We're Better Together!
Tim Jacobs, District Superintendent
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A few weeks ago, I ran a 20-mile trail race called the Coldwater Rumble in Goodyear, AZ. It all started late last year when I ran into my friend Mike and he asked if I wanted to join him in a half-marathon in the nearby foothills. Even though it had been years since I had run 13.1 miles, I figured I had some time to train, the weather was cooling down, so I said, “Hey, why not?”
Well, no sooner had we survived that madness that Mike reached out again: “You know, they’ve got this 20-miler coming up in January…” Ugh. Okay, fine.
This race, however, was different: yes, there would be the sharp climbs, jagged rocks, and deep sand as before, but what really concerned us was the distance. So, even though we are both competitive guys, we agreed that this time we would run the race together, start to finish, to the bitter end, no matter how long it would take.
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EFCA West District Conference
June 18-19 Vista CA
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Our biennial gathering will be June 18-19 at
North Coast Church
in Vista, CA. This gathering is not just for pastors or pastoral staff. Elders, deacons, volunteer ministry leaders, and anyone who provides ministry oversight in your local church will find the general sessions and workshops helpful. Mark your calendars.
Registration coming soon!
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Melvin Bailey
On Sunday, January 19,
,
Melvin Bailey was installed as the Senior Pastor at
Clovis EV Free
in Clovis, CA. Melvin has been married to Antoinette since 1993, and they have three daughters, Kambrya, Karyse, and Kailyn, and a grandson, Ariel. He’s got a huge heart for the people of Clovis EV Free and an exciting vision for the future.
Congratulations
on your new assignment Melvin!
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Jose Ivan Urias
After much work and dedication Pastor Ivan Urias from
Iglesia El Puente
in Fresno, CA received his EFCA Vocational Ministry License. He is married to Elsa and have two children, David (21), and Josue (18). He's been part of the Iglesia El Puente family since 2012.
Congratulations
Pastor Ivan and thank you for your dedication to God's kingdom.
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D
avid & Stephanie Welch
On Sunday, January 26
th
, Dave Welch was installed as the Senior Pastor of
Rocky Hill Community Church
in Exeter, CA (EFCA). He’s married to Stephanie and they have two children, Charles (5), and Ayda (3). Founding Pastor Dave Miller will serve as Pastor Emeritus.
Congratulations
to both Pastor Dave Welch on this new adventure, and to Pastor David and Sandee Miller on a job well done!
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Something to Talk About:
STOP
Pursuing Greatness
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I recently finished reading yet another book that gave a number of things to do to become a great leader. But I suffer from fatigue. Not tiredness from leading, but fatigued by the non-stop barrage of authors and speakers urging me to pursue greatness. The idea of pursuing greatness feels so competitive, so comparative, so egocentric, so not-humble, so “look-at-me-everybody!” So I asked myself, “Can I stop pursuing greatness?” I think the answer is “Yes.” I also asked myself, “Is greatness the desired outcome of my leadership work?” I think the answer is, and should be, “No
.”
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What is a Normal Church Network?
It is an interactive, facilitated conversation about the issues the attendees want to talk about. Each session will be limited to 20 participants from churches averaging less than 250 in worship services each week. We will collaborate in picking the topics to be addressed and in addressing them. There is no keynote speaker or canned presentations – you and the issues you are facing will be our only focus.
Bob Osborne and the EFCA West team are putting together three opportunities for you to attend.
Sign up today!
- Phoenix Area - February 25-27
- Tulare CA - April 28-30
- LA/Orange County area - June 2-4
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A great place to connect with other pastors, leaders, find encouragement and gain inspirational ideas. Our EFCA pastors and leaders are being invited at a special discounted rate of $99 for the first ticket and $50 for the second ticket. Please email
Xochitl
to receive the
discount code
. In addition to the conference, Thrive is offering some Leadership Lunches. To learn more please visit this link:
Leadership Lunches
We hope to see you there!
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10 STEPS
TO BECOME A BETTER LEADER IN 2020
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"I want to be the best leader I can be. I know I'm not there yet, and I still have much room to grow. So, as I write this post, I write as a student more than a teacher." In his article,
Dr. Chuck Lawless
shares with us 10 practical steps to improve as a leader.
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Pray for Northpoint Evangelical Free Church
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You may have heard in the news recently about the
road rage incident
that resulted in the deaths of three teenage boys, and another three badly injured. A 42 year-old man intentionally rammed his car into a Toyota Prius that was carrying all six young men, and the car subsequently ran into a tree. Tragically, all six of these young victims were involved in the Student Ministry at
Northpoint Evangelical Free Church
.
Several of the boys’ families are Northpoint members. This has, of course, not only rocked the church but also the community in general. Memorial services were held at a nearby church and then a more private service for family and friends was held at Northpoint. Please join EFCA West in praying for the staff, elders, key leaders, and of course the families who have lost their precious sons to this unspeakable act of evil. It is in times like these we remember that we are a family of churches.
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Have you joined us on Facebook and Instagram?
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We'd love for you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and we welcome your comments. If you'd like to share a story with us please contact our administrator
Xochitl
.
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We suggest that EFCA churches contribute 3% of their general fund giving to EFCA West and EFCA ministries.
There are three primary giving options:
- Preferred option: By making your gift to “EFCA PARTNERSHIP” one-third of the funds received will be distributed to support the ministries of the EFCA national office. Two-thirds will be distributed to support the district ministries of EFCA West including church planting.
- You may designate 100% of your gift to support the ministries of EFCA West by giving to “EFCA WEST.”
- You may give an additional gift to support EFCA West’s church multiplication ministries by designating to “EFCA WEST CHURCH MULTIPLICATION.”
To give online visit our website:
EFCA West
.
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