Summer 2013

MINISTRY DIRECTORS:Royal Ranger’sBart Garrisonbgarrison@nmministry.net

Girl’s MinistriesMary Helen Gonzalezmhgonzalez@nmministry.net

Help us New Mexico byinforming us of ministry

successes in your church and community.

Send your submission to: gchristopher@nmministry.net

Native American AreaCarlos Bakibaki69@hotmail.com

AREA PRESBYTERS:

New Mexico Ministry Network 6640 Caminito Coors NW Albuquerque, NM 87120 505 899-5399 (phone) 505 899-5859 (fax) info@nmministry.net www.nmministry.net

Northeast AreaDavid McCartyfwc@zianet.com

East Central AreaLemuel Perryarbidee@plateautel.net

Southwest AreaDavid Crispinpastordave@oneworship.org

Northwest Area Randy Joslinpastor@theoasis.us

Women’s Ministries Becky Dickensonbdickenson@nmministry.net

Executive Administrator/ Chief Financial Officer Marcus McClainmmcclain@nmministry.net

Assistant Executive Director David Vistine

dvistine@nmministry.net

Student MinistriesJeral Dickensonjdickenson@nmministry.net

Men’s MinistriesKent Barnardkbarnard@nmministry.net

Network Pastor/ Executive Director Micheal Dickenson

mdickenson@nmministry.net

Southeast Area Melvin Suttlekdmdsuttle@yahoo.com

West Central AreaBrenton Frankspastorbrenton@evangelchristiancenter.org

EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERS:

Champions MinistriesMarcus and SharonMcClainmmcclain@nmministry.net

THE NEW MEXICO MINISTRY NETWORK

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Our 74th Annual Ministry Network Conference truly was one to remember! We are so grateful to everyone who helped to make it all become a reality. As you look through this issue of Link, you’ll see lots of pictures that capture some of those spe-cial moments while we were to-gether. We are proud to have our largest class of individuals or-dained this year along with a wonderful group of licensed and certified candidates. These credential advancements are certainly being helped along by our New Mexico School of Min-istry, which continues to provide opportunities for those on their ministry journey. We are grateful to Dr. Mark Rutland for his ministry to us during this time. We’ve received so many positive com-ments about the ministry times; and I’m happy to tell you that the audio recordings of the sessions are now available on our website at nmministry.net/audio. I en-courage you to take advantage of this resource and feel free to

share it with your congre-gation. Congratulations to Becky Dickenson, who wasre-appointed to serve as Women’s Ministries Director for another term. We arealso proud of Misty Priceand Chris Ball who were selected to represent New Mexico on the General Presbytery this year along

with our Executive Officers. Shawn Amburgey was also cho-sen to be our nominee as an Un-der 40 Ordained pastor to serve on the Executive Presbytery. Thanks to everyone who helped us work through all of the business required to bring our Constitution and Bylaws up to date. Because of your diligence and support, our revised Con-stitution and Bylaws should be available in the next few days. If you were with us for the Confer-ence, you know that one of the

resolutions that was approved changed the titles of each of our Executive Officers, a change that you’ll see take place effective im-mediately. Thank you for your ex- pression of support in electing me for another term to serve you in this role. I count it an incred-ible honor and privilege to serve you and the churches of New Mexico; and I love being a part of your lives and ministries. As we reflect on our time together at our Ministry Net-work Conference and the min-istry experiences together, I urge you to consider the impact of those ministries on you and your church going forward. To-gether, let’s be diligent to apply the teachings to our lives and to truly seek for all God desires to do in our ministries as we open our hearts and passionately seek “Immeasurably More!” Be blessed!

I count it anincredible honor and privilege to

serve you... and I love being a part of

your lives and ministries.

“

”

NETWORK PASTOR MICHEAL DICKENSON

IMMEASURABLY MORE: NETWORK CONFERENCE

Micheal (Network Pastor) and Becky Dickenson (Women’s Director) are recognized for reelection/re-

appointment at Ministry Network Conference.

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As you know, in just a few short weeks, close to fifteen hun-dred young people, youth lead-ers, and children’s leaders will make their way to Cook Canyon Camp and Conference Center inRuidoso for a time of refreshing, encouragement, and spiritual encounter. We call it “Camps.” But we could really call it “Life-changing encounter with God Himself.” And you are a part of this powerful experience. Without the help of the New Mexico ministers, churches, and individuals giving through Partnership, volunteering dur-ing Camp Work Week, offering spiritual support through prayer and encouragement, the whole camp process would not be pos-sible. We are blessed to have

such faithful servants of God investing in the Next Gen-eration. On behalf of theNew Mexico Ministry Net-work, I want to person-ally express gratitude for those churches, ministers,and laypersons who came to our Camp Work Weekbetween May 6-10 to assist our camp managers, Hal and Shau-na Dickenson, in preparing our camping facilities for the

