Asked what brings him to a monthly meeting of area pastors, Scott Feather, pastor of Gateway Church, Parkesburg, replied, "It's the laughter. For me, that's big. There's an exhaling that takes place (with this group)."
Audrey Kanagy, pastor of Ridgeview Mennonite Church, echoed Feather's sentiments regarding his comfort level with the group. "It is more about camaraderie than comparison and competition," she said.
Other members of the group, which meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m., waxed more philosophical. Adam Nagle, executive director of The Factory Ministries, noted that the organization defines poverty as a lack of resources, with one of those being spiritual. "As we collaborate to connect people to resources, it's important for The Factory to stay engaged with spiritual resources in the community, which are represented by this group," said Nagle.
The gathering, which currently includes pastors from churches as far east as Coatesville and west as Paradise, has roots in the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions it brought about. Tim Rogers, pastor of Grace Point Church of Paradise, recalled that by late 2020, pastors were struggling with the ramifications of government requirements. "We were all in a situation we had never been in, and we didn't know what to do," said Rogers. "There were unique challenges churches faced." Instead of sitting alone in their offices, the pastors began calling each other, which led to a twice-monthly virtual conference call. "At first it was only five or six pastors, and now we are at 10 to 12," reported Rogers.
During the virtual meetings, the group members discussed a variety of subjects related to COVID-19 restrictions and concerns, such as masking, small group meetings, and the response of church leaders and members to that season of constant change. Because the meetings were conducted virtually, attendance was not limited to a specific area.
In January of 2021, the group began writing the devotional "Trust Me," which is based on the promises of God found throughout the Bible. The devotional was made available in both booklet and virtual formats.
In the spring of 2021, the pastors began gathering monthly at each other's churches. "We asked if there was value to in-person gathering, and we felt there was because we had developed a friendship and a camaraderie," said Rogers, who recalled that group members toured each other's facilities and enjoyed lunch and conversation.
A recent meeting at Maple Grove Mennonite Church in Atglen featured soup, salad, quiche, and cookies prepared by pastor Mike Clemmer. "We've asked, 'What does it mean to be the churches together?'" said Rogers. "We look at some professional questions and bigger collaborative questions."
In addition to Gateway, Grace Point, Ridgeview, and Maple Grove, churches taking part in the gatherings include Hershey Mennonite, Branch Community, Pequea Baptist, Keystone, and Calvary Monument Bible.
Readers who would like more information may email tim@gracepointparadise.com or call 717-687-7971.
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