POW – Page 5 – Alumni Blog

February 20, 2017

Pastor of the Week: Chris Conrad

By: Heather Cox

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Chris Conrad, photo obtained from Facebook

Chris Conrad graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in 1988 and from there earned his MA from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2009. In addition, Conrad is currently in Indiana Wesleyan’s DOL program to earn his PhD.

On top of studying at IWU, Conrad is also the District Superintendent for the West Michigan District of the Wesleyan Church.

While studying at IWU, Conrad said he has been influenced by wonderful professors. His MA program was directed by Dr. Bob Whitesell, who Conrad said has written many books and highly enjoys interacting with students about their ministry experiences.

“Todd Guy was also a delight to have as a professor during my M.A. program – I appreciated his insights and his winsome spirit,” Conrad said. “There’s no doubt that the interaction I had with my fellow students, both during my M.A. program and now in the DOL program have been life-giving.”

Conrad said he has also enjoyed the professors he has had during his current DOL program. This includes Patricia Johnson, Dr. Vern Ludden, Dr. Boyd Johnson, and Dr. Tim Beuthin.

“Each professor has a wonderful commitment to learning and to do so from a perspective of a life that is in full pursuit of Jesus. That’s a great combination!” Conrad said.

For Conrad, life spent ministering to churches has been a call he has always felt. He first felt a call to ministry at the young age of five, and God continued to confirm this calling the rest of his life.

“When I was 12, I had a renewed sense that this was what I was going to be doing with my life, and when I was 16 I went public with that decision at a Wesleyan Youth Convention in Urbana, Illinois, in 1980,” Conrad said. “I was blessed to grow up in an incredibly healthy family and church in Southern California, both of which afforded me opportunities to ‘get my feet wet’ in ministry from early on– something I was incredibly grateful for.”

An example of a confirmation to his call to ministry was when he and his wife Mary launched a church they had planted in Spearfish South Dakota. Conrad said 130 people showed up for the first service, and the church continued to grow and prosper after that.

“That’s when I knew deep in my soul ‘I was made for this,’” Conrad said.

Though Conrad considers each ministry he has been a part of a blessing, difficulties and obstacles inevitably present challenges along the way.

After planting another church in Madison, Wisconsin, the church never reached a high attendance rate. Conrad said they had done everything they could to get the church lifted off the ground to grow, but it simply did not get there.

“Yes, people came to Christ. Yes, good ministry took place. But to never break the 100 barrier in average attendance after six years of putting our heart and soul into the venture, when our first church broke the 100 barrier on the very first Sunday… that was discouraging!” Conrad said.

In addition to this difficulty, Conrad and his wife experienced personal struggles when facing infertility, as well as hopeful adoptions falling through over the course of 16 years. Not only did infertility cause discouragement, four adoptions falling through produced much hopelessness as well.

“Eventually, after 13 years, my wife did some research on international adoption. At the time, Ukraine seemed like the best choice because you could adopt multiple children (sibling groups) at the same time. Usually the process took about six months,” Conrad said. “For reasons out of our control, ours took three years. Three years doesn’t sound like a long time, except when it is stacked on top of a previous wait of 13.”

At the end of 2006, Conrad and his wife were able to bring their two new Ukrainian daughters home to the United States after a long adoption process, praising God for his faithfulness.

Chris Conrad and his family, photo obtained from Facebook

“In it all, both on the ministry side and the personal side, God has been faithful – to Him be all the glory!” Conrad said.

With his job working for the West Michigan District of the Wesleyan Church, Conrad considers those he works with to be some of the world’s best leaders.

“I am blessed to serve some of the most outstanding leaders and pastors in the entire world. When I think of the stellar team of individuals God has blessed us with, as together we attempt to reach the one million plus individuals who have yet to come to a relationship with Christ in West Michigan, I am simply blown away,” Conrad said.

Conrad said they have pastors doing work in inner-cities, as well as leaders working hard in the suburbs. On top of that, they also have pastors and leaders in the process of planting more churches.

