POTW – Page 8 – Alumni Blog

December 29, 2016April 3, 2017

Attempt Great Things for God – Howard Robbins – Pastor of the Week

– By Rev. Rick E. Carder

This week’s Pastor of the Week kicks off the New Year by looking to someone with a long and eventful ministry – from helping famous people like Leighton Ford and Billy Graham to a brilliant but relatively obscure girl who was terminally ill. He continues to impact the lives of pastors by helping them reach their God-given potential.

Through On the Edge Ministries, Rev. Howard Robbins helps to bridge relationships and resources that have expanded the impact of people and ministries for over sixty years. Robbins states, “Any person God has ever used in a significant way, He has taken them to an edge in their lives.” Ironically, no one demonstrates this better than Howard, though he would never think of saying such a thing.

Humility is writ large across his person!

His younger friend, Dr. Jerry Pattengale, University Professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, sometimes leaves the light on for Howard when he’s crisscrossing the country on behalf of one of the dozens of ministries he’s supported. Jerry shared this about his peripatetic guest:

From the far reaches of North America to the Everglades, Rev. Howard Robbins has friends. They’re seemingly at every courthouse, church, and gas stop in between. Some of them are silly rich, but wealth seemed to pass Howard by—yet he’s among the richest people I know. These friends are real, because he shares with them the priority of eternal rewards, regardless of one’s ephemeral worth. Some of his friends are media famous and others more than footnotes in historical accounts, yet someday he’ll likely pass from this world without a ticker-tape parade. And that’s okay. Howard, be assured that a host of us will know that a saint was in our midst. I suppose we’ll all pause on occasion and say, “Did are hearts not burn within us while he was yet with us?” And no, it wasn’t heartburn.

Robbins continues to connect people and ministries with opportunities that has developed successful results. He serves tirelessly and builds up the local pastor and ministry through his extensive collection of relationships. He is a professional connector that networks ministries for the purpose of expanding ministry services which best enables the mission of church growth.

Robbins was born in Whitman, MA. He grew up working with his family owned business Robbins Greenhouses which existed for over thirty-five years. He served in U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy Aviation Wing, but was called to Christian ministry early in life. He was nurtured by parents that believed in him and challenged him to do his best for the Lord’s service. “My mother was a constant source of encouragement,” said Robbins. She was over one-hundred when she died but all the while encouraging his God given abilities of building relationships for God’s good work.

Howard as a guest of Ralph Meloon was speaking in Lake Clark Alaska had meeting with Franklin Graham and Melvin Graham.

Ministries that Robbins served includes the Evangelistic Film Ministry of the Billy Graham Association. Throughout New England and Canada the film promotion Robbins served as the Premiere Coordinator for the marketing of such films as the popular for its time, Time to Run. Robbins held one of the largest showings at that time, at Maple Leafs Gardens Toronto, Canada. He was able to recruit Dominion Stores to donate the Gardens for three days at no charge. His ability to network with the local church and local ministries he was highly successful as he worked with Dr. Leighton Ford Crusades Team.

Later he provided leadership with Living Bibles International as Associate Director. He coordinated and directed the development of the International Translation Organization that was putting the Living Text in 109 languages around the world. The efforts of this organization expanded his personal network globally.

It was through these ministries that he developed his ability to network with the local church as a professional connector that enabled city-wide ministry opportunities. Meeting many ministry leaders and networking with many ministries, Robbins demonstrated an extraordinary ability to form new alliances that have extended the impact of ministry outcomes. There are many endorsements that are highlighted at On The Edge.

Gordon College — Picture taken at his 50th Class Reunion.

He attended Moody Bible Institute and Barrington College receiving a Bachelor’s Degree and receiving his Masters of Divinity (Bible and Theology) from Gordon Divinity School.

He continued his ministry for the last twenty years though the development of On the Edge ministries that he now serves to network, collaborate, and consult ministries that expand the outcome potential of church-based ministries. Further Robbins was able to further evangelistic efforts in Chicago by working with the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board with up to 10 billboards with the message “CJ2K.COM (Celebrating Jesus 2,000)” that ushered in the turn of the century. The response was significant as noted by a communication by Wayne Rhodes which in part states, “(it) …opened the floodgates with the cj2k. com (split time tract) site. Over 400 people are visiting it daily …. Over 6400 have visited the site and it is continuing to pick up steam each month.” He furthered his efforts to include The North American Mission Board, SBC in which the President, Robert E. Reccord wrote, “I want to thank you immensely for your help with the Eller Corporation in obtaining the 50 billboards in Atlanta for Arms Around Atlanta!”

Other ministry successes includes Mission America in the promotion of over 350 churches that met at Wheaton Bible Church on the organization and implementation of the Lighthouse Movement. As well as Grandparents for Kids that worked with Doug Wright that took pictures of students in public schools and invited people in retirement communities and churches to pray for over 500,000 students in the North Central section of New York State. Robbins involvement with “Say Yes” Crusade in Chicago with Louis Palau was an additional example of successful ministry impact in networking and fundraising.

Whether it is working as a revival speaker or consultant in ministries including Moody Church, or successful author, Joe Musser Robbins is bridging the gap of relationships. One of his latest book, Infidel (published by B&H Publishing). Robbins was able to assist with a contact from Lifeway Christian Resources.

