responsibilities -Coleman as Scott & Adrienne and family begin pastoral responsibilities -Munising as James & Elisheba and family begin pastoral responsibilities

3 -Pastors retiring: - Debra and Truman Jackson, Jack and Elaine Steenbergh, Greg & Marta Johnson and Ron and Carole Rickard -Ministry life of North Michigan District

-every church in NMD to have people come to know Christ every month in 2017. -every church in NMD has people baptized. -every church in NMD supports at least one Global Partner – missionary. -every church in NMD has at least one Made New Gathering, new outreach event in 2017. -every church in NMD has at least one person called to full time ministry! -every church in NMD has an effective discipleship ministry. -every church in NMD is financially secure to make greater ministry impact outside the walls of the local church. -every church in NMD involved in Church Multiplication by sending, praying, planting, seeking -Missional consideration of district’s joining together to form regional ministry areas such as Great Lakes Region of The Wesleyan Church.

2017 DATES TO REMEMBER: June 30-July 2 and July 7-9 – Making Memories Family Camp at Whispering Pines July 2 or 9 – Offering for Midland Wesleyan Churches for restoration following the flood of June 2017 July 11-15 – Camp 180 for students (teens) at Whispering Pines July 12 – 7:00 pm NMD Prayer Connect via FB live or ZOOM at Whispering Pines July 17-19 & 19-22 – Wesleyan Kid’s Camp (WK Camp) at Whispering Pines July 31-August 3 – REPLENISH with Mark Wilson at Hart Wesleyan (August 1 & August 3 Mark Wilson to teach at Lighthouse Leadership Events in Hart (Tuesday) and Lakeview (Thursday) on how to get your church “unstuck” and be revitalized for ministry impact. August 9 – 7:00 pm NMD Prayer Connect via FB live and/or ZOOM September 5 – Leader Connect at 9:00 am or 7:00 pm September 9 – Celebration of Ministry Banquet and Ordination at Greenville Community September 13 – 7:00 pm NMD Prayer Connect via FB live and/or ZOOM September 22 & 23 – MAN CAMP at Whispering Pines Wesleyan Camp and Conference Center October 20-25 – District Training events for Grip Birkman, Coaching & Consulting led by Tim Roehl. November 7&8 – DREAM BIG Exponential Area Event in Chicago

Two Dan Reiland Leadership posts:

JUNE 26, 2017 http://danreiland.com/volunteer-conversations/

5 Elements For Great Volunteer Conversations A great conversation, through the lens of a leader, is based on purpose. Emotion, heart and genuine connection play a vital part. And we absolutely should enjoy our conversations. But we respect and honor people more by being helpful, rather than what feels like hang time with a buddy. Enjoyment and meaning come from purpose. A common question is how to make the most of all the one to one meetings. I personally like to think of them as conversations rather than meetings. That creates a different picture for me.

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Meetings seem like something organizations do, conversations seem like something people have. Semantics? Perhaps. But words matter because they create mental images. I enjoy conversations; I’m not so sure I want another “meeting.” Enjoy the relationships you have with your volunteers, but use the time wisely. I know you are busy, and so are your volunteers, so having a game plan for a great conversation is just smart. Who initiates the conversation changes the tone, but it doesn’t change the important elements. If you initiate as the leader, the conversation has a certain feel. If the volunteer initiates, the conversation takes a different path. However, other than emergencies such as a marriage in crisis or a death in the family, etc. certain elements are helpful in nearly every conversation, regardless of who initiates. This list is not meant to be formulaic. It’s not intended to be mechanical. I’m offering a certain order, but it doesn’t always have to go that way. It’s a guide. For example, if you have a long-standing relationship, some of the elements can be covered in a minute or two. If it’s the first time you meet a new volunteer, you might barely get through a couple of elements on the list and need to talk again soon. There may be a coaching moment, and there might not be, etc. But overall, these elements will serve you well as a leader. 5 key elements to guide a great conversation: 1) Encouragement You can’t over encourage anyone. The only factor required to ensure that encouragement is meaningful is that you are sincere. Take time to listen. If it’s the first time you meet, you may need to give a large amount of the conversation to hear their story. If you know the person well, you may only need a few minutes to catch up. This is usually the best place to start the conversation.

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Always thank the volunteer for their contribution to the team! 2) The Matter at Hand It’s best to get to the point soon. It’s surprising how often the real matter of the conversation is left to the end, and the time runs out before you finish what you set out to accomplish. Whether it’s solving a problem, coaching for personal growth, or planning an event, the purpose of the conversation should be clear and known in advance. Since you know your purpose, jump in and use your time well. There is no need to create a rushed feel; it’s amazing how much you can accomplish in a relaxed way when you are focused. (If the conversation is highly conflict oriented it requires a different approach. Conflict is a complex subject and needs an entire article on its own.) 3) Coaching Moment One of my favorite approaches is to write these two words on a napkin. Fruit and Joy. Fruit (results) without joy is drudgery. No one can last long like that. Joy without fruit may be fun, but you don’t accomplish anything. Ask the person how they are doing in each one. Whether the topic involves their job, or home life or ministry, both fruit and joy must exist for meaningful success to be realized over the long haul. This practice isn’t necessary every time you talk, but it’s a great coaching tool as needed. 4) Vision If the conversation is more church ministry oriented, always connect it to the bigger vision of the church overall. Don’t hesitate here. You might be tempted to think that the person “gets it” and knows the vision as well as you do. They might! But remember vision leaks, you can’t communicate it too much. Like “catching up” on a personal story, this doesn’t need to take long. It can literally be just a few minutes. Casting vision helps inspire, connect and remind people of why they do what they do. 5) Spiritual guidance I think of this as the “How’s your soul”? question. Essentially you are asking how their walk with God is going. A good question to ask is: “What is God saying to you lately?” Or, “How’s your prayer life? Alive and vibrant or more of a dry season?” You don’t need to have all the answers, but you can offer spiritual guidance that gives direction and encouragement. You may offer a scripture or just good counsel. You may just listen and offer to pray. Praying for them right then, or later if more appropriate, is one of the best gifts you can give. These elements will help you have great conversations!

