Christmas Greetings from Converge MidAtlantic

A Gift of Hope that Lights Up Our Lives
Recently I was reading sections from the Book of Isaiah. I love some of Isaiah’s prophetic words telling of a day when God will reign, declaring the good news of a Deliverer, proclaiming the day when a virgin will bring forth a Son who will establish the throne of David with power and might. What I find interesting about these messages from Isaiah, is that to the first hearers and readers they come in the midst of political, spiritual and economic despair. Israel’s greatness had diminished. The enemies of the land were all around. Hope was all but gone.

What I find encouraging for us today, is that this is how God works. And this is what this Christmas season announces to me. God is all about bringing light in the midst of darkness. He brings great hope in the midst of despair. When things can’t seem to get much worse, God introduces the promise of a Deliverer for His people. God is the author of Surprise, more so than any other surprise giver. He is a God of hope; a hope that literally lights up our lives.

This Advent Season, Sandi and I are praying that God will bring you the gift of Hope. We’re asking Him to enter into the cracks and crevices of despair you may be feeling, and bring a surprise of grace, of love, yes of hope. We’re praying that Christmas would be very personal for each of you; a personal renewal of your heart, of your passion for God, of confidence that God can overcome the greatest challenges in your life and ministry. I know that this is what Christmas can do and be!

“For to us a Child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace, there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this”
Isa 9: 6-7.

May the God of Israel give you and yours a special gift of hope this Advent Season. We love you and thank God for each of you.

Warmly in Jesus,

Dan and Sandi Peterson,
Converge MidAtlantic

A Big Lesson from Ukraine!

I am grateful for the opportunity to travel to Ukraine this July and to minister there for the 20^th time! I never would have imagined that God would give me such an opportunity as this. The friends I have made . . . the memories forged . . . the evidence of God’s powerful hand, are all things that are still marking my life and will mark it forever. This summer, we had an incredible team of 19 people representing 3 of our Converge MidAtlantic churches who traveled to western Ukraine for 13 days. In addition, teams from 3 other Converge MidAtlantic churches ministered in the eastern/central region of Ukraine this summer. One personal memory that lodges deep in my mind and heart is the power that comes from fully depending on the Lord!

This summer I had the opportunity to preach in several Ukrainian churches and to share the Word of God with leaders of the Baptist Union of Western Ukraine. The settings were varied. One was in a formal and traditional church, one of the largest Baptist Churches in western Ukraine. Another setting was a small village church, preaching to about 100 children and their parents as a part of a Ukrainian summer camp. Another setting was an outdoor baptismal service in a village, with 10 adults following Jesus in the waters of baptism.The setting with the Ukrainian leaders, was in an office building, sitting around a simple conference table.

In each of these different settings, I felt somewhat uncomfortable. I’m not used to preaching to a group of children! I’m not necessarily all that comfortable in an overly formal service! Preaching outdoors in the heat of the sun, was not really all that much fun, either! Of course, in each setting, I was speaking with the aid of an interpreter.

While the settings were different, and I was somewhat uncomfortable in each situation, the common thread was that in each situation, I felt God’s power and anointing in amazing ways! I could tell that the hearts of the Ukrainian children were really touched through my simple children’s sermon. In the traditional First Baptist Church, I could discern God’s voice coming through my voice in unusual ways, as I preached about being a movement church there in Ukraine and around the world. In the outdoor baptismal service, I felt like the clear good news of Jesus came through my lips in an absolutely wonderful way. I could tell that churched and unchurched people were listening and responding.

Without a doubt, the common thread for me was a need to depend upon the Lord. I felt a simple yet powerful desire to be an instrument in God’s hand. I really wanted the people to hear God, not me. I believe I was open to the Spirit of God, and as a result, He worked in wonderful ways through me.

This one facet of my ministry in Ukraine has reminded me that nothing can replace the power of depending on God in my preaching, in my leading, and in all I do. Again, ministering in Ukraine has taught me a needed lesson. Lord, help me to continually work and move in a spirit of dependence on you. That’s where I want to be, not only when in Ukraine, but wherever I find myself.

Thanks for letting me share a bit of my journey!

Humbly,

Dan Peterson

Converge MidAtlantic

Ignite MidAtlantic Conference Wrap Up

God is moving across the MidAtlantic. Hearts and minds of leaders and churches are being ignited for the mission of Christ. It’s a wonderful thing to experience and play a part in!

