I am really pumped about this year’s Indiana Ministries Annual Meeting on October 2! We are bringing back the Ted Talk format that was so popular in 2015. We’ve enlisted seven speakers to talk about the heart of the leader. These talks won’t be about character and ethics, though both of those are extremely important. Instead, the speakers will be talking about a ministry passion that is central to the Kingdom, the local church, and their hearts. I cannot wait to hear them! Come expecting to be inspired and challenged!
Abbie Craig is the Youth Ministry Director at Church at the Crossing (Indianapolis) and is the Director of 365 (the annual Indiana Ministries sponsored youth convention held each fall). Abbie is being ordained this fall at our annual Indiana Ministries Ordination Service. She is a dynamic communicator who has a heart for the next generation.
Rev. Dr. Wayne Schmidt is the general superintendent for the Wesleyan Church. He was a church planter, and then the chief administrator of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University. He is an author, the lease holder of the Indiana Ministries suite contract at the Wesleyan World Headquarters, and a valued friend. Wayne is an engaging speaker who has a heart for the mission of the church.
Rev. Dr. Ed Foggs is a treasure of the Church of God. He is a former pastor and national leader who is now the General Secretary Emeritus of the Church of God. He is a distinguished speaker with great insight. He has a heart for being a life long learner and models that passion.
Rev. Stuart Kruse is lead pastor of County Line Church of God in Auburn, IN. Under his leadership, the church has grown significantly. During the last seven years, County Line Church has baptized 880 people! Stu will challenge you with his heartfelt belief that everyone needs to have a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Rev. Debbie Salters is the lead pastor of Thursday Church in Vincennes, Indiana. She planted this unique church in 2008 to reach people who did not fit in established churches. The church has made a significant impact not only in Vincennes but also in several foreign countries. Debbie is a vivacious leader and speaker who has a heart for her community.
Rev. Michael Thigpen is the Director of the Cultural Resource Center at Anderson University. He is a former youth pastor and lead pastor. His gregarious personality makes him a popular speaker at youth conventions and other venues. Mike has a heart for people and believes that racial and cultural diversity adds incredible beauty to our world.
Rev. Jeff Matas is the Church Health Pastor for Indiana Ministries. He is a former lead pastor and associate pastor. Jeff works extensively with Indiana congregations that desire to launch a new life cycle by refocusing on the mission of the church. He is an energetic speaker who has a heart to see local congregations win people to Christ and then grow them as Jesus’ disciples.
You will not want to miss a single speaker, so don’t even think about leaving early. Your heart will be blessed, your mind will be challenged, and your spirit will be motivated by this incredible slate of speakers.
This year’s annual meeting starts at 9:30 and will conclude by 4:00. The location is Church at the Crossing, 9111 Haverstick Road, Indianapolis. Our annual meeting will be held during lunch. You can register here. Be sure to bring your whole staff. This event is open to not only credentialed ministers and official lay representatives from local churches but also to anyone in your congregation. I look forward to seeing you there!
