June 14, 2004	Back to Articles Listing

MBC Annual Celebration Great Success!

The blessings of the 2004 Mideast Baptist Conference Annual Celebration were so numerous that we couldn't possibly list them all here - but we'll try!

We are most thankful to our hosts, Pastor Dan Wells and the staff at First Baptist Church of New Castle, PA, who did everything they could May 13 - 15, 2004, to make our visit a warm and friendly one. (The weatherman was compliant, adding "extra" warmth with an unbelievable heat wave sweeping over the Ohio valley for the three days!) Wonderful meals were served, great worship music was provided and a very moving presentation by the Dance Worship Team was given during the Friday night service.

Knute Larson, Senior Pastor at The Chapel in Akron, OH, was well-received as he provided the opening address on Friday morning as well as the keynote address on Friday evening. There were numerous practical seminars on leadership, stewardship, outreach possibilities and church business and finance presented by a host of extremely qualified speakers from across the MBC as well as Dick Towner from Willowcreek Church in Chicago, Illinois.

Friday evening, five new churches were welcomed into the MBC. These were: The Journey, State College, Billy & Mandy Harmon; Messiah Christian Center, Joe & Denise Fobbs; Montgomery Missionary Community, Michael & Nicole Pauls; Ordinary Community, Chris & Nicki Marshall; and Salmon Creek Community, Mark & Cindy Anderson.

In an awesome provision from God, Ron Crawford, Sr. Pastor at New Vision Church and head coach of the Washington, D.C. LeadTeam presented the keys to a Hyundai sport wagon to Pastor Trung Nguyen. This was a huge need that was finally met by God's grace, for His glory.

During Saturday morning's business meeting, Rev. Ron Crawford, New Vision Church and Rev. Dave Pound, Berean Baptist Church, were each presented with "Pastor of the Year" awards. Selection of candidates for the award is based upon the following four key leadership qualities:

• Local church leadership over the past 1-2 years - leadership showing creativity, wisdom, leading to particular ministry initiatives or growth in the church.
• Team Player in the MBC movement - unusual evidence of being a quality team player, helping to expand the MBC vision and mission
  
• Kingdom Vision - leadership in the local church that evidences an unusual vision beyond the immediate community - impacting communities in our region and around the world
  
• Willingness to risk - a willingness to trust God in one's leadership in unusual ways - stepping out in faith, willingness to risk and sacrifice.
  

The determination for the award is made by key MBC staff, Board members and the District Executive Minister, Dan Peterson.

An exciting part of this year's meetings was the addition of various forms of media presentations including an excellent video about the church planting movement created for the MBC by Steve Lowe, church planter at The Journey in Sykesville, MD. Many Power Point presentations added greatly to the reports offered by those representing the MBC in Church Planting Ministry development, Love Lift for Ukraine Mercy Ministries, Women's and Camping Ministry teams as well as presentations on behalf of the upgrade of "2nd Half for Him" and the introduction of LeadNet Ministry for pastor's wives.

Financially, the assembly voted the passage of a faith budget of $1,369,500 for the MBC. Please be praying for how God will provide for the needs this budget represents.

Rounding out the time together were many informative displays for attendees to visit and interact with those representing those areas. But best of all was the meeting of hearts and minds as old friendships from across the MBC were renewed and new friendships begun.

We salute and say thanks for all those on the MBC staff and at First Baptist who made this great time of fellowship and study such a rewarding experience.

Please mark your calendars for next year's Annual Celebration which will be held on May 12 -14, 2005. Some new and exciting venues are being planned just for YOU! You will begin receiving information once the location has been set. Please share this information with anyone you think might be interested in attending! For further information, contact Becky@bgcmideast.com.