Central to the focus of my work is the ministry of encouragement and support to our team of six conference ministerial directors. It is a joy and privilege to work alongside each one: Bobby Waters, Central States; Darrel Lindensmith, Dakota; Bryan Gallant, Iowa-Missouri; Virgil Covel, Kansas-Nebraska; Karen Lewis, Minnesota; and Sean Lee, Rocky Mountain. Among this group of stellar directors is a sweet spirit of unity, through which we learn from each other, pooling ideas and sharing resources. During our regular meetings, annual retreats, and when serving together, there is a sense of mutual support for the work of supporting pastors in each of our fields.
ENCOURAGED TO FLOURISH
Every other year our six conferences combine efforts to support our intern pastors by hosting a three-day retreat in which we can all learn from each other. Hosted at the union office in November of 2023 and 2025, our team of ministerial directors each provided presentations, with time for discussion and dialogue among the pastors of all six conferences.
While many contexts are unique, we all face similar challenges from which we can encourage and support one another.
Another opportunity to collaborate came in July of 2024 at the Double Tree hotel in Overland Park, Kansas, during our union-wide ministerial retreat entitled “Flourish.” Presenters included Freddy Russell, Ty Gibson, Elizabeth Talbot, Joe Kidder, and Michael Campbell, each sharing from their personal and professional experience how to flourish in life, leadership, and ministry. The worship and praise music was pastor-led and included an original theme song co-written by Sullivan Dutra and myself.
Pastors’ children enjoyed specific programming provided by our very own children’s ministry department, led by Tyrone Douglas.
As a resource and keepsake, the ministerial team each contributed to the writing of a 40-day devotional book, given to each pastor and family member.
This event was also a collaboration with AdventHealth Kansas City, which provided funding, and their team of hospital chaplains joined us, offering much support and ministry to our pastors and families.
GOSPEL PARTNERSHIPS
For the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, the ministerial and evangelism department coordinated the on-site baptisms that took place before the nightly program. Preparations made years in advance culminated the week of camporee with the help of hundreds of volunteers.
Even the inclement weather could not hold back the power of the Holy Spirit as 1,200 Pathfinders were baptized in just three evening sessions at camporee.
A special Bible, certificate and pin, along with numerous resources for their continued journey of faith were given to each one.
Leadership of the evangelism department was added to my portfolio near the end of 2024, which launched us into a flurry of activity in St. Louis ahead of the 2025 General Conference Session. To the city and surrounding areas, ministry took on many forms, including a four-day free medical, dental and health check clinic known as Your Pathway to Health, the launching of a Bible school and training program, area evangelism meetings entitled “Hope Rally” by Breath of Life speaker Debleaire Snell, and “Revelation of Hope” by Elder Ted Wilson. We are grateful for the efforts of our St. Louis pastors and lay members for hosting numerous follow-up classes and seminars.
Also this past year was a major evangelistic initiative called Pentecost 2025, in which churches and schools hosted events in more than 360 communities around Mid-America. Funded in part by the NAD, each local conference saw Pentecost 2025 help return a focus of local church evangelism to many areas of our union. Now our attention turns to how local conferences will continue the evangelism fervor in the coming years with Pentecost & Beyond, as well as OneVoice 2027.
GRATITUDE AND HOPE
My heart is filled with gratitude and thankfulness for what God has accomplished these past five years.
For each ministerial director who has accepted God’s call to serve, I am appreciative of their unique contributions to our union-wide team.
For the partnerships of the International Camporee, Your Pathway to Health, Breath of Life and the General Conference, we have been so blessed in Mid-America to host these recent worldwide events for the glory of God.
It is my hope and prayer, as local churches and schools engage in Pentecost & Beyond in 2026 as well as OneVoice 2027 in celebration of the 2,000-year anniversary of Christ’s baptism and commencement of His earthly ministry, that God’s Spirit would continue to be poured out in every corner of Mid-America.
Craig Carr is director of the ministerial and evangelism departments.
