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••••••• Mike Oldham's Ministry Report ••••••• |
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 I have been blessed to be a part of your Region staff in 2007-2008. I am constantly reminded of the wonder of God’s creation as I travel our Region. I enjoy working with pastors and with congregations. I have the privilege of worshiping with many of these congregations. I even get to preach on occasion. As we bid farewell to Rev. Larry VanSpriell and welcomed Rev. Dr. Steve Van Ostran, I pray that we will continue to serve you and that God will be glorified.
Placement
One of the highlights of my ministry is working with local church search committees. For most congregations, this is a time of great anxiety and hope. In the past year, three congregations called pastors: First Baptist Grand Junction (Dave DeMott), Ecumenical Church of Pueblo West (Bill Johnson), and First Baptist of Fowler, CO (Clint Walker). At this time, First Baptist Church of Lamar, CO and Lake Avenue Baptist Church of Pueblo, CO are actively seeking pastoral leadership. The First Baptist Church of Colorado Springs is seeking an Associate Pastor.
Natural Church Development
Two congregations from the Southeast Cluster are currently working with the Natural Church Development. Flagler Baptist Church is a year into their process. They are searching for ways to reach men in the Flagler community. One of their creative responses was a “Bring Your Bible and Your Gun” fellowship in which they had a church picnic, Bible study, and skeet shooting. They also hosted a “Makeup and Munchies” for the young girls of the church to talk about honoring Christ in the way the girls dress and present themselves.
First Baptist Church of Cañon City discovered that their minimum score was “functional structures.” They are working with Karen Van to prepare accurate and informative financial reports. They are also working on developing a clear and compelling vision statement.
Church and Clergy Support
Over the past year, I have consumed untold cups of coffee and eaten many meals with pastors as we dream together about the future of their congregations. I am constantly amazed at how God continues to surprise churches and pastors. There are also many times when these meetings deal with pain and sorrow. One of these is the decision by the First Baptist Church of Monte Vista, CO that it is time for them to close.
James Conley (First Baptist Church, Delta) and Kenny Pettis (First Baptist Church, Austin) are faithful in keeping the Western Slope pastors gathering going. They meet on a monthly basis for a time of prayer and encouragement. (Because we are Baptist, we also have lunch after we pray.)
Alvin Wilkerson (Flagler Baptist) has organized a Together In Ministry group for the Southeast Cluster Pastors. This group began meeting in September for a time of fellowship, encouragement, and study. Six pastors have committed to participate in this group.
Annual Gathering
The First Baptist Church of Grand Junction outdid themselves last Fall when they hosted the ABCRM Gathering. I worked with their local arrangements committee who did most of the planning because of the transition in the Region Office. More than 80 people attended the Healthy Congregations Workshop which was held prior to the Gathering.
Healthy Small Church
ABCRM hosted the Healthy Small Church workshop in April. Rev. Dennis Bickers led these one-day workshops, which are based on his book by the same name. This workshop was offered in three locations: Bethany Baptist Church, Colorado Springs; First Baptist, Palisade, CO; and First Baptist of Cheyenne, WY. Even with very bad weather in Cheyenne, approximately 75 people attended at least one of the workshops. Several congregations used the book, Healthy Small Church, as a basis for a study group to help them implement needed change in their congregations.
Front Range Camping
Once again, I had the privilege of working with the Front Range Camping Program. Please refer to their report for more information.
Youth Ministry Team
Finally! Finally we were able to put together a Youth Ministry Team: Jason King (First Baptist Church, Cheyenne), Marie Heaton (Old Landmark, Aurora), Jessica Fischer (Calvary, Denver), Clint Walker (First Baptist Church, Fowler, CO), and Mike and Sherrie Burns (First Baptist Church, Delta, CO). They are working on a great program called “Droppin’ the L” (you will just have to ask). It is slated for July 9-11, 2009 in Denver.
I also participated in the 2008 National Youth Gathering at Estes Park. Over 1400 people attended “More than a Week.”
Doctor of Ministry
In July 2008, I began working on my Doctor of Ministry at Denver Seminary. I am working in the Church and Parachurch Executive Leadership Track. I completed two classes this summer and will take one in January.
Michael W. Oldham
Ministry and Mission Coach
Western Slope and SE Clusters
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