He has also successfully worked with Inner City Impact receiving donations up to $25,000 for a van to transport Chicago inner city kids safely as well as Hope Academy in Chicago resulting in their receiving a $25,000 van as well. He further helped to promote the transformational book by Wayne Messmer, “The Voice of Victory: One Man’s Journey to Freedom Through Healing and Forgiveness”. Collaboration efforts helped develop this promotion with David Mains, Chapel of the Air, and Mission America, as well as Southern Baptists. He also served as Program Chairman for The Governors Prayer Breakfast in Illinois for four years.

Robbins serviced the general church and para-church ministries that required collaborative efforts, he also served the local church as pastor-leader. Over the years, Robbins would preach in many local churches throughout New England as well as the mid-west. Rev. Robert P. Farah, Pastor of Center Harbor Christian Church in New Hampshire notes, “We know ‘On the Edge Ministries’ has invested time and financial resources in an attempt to keep the witness of the Gospel present here in the Lake Region of NH.” He has served as interim pastoral leadership roles with First Baptist Church in Pecantonica, IL, West Side Baptist Church in Chicago, Hill Village Union Church, and more extensive his local ministry at Park Side Community Church which resulted in a church merging with East Side Community Church that ended up with a debt-free church property and $50,000 in the bank. He has also serves to developed programs of outreach at First Baptist Church in Big Rock, IL for almost two years now.

Robbins was very instrumental in the relocation plan of Wheaton Bible Church located then in Wheaton, IL. Gary Dausey, Pastor Emeritus commented that Wheaton Bible Church was located in downtown Wheaton for over seventy-five years. They knew they needed to make the change but as noted by Pastor Dausey;

…the church saw the need to expand our facilities to accommodate our increasing attendance. Local ordinances however, prohibited our expansion beyond our then present footprint. That started a several year process to investigate the possible purchase of new property off-site and to construct a new facility. With a new site secured, we began the process of planning the new facility. It was at that point that Rev. Robbins networked with us and suggested that we connect with LifeWay Church Resources to provide an architectural program study to assess our needs and form the framework for developing our architectural plans for the new facility. We did so, and that initial study formed the foundation for the plans that followed.

They completed their 325,000 square foot facility begun eight years earlier. The Lord has richly blessed their ministry at the new location, Dausey stated, “…we grateful to the Lord for His wonderful provision and for those He sent our way to guide us through this process.”

I would be remiss not to add my personal endorsement as well, having personally benefited from his ministry. I have known him for over twenty-years. When I first met him in my local church ministry at Wheaton Wesleyan Church, Howard would serve as an accountability partner and mentor. His impact on my life was highlighted at a special event of On the Edge Ministries and commemorating his 80^th birthday (listen to my comments here). Few people demonstrate the commitment to serve the church, while most peers have retired he continues his full-time ministry schedule. Robbins is such the extraordinary person. Howard has aided in expansion of local church connections with Indiana Wesleyan University as well. He has helped to connect our Alumni and Church Relations Office at IWU by introduction and consulting.

The legacy being left in the wake of the ministry of Howard Robbins should give cause for him to rest in that legacy. Yet, Howard Robbins continues to write his future. In his own words we see that he will continue to invest in people. Robbins says, “The only thing you leave behind is what you invest in the lives of people.” Quoting T.W. Wilson, “You will never see a hearse with a U-Haul.” This is the motto of how he lives his own life. Glenn Mueller, a leading board member recently wrote about Howard;

“Howard Robbins has been doing a remarkable job. Over the years, he has developed a vast coalition of friends, groups, and ministries that can serve as resources to help supply the needs of other ministries. He has a great, loving heart and continues to give of himself and his resource….

There are many example of the impact Robbins has on people. Once such example is Kirk Langer now serving for over 49 years in local ministry now serving as a chaplain at Sumner Place Retirement Center in Lincoln, NB was then the youngest manager appointed at Macy’s. Through the tireless efforts, Robbins earned the nickname “the hound of heaven” because of his persistent encouragement for him to use his talents for ministry. Many often have heard the encouraging words of Howard Robbins as he quotes that of William Carey, “…expect great things from God, but attempt great things for God.”

Written by Rev. Rick Carder, Director of Alumni and Church Engagement, Indiana Wesleyan University.

December 7, 2016

“Insuring that the Message of Grace is Delivered”: Elder Rev. Charles T. Moorer, Jr. – Pastor of the Week

By: Rick Carder

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Many say that inspiring stories are the only thing that carries them through their day. Adversity is a daily challenge for people, and Rev. Charles Moorer, Jr. is providing inspiring stories and messages through his ministry. Moorer is the Lead Pastor at Divine Direction Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. According to the church website, his ministry and church “…stands firm on the Word of God and its principles for everyday living, worship, and communion with God. Over the 13-plus years, I (Moorer) and my family have had the honor and privilege to serve the members of Divine Direction Christian Church and the Near Eastside community.”