That’s the sense that many of the over 200 leaders and participants were feeling as our Ignite Midatlantic Leadership Conference concluded at First Baptist Church of Glenarden on Friday evening, June 24th. After two full days of learning, listening, interacting, sharing, eating, and mostly, hearing from God, Converge MidAtlantic leaders and churches ARE IGNITED to move forward and transform our communities with the love and power of Jesus Christ. Many shared that this Ignite Conference was truly an historic event in our movement. Praise God for His power and presence in our midst.

Some of my personal highlights included:


Incredible Plenary Messages from Pastor John Jenkins, Pastor Al Detter, Admiral Barry Black, Pastor Mark Batterson, Damian Williams, and Dr. Jerry Sheveland. God truly spoke through each of these leaders in amazing ways. The theme of PRAYER and the spiritual authority we have as followers of Jesus stood out in many of these teachings. DVD’s of each of these plenary sessions can be obtained by emailing Anna Rolland at the Converge MidAtlantic office at: Anna@convergemidatlantic.com.

Outstanding Hospitality from First Baptist Church of Glenarden as they served us and served Christ throughout the entire Event. Our meeting room accommodations, transportation support, the meal services, greeters and host personnel; all servants of Christ, helped to make our experience a pleasant and very enjoyable one. Thank you to all of our friends at First Baptist, Glenarden

Engaging Diversity modeled by Pastor Michael Henderson, Damian Williams, and Rod Hairston as they hosted our sessions throughout the two days. We truly enjoyed connecting up with those who are doing ministry in settings that are vastly different than ours. We learned from those who are younger than us, and for some, from those who are older. We were blessed by the Choir of First Baptist, Glenarden, and Stephen Hurd, Director. We were reminded that the work of bringing the Kingdom of God to this world is not an individual thing, but requires partnership and teamwork. What a wonderful blessing this diversity is in our Converge Midatlantic movement.

Inspiring Video Stories: I personally was inspired and greatly encouraged as a result of the Video stories we saw throughout the two-day conference. They helped us all see that God is working all over our region. We witnessed a church moving from “dysfunction to disciplemaking” in Mentor, OH. We saw “10 years of community transformation” in the Washington DC area. We saw a wonderful “Multi-site Movement” occurring in the Centre Region of Pennsylvania. Of course, we saw the “Ignite Torch” carried across our MidAtlantic region, as a reminder of the 85 communities we are currently seeking to transform, and the opportunities ahead of us to make an even greater impact. I want to personally thank Steve Lowe from The Journey Church Community in Eldersburg, MD, for his servant leadership in the video production. Thanks a million, Steve!

Each of the video pieces can be viewed on Vimeo, by logging on to our Converge MidAtlantic website and clicking on the “vimeo” link.

Practical Breakout Teachings: I was so impressed with the hard work that each of the breakout presenters put into their sessions on Thursday and Friday afternoon. I was equally encouraged as I heard responses from so many who spoke so highly of the benefit from these breakout sessions. I want to thank each leader who gave of their time and effort to teach these hands on sessions. Thank you to: Cindy Finley, Pastor John Jenkins, William Gentry, Vince DiPaola, Dan Nold, Dee and Jerry Sheveland, Dave Scull, Jeremy Copeland, John Cournan, Michael Henderson, Bill Heaton, Belynda Gentry, and Bobby Watkins. Truly, God used each of you to help us to grow and to learn.

Where do we go from here? Converge MidAtlantic is positioned to continue to Ignite a movement across our region and around the world in the coming year and years. Of course it’s going to happen through each of our 85 member churches as they advance the cause of the Gospel and multiply disciples, and leaders, and churches. As we partner together, some of the “next steps” for our movement as a whole include opportunities such as: A Lead Pastor Coaching Cluster launching this fall, an Impact Church Network Event planned for October 19-21 in Charlotte, NC, and a newly revised First Steps Training for church planters and church planting coaches, planned for February 1-3, 2012.

As our Church Planting leadership team met on Wednesday, prior to the Ignite Conference, we collected some information from churches in our movement that have indicated their intent to plant/daughter new churches, or to expand through multi-site venues during the next four years. We tallied the number which came to 24 new churches or sites in the coming four-year period of time. We’re working hard to build a sound strategy and put all of the systems in place to see this become a reality. We want to be held accountable by you and by God for the resources and gifts we have been given. We really do want to do our part to Ignite a movement of transformation across our region and around the world.

Thanks for playing your part on this team. Thanks for being a part of Ignite MidAtlantic.

Life Charting

In early January, 2011, I had the opportunity to experience a personal leadership summit; a 14 hour interactive journey with a life coach. It involved walking through my life story, looking at life themes and patterns, gaining feedback and perspective from others, and then beginning to work out some action plans for this next chapter in my life. It was one of the most impactful experiences I have ever had.

