Late last summer, Andrews University created a new channel for communicating regularly with pastors across the Lake Union. This weekly virtual gathering with different small groups of pastors each week takes place via Zoom and is called “Friday Morning Fellowship with Andrews.”
The Lake Union Conference benefits from and celebrates the vital ministry provided by pastors in the Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Lake Region conferences. What is sometimes lost track of, however, is ministry provided in so many additional ways.
Consider the academies and grade schools, healthcare ministries, literature, community services, outreach and engagement and more. And, of course, a vital institution of higher education – Andrews University.
Late last summer, Andrews University created a new channel for communicating regularly with pastors across the Lake Union. This weekly virtual gathering with different small groups of pastors each week takes place via Zoom and is called “Friday Morning Fellowship with Andrews.”
During the “Friday Morning Fellowship with Andrews” meetings, three university leaders and about 10 pastors pray together, with one of the pastors sharing a devotional with the group. In turn, Andrews representatives provide important spiritual, academic and campus life updates with the pastors, and engage in dialogue, answering questions.
Six of these fellowships took place in November and December, enabling interactions with more than 50 pastors. Follow up surveys showed that pastors greatly appreciated this intentional outreach from Andrews University, and that pastors feel better equipped to share timely and relevant information about Andrews with their congregations following these discussions.
“I and other members of the Andrews leadership team have been so blessed by praying with our pastors and hearing their affirmation of our active ministries on campus – and by our ability to let pastors know directly how much we at Andrews value the contributions of these pastors who serve on the front lines of ministry across the Lake Union,” said Dr. John Wesley Taylor V, president of Andrews University. “Friday Morning Fellowship with Andrews has exceeded our expectations in a variety of ways, including deepening our relationships with this vital group.”
The new Winter series of Friday Morning Fellowship with Andrews is just underway (they take place from 9:00 – 9:45 ET on most Fridays). Email invitations have been sent to interested pastors in each conference, but for any pastors who may not have seen this invitation, you may write to president@andrews.edu and let them know which of the following dates you could be available to participate: Jan. 19, Feb. 2, 9 and 23, March 1 or 8. When you write, please include the name of the church(es) you pastor, as well as your conference. You will then be scheduled for a specific date and receive a calendar invitation soon thereafter.
In addition to pastors, interested academy principals and teachers may participate in these upcoming fellowships. Please write to the same email address and include the academy you work for, and your role there, along with your available dates.
We praise God for this collaborative ministry and the commitment to strengthened relationships as our leaders explore ways to amplify the ministry of one another in service to the Lord.
Jeff Boyd is director of university communication for Andrews University.