Rev Moorer has seen his share of opportunities while ministering in this congregation. He remembers what his mother said years prior, and its helps when he feels opposition. She said, “You were created to serve Him.” At first, resisting the call to ministry, and through the intervention of spiritual leaders who spoke prophecy over him, and even through much prayer and fasting, Moorer came to realize that this local ministry is where he belongs. “We are now marching together” he says about serving their community.

The ministry touches the lives of people who have physical as well as spiritual needs. The ministry recently provided food for families in need. “The line of people stretched out the church doors and around the parking lot,” said Moorer in a recent conversation. Their ministry is trying to make a difference where it matters most. The local church ministry provides transportation and meals in a ministry called “Feed My Sheep Ministry”, as well as a Thanksgiving Dinner for the community. This year’s outreach was able to provide food for over 200 families. “What we need are people who will join us by volunteering in serving alongside us. We need people from The Wesleyan Church, as well as other ministries, to join us in our eastside neighborhood church.”

It is through the generosity of a nearby neighbor that Moorer’s church has been able to have community ministries in an open field. Pastor Moorer recalls bringing a ministry in from Missouri to provide many opportunities to serve the local people. Moorer also inspires lives through his weekly teaching and preaching. His ministry extends to his fellowship of believers as well as providing evangelism opportunities. His inspiring messages can be found at SermonPC.

Moorer has exceptional talents that he uses to not only meet with needs of people in his congregation but also having served as an educator with IWU since 2009. Through his business, Solace Risk Management, Moorer is able to provide property and casualty services as well as claims advocacy and management consulting. His bi-vocational role is an example of someone who loves to serve and intentionally finds resources to meet the needs of people. Much of his personal wealth goes into the ministry he serves to help people. He is insuring that the message of grace is delivered to people whose needs exceed their resources. He says that being in the marketplace is a great opportunity for sharing with others about the grace of God, in Christ.

In a recent release of his book, “Giving up Is Not an Option”, Moorer shares “an inspiring true story of heartbreak, hard times, and triumph over life’s adversities.” (book cover)

How many times have you gone through so much pain, uncertainty, and confusion that you were sure the punishment was something that you deserved? You know that the world isn’t always fair, but perhaps you’ve had what seems to be more than your share of bad luck? Where is the “light” at the end of the tunnel? Difficult situations are a part of everyone’s life. We have all been there at one point or another. Stuck in a situation that we cannot even begin to comprehend. Wondering why things go wrong, even when we’ve convinced ourselves we’ve made all the “right” choices. If this sounds like you, know that you’re not the first to wonder. Nor are you the first to experience what can sometimes be a severe blow to your faith. In times such as these, it’s easy to question, easy to stop believing even. But where there is darkness, there must also be light. – From Amazon.

Moorer shares an honest account from his personal life and the lives of his family encouraging and inspiring his readers to not give up but to realize the hope we have in God. According to Rick Carder, “It is a must-read! I have purchased the book and read it. I found that by him sharing his vulnerabilities from his own family, it reveals how faithful God is when we face adversity. I found that I could not put the book down and read it in one sitting, because it was a powerful example of a modern-day story of Job.”

Moorer writes, “I wanted to throw in the towel but God would throw it right back to me,” testifying of how God walked with him.

Moorer shared his favorite biblical passages. Putting these verses in his own words he said the following verses provides rich insights:

Psalm 46 tells us that He is our ever present help in times of trouble!

Heb 13:5 says that He will never leave you or forsake you.

Romans 8:31 says, who shall separate us…not adversity.

Moorer’s church website references Romans 10:14-15;

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!

The Moorer’s have two children that have been a part of the IWU community. His daughter is a recent graduate who works for her father’s business and his son is currently attending IWU. Both of his children were involved in the Music Department. He is married to Crystal.

His family is very musical. Moorer is just about to release a music album that will be available on iTunes in the coming days. It was produced with his family as well as IWU’s Professor and Director of the IWU Jazz Band, Todd Williams. His music has been played on over 200 radio stations across the country, and he has several interviews that are upcoming with opportunities to share his story and his music. You can find his music on iTunes by searching for Charles Moorer and the Faithful Few.

Divine Direction is on the web at www.divinedirectioncc.org.

November 30, 2016

Pastor of the Week: Richard L. Deisler

By: Heather Cox

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Richard L. Deisler graduated from Marion College (Indiana Wesleyan University) in 1981 with a B.S. in Christian Ministries/ Biblical Literature, and also went on to receive his M.A. in 1994.

Currently, Deisler serves as the senior pastor at Whiteford Wesleyan Church located in Ottawa Lake, Michigan.

When Deisler first arrived at IWU as a student, he had not planned on majoring in Christian Ministries and Biblical Literature. Instead, Deisler had been planning on going to school to become a math teacher. As for what first changed his mind on this plan, Deisler said it was one week in college calculus, realizing the class was not his cup of tea. After one year of being at IWU, Deisler’s heart began to change as he felt God begin to lead him toward the pastorate.

Dr. Wayne Caldwell was one IWU professor who heavily influenced Deisler’s life.

“Wayne Caldwell was one whom I highly respected and could not take enough of his classes,” Deisler said. “Dr. Caldwell was not only a great professor and mentor, but was an encourager and ‘cheerleader’ on my behalf.”

Another professor Deisler enjoyed was Dr. Norman Wilson, who actually used one of Deisler’s sermon titles for one of his messages, which is what Deisler said is his personal claim to fame.