new camp season. As camp-ground owners, it is impera-tive that we stay ahead of the ever-growing need to keep our facilities in top form. It might seem like a small task, but it is these kinds of efforts that make a huge difference! Additionally, I would like to draw your attention to our New Mexico School of Ministry (NMSOM). To the glory of God, we had the largest class of can-didates for ordination in 2013, many of whom went through our NMSOM course of study! Our Licensed and Certified candi-dates are experiencing great

enrollment and advancement as well. And there is a place for you at NMSOM. Enrollment is an easy process: Simply call our office at (505) 899-5399 or visit www.nmministry.net/nmsom to get started. We have planned this ministerial credentials process with the intent of making it a quality, cost-effective way to continue forward in your call- ing as a minister of the Gospel. Pastor, please encourage your staff, young people, and anyone who has God’s calling on his or her life in your church to become a part of NMSOM. It is a pro-cess that no one will regret. Lastly, “Thank You” for your generous gifts at Ministry Network Conference. We met our budget through your giving. Even more, we gave $6,330.00 dollars to our missionaries be-cause of givers like you! Praise God! As always, “God Bless You Big!”

EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR MARCUS McCLAIN

It might seemlike a small task, but

it is these kinds of efforts that make a

huge difference!

“”

COOK CANYON AND NMSOM REPORT

Chi Alpha NMSU volunteers at Camp Work Week.

Pastors and other volunteers at work duringCamp Work Week.

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Conference attendees in worship during Thursday Morning’s memorial and communion service.

A special prayer time after Pastor Mike’s sermon of “Immeasurably More” on Tuesday night.

The worship team from Grace Outreach Center (Rio Rancho) leads worship for the Wednesday Night service.

Network Presbytery (from Left with area classification included): Brenton Franks (WC), Carlos Baki (NA), Melvin Suttle (SE), Marcus McClain, Micheal Dickenson, David Vistine, Lemuel Perry (EC), Randy Joslin (NW), David Crispin (SW), and David McCarty (NE).

Worship leader Mike Vasquez from The Worship Center (Alamogordo) leads worship during Thursday morning’s service.

Award of Merti Recipient, Two Twelve youth group from Copper Pointe (Albuquerque), presents a human video for Tuesday night’s service.

Award of Merit in Sign Language recipient, Samuel Boyd, ministers during Wednesday night’s service.

Pastor Mike and Becky pray with Pastor Andres and Wendy Lopez from New Season Family Fellowship (Rio Rancho).

The worship team ministers during the Thursday morning memorial and communion service.

Women from all over the New Mexico Ministry Network join in fellowship at the “Surprise” Women’s Luncheon.

Pastor Dereck Owen from First Assembly of God (Tucumcari) receives a plaque from Student Ministries Director Jeral Dickenson recognizing extraordinary giving to STL and BGMC.

Kyla Barnard of Grace Outreach Center (Rio Rancho) leads in worship during Wednesday night’s service.

Executive Presbyter Randy Joslin prays with Pastor Ward Garrison during the prayer and anointing service on Thursday morning.

Dr. Mark Rutland teaches during the Thursday morning service.

Women’s Director Becky Dickenson and Ad-ministrative Assistant Tina Haroldson speak at the Women’s Luncheon.

Assistant Executive Director David Vistine speaks during the Tuesday evening service. Prayer time during the prayer and anointing service on Thursday morning.

The worship team from The Worship Center (Alamogordo) leads in worship on Thursday morning.

Denise Raykovics, Administrative Assis-tant to the Women’s Director, speaks at the “Surprise” Women’s Luncheon.

Mandy Woodward, worship leader at Copper Pointe (Albuquerque) leads worship on Tues-day evening’s service. Women’s Ministries Director Becky Dickenson speaks during the “Surprise” Women’s Luncheon.

Rev. Shawn and Lanessa AmburgeyNew Beginnings Fellowship, Los Alamos, NM

Rev. Chris and Tiffani BallFaith Assembly of God, Hobbs, NM

Rev. Caleb and Erica CooperAssembly of God, Lordsburg, NM

Rev. Jothen and Haley KinneyChristian Center Church, Hobbs, NM

Rev. Valentine and Onyekachi NwachukwuHarvest Fellowship Assembly of God, Silver City, NM

Rev. Dale and Jan ReeceGlad Tidings Church, Silver City, NM

Rev. Mark SenaLife Church, Rio Rancho, NM

Congratulations to the 2013 Newly-Ordained Ministers

Rev. Nathan and Andrea GonzalezFirst Assembly of God, Las Cruces, NM

` `

Rev. Shawn Amburgey receives his Certificate of Ordination fromNetwork Pastor Micheal Dickenson.

