Investing in the Now Generation

The Work of Pastoring This Generation
At Fusion Conference this past February, we had the pleasure of connecting with youth and kids pastors and leaders from across the state. God is relentlessly pursuing the hearts of young people, and our youth/kids pastors and workers carry the heavy call to minister to this generation. We take this call seriously and deeply appreciate the work of these ministry leaders to bring hope and light to the youth of Oregon and beyond.

We shared a list of book recommendations and other resources with those who entered our recent book giveaway, and now it is available for you! Download the list of resources here.

Visit Days 2023-2024 are Coming Soon!
This year’s Visit Days at NU Oregon have been so much fun! These events are designed to give students a glimpse at campus life and what it’s like to be a student at NU Oregon. They sit in on classes, share a meal with our admissions counselor and other students, and participate in our chapel gathering. Through this year’s Visit Days, we have welcomed 12-15 visitors to campus and enrolled three new students who began classes this year. These are great days to visit campus and see if NU Oregon is the right fit for you. The dates and registration info for our 2023-24 Visit Days will be released soon. Stay tuned for more information!

Invest in your future.
Northwest University Oregon is committed to developing leaders of conviction, courage, and capacity who will participate in God’s redemptive work in the world. What has God laid on your heart for the future? If pursuing your education or courses for ministry credentials is your next step in leadership growth and development, you can take action as early as this fall.
Apply for Fall 2023 here!

For more information on any of our programs or campus details,
email oregon@northwestu.edu or call us at 503-304-0092.
We are here for you!

Do You Understand

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

Acts 8:30-31

Observation

  1. Have people in your life that can help you grow in God's Word.
  2. God's Word is applicable to all people in all situations.
  3. Be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you.

Prayer

Father, I thank you for those who have taught me your Word. I thank you for your insights and inspiration. Help me to be ready to share your Word with those seeking you. Help me to be a minister of hope, help, and healing. I pray for understanding and insight in dealing with life. I look to you for wisdom and guidance. Continue to bring the right people into my life as I move forward in faith. In Jesus’ name, amen!

The Glory of God

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."

Acts 7:55-56

Observation

  1. Continue to honor the Lord through your conduct and words.
  2. Believe that those who oppose you now may become believers later.
  3. Keep your eyes open to the glory of God displayed around you.

Prayer
Father, I desire to be full of the Holy Spirit. Open my eyes so that I might see your wonders and amazing work. Help me to see Jesus at work in my life and others today. Give me the boldness to stand up and not sit back. Give me the courage to take the next step. Give me peace to move forward without fear. I declare you are the Lord of my life. I will soar like eagles. Amen!

The Word of God Spread

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Acts 6:7

Observation

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank you for your life and light Word.

Help me to be bold and brave in sharing the truth of your Word.
May my life be a living Bible to those who know me and meet me this week.

I pray that your church will continue to grow and expand.
May we see the lost found, the prodigals come home, and the believers revived.

In Jesus Name, Amen! Amen!

Proclaiming the Good News

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, Rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Acts 5:41-42

Observation

Prayer

Father, I thank you for the Good News that changed my life.
I thank you to those who have taught me your Word.

Help me be a proclaimer of your love through my actions and words.
I pray that I will fearlessly and faithfully live my faith out loud.

I refuse to be intimidated or silenced.
I will stand up and speak up for you, Lord Jesus.

Amen! Amen! Amen!

Accelerate the Now: Michelle

Register TODAY! Uncharted with Dr. Craig Keener

Don’t miss Uncharted on March 30th!
We are leading a divided church, in an often-hostile environment, as we work to plant the gospel in new places and disciple followers of Jesus. That sounds a lot like the task of the apostles in New Testament times. Uncharted will be a time set aside to gain insight and be refreshed in your ministry as a proclaimer of the Word and the Spirit. Join us for an afternoon of teaching under Dr. Craig Keener, one of the world’s leading New Testament scholars.

UNCHARTED: An Afternoon with
New Testament Scholar Dr. Craig Keener
Presented by the Oregon Ministry Network and Northwest University Oregon

Thursday, March 30
3:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Portland Christian Center
5700 SW Dosch Rd, Portland
$20 per person

Register HERE!

We are concluding our book giveaways this month with a final book winner: Stacy Watt at Hillside Christian Fellowship! Stacy will receive Dr. Keener’s Gift and Giver: The Holy Spirit for Today. Check out Dr. Keener’s website at craigkeener.com for more information on his books, blog, and other free resources.

We believe in your calling.
Northwest University Oregon is committed to developing leaders of conviction, courage, and capacity who will participate in God’s redemptive work in the world. We are here to support you and your God-given goals! If pursuing your education or courses for ministry credentials are your next steps in leadership growth and development, we have space for you this fall. Apply for Fall 2023 here! For more information on any of our programs or campus details,
email oregon@northwestu.edu or call us at 503-304-0092.
We are here for you!

The Saw the Courage

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Acts 4:12-13

Observation

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank you for my salvation. I confess with my mouth and believe in my heart that Jesus is Lord! I pray that my life will be a brilliant light of your grace and love. Turn the ordinary in my life into the extraordinary. Today, may someone be compelled to follow you by my life.

