Twenty five leaders from 7 new church plants met together for 3 days of intensive training at the beautiful new Ministry Center of Messiah Community Church in Owings Mills, MD.  Under the capable leadership of Pastor Rod Hairston of Messiah and a team of church planting leaders from across our region, church planting candidates were challenged, inspired, resourced, encouraged, and equipped for mission.  God definitely was moving in our midst!

First Steps is the training component for Converge MidAtlantic church planters. Over the past 2 years, Pastor Rod and his team including Pastor Jeremy Copeland (Durham, NC), Pastor Charles Whitaker (Marlowe Heights, MD), Pastor Steve Lowe (Eldersburg, MD), and Pastor Jim Eaton (Frederick, MD) have been working together on the curriculum and format for this training experience.  The interactive approach, the sensitivity to various cultural styles and models, and the practical hands on experience of these practitioners made this an incredible experience for all who were involved.  We’re anticipating that God will be leading several new church planting teams to be deployed during this calendar year.  Several other teams were resourced and greatly encouraged!

Some of the other highlights and God sightings during this very helpful experience included:

• Up close and personal tour of the Baltimore Ravens training facility and an appearance by Ozzie Newsome, one of the Ravens’ head office leaders
• Inspiring worship led by the Messiah worship team
• Fantastic food and fellowship, also hosted by Messiah
• Wonderful cultural diversity including African American, African, Anglo, and Filipino leaders

Be watching for our next First Steps Training Event for church planting leaders.  For more information about future training events, you can contact Anna at Anna@convergemidatlantic.com.