This year's agenda was jam-packed as the group worked hard over the two days to focus on the development of Relational Ministry. Much prayer had preceded the retreat for God to guide and direct the plans and discussions.
Relational Ministry is a higher level of operation for Love INC. It seeks to involve many churches and volunteers in the education and mentoring of neighbors in need. The purpose of Relational Ministry is to "teach a person to fish" (transformation) rather than merely to "give a person a fish" (emergency relief).
Pastor Brian Empie (River Valley Christian Fellowship) used his expertise and giftedness to facilitate the discussions and brainstorming. As invited guests, Ginny Ferre' (Coordinator of Love INC's Finding Financial Freedom program) and Pastor Bryan Clark (Gallatin Valley Presbyterian Church) contributed input and insights with their presentations on Friday.
With thanks to God, Love INC now has a plan in place to begin the hard work of moving to a deeper level of involvement in clients' lives -- all for the purpose of mobilizing Christian churches and transforming lives in the Name of Christ.After the intense work, the Board and staff left on Saturday afternoon with agreed goals and steps to follow for the year. Pastor Bill Kern (Gallatin Valley Christian Church) and Executive Director Nancy VanDyken celebrated with a ride om Pastor Bill's motorcycle.