In the midst of pastoring, Deisler finds confirmation that he is doing what God has called him to do.

“Whenever we are part of changed lives, restored marriages, the privilege of baptizing, to watch disciples move to a deeper commitment, it is confirmed that this is what God has called me to do,” Deisler said.

Even still, Deisler said every church has its own unique obstacles, including his own church, Whiteford Wesleyan Church.

“We are a rural church so we have to be much more intentional about our “community,” Deisler said. “I think every church has to always be focusing on the ‘whys’ of our existence and that we do not exist for ourselves but for others. That means change and change is always difficult.”

Whiteford Wesleyan Church itself is 170 years old, established in 1846 as one of the first Wesleyan churches in Michigan. Deisler said that today the congregation is a mixture of young and older members.

“We are conservative with an upbeat approach,” Deisler said.

The church has also “adopted” the local school as their community, and have partnered with them to house ministries such as a Preschool and Latch-Key programs.

“We are blessed with a great location out in the country sitting on a main road, just a mile off a busy interstate connecting Michigan and Ohio,” Deisler said.

Deisler is currently in his 28th year of serving Whiteford Wesleyan Church, and finds joy in witnessing new infants being dedicated to the church, baptizing them as a believer, presiding at their weddings, and then dedicating their children to the church as well.

“We are unique for our longevity as a church,” Deisler said. “We are unique for having pastors who stay a long time.”

As for advice for current IWU students, Deisler said to get as much practice as possible.

“There is no training like ‘on the job,’” Deisler said. “Volunteer at your church for the summer. Invest yourselves in various ministries—children, youth, adults. Take on a project for the church and see it through to completion. Above all, learn to love your people and serve them.”

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Written by Heather Cox, guest writer for the Alumni Office. Heather is a Junior Journalism major at IWU. She is also the Editor of GrantCOnnected.net, a community news site run by IWU students. She is unsure of where life will take her after college, but she knows she never wants to stop writing!

November 20, 2016

Pastor of the Week: Michael Cloud

By: Heather Cox

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Michael Cloud and his wife, photo obtained from Facebook

Michael Cloud attended Indiana Wesleyan University as a part time student over the course of several years, completing his M.A. in Religion.

Currently, Cloud is the lead pastor of The Cross Wesleyan Church, located in Rochester, Indiana.

While studying at IWU, Cloud said he really enjoyed Keith Drury’s class on discipling men. What Cloud learned in that class has stuck with him and has helped shape his life and heart as a pastor, a man and a husband.

“The class helped me understand myself as a man and how to relate to men so as to draw them closer to Jesus,” Cloud said. “Men struggle with understanding relationships and understanding women. We think and approach relationships much differently than women. As I have discipled and counseled men, I have tried to help them grasp these differences so that they might relate to their wives and daughters in a godly way.”

Cloud has even applied this to how he raised his own sons by taking them out on a weekly basis for some alone time with their father.

Rick Carder, Director of Alumni and Church Engagement for IWU, said Cloud’s best qualities include his energy and his commitment toward serving the community regardless of the sacrifice or challenge he has to make.

When God reassured Cloud he was called to be a pastor it was through a friendship with a young man who had struggled with drugs, alcohol, and abandonment from his father.

Cloud said he spent time with this young man and never questioned why he smoked or drank, but instead lived life alongside him, and poured love into his life. Eventually, this young man opened up to Cloud, telling him there was a time he was considering suicide when a girl literally walked into his life and prevented it from happening.

“He told me, ‘I knew I could tell you because you have never judged me.’ He opened up and talked about his many struggles in his life,” Cloud said. “God began to bring his healing love into Alex’s life. Today, Alex is happily married and going to church and living a clean life.”

It was through this interaction and friendship God reassured Cloud that he was where he was supposed to be.

“This happened after I had gone through a difficult time in my ministry and almost left the church as a pastor,” Cloud said. “God was reassuring me that I was doing what I should be doing.”

Cloud said that he loves what he does as pastor. He enjoys caring for people and serving the Lord. Even still, there have been difficult times he has had to walk through as a pastor.

The biggest thing that causes Cloud’s heart to break is Christians causing other Christians pain.

“I have witnessed the critical, judgmental and negative attitudes of many of those who call themselves followers of Jesus,” Cloud said. “My heart breaks over the wounds that I have witnessed Christians causing other Christians.”

Cloud said he has even been on the receiving end of personal attacks from fellow Christians. For instance, there was a time an anonymous letter was sent to his congregation questioning his ability to pastor and lead a church. He said he had to learn how to give grace and love in the midst of the situation, and not only lead his church through it, but his wife and sons through it as well.

As for what Cloud hopes he is able to do through his ministry, he wants these personal attacks between Christians to diminish.

“I pray that I can build love and grace into the lives of Jesus’ followers so that they can stop attacking those they disagree with, and live a life that walks out the character and nature of Jesus,” Cloud said. “I believe that this is how we can draw others to God. We must model what we teach, preach and say we believe.”

The Cross Wesleyan Church has only been up and running for seven years, but is already very involved in ministering to the community.