Rev. Chris Ball receives his Certificate of Ordination from Network Pastor Micheal Dickenson.

Rev. Caleb Cooper receives his Certificate of Ordination from Network Pastor Micheal Dickenson.

Rev. Jothen Kinney II receives his Certificate of Ordination from Network Pastor Micheal Dickenson.

Rev. Valentine Nwachukwu receives his Certificate of Ordination from Network Pastor Micheal Dickenson.

Rev. Dale Reece receives his Certificate of Ordination from Network Pastor Micheal Dickenson.

Rev. Mark Sena receives his Certificate of Ordination from Network Pastor Micheal Dickenson.

Rev. Nathan Gonzalez receives his Certificate of Ordination from Network Pastor Micheal Dickenson.

’ ’

Ordination Candidates receiving the ministry of laying on of hands according to 2 Timothy 1:6.

Ordination Candidates receiving the ministry of laying on of hands according to 2 Timothy 1:6.

Ordination Candidates receiving the ministry of laying on of hands according to 2 Timothy 1:6.

Ordination Candidates receiving the ministry of laying on of hands according to 2 Timothy 1:6.

Rev. Karl and Stephanie BrottonBethel Assembly of God, Hobbs, NM

Rev. David and Sonya LaraValley Gospel Tabernacle, Albuquerque, NM

Rev. Eric and Sincerity MontoyaChristian Life, Santa Fe, NM

Rev. Alex and Abby RodriguezChi Alpha Directors (NMSU), Las Cruces, NM

Rev. Solomon and Kathy SedilloSanta Fe, NM

Rev. John and Debra VistineNew Life Assembly of God, Clovis, NM

Congratulations to the 2013 Newly-Licensed Ministers!!!(Not available for pictures: Rev. Michael Dominguez and Rev. Ron Hassett)

Rev. Robert Bradford | Santa Fe | Christian LifeRev. Patricia Dykes | Albuquerque | Harvest FellowshipRev. Laura Greer | Albuquerque | Copper Pointe ChurchRev. Sharon Hassett | Ireland | Missionary In TrainingRev. Andre Johnsen | Bernalillo | First Assembly of GodRev. Josiah Koop | Santa Rosa | Living Waters Assembly of GodRev. Darrell Nichols | Bloomfield | Assembly of GodRev. Aaron Perez | Las Cruces | First Assembly of GodRev. Camela Sowers | Las Cruces | Heart for the World Church

NEW SENIOR PASTORS:Dale Reece, Silver City Glad Tidings ChurchSteve Funston, Carson Living Waters AG

TRANSFERRED IN:Jack Bunting (O) from S. Cali-fornia NetworkDale Reece (O) from S. Califor-nia Network

David Sasse (O) from N. Cali-fornia-Nevada DistrictTRANSFERRED OUT:Joe Robinson (O) to West Texas District

The New Mexico Ministry Network

is proud to welcome Rev. Dale Reece as the

new pastor of Glad Tidings Church in Silver City, NM.

Superintendent Micheal Dickenson installs Dale and Jan Reece.

CREDENTIAL AND MINISTERIAL CHANGES

MINISTERIAL CREDENTIALS RECOGNITION

PASTORAL INSTALLATION: GLAD TIDINGS CHURCH

NEW MEXICO MINISTRY NETWORK NEWS

IMPORTANT DATE CHANGE: MINISTRY NETWORK CONFERENCE APRIL 1-3, 2014 Because of proxim-ity to Easter in 2014, Ministry Network Conference has been moved to a new date: April 1-3,

2014. Please make the neces-sary changes on your church cal-endar to be a part of next year’s special 75th Anniversary of the

New Mexico Ministry Network. You can download a Network calendar at www.nmministry.net/calendar.

Congratulations to the following ministers for receiving their Ministerial Certificate at Ministry Network Conference 2013!

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ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DAVID VISTINE

I was surprised that after my first article in the link that I received an email from our As-sistant General Superintendent Alton Garrison about the article and some of the work that is be-ing done nationally to strengthen and help the church develop the discipleship arm of the church. It has not been fully revealed but some good things are coming down the road soon for the area of discipleship. Have you, as a Pastor, evaluated your discipleship pro-cess? What are you doing to develop totally devoted follow-ers of Jesus in your congrega-tion? Discipleship is not only for our adults; what are we do-ing to develop our children and our youth to become devoted fol-lowers of Jesus? That is a ques-tion I often ask myself and the staff at our church. What kind of a Christian are we producing through our ministry? Will they be Christians that are hungry for the Word and be in fellowship with other believers? Will they get involved and serve or will they just come and soak? Will they take serious the Great Com-