A couple of weeks later, in mid January, I participated in a similar life charting retreat with a group of business and church leaders. This was the beginning of our Converge MidAtlantic focused ministry to business leaders across our region. Again, what an incredible experience this was for all who were involved. Many leaders commented that this was one of the most helpful 3 day events they had ever experienced. We’re hoping that the positive energy and new commitments made from this retreat will make a lasting imprint on each person’s life as we seek to hold one another accountable through ongoing huddles and experiences.

Through these 2 significant experiences, I’m coming to discover some important lessons that are starting to seep into my leadership, my family life, and I believe my relationship with God. Here are some of the life lessons I’m discovering:

• God is a loving Father, weaving together the various chapters and pages of our life into a beautiful and meaningful story. Our job is to be open to learn, to hear from Him and others, and to take responsibility for what we can help co-create. Yet, there is so much to the thread of God’s love and grace, woven through your story and mine. He really does love and care for us, His children.
• All of us are so incredibly blessed. When I pause to reflect on my life, the people in my life, my life experiences, and even the material possessions I have to enjoy, I am truly a blessed person. Again, my responsibility is to recognize these blessings as having come from The Father, and to become an ever growing generous steward of all that God has blessed me with.
• Perspective is so important. It really is crucial to hear from others, to reflect on my past experiences, to look at patterns of thinking, acting and interacting, all before I plan and move into an action mode. So often I want to dive in and change things. Yet, I am acting and reacting in ways that are not productive without proper perspective. God, help me to slow down and gain needed perspective before I move forward!
• Accountability is absolutely vital as I chart the next chapter of my story. While I may want to think that I have the courage and capacity to make necessary changes and to stay on course, the reality is, I can’t do it alone. I need the help of my wife, of meaningful others who know me and care for me, and of course of God Himself. My job is to learn to submit, to build an appropriate accountability system, and to receive from others. This is so hard for many of us. Believe me, I know!

This life charting journey has been an immensely helpful thing for me, for my marriage, and for my leadership journey. We’re planning to incorporate this process into more and more of what we do here in Converge MidAtlantic, as we come along side leaders in business and in the church. Two helpful resources that any leader may want to consider are:

• Living the Life You Were Meant to Live, by Tom Paterson
• Halftime, by Bob Buford

Thanks for sharing in part of my journey. May the Father continue to lead you as you “chart” the coming chapters of your story.

Embracing the Journey,

Dan Peterson
Converge MidAtlantic

Dan’s Blog
November 14, 2010





The first two weeks of October, 2010, were an amazing highlight for Sandi and me, and I believe for our whole movement here in the MidAtlantic. We had the opportunity to host a team of 5 Ukrainian pastors and 2 interpreters, with the help and fantastic support of several of our MidAtlantic churches that have been involved in Love Lift Ukraine. We were really worn out at the end of the 2 weeks, but we were also incredibly blessed. And we are seeing the vision for involvement in Ukraine blossom before our very eyes.

This team of pastors came from the Rivne region in western Ukraine, the area where much of our MidAtlantic sistering ministry is happening. They met with pastors and leaders in the Metro Washington D.C. area, they helped to facilitate a stimulating Ukraine Summit at our Poland, OH ministry center, and they ministered in their sister churches and in various other church settings all across our region. God challenged my heart to stay connected with the work in Ukraine. Part of the encouragement came from hearing wonderful words of gratitude and appreciation for our partnership in the Rivne region in Ukraine. Both the Ukrainians and American partners shared one story after another of how their lives and their churches have been enriched through the partnership. It really warmed my heart.

We also heard from Tania Martin
our missionary in Ukraine from First Baptist, Glenarden. She talked about what God is doing in and through her life. And she shared her thoughts about the kinds of ministries that she feels are needed to be the focus of our sistering ministry in Ukraine as we move forward. She talked about English classes and camps, about ministry to orphans and in orphanages, and she talked about sports ministries and how this can really make an impact in Ukraine.

Natasha Parker,
our missionary appointee to Ukraine from New Vision church
also shared her heart for Ukraine, and how God is calling her to serve in that country. I was personally challenged to do everything I can to help see Natasha’s support fully underwritten, so she can get started in her language study and then ministry in Ukraine. Please pray with me about this need.

Another blessing was seeing how God opened the eyes of many in our movement to a new opportunity for ministry and kingdom expansion in another culture. We had the opportunity to visit some of our churches that have not been involved in Love Lift Ukraine, and every place we went, there seems to be an openness and interest. I’m praying that God will keep this interest growing and alive.

