On Saturday, October 4, 2025, over 40 people from the North Central Region met for their annual regional gathering. They represented 11 of the region’s congregations. Smithville Brethren Church in Smithville, Ohio, hosted the event and provided childcare. Brethren Church Elder and North Central Regional Resource Coordinator Drew Meziere served as the master of ceremonies. Amber and Dustin LeMaster of Five Stones Community Church in Ashland led the group in worship.
Jack Radcliffe, Radial Church lead staff and adjunct professor at Malone University, presented the topic “Starting [Small] Kingdom Works: What Next?”, building on his 2024 North Central regional gathering presentation. After reviewing his prior presentation, he led the group in discussing missional formation from Mark 4:3-8, 13-20 and John 4:34-38.
Radcliffe then presented the “Cycle of Grace” as our life posture for mission: 1) Acceptance (belovedness), 2) Sustenance, 3) Significance, and 4) Achievement (fruit). He noted that, too often in our lives and ministry, we start with the goal (achievement/fruit) rather than with who we are in Christ (acceptance/belovedness). After discussing the four stages, he asked the “eternal question”: Does my schedule reflect this cycle? i.e., How do I spend my time?
He also presented a life rhythm for mission (not necessarily in this order): learn, act, reflect. “You can’t be course-corrected if you are not moving,” he said.
Table discussions followed on the questions: What is the culture/ecosystem of your church? And how do we change it?
Lynn Mercer, pastor at West Alexandria First Brethren Church, then shared the “next steps” his congregation engaged after the 2024 gathering. Mercer identified 17 points from the 2024 presentation and led his congregation in strategizing ways to reach their community. They began by offering a fully cooked meal delivered by church members to individuals who participated in the local monthly food pantry. Later, they offered a community barbecue in the church’s pavilion to these same households and any of their family or friends. Response was slow at first, but ultimately, several people did come. This provided the church with an opportunity to build ongoing relationships.
Radcliffe concluded by encouraging participating congregations to follow a similar practice to identify next steps in joining Jesus in his mission to their communities.
Following the morning discussions, participants shared in fellowship over a Chipotle lunch served by the host congregation.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ron Waters
