The Midwest Leadership Summit (MLS) is a three-day event for pastors and church leaders from SBC state convention around the Midwest. The summit was hosted in Springfield, Illinois, as a partnership between nine state baptist conventions representing 12 states.

STRONG IOWA PRESENCE

The Baptist Convention of Iowa had strong representation at the summit. There were many Iowa stage and breakout presenters. As the overall coordinator for the event, BCI Executive Director Tim Lubinus worked with a great team from all the other state conventions to provide an excellent and fruitful experience. He was also responsible for organizing the main stage presenters.

Executive Director Lubinus said, “I heard many reports of appreciation from attendees for the messages, break-out sessions, and time to be with other leaders. I am grateful to the many leaders across the nine state conventions who put in so many hours to organize this event and am also grateful to the sponsors, especially the state baptist conventions and the North American Mission Board for investing so much to make this event affordable to everyone.”

EQUIPPING CHURCH LEADERS

The event focuses on equipping leaders and networking with ministry personnel from other states. Chris Eller, BCI Associate Director said, “MLS is a great time to get reacquainted with old friends and make new friends in addition to the relevant training and encouragement from the conference speakers and breakout sessions.”

The summit emphasizes equipping leaders through numerous breakout sessions. Attendees can choose between 108 individual breakout offerings over the six breakout time slots.

There were many Iowa presenters in the breakout session as well. Nine Iowa leaders presented in 10 individual breakouts on topics such as “Reaching College Students,” “Strategic Planning in the Local Church,” and “Church-Based Discipleship Strategies.”

ADVANCING THE GOSPEL

The Midwest Leadership Summit was both inspiring and challenging as believers were called to “Advance Church Planting,” Advance Personal Evangelism,” and “Advance with the Next Generation.” We pray that many leaders and churches were be strengthened and encouraged to advance the gospel in their churches, cities, and states as a result of this summit.

  • BCI Discipleship Team Leader Chris McRae presenting a breakout session on “Defining Discipleship in the Words of Jesus.”
  • BCI Lead Church Planting Catalyst Chase Abner and Chris Cook, Salt Network Church Planting Candidate leading a breakout on collegiate ministry.
  • Mark Vance, lead pastor at Cornerstone Church, Ames, Iowa, presenting on “Advancing with the Next Generation” during the closing worship session.
  • Ben McKim, pastor at Calvary Baptist, Clarinda, Iowa, presenting a breakout called “A New Look at Rural Church.”