by Patti Chapman, Resource Specialist, General Council, Springfield, MO
When Pastor Kevin Petersen moved to Clark, South Dakota (population 1,044) in 2006, he knew, like every other small town pastor, he might struggle to have the volunteers needed to accomplish the vision he had for the church. Pastor Kevin and his team began looking for something different to do on Wednesday nights. After some on-line research, they came across High Point, a character-building discipleship curriculum that runs efficiently with just a few volunteers. They tried it out and, in Pastor Kevin’s words, “loved it and began using it immediately. It had topical messages dealing with the issues kids are dealing with.”
They started with pre-school through 6th grade and were one of the first churches in the nation to adopt the High Point program. Through further discussion with his ministry team and some God-inspired creativity, they decided to invest their time in a mid-week after-school outreach rather than the traditional Wednesday night program since the elementary school sat just across the street from the church.
The church that was once struggling to attract children to a Wednesday night program ran consistently around 50 kids from 2007 – 2009. The registration topped out at 74 with most of the kids being unchurched. Pastor Kevin reported that on “some weeks there were more in attendance on Wednesday afternoon than on Sunday morning. The kids were our greatest advertisers.” The church has grown from 20 to now running steadily in the mid 60s. Some of the kids that have come through the High Point program are now part of their youth group.
Pastor Kevin is quick to point out that, in a small community, the more you are seen and the more connections you make the more influence you have. Since moving to Clark in 2006, he has been very involved in the community serving as the Rotary president, coaching sports and making himself available. He believes that volunteering in schools opens doors to ministry and gives pastors the keys to their community. He reports the community has “learned and grown to trust us.” In turn, the school is very helpful in promoting what the church is doing.
They still use High Point on Wednesday afternoons but have adapted their strategy. They now have pre-school and 5th – 8th grade programs that run concurrently with their 1st – 4th graders who use High Point. They feel that age group is the “sweet spot for ministry” with this program.
They are currently strategizing their next moves. “We are really doing this as an outreach,” Pastor Kevin continues, “our next step is to make inroads to the parents.”
If you are interested in using High Point in your church ask about it on the web at www.gph.org/highpoint.
District Men's Retreat
,
March 22-24, 2012 at Kamp Kinship
Rev. John Palmer will be the speaker for our annual men's retreat this year.
Our theme is "Staying Strong & Healthy in the Battle". Rev Palmer has served many years as a pastor, author, and most recently as the President of EMERGE Ministries - a mental health ministry based in Akron, Ohio, that specializes in supporting and encouraging pastors and missionaries – providing help to the healthy and hope for the hurting!
One of the free time activities will include a "Shoot out at Kamp Kinship". Three different events with pistols, 22 rifles, and shotguns. Bring your own guns and ammo.
Make your plans now to be a part of the excitement.
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