“Each of these leaders and those who serve shoulder-to-shoulder with them in our District care deeply about bringing people to Jesus, developing themselves and those around them as leaders and are committed to leading from a well-ordered soul,” Conrad said. “My job is simply to resource them the very best we can, to cheer them on, and to help them raise up the next generation who will join with them in Kingdom advancement.”

Rick Carder, Director of Alumni and Church Engagement for IWU, said Conrad is a leader in church growth and development, and continues to make a difference through his service.

“Through his role with the West Michigan District of the Wesleyan Church, he has given positive and influential leadership to his pastors he is charged with leading,” Carder said. “I have personally seen how he makes every effort to guide and provide helpful advice through his servant’s heart. He is an enthusiastic & passionate leader that never grows tired of helping his team develop personally and pastorally.”

Since starting his PhD program at IWU, Conrad said he feels as though he is keeping up with two full time jobs–serving pastors and leaders of his district, and the job of being a student. In addition to those two jobs, he said he remains dedicated to his relationship with Christ, his marriage, and his daughters. Through becoming dedicated in so many different directions, Conrad said he began to realize he needed to give something up. For him, this meant cutting back on something he loved to do.

“In 2000, I ran my first marathon and since then I’ve run a total of 25 more. Typically I run a couple of them a year. Running is how I unwind and get refreshed,” Conrad said. “I recognized that multiple marathons each year might not be possible while pursuing my PhD. So, instead of running 6-8 miles at time, I have to settle for 3-5 miles, and on ‘special days’ I might get a six-miler in, but that’s rare. I’ve had to learn to be satisfied with this new balance.”

That being said, Conrad’s advice to other current IWU students is to realize and accept that we cannot have it all. Conrad said life is about choices, meaning we have to choose what is the most important, and what may be less important.

“Sometimes this takes discernment from the Holy Spirit about what to cut out of our lives. It might even mean talking to a friend or two who can help us discern what God is saying to us about this,” Conrad said.

Lastly, Conrad also expressed his love for education. He said all education points us to God, and we can find him in every part of our studies.

“When we sit down to study, before we start writing our paper or reading our text book, how about saying a prayer and inviting the Holy Spirit into the teaching process? We don’t have to live divided lives. He actually cares about every aspect of our lives, so why not invite Him into our studies with us?”

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Written by Heather Cox, 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!

February 3, 2017

Pastor of the Week: John Wickstrom

By: Heather Cox

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Rev. John W. Wickstrom III graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2004 with a B.S. in Youth Ministry.

Wickstrom credits his years at IWU as some of the greatest and most formative years of his life and ministry. Reflecting back on his time as a student, Wickstrom had quite a few classes and professors who heavily influenced him and his experience at IWU.

This list includes his very first class at IWU, Old Testament Survey with David Smith.

“I’ll never forget Dr. Smith’s focus from day one to show students the grace and love of God the Father evident in the pages of the Old Testament,” Smith said. “I ended up taking every Bible class I could fit in my schedule the next four years with Dr. Smith, and have been greatly impacted by his love and passion for God’s Word, something I hope to instill in those I have been fortunate enough to lead in ministry ever since.”

Other classes that were Wickstrom’s favorites included Post-Reformation Church History and History of the Wesleyan Church, taught by Dr. Bud Bence. Wickstrom said he had never met someone who could make history, issues, and trends come alive with such heart and intensity.

Wickstrom was also able to learn from and work with Pastor Steve DeNeff.

“I also consider myself very fortunate to have been able to learn from and refine the gift of preaching under Steve DeNeff,” Wickstrom said. “Both the opportunity to sit under his leadership as the pastor at College Wesleyan Church, and to learn directly in Homiletics class have been an immeasurable asset to finding my own style in teaching God’s Word to a congregation, whether they were teenagers or adults.”

Overall, Wickstrom said he loved the religion faculty as a whole, as he learned a lot from each of them.

