This past Monday October 20th, Terra Nova hosted another Northeast Regional Event for the network we are a part of (Acts 29). Just shy of 100 pastors from every northeastern state, plus a few other states and even Canada were in attendance. The size forced us to move from the big back room in 409 down to Revolution Hall. In the past, we have seen around 65 people at these events. 

We looked at the issue of Discipleship in the Church and we asked multiple voices to speak on this topic. Some pastors come to events like these because it gives them a chance to see friends that they might only see here. Others come looking for help and direction on the issue at hand. For most, it’s a little of both. One of most helpful aspects of these regional events is that it brings guys with multiple years of experience together with pastors who are just getting started in a new church plant. At least half of everyone in attendance came from churches that are in the planning phase, the core building phase, or the “just launched” phase. One pastor looked a little confused but happy when he saw his pre-printed nametag. He said “It’s weird—we just came up with that name for our non-existent church, and this is the first time I’ve ever seen it printed somewhere, I’m going to have to save this”. By comparison, Terra Nova (with it’s vast three years of experience) was like an old sturdy, time-tested community.

Here are a few comments from emails that pastors sent in to us after the event::

“I loved your take on discipleship. You destroyed the linear model. That’s a great thing.”

“Thanks for putting on a great conference yesterday.  it was great to get together with so many like-minded guys.”

“Brothers, what a great day! These events mean more to us than you will ever know”.  

“You guys put together a good mix of speakers. The topics were very relevant to where our church currently is   .  .  .  I appreciated the worship team very much. It was great to sing hymns of the faith. Praise the Lord for His good ministry through Terra Nova Church!”

 

In the end, we witnessed people worshipping, strategizing as planting teams, laughing and praying.  Only God will know how many lives He has shaped through your generous service and provision to visitors at terra.  It is always fearful, humbling and full of wonderful possibilities when church leaders gather. We did not just serve 95 or so people, we served churches, through their leaders. Many thanks to the members of Wayfaring Stranger for taking time off of work to come and lead worship on Monday. Thanks to our friends at Deli-icious for providing a great lunch. Thanks to all the speakers who drove in, flew in, or walked in. God was glorified and that’s all that matters.

Audio from the sessions will be available on our site in a week or two and on Acts 29′s site eventually.  Our next regional event is scheduled for February 9th and will focus on the issue of COMMUNITY EXTENSION::expanding your missional footprint.