Thanks to all who helped give leadership to this stimulating 2 week journey. It was truly a wonderful blessing to me personally, and I believe helped to jump start the vision for Love Lift Ukraine in a whole new way. Praise to Jesus!

July Update

Greetings!

Thank you for your partnership in the advancement of the cause of Jesus Christ in our MidAtlantic region and around the world. God is at work in our movement in powerful ways. Your involvement and investment is making an eternal difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Please bring our movement before the Father in your prayers.

Preaching at CityLight Church in Roanoke, VA
On Sunday, June 6th, I had the privilege to preach at CityLight Church in Roanoke, VA, with church planters Derek and Stacy Lam. What a cool time we had. And this new church is getting off to a great start!

CityLight publically launched one year ago under the leadership of Derek and Stacy Lam, who originally are from the Roanoke area. The CityLight community currently consists of about 50 adults and at least 30 or so young children, as young families are finding their needs met through the vision and ministry of CityLight.

On June 6th, the church was officially recognized as a full-member church within the Converge movement. I heard awesome stories of how people have come to faith in Christ and how couples are growing in their Christian faith through CityLight's ministry. Here's a church plant that is off to a great start. Derek Lam is giving quality leadership, and I'm really grateful for the support from Converge MidAtlantic including Seed Money grants, coaching, and networking through our LEAD Team. It's been a team effort to begin to impact Roanoke, Va.

Commissioning Nathan Lozada for missionary service
On Sunday, June 13th, I experienced a five-year-old church plant, Glory of God Christian Fellowship, sending out its own founding pastor to serve as a missionary to the Philippines. What an amazing Sunday this was!

Glory of God Church has grown to over 100 active members. It's a Filipino-American church that really is multigenerational. They have a vibrant youth ministry. They have a strong ministry to singles and younger-age married families. And they are reaching Baby Boomer and beyond families as well. Many of the 100 strong members are first-generation Filipinos. Yet, this faith community is fairly clearly westernized, having adapted well to culture in the U.S.

I had opportunity to take part in this unique commissioning service, giving a charge to the church and to the Lozadas. Dr. Cirilo Doguiles from Converge Worldwide preached a powerful message as well. The church has strongly embraced sending out its founding pastor. They will miss them, but they are committed to Kingdom advancement. I'm working with Glory of God's pastoral search team as they look for a new pastor. I'd like to ask for fervent prayer for this search. Lord, please place your hand of protection on this congregation. Give wisdom in the search for a new leader.

Converge Worldwide Biennial Meeting in Denver, CO, June 29-July 3, 2010
Sandi and I traveled out to Colorado the third week of June, along with Anne Marie, for a week of vacation in Estes Park, CO, before heading to Denver for a very encouraging Converge Biennial Meeting. Personal highlights for me were the opportunity to hear our very own Michael Henderson speak on Friday night to the entire audience. Michael preached on Joshua 1 and our need to bury the past as we seek to pursue greatness for Christ and His Kingdom. Pastor Henderson represented Converge MidAtlantic and New Beginnings extremely well, and most of all, Jesus Christ, in this very powerful sermon.

Other highlights for me included the opportunity to network with a large number of Converge leaders, staying connected and hearing stories of God at work across our movement. Of special interest was the commissioning of Coz and Joyce Crosscombe, who will be serving Converge and working with our district in the urban setting of greater Philadelphia. In visiting with Coz and Joyce, I was refreshed and challenged again to see a family give of themselves to meet needs of people, regardless of what they might receive back. Coz and Joyce are opening their home to people who are victims of the drug trade in Philadelphia and to children who need a healthy family role model. These guys are simply servants of Jesus.

Converge is a healthy and dynamic movement that God is blessing. We have godly leadership. We have creative and committed players who have a Kingdom mindset. We are making a significant impact for Jesus in places all around the world and in our own country. Sandi and I came away from this event greatly encouraged and ready to do our part to help advance the cause of Christ.

Upcoming Plans and Events

Church Planting Assessment Center at Grace Point Church in Newtown, PA - September 28-October 1, 2010. Here is a great opportunity for our district to assess potential church planting candidates. If anyone in any of our churches is working with leaders who may be interested in church planting, this would be a great assessment center to send them to! Grace Point is out in the Philadelphia area. We'll be having a good number of assessors from our regional movement involved. I know Grace Point will serve as an awesome host. If you are interested in attending or in more information, contact Anna Rolland at the Converge MidAtlantic office at: Anna@convergemidatlantic.com, or call 330-757-7970.


Ukraine Summit and Ukraine 2010 Vision Event - September 30 in the Washington DC area, and October 2 in Poland, OH. If your church is currently involved in ministry in Ukraine in any way, OR if you have any interest in short-term mission involvement in Ukraine, one of these opportunities is right for you!

