Over the past few decades, the Midwest family of churches has experienced the kind of things that occur in many typical families: romantic beginnings, encouraging additions, meaningful memories, growing pains and even trauma. And then, throughout the various struggles, there are signs of reconciliation and maturity.
That is why it was appropriate when Chicago’s lead evangelist, A.T. Arneson, said that this weekend was not a conference or a workshop—it was a family reunion!
It seemed that way for those of us who have been around since the 1980s. During much of the 1990s and early 2000s, Minnesota, Indiana and Michigan were part of different world sectors. But since about 2004, we have been gradually connecting in a way that resembles the old days.
A Vision for All Ages: On Friday, the staff of the Midwest churches gathered and prayed between every speaker, video or topic that was being presented or considered. On Saturday, many Midwest disciples traveled from as far away as seven hours, many of those by bus. The first workshop session, A Vision for All Ages, opened to about 2,000 people. It was broken into stations in life—teen, campus, single, married and empty-nesters.
After the first session, it was evident that there is a resurgence of faith in the churches of the Midwest. Sure, we are older, but that fact itself brought new dreams and visions. A large room for A Vision for All Ages: Empty Nesters, led by Tracy and Phyllis Larr of Champaign, Illinois, was filled to the brim. Middle-aged and senior members were discussing ways to use their more flexible stage of life for God and his kingdom.
I Can See Clearly Now: The size of the crowd increased on Saturday night. We came to worship and hear Steve Saindon’s charge, I Can See Clearly Now. Steve preached a powerful, simple lesson out of Mark’s gospel that reminded many Christians of the crucial role of faith in each stage of their development. Afterward, many visiting disciples were hosted in the homes of Chicago-area disciples or stayed at the hotel.
2020 Vision: On Sunday, the number attending increased to about 4,000, where we again worshipped and watched a Midwest 20/20 Vision video, named after a clear vision that we seek for the year 2020. A.T.’s closing comments in the Midwest 20/20 Vision video seemed to grab the Midwest disciples. Standing before Soldier Field, he commented on his dream to have tens of thousands at this venue for another reunion. Many of us felt the burden to back up our faithful aspirations with specific decisions. After the video, A.T. preached an inspiring lesson, one that spoke of a big-picture vision that will require disciples of all ages and stations in life to play their part. (The main speeches, classes and the Midwest video available at the Chicago Church of Christ website: www.chicagochurch.org)
3 Evangelists and One Mission Team: The weekend could not have concluded any better than with the appointment of three evangelists—two from Michigan: Grand Rapids (Oommen George) and Lansing (Joel Nagle) and one from Springfield, Illinois (Damon Brog). We also witnessed the introduction of the initial team members for a church planting to Racine/Kenosha, Wisconsin, a planting that will be officially sent out in early June.
It even got better for one family at the close of the weekend. After church, Oommen and Pam George’s daughter, Melissa, was baptized in the hotel pool before a crowd of nearly 100 disciples.
Returning home, we heard this from evangelist John Sullivan of the Quad Cities church:
We just got home and are so grateful for this weekend. Everyone from the Quad Cities enjoyed it and were tremendously blessed by it. Thanks to all who shared their great thoughts! A.T., your message today really helped everyone.
And from Joel Nagle, evangelist in Lansing, Michigan:
The family reunion was amazing! Thanks to everyone who helped put it together. Because Lansing was planted in 2004, many of our members have heard about the kingdom and the unity of the disciples but never had a chance to see it until this weekend. I can't imagine how fired up they will be from this. From what I've heard, all of the people from Lansing who came (older, younger and people studying the Bible) left extremely encouraged by everything.
In the Midwest, many men and women, old and young, married and single are dreaming new dreams and finding their vision. It was truly a memorable family reunion. To God be the glory!
Steve Staten
Teacher, Evangelist
Chicago Church of Christ
See the 2020 Midwest Vision Video and listen to the messages at www.chicagochurch.org