How many times have we boldly taken off to do something for God and then discovered He was not in it.  Oh, but the heart was good.  The purpose was on target.  The outcome could have been great, yet not much happened.  I have been there. 

Early in my ministry experience I did entirely too much on my own power and initiative.  It led to disaster.  After considerable humbling and submission to what God wanted (or get out of ministry), I changed my approach. 

After seeing an exciting opportunity, I no longer say, "Oh, I can do that!", "They need me!",  or  "I  can  make  a  difference here!"  Being  much  wiser  I  now  ask,  "Is God in this?", "What is He doing?", or "How does He want to use me in His work?"   We have a good model in John 5:17,19-20.  This is how Jesus responded when He was confronted by those who questioned His mission, "My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.  Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.  For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel."  Who is always at work?  It was God the Father.  How much can the Son do by Himself?  He can do nothing.  What does the Son do?  He can do only what He sees the Father is doing.  Why does the Father show the Son what He is doing?  It is because the Father loves the Son.  Ok, I get it!

When I began as the CB North Central Regional Director in 2011, I attempted to model the example of Jesus when it came to discovering God's will for the region.  I have been working hard to resist the temptation to fix what was broken and focus upon that which is unhealthy.  It has been my constant prayer that I watch and discover everything the Father is already doing.  Then I jump on board. 

To lay the ground work to better hear and see God at work in our churches, the CBNC regional leaders began an intense strategic planning phase.  We wanted to evaluate if we were in line with Biblical principles and God's heart.  Here are some revised Identity Statements that we have wrestled with God and are ready to move forward to understand God's will for the region. 

Our Mission . . . "The mission of CB North Central is to nurture and connect churches who desire to make disciples of Jesus Christ."

Our Vision . . . "We are an organization of churches that is committed to the mission of Christ to multiply disciple-making churches through evangelism, leadership training, and connection with other like-minded churches."

Our Core Values . . . "CB North Central values the reproduction of healthy churches that make passionate disciples of Jesus Christ.  We value the reproduction of servant leaders within the church.  We value the reproduction of missional churches.  We value interdependence and connection among all churches."

Though we understand the importance of strategic planning as leaders, this is what really matters.  "What is God already doing in the region that aligns with His mission for the church?"  

I CAN ASSURE YOU, GOD IS A WORK!  I see it every week.  Allow me to share two vivid examples that show how God is working in churches within our region.  He is simply waiting for decisions of obedience to follow Him.  These God-ordained examples fall in line with the regions mission, vision, and core values.  I strongly encourage you to read and enjoy the testimony of what God is doing among us. 

TELLING THE STORY . . .  "We value the reproduction of missional churches."  Pastor Matt Stacey is the new pastor at First Baptist Church in Long Prairie, MN.  When we recently met for the first time, he said to me that it is his goal not to make any big changes for six months.  God stepped in and changed that.  He said to me in a recent phone call, "I can't help it.  God did it all and I am just trying to follow."  You must read what God is doing in Long Prairie, MN.  Read About "The Tale of Four Rabbit Trails"

	The Tale of Four Rabbit Trails

TELLING THE STORY . . .  "We value interdependence and connection among all churches."  For a number of years, we have been working hard to reestablish a strong connection with the African American churches in inner city Chicago.  I was there meeting with these inner city pastors in May and God moved among us.  For the first time in over ten years, God has opened the door.  Now we are able to  partner and pray for the work God is doing in Chicago among these African American churches.  You must read what God is doing inside the heart of Chicago, IL.  Read a Letter From Pastor Leonard Harris

There are many more "God at work" stories within our regional churches.  It is our goal each month in the newsletter to share these with you. 

A contemporary and good friend of D. L. Moody, Henry Varley said something amazing after they prayed one day in a hay field, "The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in a man who is fully and wholly consecrated to 

Him."  Admittedly, we are all ordinary men that may live an ordinary life.  Today, let us watch how God can begin to do the extraordinary in the region, as we seek to see many come to Christ and then discipled in the faith.  I am ready.  Are you?

 Pat Phinney

CBNC Regional Director