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JUNE 21, 2017 Dan Reiland Post: http://danreiland.com/top-7-reasons-guests-return-church/

The Top 7 Reasons Guests Return To Your Church The most common reason people check out your church is someone invited them. The most common reason people leave your church is they don’t feel connected. But what are the most common reasons people return to your church after their first visit or two? There’s lots of conversation about church attendance patterns these days, and that affects how we measure guest retention rate, and the length of time it takes for guests to connect with your church. Here’s a new reality, new people connect more slowly than in the past and disconnect more quickly than we’ve previously experienced. It’s a double-edged sword. It takes longer for new people to connect because they don’t necessarily attend every week. And, they disconnect faster because the best “connection factors” are relationally based and therefore depend on attendance! We can’t change current culture, or can we? Here are three big reasons why people attend church less frequently (not in order): Online church is provided 24/7 on demand, so simply put, there is a less perceived need to

physically attend a church. Families are busier now than ever. From demands in their jobs (travel etc.) to sports for their kids

on weekends, people are on the go nearly seven days a week. People get bored faster than lightening. If guests attend your church and it gives off even a hint

of being out of date, not fresh, “seen this before” or in some way behind or irrelevant, they are gone!

That’s difficult to compete with, so perhaps competing is not the answer. We might be wise to focus just a little less on why people don’t come, and invest more energy into why people do come. Focusing on what church does best is a smarter approach. Doing it the way your church does it best, is smarter still. That takes us back to the top reasons guests return to your church. Put your energy here. Top 7 Reasons Guests Return: 1) The presence of God is felt. There is an unmistakable awareness of the presence and power of God at work. It may be inspirational and filled with emotion, or a more quiet and peaceful stirring within, but however it’s experienced, the presence of God is felt. 2) The key leaders are perceived as trustworthy.

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Guests come to your church at varying levels of “readiness” to trust the leaders they encounter. But it’s surprising how quickly they can discern if they trust you or not. Even from only a message or two, or brief connections in the lobby, they intuitively have decided if they can trust you. Your level of authenticity and clarity of communication make a huge difference in this process. 3) The worship service is positive, relevant, biblically sound, and executed with heart and excellence. You don’t have to compete with the other churches near you. The important thing is to be the very best that you can. For example, if the worship team isn’t strong, select less challenging music, and do it with excellence. If the preaching isn’t strong, make the message shorter. In all cases, keep practicing, so you get better. Make sure the service is positive, clearly biblical, upbeat and communicates faith in an atmosphere of grace. 4) The volunteers and congregation express authentic love and care. Genuine love and attention is unmistakable and irresistible. When people encounter it, it’s truly transforming. The source is God’s love, but the expression and experience come from the people in your congregation, both from your volunteer leaders and regular attendees. 5) They hear current stories of life change. Connected to brief and creative communication of your purpose or mission/vision are stories of life change every week. These stories need to be communicated in a variety of creative ways. That is hugely compelling and draws people back. Life change is inspiring, and it gives hope that they too can experience positive and spiritually oriented change. 6) There are no “glaring” shortcomings. There are no perfect churches, we all have flaws. But there should be nothing that is an immediate turn-off, or so grossly out of line that it makes people feel awkward and uncomfortable. For example, I’ve seen nurseries that were unclean and unsafe. I’ve listened to worship sets that were painfully unrehearsed. Or it may be something as simple as the building is in desperate need of a fresh coat of paint or signage that is clear and helpful. If you are not sure, invite a church consultant to come in for one Sunday, that’s all it takes! 7) The children’s ministry is outstanding. Each of your ministries matter, but children’s ministry is the one that receives the least grace from your guests. Parents are justifiably protective and want the best for their kids. They don’t yet know you or what happens when they drop off their children. Candidly, guests will give an “average” service another shot, but if their child has a bad experience, they will not likely return. Invest great effort and energy in your children’s ministry. These are the elements that inspire guests to return. This gives you the opportunity to make the “deeper connections.” The most common paths to deeper connection – (longer term, greater commitment, and ownership of the vision) are:

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Small groups Serving opportunities Deeper friendships

Make your next steps simple and clear. Leading a local church is complicated. But sometimes breaking it down like this helps you become more intentional and know where to invest your energy best.

FREE AND LOW COST VACATIONS AND RETREATS FOR PASTORS INFORMATION

Here is a free resource that might be a help to pastors in the North Michigan district. It's a directory of over 150 Free and Low-Cost Vacations and Retreats for Pastors that I maintain.

Pastors can search by state for low-cost getaways near them. All are discounted for clergy, and some are free. This directory is free, and it's a great help to pastors who may not have the financial means to take

family vacations, or just need a place for quiet personal retreat. Would you be willing to pass along this link to the pastors in your district? Below is a blurb about the

directory and some social media share links you can use if you like. Thanks for your work on behalf of the church, and please let me know if I can be a help to you. Larry

PS: If you or any of your pastors have used these retreats, I'd love to hear about your experience.

Lawrence W. Wilson, (317) 622-8849 , LinkedIn

Share Links Free and Low-Cost Retreats and Vacations for Pastors State-by-state listing of discounted or free vacations for pastors and missionaries. Includes North American and international retreat centers, B&Bs, resorts, and more. Retreat Directory URL: http://www.lawrencewilson.com/ free-retreats-vacations-pastor s/