Blog
Bright Lights and Bugs
When I was in seminary, I worked at a big church in the Twin Cities. It wasn’t just a great place to learn about ministry—it was a place where I got to see how it’s done in real life. It was the perfect complement to all the stuff I was learning in class.
Aug 14 2024
Church Planting Assessment Center
Recently, the Converge Church Planter Assessment Center took place in Converge North Central, hosted by Renovation Church in Blaine, MN. Nine couples from all over the U.S. (including four from CNC) came together for a jam-packed four-day event with trained assessors. During this time, they got to preach, share their visions, work in team settings, and meet with counselors and assessors. This assessment gives a personalized and thorough look at a candidate's readiness to plant a church successfully.
Aug 14 2024
Converge North Central Awarded $1.25 Million Grant to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastors
Contact: Jonathan Wicklund, 651.278.8077, jWicklund@TroutCamps.org
Thursday, June 20, 2024 - Converge North Central has received a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The purpose of the grant is: (1) provide financial education for pastors (2) provide personal financial plans through a 3rd party firm (3) when needed, provide money for their individual retirement plans. This grant will be implemented in partnership with the financial stewardship department of CNC, the lead pastor, and their local church board.
Jul 23 2024
Regional Teams: Why Take the Time? Why Make the Effort?
All three of my kids and their spouses run. I mean, they do it for fun. No one’s making them do it. I have no idea where they got the idea that running outside year-round in Minnesota is enjoyable. They certainly didn’t get it from me. They all started after they moved out.
But they’re into it. They do 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and full marathons. They’ve done races in Fargo, Grandma’s, the Twin Cities, New York, and even Boston.
Me? I don’t run. I walk.
Jul 11 2024
A Legacy for your Church
I've been reflecting lately on the idea of legacy. We often think of legacy as passing down influence and resources to the next generation. But it's also about the qualities and values that define us. It's what we hope people will say about us at our memorial service or how they'd sum up our time on earth.
Jul 11 2024