A team of pastors and leaders from the Baptist Union of Ukraine will be here in our region from September 30-Oct 10 to share the vision for partnership in Ukraine and to strategize with us on the next steps in our ministry together.

On Thursday, September 30th, this team will be in Bowie, MD, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, meeting at New Life Community Church. A special invitation is being extended to all of our DC-area pastors and leaders, as well as leaders from the eastern areas of our district. There will be no cost to participate in this "Celebrate Ukraine" event, but you will need to register with Anna at the Converge office.

Then, on Saturday, October 2, we will hold a Ukraine Summit at our Converge MidAtlantic ministry center in Poland, OH. Pastors and leaders from all across our region are invited to attend.

These two exciting events will give you a chance to:

·Meet and interact with Ukrainian pastors
·Learn about opportunities for short-term involvement in Ukraine
·Discover how your church can partner with churches in Ukraine for Kingdom expansion
·Interact, ask questions and discuss together with leaders from another culture.

Again, there will be no cost, but you need to register with Anna at the Converge MidAtlantic office. Churches are encouraged to send their lead pastors and a team of 2-3 key leaders to this event. You can contact Anna at: Anna@convergemidatlantic.com, or call: 330-757-7970.

Ignite MidAtlantic - our Converge MidAtlantic 2011 Biennial Leadership Conference is now planned for June 23-24 at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Landover, MD.
We have moved the dates for this event to make it possible to have a major youth conference during our adult leadership conference. We will also have activites for children, and nursery services will be offered.

We're calling this event Ignite MidAtlantic and have a very unique format and a quality team of presenters already committed to come. We're asking every pastor and Converge MidAtlantic leader to put these dates on your calendar now. Please plan to attend with your entire family. Much more detail will be coming out in the next couple of months. Join Ignite MidAtlantic - June 23-24 at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in the Washington DC area.

WomenSchool of Ministry Leadership 2011 coming
We are excited to announce that plans have been laid in place for the beginning of a WomenSchool of Ministry Leadership ("WSML") in the Harrisburg, PA area! The WomenSchool will be a joint effort between church co-hosts DaySpring Ministries and Calvary Baptist Church with assistance from Grace Point. All classes will be held at DaySpring Ministries, with the first class date tentatively set for Feb. 5, 2011. This will be an outstanding opportunity for ladies to receive 6 units of quality instruction over a two-year period of time (3 Saturdays a year for 2 years), for a very affordable cost. Over 700 women have graduated from the many schools held across the U.S. and in two other countries (Canada and Australia) with several more districts planning additional schools. Cost will be a one-time, non-refundable $30 registration fee plus tuition of $75 per student per class ($65 per student per class for auditing students). For more information, Email Becky Wehr at the Converge MidAtlantic office at: becky@convergemidatlantic.com.

Ignite Conference

What a great time we had attending the Ignite Conference in Arizona last month. Everyone took home insightful information to be utilized in their church and community. Below are some responses from Church Planters in our district that attended this conference:

Vic King - I went to Jim Tomberlin’s breakout on Multi-Sites. It helped me get a broader view of the MS concept and fill in a few blanks. It also sparked some thoughts about the qualities and attributes of Campus Pastors, how they differ from Church Planters. He said that the roles are 80% the same, but the other 20% that is different is significant. They typically have different personalities.

I also appreciated some of Perry Noble’s thoughts. One in particular stuck with me: “Every week needs to be a great week to bring unsaved friends.” I have a strong leaning toward the organic and away from big Sunday morning productions; however, in our culture it appears that the Sunday morning gathering remains the best opportunity for reaching people. If it is done well…not so much polish as an authentic demonstration of inclusive community and devotion to God…believers will invite their lost friends, who will then begin to open their hearts to a personal relationship, and maybe get involved in a small group. So, the big effort we put into Sunday morning (about 3 hours to set up and 1.5 hours to tear down included) translates into lost people saved. It is worth it.


Jeremy Copeland - As a brand new church plant ourselves, I was inspired to be very intentional in raising up leaders within our own midst to be the next generation of church planters. At the core of our DNA needs to be the vision to reproduce ourselves.

The biggest value for me was the one on one conversations I had with other leaders. I enjoyed the opportunity to pick the brains of some of my friends in ministry and to begin to plan out the next steps for us as a church plant.

Ron Crawford – Gary has challenged us to spend time in prayer and fasting this month to see the direction God wants us to take in planting more churches. With this challenge from Gary and the messages from the general speakers at the Ignite Conference, I feel strongly that we need to move forward with God’s cause to reproduce.