“Pastor Mike is serving an economically challenged community, and his ministry has seen significant impact in the needs of people in the community,” Carder said.

The Cross has a food pantry which is able to assist 600 families a month, as well as provide food for 14 other food pantries in the community. In addition to this, the church is able to provide groceries for more than 4,000 individuals each month.

“The church also reaches out to our community in a variety of others ways,” Cloud said. “One example is that we host a city wide Easter Egg hunt at the local high school in which the gospel is presented to the families of the over 400 children who come.”

As for advice Cloud would give to current Indiana Wesleyan students, he said it’s important to build a growing relationship with Jesus.

“They need to understand what they believe. They must also develop good people skills,” Cloud said. “One must learn to love and care for even the very ‘least of these.’ A head knowledge of God is significant. A heart knowledge of God is the most vital knowledge they need. They will enter our world as his ambassadors. They must learn to represent him well.”

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November 13, 2016

Pastor of the Week: Andrew Morrell

By: Heather Cox

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Marion native Andrew Morrell graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2011, after majoring in Christian Ministries.

REAL Community Covenant Church’s logo. Obtained from Facebook.

After giving his life to the Lord in 2006 and returning to school in 2008, Morrell sensed that God was calling and leading him to plant a church where his heart has been, in Marion, Indiana. Since then, he has planted REAL (relational, evangelical, authentic, loving) Community Covenant Church.

While he was a student at IWU, Morrell said Dr. Chris Bounds was his favorite professor. Morrell especially appreciated that Dr. Bounds allowed space to be open to what you believe, and didn’t try to force his own beliefs on others.

Morrell said while at IWU, he received a better picture of the body of Christ. He grew up in a Pentecostal church, a Baptist church and predominantly black churches, so learning about Wesleyan theology began to show him how diverse the Kingdom of God actually is.

Morrell said when he was growing up, he had wondered and questioned why there were black churches, white churches and Hispanic churches. He did not like the tension present within segregated churches, and has since then felt a passion for planting a multiethnic, multiclass church.

“During my time at Indiana Wesleyan University, I knew God was calling me to be a pastor, and I knew it was going to be a pastor of a diverse, multiethnic, multiclass church. But the thing about it was there were not very many here in Marion,” Morrell said. “And in this process He was calling me to plant a church, start a new work. He had shown me that this was something He wanted to be birthed in the DNA of the church, a church that would be birthed into diversity.”

Morrell said they bought a building on 13th and Adam Street last year, and have been in the process of remodeling it. They have begun weekly services a little over a year ago with those he had shared the vision of a new church with.

Morrell said the greatest challenge in this process has been eliminating biases that are present between a diverse group of people.

Andrew Morrell and his wife. Photo obtained rom Facebook.

“But the beauty in the diversity as you move through it and work through it, it’s a beautiful thing,” Morrell said. “This is heaven on earth, and if we can work to move through that and to understand that Christ has called us to live an uncomfortable life–not comfortable but uncomfortable–if we can work through that and understand there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, there is a beautiful picture to be a part of.”

For Morrell, the best part of pastoring and planting this church has been developing relationships with people and seeing fruitful outcomes.

“Relationships with people, building new relationships with people,” Morrell said. “Talking with people, and really sensing this deep desire I believe is in everybody. Hearing this come out of people, this deep desire to live authentically diverse lives, and to see that come out and lived out.”

As for advice for current IWU students, Morrell challenges them to refrain from living comfortably, and to instead choose to live uncomfortable lives.

“Embrace the unfamiliar. To embrace uncomfortability, to be comfortably uncomfortable because this is where we are called to have faith in this work of diversity,” Morrell said. “This is a faith thing and if we believe that a man died and was raised from the dead, and we can put our faith in this, then why can’t we put our faith in learning to love people and do life with people who are not like us and are from different walks of life?”

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November 6, 2016

Rodrigo Azofeifa: Pastor of the Week

By: Heather Cox

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Rodrigo Azofeifa is the pastor at Vida Nueva Wesleyan Church located in DeKalb, Illinois. Azofeifa completed his M. Div. degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in April of 2014.

According to Rick Carder, Director of Alumni and Church Engagement for IWU, Azofeifa is currently working on doctoral studies and is also providing educational services through Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University. Carder said Azofeifa has always been very intentional with his ministry, and has always been a positive person.

“He has an affectionate laugh and smile.” Carder said. “He is always friendly and goes out of his way to make others feel good about themselves. It’s no wonder that his ministry is attractive.”

Carder considers Azofeifa’s best characteristics to be his leadership ability. He said Azofeifa is always warm and welcoming, and never pushy.

Azofeifa’s church, Vida Nueva Wesleyan Church, is primarily made up of first generation immigrants, and close to 80% of the congregation lives under the poverty line. Due to this, Azofeifa said the congregation is unable to develop their ministries with more efficiency, because of the lack of financial investment. In addition to pastoring Vida Nueva, Azofeifa also works a full-time job outside of the church.

Azofeifa said being a pastor is not an easy job, but in it he finds joy and satisfaction.

“My greatest satisfaction is when I see marriages rebuilt and lives restored living a closer relationship with their Creator,” Azofeifa said. “My slogan as pastor and teacher is ‘teach the word of God in a simple way, simple in order that everyone can understand.’”

