On September 15, evangelists, elders, and lay leaders from the Heartland family of churches gathered in Kansas City for an inaugural Heartland Leadership Meeting. It was the first time in many years that staff and non-staff leadership were able to come together to pray, dream and discuss our regional unity. The Heartland Region consists of nearly 1200 disciples, with churches in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Nebraska. Nearly 100 leaders attended this watershed “9-15” meeting and helped shape the region’s fresh three-fold emphasis on unity, leadership development and church strengthening and planting.

This turning point meeting made it clear that God wants to advance his kingdom here in the Heartland Region in ways we have yet to see. The Saturday meeting included great singing, prayer, regional vision, ICOC 3.0 discussion/voting and incredible Kansas City BBQ, compliments of the Kansas City Church of Christ. The Holy Spirit left many in attendance with an overwhelming sense that the churches want to work together to be unified, train up leaders, to strengthen one another, and to plant new churches. Equally encouraging were the smiles, hugs, laughs and stories being traded among believers. It is clear that disciples in the Heartland Region want to see more of one another and to do even greater together. Please pray for the future of the Heartland as our plans continue to evolve from this pivotal “9-15”meeting.

To God be the glory!