Big News From the Water's Edge Network
Over the last 3 years, Central Wesleyan Church, the church I am privileged to lead, has undergone a seismic transformation. The transition from one church in one place to a family of churches working together to amplify the hope and life of Jesus has been both rewarding and challenging.
The challenge of transitioning systems and structures has been one our staff and elder board has readily embraced. Switching systems created with the sole intention of supporting ministry in Holland to now assist churches across the nation (and the world!) has been a long and arduous process. Yet, little by little, progress has been made.
Central systems now help different leaders in different places with different methods Amplify the Hope and Life of Jesus. It’s been very satisfying to see parts of a church most congregation members never see, the inner cogs and wheels of a church, being harnessed to help others. It’s good to know that our ‘administrative system’ is actually ministry, or better ‘administry.’ Our support systems and structures add to the ministry, not only in Holland but around the world.
As the vision for the Water’s Edge Network grew, it became apparent that it was going to be possible for us to help more churches down the street. A simple redesign of a few elements would mean that we’d be able to help other like-minded, kingdom motivated churches too. Without having to relinquish legal and financial control, churches to whom there was a mutual drawing of the Spirit, could become part of our family.
Those of you on the Central eWeekly distribution list, will know that I am talking about our newly announced Affiliate program. If you missed that announcement you can click here to find out more.
The idea for Affiliates was birthed back in the summer of 2015. As excited as we were by the concept, we knew that we’d need to steadily refine the systems and carefully add campuses before taking the step of adding Affiliates to our network family.
I’m excited to announce that we’ve reached the stage where we can welcome Affiliates to our network family. Unlike our campuses, Affiliates maintain legal and financial autonomy, opting in on a range of services we provide. Those of you who have walked the halls of Central for many years will know that Central has continuously sought to help other churches. In the past such helping was informal. Our Affiliate strategy takes what was once informal and puts a strategy and a process to it in a way that ties it to our vision.
All that to say that, it gives me great pleasure to welcome Pastor Mitch Kuhn and Redeemer City Church, in Tampa, FL., into the Water’s Edge Network as an Affiliate. I ministered in Tampa for many years but had never met Mitch until last Fall, when he was introduced through a member of our staff. Mitch was longing for a family connection in ministry and warmed to our network. Through our conversations it became clear that God was forging a bond that has led us to welcome Mitch and Redeemer as the first Affiliate of the Water’s Edge Network.
Later today I board a flight to Tampa where I will have the privilege of speaking at Redeemer this Sunday – March 11, 2018. The service starts at 10 and you can visit their website for more information. I’d appreciate your prayers for this weekend.
I look forward to sharing more with you in the days and weeks ahead. For now, know how privileged I feel to Amplify the Hope and Life of Jesus with you all.
Craig
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