Lead pastors: Join a cohort

Converge president John K. Jenkins Sr. has made it his signature priority to invest in helping churches across our movement develop a culture of evangelism and discipleship. To move this initiative forward, Converge has partnered with the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center’s Church Evangelism Institute, which has a proven record of success in helping approximately 600 churches grow in conversion and evangelism. Enjoy this testimony from a Converge pastor who has participated in a Church Evangelism Institute cohort and is seeing his church’s culture shift into one with a much greater emphasis on evangelism and discipleship and equipping everyone in the congregation to share God’s love effectively.

Life was good at Grace Baptist Church in St. Paul, Nebraska.

As the pastor, I was comfortable but consumed doing church and everything that comes with it — especially in a small town. Honestly, we have been inwardly focused. 

When our Regional President reached out and asked me to consider a Church Evangelism Institute cohort, I was skeptical. In my experience, equipping events seemed to overlook or not understand the small rural church. 

But prayerfully, I said I’d give it a chance. I’m so glad I did.

This cohort has impacted my life. I’m confident it will affect our culture and, over time, the entire church.

What's truly remarkable is the profound shift that has taken place in the mindset of our entire church board over the past six months. I am filled with encouragement each time an Elder tells me he has shared the gospel. These occurrences were rare before learning from the Church Evangelism Institute, but now, they are becoming normal.

God is at work in the leaders of our church, including me. Thank you, President Jenkins!

Converge pastors, register for a Church Evangelism Institute cohort this fall or early in 2025 and see what God will do in and through your church.

Pastor Daniel Bear

Grace Baptist Church

St. Paul, Nebraska

Are you interested in helping your church create a culture of evangelism and discipleship in which your leaders and members become equipped and excited to share God’s neverending hope and love with others in your church and community? Join us for a free one-hour online event to learn more about how you can participate in a Wheaton College Billy Graham Center Church Evangelism Institute cohort and help your church make a greater gospel impact. Learn more & register >