Colorado Springs, Colorado—The Church of God Colorado Conference, lead by State Minister Larry Taylor, recently hosted a ThinkNEXT church revitalization conference at the Vista Grande Church of God in Colorado Springs, Colorado. These regional conferences are being hosted by state associations as part of their ongoing partnership with Church of God Ministries and their desire to bring health and growth to Church of God congregations across the country.

The number of churches participating in the conference was exciting. Those persons attending were challenged, inspired, and encouraged to “think next” about the future for their churches. As the state minister, I was personally encouraged by the excitement and desire demonstrated by church leaders from across our state representing churches that have been in existence for many years. Most of the churches involved are over eighty years old; a few have celebrated centennials.

The following are testimonials from several conference attendees:

“Phil Claycomb and John Newton gave excellent presentations. The materials they presented have been used by several of the participating churches to begin a process of visioning for their church. For me, the tools regarding the ‘DNA’ of the church and what is required to result in healthy change and growth were very valuable. As a conference, we have been on an intentional journey of ‘being the missional church’ for the past two years. This conference was precisely what we needed. A big ‘Thank you!’ to Phil, John, and Church of God Ministries for making the conference possible.”
     Larry Taylor
     Colorado State Minister

“I have been challenged over the past few years about how an established neighborhood church, around since the 1950s, could be as creative and innovative as a church plant. I found the ThinkNEXT Conference to be encouraging and refreshing. It reminded me of some things that I already knew and had forgotten, as well as giving me valuable new information. More than anything else, it was inspiring, just the shot in the arm that I needed at this time in ministry.”
     Rev. Steve Gillihan
     Senior Pastor
     Arvada Church of God
     Arvada, Colorado

“When I signed up to attend the ThinkNEXT Conference, I didn’t know what to expect. I came to Colorado Springs with an open mind hoping to learn how to help us turn our church around. I found the conference most helpful. The speakers were clear and understandable. They made the conference enjoyable. There was a lot of information given to us in a short period of time, and I am still processing much of it. The notebooks help a lot. I enjoyed it very much.”
     Rev. David Lackie
     Senior Pastor
     Hawthorne Park Community Church
     Grand Junction, Colorado

“The ThinkNEXT Conference, hosted at our church, proved to be a wonderful, energizing experience for all our key leaders and staff. The most valuable time for us came through the church breakout sessions. We were able to share transparently about where we have been in the past and where God is leading us for the future. The highlight for me was when my leaders gathered around my wife Gloria and me and lifted our arms up in prayer. They prayed that God would grant his favor and wisdom upon us as we continue to lead into the future. The conference confirmed in our hearts that we, as a church, are moving toward the heart of God in our striving to become a church that is relevant spiritually and missionally in our ministry focus.”
     Rev. Greg Wilkins
     Senior Pastor
     Vista Grande Church of God
     Colorado Springs, Colorado

Susan Kane
Church Multiplication