Mission Summit

Mission Summit

Brochure for the Summit

Mission Summit Resource Page
(handout from the Summit)

Thank you to all who participated in the 2010 Area A Mission Summit. Below is a summary of activities.

79 people attended from distances as far as Dumas, Monahanes, Newark, and Brady.

On August 13 and 14 Area A held its first Mission Summit at Faith Lutheran Church in Sweetwater, Texas. Seventy-nine pastors and laymen from twenty-two congregations in Area A of the Texas District, LCMS attended the Summit that began at 9:30am on the 14^th and concluded at 3:30pm. Congregations came from every corner of Area A including Newark, Brady, Monahans, and Dumas. Every Circuit in the Area was represented.

The presenters for this gathering were Rev. Dr. John Messmann, Senior Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ft. Worth, Texas, and Dr. Ralph Geisler, director of Rural and Small Town Ministry, a sub-division of National Missions of the Synod.

On Friday evening, (August 13^th) those who came early participated in a mission and ministry round table lead by Dr. Ralph Geisler. Dr. Geisler, asked the group to respond to various questions concerning joys and frustrations, dreams and successes in ministry. To see the raw notes of the round table event click here. This gathering took place at the Holiday Inn Express of Sweetwater and began at 7pm. The group of forty-four was challenged and encouraged by the task of bringing the Gospel to their context of ministry.

During the Saturday morning session both Dr. Geisler and Dr. Messmann emphasized the call of God in our lives, the sending of God to our communities and the world, and the hope that we have being a member of the body of Christ.

Following the lunch, catered by the award winning barbeque of Big Boy's BBQ of Sweetwater, the attendee's divided into one of two groups. Dr. Messmann, along with colleagues Peter Couser and Doug Widger met with those congregations whose ministry context is larger than 25,000 people. They explored ministry and mission options and attitudes that bring the gospel to those in the community who do not know Jesus.

Dr. Geisler met with those congregations whose ministry context is smaller than 25,000 people. Dr. Geisler emphasized the importance of knowing your culture and recognizing that there are unseen dynamics in small congregations that can frustrate the mission of bringing Christ to the community. In addition, Dr. Geisler reminded the gathering of the importance and role of healthy relationships. Vital relationships open doors for mission and ministry.

In addition, both presenters highlighted the vital role of the Word and the promise that God has given to us that He works through the Word.

Others that addressed the gathering included Rev. Don Little and his wife. They work with the Synod's evangelism program called "72 Partners Along the Way." Also DCE Chuck Eaton of Grace, Midland, encouraged those in attendance to take advantage of Stephen Ministries Koinonia Leadership Training. This program was a catalyst for their congregation in moving from a survival approach to a missional approach to ministry.

Rev. Steven Misch, Area A Mission and Ministry Facilitator, also talked about the importance of individuals and congregations being involved in mission activities and to avoid falling into a survival mentality when it comes to proclaiming the Gospel.

Many resources were offered including the demographic vendor, MissionInsite, and "You've Got the Time" Bible listening program.

Finally, the day came to a close with a devotion led by Area A Vice-President, Rev. Dale Snyder.

A grand thank you to the good members of Faith Lutheran in Sweetwater as they prepared the property and assisted all who attended for a great day. It was a joy to work with them.