For Azofeifa, his relationship with Hugo Magallanes from Wesley Seminary has greatly impacted his ministry. Azofeifa said Magallanes has helped him expand his vision for his ministry, specifically by helping him see that his congregation was beginning to go through a transition process from being a church of mono-ethnic culture, to being a bicultural, bilingual congregation.

“Because of this process of change, I realized that we could no longer efficiently serve our congregation and community if we continued with the old ministerial style,” Azofeifa said. “A new way to do ministry was necessary to serve our community of faith and surrounding neighborhood.”

As a result of this expanded vision, Azofeifa’s congregation partnered with DeKalb Wesleyan Church to merge as a multicultural ministry, with their mission being to reach their ethnically diverse community with the Gospel of Christ. Azofeifa considers serving a multicultural, bilingual community a blessing.

“This model of ministry allows us to work together and share different type of resources, as human resources, financial or facilities, in order serve in the best way our community,” Azofeifa said. “I believe this partnership is breaking all the previous parameters for ministry, we are setting a new way to do ministry for our church today and the future.”

Another aspect of Azofeifa’s ministry includes “Freeing the Captives Ministry”. This ministry was created for people who have been sent by the Judicial System of Azofeifa’s county to perform community service hours within the community.

“It [Freeing the Captives Ministry] has allowed me to present the Gospel to these people. Many of them have received Jesus Christ as their Savior,” Azofeifa said. “I had the privilege to baptized those who received the Lord through Libertando a Los Cautivos, “Freeing the Captives,” and also the whole members of their families.”

As for giving IWU students advice, Azofeifa has two things to say, “I always say that the key for a successful and thriving ministry has two elements; first a healthy spiritual life and second, a very solid academic background, and IWU helps their students to fulfill both areas.”

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November 4, 2016November 4, 2016

Jim Garlow: Pastor of the Week

By: Dezaray Barr

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Jim Garlow currently serves as the pastor at Skyline Wesleyan Church in La Mesa, California in the greater San Diego area. In the 62 year history of Skyline church, Garlow is the third senior pastor and has been pastoring there for 21 years and counting.

Rick Carder, Director of Alumni and Church Engagement for IWU, said, “I have always found Dr. Garlow an enthusiastic person who is well-respected as a biblical scholar and author.”

Jim Garlow, obtained from http://www.skylinechurch.org/leadership/.

Garlow founded the Pastors Rapid Response Team, which is a group of connected pastors who bring biblical values to the public square. He also co-founded The Jefferson Gathering with Dan Cummins, who is the associate pastor of Skyline Church. The Jefferson Gatherings are weekly worship services in the United States Capitol Building in Washington, DC. These Wednesday night worship nights are for members of Congress and their staff. The Jefferson Gathering also holds Sunday morning services, which is timed during the shift changes of the Capitol Police Force so all members can attend. He is the co-founder of “Washington- A Man of Prayer”, which is held in Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol Building on the anniversary of the presidential inauguration of George Washington.

Garlow is heard daily on AM radio in a one minute commentary called “The Garlow Perspective.” He has written fifteen books, one of which has made the New York Times Bestseller list. His latest one is called Well Versed: Biblical Answers to Today’s Tough Issues, which discusses 30 different political and social issues.

Garlow graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary with his Master’s of Divinity and from Princeton Theological Seminary with his Master of Theology. He graduated from Drew University with his Ph.D.

Garlow believes that his congregation is unique because they are profoundly resilient. “My wife, Carol, who headed the prayer ministry of the church, was in a six year battle with cancer,” Garlow said. “Carol passed away in April of 2013, thus the congregation experienced a season of profound grief. The church supported me as I went through the most painful season of my life.”

Garlow said, “I later remarried Rosemary Schindler, who by her first marriage, was distantly related to Oskar Schindler of Schindler’s List fame.”

Garlow continued and said, “Skyline’s resiliency was further demonstrated when Skyline became the epicenter of California’s Proposition 8 battle, which successfully defended – against all odds – the definition of marriage in the November 2008 election.”

Garlow has six pieces of advice for current IWU students. “Study hard. Marry carefully. Walk in purity and humility. Fear and give reverence to God. Protect your body; it’s the only one you have. Never forget the joy of your salvation.”

Rick Carder said, “His strong leadership in the local church is positive, joyful and attractive. This is one reason why his ministry is so popular. The highlight of his ministry in the Pastor of the week touched on his strength of authorship and influential leadership.”

Learn more about Jim Garlow on his website, www.jimgarlow.com.

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Written by Dezaray Barr, PR Specialist for the Alumni Office. Dezaray is a Sophomore Strategic Communication and Honors Humanities double major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College. At IWU Dezaray is involved in PRSSA leadership and runs both the JWHC Blog and her own blog. Visit Dez’s website at www.dezaraybarr.weebly.com.

October 26, 2016October 26, 2016

Pastor of the Week | Phil Miglioratti

By: Dezaray Barr & Rick Carder

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Phil Miglioratti graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a major in secondary education concentrated in English. He went on to study at the Trinity Evangelical Divinity School where he earned a Master of Art in Christian Education.