Amen! Amen! Amen!

Four Vital Actions in Leadership

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly...

Acts 6:7

In February, our Network Leadership Team was able to travel the state in what we call our “2023 Connection Tour.” The tour's main purpose has been to connect with our OMN pastors and leaders. In addition, we wanted the time to be enriching and empowering to continue fulfilling our spiritual leadership roles. I am pleased to report that nearly 400 participated in the 2023 CT. It was powerful. 

During this year’s tour, I shared our 2023 theme, ACCELERATE, and provided 4 Action Steps to take that will help us pick up the pace of ministry in the local context.  

1. Be ALERT To What God Is Doing Now.

See, I am doing a new thing!

Isaiah 43:19

I shared that we should always be grateful for what God has done in the past. Those specific moments have brought redemption, change, and a new direction that has shaped us. However, I stressed that we must not get stuck in the past. If we do, we will miss what God is doing now. 

So, I encourage you to be ALERT to the new word or work God is doing today in and through your life. Be observant of what God is speaking and doing at this moment. We dare not miss it, or we will decline and not move forward. 

2. Be AGGRESSIVE in Improving Your Vision.

So prepare your minds for action.

1 Peter 1:13

I spoke of the value of pausing from the current routine, taking time to pray, and planning for the next step God has for us. What new vision, dream, or project does God long for you to take? After completing a demanding two-year building project in our church, I found myself gliding, not growing.  I remember wondering, “Ok, now what do I do?” After seeking the Lord, He refreshed my vision for our new season. It was a pivotal moment in our ministry as a church. God does not run out of vision and dreams for your future. In fact, you are about to step into your most fruitful season in ministry if you let God speak again to you.

3. Be AVAILABLE to Use Your Gifts and Skills.  

For this reason, I remind you to fan the flame the gift God...

2 Timothy 1:6

Acceleration speaks of activating the gifts and skills God has given you. This is the message of Romans 12 and reminds us not to be idle or passive in those motivational gifts. They are needed. You have been positioned to be an influencer, instructor, and inspiration to others. Stir up the gifts God has given you and use them in your community. You’ll experience growth personally and collectively for the glory of God. 

4. Be ACTIVE in following the Holy Spirit's Lead.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 

Galatians 5:25

We accelerate when we follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. It requires faith, trust, cooperation, and obedience. I am wondering what the Holy Spirit is leading you to do now. Speaking to someone about faith in Jesus? Starting a new discipleship effort? Staying where you are rather than leaving? Accepting a new assignment? Beginning a new sermon series?  Resetting your leadership model?  The list could go on. The Holy Spirit guides you and will bring you into a new season. Go for it!

I continue to be expectant and excited about the Oregon Ministry Network. Together we will accelerate and see God do great things! Keep moving forward!

Looking forward to seeing you at Summit 2023. A new format and special guest General Superintendent Doug Clay. Can’t wait. 

Women in Ministry | March 2023

Legal Guidelines of Operation

The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like hind's feet, and He will make me walk on my high places.

Habakkuk 3:19

During our Assemblies of God Executive Presbytery meeting in November, the AG Legal Counsel strongly recommended these guidelines and practices for all our AG churches. These steps were given to ensure proactive actions in the local, state, and national context and are intended to help protect from frivolous litigations that have become more common.      

  1. Include the affirmation of the AG - 16 Fundamental Statements of Faith in your Church Bylaws.
  2. Include the support of the AG – Position Papers & Purposes in Employee Manuals.
  3. Require all Employees/Volunteers to Sign an Annual Code of Christian Conduct & Agreement. This would include proper sexual conduct.
  4. Provide a well-written Job Description for all Employees/Staff.
    • This would include a purpose statement of the church/ministry.  
    • This would include clear duties and responsibilities of each employee/staff member.
    • Each person would be required to agree to and sign the job description.
  5. Conduct Regular (annually or more) Performance Evaluations/Reviews.   
    • Include measures of spiritual health.
    • Include measuring professional performance.
    • Include measuring relational compatibility with the team and mission.

These proactive steps are intended to show effort and due diligence in working with individuals within your local church or ministry if ever faced with an unfortunate legal challenge by an employee or volunteer. This will also assist in avoiding misunderstandings, miscommunication, and misrepresentation of both the local church and the staff/employees.   

On a personal note, this has been a helpful practice for many years in our ministry. It reinforces that people matter to us, and it also provides an opportunity to have meaningful and productive conversations. The desire is to encourage a healthy, supportive, and Christian work environment.  

In the Name of Jesus

Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong." He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

Acts 3:6-8

Observation

Prayer

Gracious Father, I thank you for the signs, wonders and miracles you have performed.
I thank you for giving me strength to walk, leap and run.
I thank you for releasing me from those things that crippled me.
I pray today that you will be safe, strong, and sure.
I will believe you for better days ahead.
I will stand up and walk into a new season of liberty and praise.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen!