The Lord’s message rang out from you…
—1 Thessalonians 1.8

In September, I hit the one-year anniversary of my work as Regional Mission Leader for the Great Lakes Region. In the past year, I’ve spent a lot of time listening to and learning from many of you—pastors, church planters, campus ministers, and lay leaders. A few key themes have become very clear in all of those conversations.

First, our congregations are facing many challenges. Some of those challenges are internal, such as smaller congregations, smaller budgets, and disagreements over a variety of things in the community. Some of those challenges are external, including the widening chasm in our politics and the impact of denomination-wide disagreements. All of this has been taxing on leaders and congregations, who have shown remarkable leadership and dedication in guiding their congregations through these difficult times.

All of that makes the second observation shine more brilliantly. The Spirit of God is working powerfully in and through our congregations. I’ve heard many stories of how people in our communities have come to faith in Christ and who have found belonging in the body of Christ in and through our congregations. I’ve listened to campus ministers describe the amazing ways the Spirit is at work on college campuses. I’ve witnessed the joy of worship and the passion for discipleship among our church planters. I’ve heard testimonies of lives changed through the simple invitation to join a Discover Your Bible group.

The Lord’s message is ringing out (resonating) from our congregations! As you continue to lead and serve, I encourage you to explore this month's articles and resources. I hope they help you continue to deepen and widen your participation in God’s mission in your community.

—Scott Stark
Regional Mission Leader

• Begin the conversation with Witness Conversation Cards. These cards are a simple, practical way to begin the conversation with your congregation on how to grow as witnesses of Jesus in your community. Every congregation will receive a set at the fall classis meeting, or you can download them here.
  
  
• Deepen your engagement with Witness. This curriculum is perfect for your council, mission team, small group, or congregation. Through videos and course materials, you will journey together with practical steps toward being witnesses of the good news of Jesus in your community. The course is accessible for free on our website.
  
  
• Expand your church's vision with a Witness Trip. Visit one of Resonate missionaries, church plants, campus ministries, or other partner ministry to see how people live out the gospel in a context different from your own. When you return, you'll work with a coach to design steps toward growing your witness to Jesus in your own community.
  
  
• Invite neighbors to discover the Bible with Global Coffee Break training and resources. Global Coffee Break helps churches invite neighbors to discover God’s story together by training leaders and providing tools that help people read, understand, and dig into the Bible.
  
  
• With Advent and Christmas just around the corner, the Discover the Gift of Christmas Study Guide is a perfect study for your Global Coffee Break groups and other small groups. Who will people in your church invite to discover what Christmas is all about?
  
  
• Is your church looking to support a missionary? Rev. Tara Woodward recently arrived in South Africa. Learn more about her ministry and give to her work here.

Thank you for your work spreading the gospel in your community and throughout the world. Resonate exists to plant churches, send missionaries, and support you and your church as you join in God's mission. Want to talk? Send me an email!

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