The CGGC Ad Council met again this week for another round of business and updates from the Staff and Regional Directors. This meeting was generally hopeful and productive, with most of the time spent on reports from the last 6 months, and plans for the future. Ad Council is also an opportunity for CGGC leadership to check in with other organizations, like Church of God Women’s Ministry (CGWM), Winebrenner Seminary, and the University of Findlay/Campus Ministries.
A few highlights from our regional leadership:
In the California Eldership, Pastor Tim Welsh provided updates about the Thomas Toy Community Center, which we've talked about in the past. Situated in Manteca, CA, the Thomas Toy Community Center has a "podcasting room, art room, pool tables, ping pong, gardening, VEX robotics, and a fully functioning cafe where worship music plays continuously.” The center sees on average 84 kids daily and about 100 teens during special events, like the worship services they routinely put on. The center is also a food pantry, where kids who might not have food at home can take what they need. The center is a place where kids can find community, gain skills, get the support they need, and leaders are bringing the youth to Christ.
Pastor Kendall Hughes, director of the Western Region, gave an update on the western churches, many of which are actively participating in food distribution. This has become a vital ministry in the region. We’ve highlighted the good work of ministries like the West County Community Hope Center, and Bethel Church in Neodesha, KS in the past. Among other good works, these churches and more continue to provide food to their communities.
Pastor Victor Glover of the Southeast Region highlighted the continued advancement of Fathers on the Move and their recent success at Exponential Conference, winning first place at their Shark Tank contest. This win provides essential funding for the ministry. Likewise, the report included the update of a church added to the region in December, called One Life Church in Lawrenceville, GA. Welcome to the CGGC, One Life Church!
Preceding the Ad Council Sessions was a two-day event hosted by Winebrenner Theological Seminary where WTS faculty and staff gave presentations about topics like AI and the Church, and Mental Health and the Church. Along with information about WTS, there were many opportunities for feedback and collaboration between the Seminary and CGGC leadership. It was an excellent time for WTS to educate new and returning Ad Council members about the benefits of having a denominational seminary. Likewise, the presentations were consistently thought provoking and meaningful. Ad Council members walked away with concrete ways to work with the seminary to strengthen their churches, tackle future issues, and how they might collaborate with WTS in the future.
WTS is a tremendous resource for our churches, but it’s often thought of only as a place to send potential minsters. It’s so much more than that, and theological education goes well beyond training pastors. It’s a crucial piece of how the CGGC is discipling people around the world, and preparing churches for what’s next in the culture.
Campus Ministries at the University of Findlay continues to minister to students and raise up leaders. As reported by the campus pastor, Giorgio Ferrario, 150+ students worship at the Thursday night worship service called Revive, while they average 12+ bible studies per week. Right now, the leadership team is busy picking leaders for next year, while they plan for The Well in the summer. The Well is a weeklong event where high school students can learn about God, exploring their faith while they explore the campus. If you know someone whose interested in The Well, you can register here: The Well
The CGGC is also hiring!
Our office is looking for an Administrative Assistant. If you, or someone you know is the right fit, you can apply here: CGGC Admin Assistant
CGGC eNews—Vol. 20, No. 13
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