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Influence: Flowing from the Inside Out

By: Dan Peterson

The events earlier this month surrounding the home-going of my dear mother, Rose, are bringing to mind some incredibly important spiritual leadership lessons. One of these leadership lessons is about influence. I've been reminded that influence as a leader comes primarily from who we are on the inside. It doesn't come from our position or even from what we do.

I saw this powerfully in the life of my mother.  She had this amazing trust in God that stemmed from a deep personal relationship with Jesus. Her love for others and her grace as a mother and as a wife...

Greater Things are Yet to Come

By: Norm Byers

Jesus once told His twelve disciples these words, "Greater things are yet to come" (John 14:12). This bold prediction came after numerous miraculous healings, feedings, and amazing teaching events. Can you imagine it, "We have been a part of some incredible experiences and adventures, but more is possible. Greater impact is still to come!"

We have thought about this recently at Genesis Church: three church plants, dozens of adult baptisms, leaders raised and sent out. Some neat impact, but "Greater things are yet to come."

Through Converge, God has...

Church Mistake Costs Donor Thousands

November is here, and that means it is time for churches to begin educating those who faithfully give about charitable contribution deductions. Many churches miss this prime chance to remind people about giving opportunities and risk the tax deductibility of contributions their donors make.

How significant is this issue? A U.S. Tax Court case earlier this year resulted in the loss of a charitable...

Federal District Court Rules Clergy Housing Exclusion Unconstitutional

Responding to a lawsuit brought by the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin has ruled the clergy housing exclusion unconstitutional for clergy providing their own homes.

In the court’s opinion, the law violates the Establishment Clause because it lacks a secular purpose and effect. The ruling does not impact clergy living in congregational-provided housing.

Two additional lawsuits filed by FFRF in the same court are awaiting a final ruling. One suit would lift the...

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Stories from Across the Region: September in Review

By Gary Rohrmayer

“…strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith…” -Acts 14:22

The month of September was a power packed month. I thought would give you an inside look at my travels among our churches. First, New Hope Christian Community in Round Lake, IL:

I spoke the week before the Grand Opening in their new building. To see this young church busting at the seams and to have so many people come up to Mary and I thanking us for helping the church get started, for providing the financing for them to purchase the building and also...

River Valley Community Church Joins Converge

By Gary Rohrmayer

Converge MidAmerica is a missional movement of churches just like yours. It is a great joy when new churches join the movement in our region. That is why Converge MidAmerica is excited to announce the approval of River Valley Community Church from Aurora, IL pastored by Andy Morgan.

When Gary Rohrmayer first started meeting with Andy, he could tell that this could be a great...

Reflections from Connect 2011

By Gary Rohrmayer

The Psalmist wrote, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!”  (Psalm 133:1) Our first combined gathering of Michigan and MidAmerica churches went off spectacularly!  Over 250 pastors, their wives, staff and lay leaders joined us for a 24 hour, high impact event.  It started out with many pastors and their teams coming early for lunch to connect with other pastors and their teams.  It...

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