While at divinity school, Miglioratti had many teachers who shaped his theology and passion for the Church. He says that his peers were also essential to his time at divinity school.

Although he has never felt an ‘Aha’ moment about the path he has chosen, Miglioratti said that “God affirmed my call when I realized I would rather be teaching students the Bible than extolling Shakespeare.” Miglioratti knows that although job titles, zip codes, and interests change, God’s call is for him to spread the good news and grow the kingdom. Miglioratti said the greatest thing he can do it to take Jesus to work, school, soccer games, and block parties; that is his call.

Miglioratti currently serves as the National Facilitator of City and Community Ministries for Mission America Coalition (US Lausanne Committee). He is the Founder of the National Pastors’ Prayer Network and the Curator of the Pray.Network.

He said that his biggest trial to overcome within his congregation is himself. “Recognizing my leadership style and discerning my strengths and weaknesses enabled the Holy Spirit to coach me in focusing my passion and pursuits of ministry,” he said. “The Lord called me to connect the people to God through corporate prayer. But it took several life lessons for me to realize his mission for me.”

The mission that Miglioratti has for his church is that his people connect to God through prayer, both corporate and individual, and that the city and community they are apart of is able to transform. Each week, he preaches biblical messages, teaching his congregation about outward focused prayer training.

Miglioratti’s advice for IWU students is simple, “Love Jesus. Love learning. Love people. Learn inquiry prayer.” He encourages students to remember who they are talking to when they pray, to ask the Lord what he wants them to pray about, and remember why God calls His people to prayer in the first place.

Read more about Miglioratti and his work at nppn.org/ or at missionamerica.org.

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October 12, 2016October 14, 2016

Rev. George D. Martin Jr., Pastor of the Week

By: Rick Carder

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This past week I had the opportunity to meet with Reverend George D. Martin, Jr., pastor of The Sanctuary Church, located in East Indianapolis. I was immediately impressed by his casual, friendly personality. He greeted me with a, “Pleased to meet you brother! How are you?” With a warm embrace and gentle spirit it is not surprising that his church is growing.

Martin shared with me his journey over the years. “The location of the church we are at right now is a God-thing…We can see the hand of God on this ministry,” he shared. After moving from several locations, the church has settled on the east side of Indianapolis. Experience is something that he believes helps develop him as well as his church.

Martin shared his testimony, giving credit to the work of the Lord in his life. He shared, “I was serving as an Associate minister in the church where I grew up in. I accepted my calling into ministry just a few years before. I felt God impress upon my heart the vision of a church with multiple ethnicities and gave me the mission ‘Many Nations, One Body, In Christ’.”

According to an article in the Indianapolis Recorder,

Martin’s journey to the Eastside place of worship is long and one that required him to have unshakable faith in God’s plan for him and the ministry. In 1999, he was already a developing minister at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, but he said the Lord began speaking to him about starting a church for people who needed to be restored.

Keeping this vision at the forefront of his ministry, he has said that one of the biggest challenges he faces in his ministry is, “Planting an urban church ministry with no formal guidance or preparation plan”. Add to this situation that there were only five individuals and their children in at the time, and you realize this was ordained by God.

The ministry continues to reach out to the local community. Martin’s ministry is very active in their church and community. He said, “The Sanctuary Church was established in March 2002. The name comes from Exodus 25:8 ‘And let them make me a Sanctuary that I may dwell among them.’ The Sanctuary Church is striving to be an earthly reflection of the community of heaven.”

The Sanctuary Church is a part of the Crossroads District of The Wesleyan Church.

Pastor Martin is married to Toyin and they have four children, Jeremiah, Tylin, Tyah, and George III.

Written by Rev. Rick Carder, Director of Alumni & Church Engagement at Indiana Wesleyan University.

October 4, 2016October 12, 2016

Jan Paron – Extraordinary Pastor-Educator, Pastor of the Week

By: Rick Carder

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Jan Paron can easily be described as a pastor, educator, author, professor, dean and culture shaper. She is all of these and more. Her extensive background is only part of the story. Feeling a call to ministry, Paron went beyond what was expected. She desired to see a culture shift in the local church and those whom she leads. Her call to ministry was clearly guided by the work of the Holy Spirit. She recalls, “I met Pastor Dan at a Gospel fest fundraiser. Not long afterwards, I visited his church. Before I knew it, the Holy Ghost led me to speak to him about starting a school. About six years later, a small core team and I birthed All Nations Leadership Institute (ANLI).”

Since 1975, Paron has been serving as an educator and in more recent years she has become an expert in developing communities of ministry, helping to shape a culture of diversity and effective ministry in urban settings. Serving as an Assistant Pastor in Alsip, Illinois yet her influence goes beyond her local church setting, on staff at Lighthouse Church of All Nations. Under the ministry of Pastor-Leader, Dan Willis (www.danwillis.org) who is himself an extraordinary leader, Paron worked to develop an educational institution that has trained hundreds of local church leaders. All Nations Leadership Institute (ANLI) provides a four year education training men and women for multicultural church ministry. Paron is not only developing curriculum but also teaching and serving as Dean of the institute.

