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Coaching in a different arena
Extensive exposure to the wider constituency of Mennonite Church USA is proving to be a real plus for Kevin Goertzen. One aspect of his work with the Church Relations team of Mennonite Mission Network is coaching ministry support teams as they help send people God is calling into international mission work. Goertzen draws on his previous experiences studying in Mennonite schools, serving as a pastor in Oklahoma and Kansas, as moderator of Western District Conference, and as a member of the Executive Board of Mennonite Church USA. Goertzen’s interest and participation in sports is also useful for him in the role of coach to ministry support teams. He visits with newly appointed workers and the people and congregations who come together in a team effort to provide the worker with prayer support and financial resources. “I believe that the MST model is one way to generate new interest in and connection to the ministries we are engaged in around the globe. This approach to mission provides rich rewards both for these international ministries and for the local congregation,” Goertzen said. “As congregations here begin to look beyond themselves to the people in need of God’s love across the street and around the world, God breathes new life and vitality into these churches.” When Goertzen began his work with the Mission Network last May in the Newton, Kan., office, his first assignment was to contact the congregations that had already experienced being part of an MST. The Mission Network needed to learn what congregations experienced when mission workers they had supported completed their terms and resettled in North America. “I’m a firm believer that churches need to be connected to other churches in mission, conversation and accountability,” Goertzen said. “As a part of the Church Relations team, I get to spend my time helping congregations make these connections.” For more information about MSTs and their formation, congregations and individuals may contact Kevin Goertzen or Sandy Miller at 1-866-866-2872 or . In this issue: Features Highlights Viewpoints |
