Existing to Serve
Most of us can relate to a meeting that drags on and on. In real time, it may last thirty minutes or an hour, but it feels much longer. Recently, though, I was in a gathering of ministry leaders who were dreaming, debating, and discussing together. When I glanced at the clock, hours had passed, but it felt like the proverbial blink of an eye. That time became a refining process, one in which Proverbs 27:17 was fleshed out in practice: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
We had gathered from across the United States to discuss how our respective Converge regions could serve churches within their local contexts. I came away with a renewed commitment that Converge Great Lakes exists to serve the local church, not simply to maintain an organization or run programs. We exist to help churches and leaders flourish where God has called them to serve.
Converge Great Lakes serves the local church in many ways, and here are just three: practical tools, personal engagement with pastors and leaders, and connections that strengthen ministry across our region.
The tools we offer include facilitator-led resources such as Auxano, which guides churches through strategic planning tailored to their setting, and Working Genius, which helps teams and boards communicate and collaborate more effectively.
Personal engagement includes counsel and coaching. Our seasoned ministry staff is ready to listen and help leaders navigate stressful moments, and to coach pastors through a specific skill or question. On staff, we have coaches trained in coaching methods, ready to help leaders explore the challenges before them.
I have been in Converge for over forty years. In that time, I have seen much change, but two priorities have remained the same: the declaration of the Gospel of Jesus, and the conviction that no one of us can do that alone. We are better together, so we create regular opportunities to come together for encouragement and equipping.
With that commitment to community in mind, here's a quick roundup of ways to connect and grow together in the months ahead.
Cohorts are being developed that provide times for leaders to connect with others in a similar ministry setting. If you are in Youth Ministry, or know someone who is, there is now a Youth Ministry Network for sharing ideas, tools, and practices. The Succession Cohort begins this month, giving senior pastors and their board members dedicated space to work through the real questions and steps of a leadership transition before the need becomes urgent. You can still register at convergegreatlakes.regfox.com/pastoral-succession-cohort.
In the spring of 2027, we offer the ReFresh Retreat for couples in local church ministry, a chance to connect with your spouse and with other couples from across Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula. Put it in your calendar for April 30 to May 1, 2027.
More immediately is our upcoming Foundations Conference on October 8 and 9, hosted at Community Church in Oshkosh. Our main speaker, Karl Vaters, has spent decades pastoring and writing for small churches. I've heard him speak to churches of a very different size, and found him every bit as challenging and encouraging. He'll bring that same perspective to spark good conversation in the hallways or over a cup of coffee. Breakout sessions dig into topics that touch both life and ministry, and the chance to connect with leaders across our region means even more “iron sharpening iron.” If you have yet to sign up, you and your team can do so at convergegreatlakes.org/foundations-2026.
If you want to be sharpened and ready to be used by God wherever He calls you to serve, Converge Great Lakes is here to serve. Contact us to explore how Converge Great Lakes can serve you and your church family.