Paron’s resume is filled with extensive educational credentials. She is not only a graduate of the Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University, she also holds degrees from Loyola University of Chicago. Her master’s degree in ministry leadership from Wesley Seminary was completed in 2014. She spoke to her classmates representing both a highly qualified educator but also demonstrating a culture-shaping leader. Paron holds a master’s and PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Loyola. She is certified as a Missional Coach with Bob Whitesel, PhD (churchhealthexpert.wordpress.com), professor and mentor from the Wesley Seminary. Her Pastoral training was completed through the Lighthouse Bible College.

During her interview I inquired with her about some of the most significant questions. Here are here answers to those questions;

I’m interested in knowing about how you felt directed to do the PhD. Can you explain?

Even as a young adult, leadership suggested developing people rather than managing them. I knew I wanted to teach at an early age influenced by helping my mother, also a teacher, set up her classroom throughout grade school. Her daily classroom recollections fascinated me, especially when her eyes lit up recounting success stories of her students getting got it. I played teaching in the backyard and knew my degree intentions during high school. It seemed a natural extension once a teacher to transition into the “principalship” and work towards later involvement in curriculum and instruction at the

district and university levels. After I completed my MEd in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Loyola University of Chicago, I wanted to know more about the field and continued in the doctoral program there. Loyola appealed to me as an urban center with a diverse student body, noted for its emphasis on scholarship, research, and academic excellence.

What is the life verse that has been most meaningful to you and why?

As an assistant pastor in a multicultural church, an ambassador for Christ to reach all tribes and nations for the cause of the Gospel, I look to 1 Corinthians 9:19 as my life verse: “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more” (KJV). For me, this verse encompasses core leadership actions that surround unity of the Church: intentionally ministers to the multitudes; views others with openness; adapts the method, keeps the message; focuses on the call to the all; shows inclusion and impartiality; and uses value communication (Paron, 2016).

One of the greatest cross-cultural missionaries of all times, the apostle Paul continually adapted delivery of the Gospel’s message by contextualizing it to reach the nations with purposeful communication actions giving access to salvation to those who received it. Yet, he adamantly maintained the truths of Scripture. He did so with a bondservant mindset (9:19b) in that he “gave up self-interests and will to advance God’s mission as a slave for the sake of Christ, approaching enslavement with joy, devotion, obedience, yielding and sacrifice” (Paron, 2013). The “hina clause” that follows explains his passionate pursuit with the continuous action “that I might gain the more” (v. 19c). As a “servant to all” (v. 19b) he strived to win over an even great amount for Christ’s favor and fellowship (Thayer, 2009; cf. Mark 9:35).

While supporting the ministry of reconciliation with the multitudes, I must show the same zeal as Paul with a servant’s heart to reach as many as possible for the sake of the Gospel not letting life’s challenges interfere: “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain” (v. 24).

How has your degree from the Wesley Seminary been beneficial to your ministry and/or personal development?

My Wesley Seminary education expanded foundational knowledge in both urban ministry and theology. Without a doubt, I incorporate what I learned into everyday practice, personally and pastorally. More importantly, my professors served as anchors in my own spiritual journey during my time at Wesley and today. Each invested in my life, nurtured my strengths, and helped me grow into my call. I cannot go without mentioning the many friendship I gained and still hold now.

What brings you the greatest joy and how is that fulfilled through the ministry that you lead as a pastor/educator?

All Nations Leadership Institute (ANLI) has an admittance policy that seeks to open access to a wide range of the called to urban, multicultural ministry. Men and women ages 18 and up can enroll in our college. We offer affordable courses with seminary

content in a theory-to-practice format. Students come to us with broad backgrounds insofar as academics, socioeconomics, ethnicity, race, residence, age, and denomination. Some of our students did not finish secondary school, while others have doctoral degrees. ANLI has a recent influx of students in their twenties enrolled in the four-year pastoral track as well as those beginning the program as seventy or eighty. Christ values each one, as does the Institute. After teaching 42 years, the drive to create conditions for student success runs stronger in me than ever. Whenever I teach, I always reflect on what to improve upon in my lessons for better student understanding.

In the ten years of All Nations Leadership Institute’s existence, the teachers trained students to serve as middle-door assistant pastors to a congregation of over 5,000. A high calling taken seriously, the assistant pastors have the responsibility of retaining the parishioners between the middle doors preventing them from leaving through the exit. As one of the assistant pastors myself, I understand the extreme importance of the role. “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more” (Luke 12:48 ESV). The ANLI staff nurtures every person as sheep in their flock during the time each attend our school to prepare them for their responsibility ahead. As the dean of All Nations Leadership, knowing staff sowed into the students’ call as leaders and journey into multicultural ministry brings me great satisfaction. At the academic year’s end, I weep with great joy when I watch my students anointed as elders or pastors at the Lighthouse Church of All Nations ordination ceremony; another class passed through our doors and will serve the King bringing His message of the Good News to the nations!

Teaching over 20-courses and authoring more than a dozen published articles. She also writes a blog called PerSpectives12 . Her passion is also focused on the All Nations Leadership Institute. Click on the link to follow about her teaching ministry as well as the upcoming SpiritLife Conference allnationsleadershipinstitute.org.

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Written by Rev. Rick Carder, Director of Alumni & Church Engagement at Indiana Wesleyan University.