Greetings Co-Laborers in Christ!
“Lord, all my life I have been striving to be a powerboat for Christ. The hull of my type-A personality is cutting through the waters of ministry. I've had my hand on the throttle of effective leadership principles. I've filled my tank with the high-octane insights of a seminary education. I seem to be making an impression with my visionary style. But...Forgive me. From this day forward, would You teach me what it means to be a simple sailboat?”
Of course, my mind was surging with the reality that a simple sailboat does not bring glory to itself but to the power of an unseen force propelling it along. It is dead in the water unless the wind blows. I knew the course might be a little unpredictable because of the nature of the 'wind,' but I was tired of trying hard to be a high-impact leader. I knew in the depth of my soul that God was revealing to me a better and more fruitful way.
— from "Old Paths, New Power" by Daniel Henderson, 2016, p. 60.
I was really encouraged to see several of you at the "Breaking Barriers to Transformation" seminar last Friday at CVC with Daniel Henderson. What a refreshing time! What a refreshing concept: that God is not looking for high-powered leaders or impressively complex strategies to accomplish His global mission. In fact, the first apostles were onto something huge when they limited the focus of their gospel efforts to the ministry of the word and prayer (Acts 6:4). Whatever the size or scope of your present ministry, and whatever your leadership gifts or style, I pray each of you will have an “Ah ha!” moment similar to what Henderson experienced.
FYI, I have a copy of "Old Paths, New Power" for each of you at our March pastor's breakfasts (or any other time you're able to meet; email chrissmith@clevelandhope.com to set up a meeting time Tu, Wed, or Thurs).
West side: Tuesday, March 12, 8:30-10:30 AM at Panera, Tiedeman & I-480.
East side: Tuesday, March 19, 8:30-10:30 AM at Panera, Creekside Commons in Mentor
Resources & Events
Every Church, Every Nation--Ohio - Sat. March 9
Please see the attached documents with information about a FREE missions training event hosted by pastor Tim Cline and Chilicothe Baptist Church in Chilicothe, OH on Saturday, March 9. To reserve space for your group, email pastor Tim at pastor@chillicothebaptist.org. If you're able to go, let me know; we may be able to arrange car pooling!
New Cleveland Hope Website - Info Needed!
We are getting very close to unveiling Cleveland Hope's refreshed website. Before we do so, we'd like to have the most current information available about our partner churches to share with the world. Please click this link and complete the info form: https://goo.gl/forms/bHS4uCU0TFHgbHHK2.
Weekend to Remember!
If you and your spouse plan to attend, don't forget to register under the CLEVELANDHOPE username!
Oneness can be yours!
Those with the best of intentions can let life get in the way of their marriage. But with a new focus, your relationship can be whole. FamilyLife's Weekend to Remember® will have an immediate impact on your relationship.
Your local Weekend to Remember is 2 weeks away!
So take a break from the busyness of life and discover God’s plan for your marriage. Space is limited, register today!
2019 Lead Well Conference
Hey OAAF! Pastor Steve here. I pray you are having a great day!
I want to you to inform you about some exciting news. Because we are not able to get together often, we have a great opportunity to connect and fellowship at the 2019 Lead Well Conference being held at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church on April 5th and 6th. What I would like to share with you is as follows:
Discounted rates for OAAF pastors and church planters.
Paid rooms available for those traveling for one hour or more to the conference.
Special OAAF Session before the conference.
More details:
First, for OAAF pastors and church planters we will continue to offer the discounted rate of $15.00 per person. (Includes lunch on Saturday and conference material.) Register today: (click here)
Please use this promotional code: OAAF/Pastors
The LEAD WELL Conference is designed to empower leaders. The conference is focused on helping you and your team move your leadership to the next level. This year's line up of speakers are an amazing group of leaders.
Conference Date: April 5 - 6, 2019
April 5th: 7pm-9pm (Conference Sessions)
April 6th: 9am-3:30pm (Conference Sessions)
Leaders and topics:
Stephen Owens - THE NEXT LEADER
Dan Smith - THE NEXT MAIN THING
Ryan Strother - OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF LEADERSHIP
Gerald Saffo - WHAT'S NEXT? BECOMING EQUIPPED ENOUGH FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW
Dr. Martina Moore - EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
Location: Mt Calvary Baptist Church - 271 Center Road Bedford, OH 44146
Register TODAY: Click here
Please use this promotional code: OAAF/Pastors
Hampton Inn - Solon
6035 Enterprise Parkway,
Solon, Ohio, 44139
TEL: 440-542-0400
FAX: 440-542-0353
Hampton Inn Website
Next, for those traveling one hour or more for the conference, we were able to secure a one night stay for you and your wife at the Hampton Inn Cleveland-Solon.
If this is you, you will need to contact the Hampton Inn and reserve your room ASAP. The rooms are being held under the name: Southern Baptist - Lead Well Conference. We have a limited amount of rooms so this is on a first come basis. The rooms will be held until March 12.
The one night stay is being covered by the SCBO so you can attend the conference, learn, and be refreshed. (CP dollars at work, please remember to give generously).
Special OAAF Session
Finally, I would love to connect with you before the conference on Friday, April 5th, at the Hampton Inn Cleveland-Solon from 2 pm - 4 pm. It will be a time of fellowship, discussion, and planning for future events. I want to hear your thoughts, concerns, and hopes for OAAF and your ministries. This session is open to EVERYONE in OAAF, not just those who are traveling in from across Ohio.
If you are able to make this session, just reply to this email and let me know you are attending and who will be attending with you. I want to make sure we have enough space and appetizers for everyone.
You will also receive your conference material during our time together.
I look forward to fellowshipping with you and being encouraged by what God is doing in you and through you and your ministry. God Bless and see you soon.
Pastor Steve