![\"Miericke\"](\"http:\/\/www.covchurch.org\/uploads\/eh\/Hy\/ehHyJFaBSzWLhKkq4HZKkQ\/Miericke-2.jpg\")
Miericke shared seven insights from his years as superintendent and church planter.<\/p>\nPORTLAND, OR (June 23, 2007) \u2013 \u201cKeep the mission alive,\u201d Kurt Miericke urged delegates attending the 122nd Annual Meeting of the Evangelical Covenant Church during tonight\u2019s worship service.
\n
\nEarlier in the day, Miericke had been honored as he culminated 16 years of service as superintendent of the Southeast Conference. During his tenure, the conference had doubled in size. Now, he is returning to church planting.<\/p>\n
Miericke shared seven insights from his years as superintendent and church planter.<\/p>\n
First, he said, \u201cWe have to believe that there is nothing impossible with God.\u201d He told of a Sacramento, California, church that was dying, but turned around in a year and a half because the people saw opportunity afforded by construction of new homes nearby.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is better together,\u201d was the second insight Miericke shared. He reminded the gathering of Jesus\u2019 prayer that the church would be one. He lamented the ease with which churches crumble under disunity. \u201cIf you don\u2019t have unity, you will have nothing, and you can\u2019t go forward in the mission of Jesus Christ.\u201d<\/p>\n
The third insight offered by Miericke was, \u201cWe need to remember to do the mission.\u201d\u00a0 Eighty to 85 percent of the churches in America have reached a plateau or are in decline, he said. For many, it is because they have lost their focus on reaching people with the gospel. \u201cWhen you forget the mission, you are going to die,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n
Fourthly he said, \u201cRemember it\u2019s not about money,\u201d rather, \u201cit\u2019s about Jesus Christ and our mission to him.\u201d Money follows mission, he added.<\/p>\n
![\"Owens\"](\"http:\/\/www.covchurch.org\/uploads\/2h\/2a\/2h2aweZ1ILUdfbTQQKaqYw\/Owens.jpg\")
Fifth, \u201cGod wants us to go deeper.\u201d Keeping the mission alive will require people of depth, which means Christians have to step back from a frenetic culture. \u201cNow fast food isn\u2019t fast enough – you have to drive through to get it,\u201d Miericke said to laughter.<\/p>\n
Covenanters will need to continue growing deeper in their relationship with God if they are going to reach a culture in which many people don\u2019t know the basic stories of the Bible, he added.<\/p>\n
Sixth, Miericke declared, \u201cGod has empowered the church to be the light of the world.\u201d He reminded the gathering that 120 people empowered by the Holy Spirit on Pentecost changed the world.<\/p>\n
Finally, Miericke proclaimed, \u201cWe will be victorious.\u201d Although current struggles may seem overwhelming, scripture is clear that \u201cGod has given us the victory.\u201d<\/p>\n
Earlier in the service, Robert Owens was installed to succeed Miericke as the new Southeast Conference superintendent (lower photo shows Owens and his wife, Mary Ann). Owens has been the conference\u2019s assistant superintendent since 2001. To read more of Owens’ selection, please see “New Role.”<\/p>\n
As denominational leaders surrounded and laid hands on Owens and his wife, Mary Ann, North Pacific Conference Superintendent Mark Novak prayed, \u201cWe ask that you would keep his voice fresh and clear to his churches.\u201d<\/p>\n
The service closed with communion.<\/p>\n