From the Superintendent

For several Presbytery meetings we have spent time praying and discussing among ourselves where the Lord wants to lead us as an organization. As a result of our conversations, we have realized the need for developing a Strategic Plan to guide us into the future. This past October, our Presbytery made the decision to spend the first 40 days of the New Year praying specifically for laborers for the Alaska Harvest Field. Also, as a Presbytery body we committed to be in prayer for our January meeting where we would intentionally spend a day working on a Strategic Plan.

January Presbytery was filled with excitement and enthusiasm as we went to work. While the Strategic Plan is a working draft and still being developed, the Presbytery adopted a new mission statement:

“Glorifying God and fulfilling the Great Commission, the Alaska Ministry Network partners to produce vibrant followers of Jesus Christ; promoting relationships, providing resources, and equipping leaders.”

With the adoption of the new mission statement, the Presbytery voted unanimously that the Alaska District Council of the Assemblies of God be known as, or referred to as, the Alaska Ministry Network. This better describes what we exist for and are striving to be, as defined by the General Council Bylaws, Article V. Section 2. The Role of the District:

“The district is primarily relationship based. The district should facilitate a network for resources and relationships and provide training for credentialed ministers and local churches.” (General Council Bylaws, page 112)

We are not changing our legal name. We will still be the Alaska District Council of the Assemblies of God. Our legal name will be reflected on all legal documents and in our Constitution and Bylaws.

The Presbytery also voted unanimously to call our annual District Council, the Alaska Ministry Network Conference. District Council is part of our nomenclature and woven into the fabric of our Organization. It may take time for us to make the shift and fully embrace this new terminology. However, Ministry Network says that we are making an attempt to place a greater partnering emphasis on promoting relationships, providing resources, and equipping leaders. It states who we are really striving to be. The terminology is culturally relevant to this current generation. It may encourage young leaders to become relationally involved in our Ministry Organization. Our Business Administrator, Brad Kesler, has written an apologetic for Ministry Network that will be posted next week. Please read it. It helps explain some of the rationale. This post, along with Brad’s, will be featured in the upcoming issue of The Journey.