Dear Friends of our crucified and risen Savior and of those who do not yet know Jesus as the world’s Redeemer,

It is with great joy and excitement that we invite you to TheCenter’s Spring 2027 COLLABORATION: “Recognizing Christ’s Missionary Spirit (RCMS2027).”  This COLLABORATION is being held February 16-17, 2027, at Summit Community Lutheran Church at 20555 W. Roosevelt St., Buckeye, AZ 85326. These dates were chosen because they are right before BPM – Best Practices in Ministry, (February 18-20, 2027).

On Tuesday, February 16, beginning  at 10 am, there will be an overtly theological and spiritual, foundational emphasis for “Recognizing Christ’s Missionary Spirit (RCMS),” featuring:  Dr. Jeff Kloha, Dr. Mike Rodewald, Dr. Samuel Deressa, Dr. Robert Newton, Mrs. Ashley Paavola, Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, and Dr. Matthew Borrasso.

On Wednesday, February 17, there will be an overtly practical emphasis for “Recognizing Christ’s Missionary Spirit (RCMS),” highlighting each of the ’s five missional emphases, featuring: Rev. Greg Finke, Rev. Chris Bodley, Deaconess Noemi Guerra, Rev. Mauricio Franco, and Dr. Alec Fisher. A missional “network“ is a system of people and ministries that communicate, encourage, and share resources with one another with the common biblical goal of reaching more of Jesus’s lost ones for His kingdom, and you are/will be invited to join.

The Chaplain for this COLLABORATION will be Rev. Jonathan Dueker, and Rev. David Maier will serve as the Moderator.

Listen to what Dr. Luke records in chapter 24 of his Gospel (vv.45-49):

⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, ⁴⁶ and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, ⁴⁷ and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. ⁴⁸ You are witnesses of these things. ⁴⁹ And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high. (ESV)

No one doubts that the disciples were already believers in the crucified and resurrected Lord Jesus. Similarly, most would attest (all should) to their faith as coming from the Holy Spirit for “... no one can say ‘Jesus Christ is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 3:12b) So what is Jesus saying here? What is “the promise of my Father?” They already have the Holy Spirit; they’re believers. May I suggest that Jesus is referring to a special gift from the Father to the disciples who serve as the founding and first – but not only – members of the Church. It is a gift given to the baptized which might be called ‘the bold, powerful, missionary/witnessing Spirit of Christ.’ Luke continues to use and help explain “the promise of my Father” in Acts chapter 1 and 2 and even in chapter 26. The Apostle Paul also proves helpful with his baptismal theology in Romans 6, summarized by his “in Christ” (ἐν Χριστῷ) formula throughout his epistles.

Please join us at Summit Community in Buckeye, AZ, for “Recognizing Christ’s Missionary Spirit!”  (RCMS2027), and be encouraged in your faith, life, and ministry in Christ.