In addition to being taught in his classes, Wickstrom also loved his campus job, working with the maintenance department. Even this job gave him important life lessons and lessons to remember as a pastor.

“It allowed me to meet a lot of people, see a lot of the ‘behind the scenes’ areas of the college, and change a whole lot of light bulbs…including spending one Christmas break changing the bulbs in the ‘star ceiling’ of the PPAC,” Wickstrom said. “In some ways, the job gave me a greater appreciation for men and women who serve God and the Kingdom from a different angle than those with college degrees. It gave me an appreciation for tradesmen and skilled laborers.”

After graduation, while he was serving in the Florida District leading the District youth ministry, Wickstrom knew he had chosen the right path in becoming a pastor.

Wickstrom said he will always treasure memories of listening to students’ testimonies around the campfire on the last nights of youth camp, because it was in those moments when God confirmed Wickstrom’s calling and His involvement in Wickstrom’s ministry.

“It is so exciting to watch God reproduce ministry in the next generation of leaders who are carrying the church forward,” Wickstrom said. “It’s been such a delight to help them understand their calling, get involved in ministry, explore education options, and begin preparing for the future God is leading them towards.”

Today, Wickstrom is the Lead Pastor at Wesleyan Community Church located in Oak Lawn, Illinois and has been since August 2015. There, he also serves alongside his wife, Kristia– also an IWU alumna– who is the church’s assistant pastor.

Wesleyan Community Church neighbors the southwest side of Chicago, putting them in a unique place demographically, allowing their church community to be immersed into a variety of cultures and nationalities, such as Polish and Middle Eastern families. Even socioeconomically, the church is near both oppressed neighborhoods from the southside of Chicago, and affluent suburban communities in the opposite direction.

“We have taken on the challenge of trying to build relationships with our neighbors and build bridges of helping our neighbors connect with one another, break down fears and uncertainties of people who are unlike themselves, and do it all in the name and love of Jesus,” Wickstrom said. “It is definitely both a challenge and exciting for our family.”

The church also has a wide age range from a more elderly side, to the six infant dedications Wickstrom has been a part of in his year and a half of pastoring the church.

“We are very blessed with a wonderful church family who continues to be supportive and welcoming to all who enter through our doors. We are known as a very friendly church, praise God!” Wickstrom said. “Our goal is to get all people connected at whatever stage they are at in their faith journey, disciple them, live life alongside them and lead them to make a greater impact in our community for Christ.”

However, being a pastor does not come without difficulties. Throughout this process, Wickstrom has learned a lot about himself.

Wickstrom has had to learn to know and accept that not everything has to be perfect in both life and ministry–including himself.

“Growing up, I was pushed to excel, especially in the area of academics. For the most part, it has served me well in life. One drawback however is a general fear of failure. Having a personality and temperament that leans towards the analytical exacerbates that difficulty, as I really like to think through issues and situations and try to make the best choice possible,” Wickstrom said. “So while I’m still a work in progress in that area, I am continuing to let God refine me, to offer him what I have, and to try to be involved and active before always having the perfect answer or plan for every problem or situation in life and ministry.”

As far as advice for current Indiana Wesleyan students, Wickstrom encourages students to continue seeking God.

“No matter what major you choose, allow God to call you to a community, and place a priority on being used by Him in partnering with a church and pastor in that community to build the Kingdom of Jesus Christ and bring transformative hope and restoration within it,” Wickstrom said.

Wickstrom said he believes wonderful Christian men and women graduate from IWU in a variety of different majors, but students will often graduate and simply try to find a job, rather than dedicate themselves to the “Great Commission” calling.

“The Kingdom isn’t just built by religion students, but by men and women of every field of study working together to bring hope and transformation that reflects God’s heart and brings glory to Jesus Christ,” Wickstrom said. “Not everyone is necessarily called to be pastors, but people are needed to come alongside pastors, to engage with the community at large, and to place a Kingdom building mindset as the priority of life. As someone has once said, ‘seek to make a life, rather than just to make a living.’”

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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!