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Our mission is to help renew existing churches and to help start new churches in the Oregon Ministry Network according to the guidelines given in the Great Commandment and Commission (Mark 12:30-31; Matthew 18:18-20; Acts 1:8) Revitalizing and Church Planting go hand in hand. It cannot be one or the other, or one more important than the other, but both, must be equally and deeply interwoven for success. Our plan for R.E.A.C.H.I.N.G. Oregon consists of the following:
 "You can't just believe in one God. There are lots of gods." While we might expect this response from a Hindu worshiper in India or a tribal native in Africa, most of us would be surprised by the true source. It was said to my 5th grade daughter by one of her classmates when she shared the truth of Christ with her. What's so amazing is that the five or so other children who witnessed the conversation agreed with the other girl's assessment. The mission field has come to us.My name is Pat Hartsfield, and God has called me and my team to plant a church in Eugene near the University of Oregon. This is an area where the word "pagan" often holds positve connotations, while "Christian," is synonymous with hatred and intolerance. It is common to see karma flags hanging over front doors to bring blessings on houses. While the poplulation of the state of Oregon has exploded in the last ten years, the number of our churches has remained virtually stagnant. In 1994, 208 Assembly of God churches ministered in Oregon. Today that number is 203. While Eugene has churches, many more are needed. The Assemblies of God's strength has come from its commitment to planting churches. There was a time when our motto was "A church a day and two on Sunday." Our leaders from the past encouraged this philosophy. "The Assemblies of God can multiply faster, can perpetuate ourselves longer, can extend our shadow and intensify our impact upon the forces of darkness and the day in which we live by opening new churches all the time in every district." - Ralph Riggs, General Superintendent, 1945 "The only method that will work in the long run is churches planting churches." - Melvain Hodges, Missionary to South America, 1966 This new church will be called Genesis Church and will appeal to an audience 18-30 in age. Some studies show that only 4% of this group regularly attends a church. About 30 people from New Life Center in Springfield are stepping out with us in this endeavor, but we need your help. We are seeking like minded partners for both prayer and financial support. We must begin planting churches again. Contact me for more information or how you can partner with us at 541-746-1291. Emails can be sent to pathartsfield@juno.com. |
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