By Pastor Steve Rouse
Gospel Fellowship Community Church
Gladstone, Ore
Just over ten years ago, a good friend invited me to my first Mission ConneXion Northwest Steering Team meeting. Before that, I had attended one Mission ConneXion event but knew little about the organization, its purpose, or the benefit it provides to the local church. Since that day, I continue to attend the monthly steering meetings and continue to enjoy seeing what God is doing in missions locally and around the world. From a pastor’s perspective, here are three reasons why Mission ConneXion is essential to the local church:
Perspective: The annual Mission ConneXion Northwest conference held each January is an opportunity to hear world class speakers, attend workshops that provide information about various aspects of missions work, and connect with other Christians who have a passion for the spreading of the gospel.
Plan: Being a member of the steering committee allows me to plan the annual January event along with other missions minded volunteers. These volunteers are from various local churches, ministries, and mission organizations. Our one purpose in gathering is to prayerfully plan a missions conference that no one church could host on their own. As a pastor, it allows me to hear firsthand what is going on currently in missions and to invite my local church to participate.
Prayer: Mission ConneXion is bathed in prayer. As we meet monthly, it is a joy to join with the other team members and pray for every aspect of Mission ConneXion, whether we are praying for the January event or the other ConneXion events held throughout the year. As a pastor, I have actually changed the way we conduct the monthly elders and deacons meetings at our church as a result of the prayer times at Mission ConneXion. Thank you, Bill MacLeod for making prayer a major emphasis whenever we gather.
Currently I serve as a Mission ConneXion board member and am convinced that our best days are still ahead. At this time, Mission ConneXion is in need of volunteers gifted in the area of hospitality, administration, and social media. If you would like to volunteer, just drop Bill MacLeod an email or join us at the next monthly steering meeting, every 3rd Thursday @ 9:00am at City Bible Church. Who knows? Ten years from now you may still be serving your local church through Mission ConneXion.
Steve Rouse
Teaching Elder
Gospel Fellowship Community Church
Gladstone, OR