mission to go and make disciples of all nations and be a soul win-ner and a giver to missions? Remember, if we are do-ing church and bringing them into the worship service but somehow not challenging them to grow and serve and win oth-ers then we are failing the Great Commission! Winning them to Christ is just the first part of the Great Commission; making fully devoted followers is the second part! We must be intentional

and realize that they are not go-ing to grow unless there is the process of teaching and train-ing and mentoring going in their lives. As a pastor we should find a way to disciple and train every area of our church. You can’t do it all, but you can raise up lead-ers and train them and release them to help you see transfor-mation in their lives. Just a few weeks ago we decided to do a baptismal ser-vice on a Sunday morning in our church. Most of our bap-tisms are done each month on a Wednesday night because of the time constraints in the morning

services. We were amazed as we challenged our congregation to follow the Lord in baptism and to be a follower and not just a fan! We had nearly 300 people respond on a Sunday morning and they were baptized. We re-joiced over that and it was an exciting time, but as a pastor, I asked myself why did so many in our church not feel it neces-sary to be baptized before? We normally baptize about eighty or ninety believers a year but I real-ized I had not publicly taught on water baptism in a long time. I had failed to challenge our con-gregation to do what Jesus had commanded us. I challenge you to really look at what you are doing to make disciples and evaluate how you are doing. What changes need to be made? Find one area that you need to focus on and improve it or develop it and then tackle another area. There are more resources available today that ever before to help make disciples and we hope to share many of them with you soon. One website you may want to visit that provides a lot of great training for leaders and material for small group is www.rightnowtraining.org. Please check it out and see if it could be a help to you.

What kind of aChristian are we

producing through our ministry?

“”

INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP

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TAKING THE PLUNGE

As Assistant Executive Director David Vistine wrote in his article, Las Cruces First As-sembly of God experienced the “Immeasurably More” of God’s work in their church Sunday morning, April 14th. This ar-ticle appeared on the front page of the Las Cruces Sun-News the following day. More than 2,000 Las Cru-cens gathered Sunday morning at the Las Cruces First Assembly of God to witness and participate in the church’s first-ever mass baptism. Strong gusts of wind didn’t deter around 240 people from the church’s congregation—including several families—from

taking the plunge in around 10 water troughs, swimming pools, and tubs set up at the church, lo-cated at 5605 Bataan Memorial West. Staff from the church were on-hand to perform the baptisms. “Baptisms are an outward symbol of an inward change,” said church liaison J.E. Wells. “For us, this is our identity as a church. We can all get together meet the other people from our church. Jesus did this. When he was baptized is when he started his public ministry.” “I feel good. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while and this was the perfect oppor-tunity to show my faith,” said Raina Askar-Miranda, after be-ing submerged during the cer-emony.“Taking The Plunge,” Las Cruces Sun-News, April 15, 2013.

LAS CRUCES SUN-NEWS REPORT

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May 30 - June 1, 2013Download a registration brochure at www.nmministry.net/refresh

and register today!!

Registration extensions are available by calling 505-899-5399 but hotel reservations must be made immediately!

Refresh Retreat

The Network Conference Women’s Luncheon was one surprise after another!

The lovely boxed-lunch surprise drawings continued until the luncheon end-ed. Many prizes were given out but the two grand prizes were a I Love Lucy complete DVD collection and a gift of money for Jan Phillips and Martha King. Jan and Martha are missionaries working at Yatahey, New Mexico. They had recently endured sever-al months without running water, due to a break in their water line. Touch The World monies were used to give Jan and Martha a very pleasant sur-prise indeed!

Women’s Director Becky Dickenson

There were plenty of party favors, photo opportunities, and lots of laughter!

Network Ministry ConferenceWomen’s Surprise Luncheon

New Mexico Ministry NetworkWOMEN’S CONFERENCE 2013

SEPTEMBER 19-21TRAMWAY COMMUNITY CHURCH

Albuquerque, NMSpeaker RENAY WEST

For More Information, Visit:www.nmministry.net/womensconference

Reach your world

Biblical FoundationsDevotional Life

Ac

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rog

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FUN

Prac

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ture

Ministerial CredentialsBuild Character Mentorship

Powerful Teaching

Classes held the second Saturday of each month from 9:00am-1:30pm.

Contact Devonna Cummins at 505-899-5399 or at dcummins@nmministry.net for more information.Register online at nmministry.net/nmsom

UPCOMING CLASSES:

September 7, October 12,

November 9, & December 14

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Summer 2013

NEW MEXICO MINISTRY NETWORK6640 Caminito Coors NWAlbuquerque, NM 87120

(505) 899-5399 p.(505) 899-5859 f.

info@nmministry.netwww.nmministry.net