Winter LINK Nov 2024_Optomized

NMMN LEADERSHIP

DERECK OWEN Assistant Network Pastor

MICHEAL DICKENSON Network Pastor

JASON DICKENSON Men’s Director

GAIL OWEN Vivid Women’s Director

TED SCHMIDT Royal Rangers Director

AUSTIN POPER Next Generation Pastor

MIRIAM GRIER Girl’s Ministries Director

EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERS

HONORARY

PRESBYTERS

Kent Barnard

PRESBYTERS

Dustin Woodward

Marcus McClain

David Iglesias

Jeral Dickenson Clyde Woods Jason Dickenson

David Vistine

NE TWORK PA S T OR “DIDN’T SEE THAT COMING!” A couple of years ago, I began my LINK article with these words…“One of the things that I became aware of years ago in ministry is the simple fact that ministry and life happens in seasons. Not everything happens in a single season and, at times, we struggle to see the value of some of the seasons God brings our way. He has incredible purpose and plans and we can’t afford to miss the opportunities of every new season.”

A few weeks ago, we were just coasting along enjoying a beautiful fall season with cool mornings, sunny days, and the leaves changing colors. And then, suddenly, snow hit big time and we found ourselves saying, “I didn’t see this coming!” Some areas of our state had to dig out of 3-4 feet of snow and we had to cancel one of our most important events of the year, Called Camp…we really hated to make that decision.

We know what predictable seasons look like but sometimes God interrupts our predictability and announces a new season. I thought about this just a couple of weeks ago when, after serving in the role of Network Pastor for almost 16 years, I shared with our Presbytery and with you that I will be stepping out of the role of Network Pastor at Network Conference (NetCon25). Many have told me since that announcement, “Wow…I didn’t see that coming!”

I’ve always said that one of the purposes of a season coming to a close is that God is getting ready to announce a new season and to write a new chapter. That is exactly where Becky and I feel we are as, over the last several months, God has been speaking to us, letting us know that this season of ministry is coming to a close and there are new chapters ahead.

There will be new chapters for us and for our Network; at NetCon25 we will be electing the new person who will step into the role of Network Pastor. Once the transition season is completed, Becky and I will begin to step into a new season for our lives and ministry. Hopefully, you received the video announcement we sent out on November 18 to all Pastors & NMMN credentialed ministers.

We will be talking about this transition and setting the stage for God’s plan for succession in this office during our 2025 Leadership Tour that will kick off on January 13th in Tucumcari. You’ll see the full schedule and locations in this issue of LINK; I really hope you’ll make it a high priority to join us at the event most convenient for you to attend. We’ll have a lot to share with you but a very important component of it will be to talk about leadership succession for our Network.

Speaking of Leadership Tour, can you believe that 2025 is just around the corner? And, it promises to be another incredible year of ministry across our Network with lots of good things planned! Our Presbytery just approved the 2025 and 2026 Network Calendars which are on our website; if you want to subscribe the Calendar via iCal, see the link below the Calendar. Be sure to give attention to the important Network dates as you make personal and local church plans for the next year so we can make the most of every opportunity before us.

Obviously, as you’re receiving this LINK, Christmas is just around the corner.

Becky and I, and our entire Network Office team, want to wish you and yours a blessed Christmas season! We love you all and are so honored to have the joy of serving you. I pray that God will be especially near to you throughout this season, and that the light of Jesus will shine ever more brightly as together we celebrate Jesus’ birth!

Merry Christmas to all!

Pastor Mike & Becky Dickenson

ASSISTANT NETWORK PASTOR Leave the Grind Behind Before you finalize next year’s schedule, consider leaving the grind behind. I need to become better at owning my schedule and knowing when to lighten the load. So I’m sharing wisdom I’m gleaning from others; most notably lessons from Lance Witt and his book Replenish.

The weight and pace of ministry can be exhausting but that is not what God intended.

Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. 12 It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, “Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” 14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. Deuteronomy 30:11-14 NIV Our calendars and rhythms can be improved, if we consider these principles: 1. Practice Extreme Ownership The demands and expectations of others do not control your day. You do! Take charge of your life.

2. Engage in Life-giving Self-care Think of self-care as stewardship because that is what it is. It is not selfish to prioritize time for what you enjoy and what fuels you.

If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success. Ecclesiastes 10:10 NIV 3. Tenaciously Pursue Healthy Rhythms Consider your limitations a gift from God. It is good that you cannot do everything. Do what you can well and with consistency and, over time, results will follow.

4. Define and Align What’s Wildly Important When values get clear, decisions become simple…not easy…simple. Know your values and let your actions reflect what you value. You are ridiculously in charge of you.

Try this formula:

Clarity + Courage + Calendar = A Great Life Values What matters most

Pastor Dereck Owen

Say no Where time and Align action with values values converge

RENEW YOUR CREDENTIALS RENEW YOUR CREDENTIALS ON-LINE BEFORE DECEMBER 31!

Just a quick reminder that all credentialed ministers are required to renew their credential annually by December 31. The National Office has moved to an online platform. No paper copies of renewal forms will be sent out going forward.

Please renew on line at: https://ministerrenewal.ag.org/ and follow the guidelines listed.

All General Council dues must be paid at time of renewal. You can use AG Giving to complete any funds owed the General Council. Also, your tithe to the Network must be current. You may pay your Network tithes online at nmministry.net, click on the give tab.

If you are having trouble renewing or need additional assistance, please contact Devonna at dcummins@nmministry.net.

CREDEN TIAL UPDATES NEWLY LICENSED: Jason Derrick, Albuquerque Harvest Sarah Derrick, Albuquerque Harvest Carla Esquibel, Albuquerque, Estancia Madison Gonzales, Albuquerque Harvest Brittany Russell, Albuquerque Harvest

TRANSFERRED IN:

TRANSFERRED OUT:

Roger Coles (L) Bloomfield Kris Gonzales (L) Raton

Forrest McConnell (C) North Texas Sean Sauceda (C) North Carolina

Dismissed: Kelly Fulfer Jacob Tayler

A C M R REPORTS The Annual Church Ministries Reports will be sent out in the next several weeks from the national office.

Please complete the report and submit prior to January 31, 2025.

GIRL’S MINISTRIES SEASON GREETINGS FROM GIRL’S MINISTRIES May your Holiday season be full of warmth and love from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, friends and family.

We would like to show our deepest gratitude to Pastors Mike and Becky Dickenson for their leadership and support of our ministry.

May God bless you richly as you follow His leading in the next chapter!

Miriam Grier, Girl’s Ministries Director

PASTOR I NS TA LLATI ONS

Chris & Melissa Skeet Yatahey Calvary Assembly of God 11/17/24

David & Courtney Rel Las Cruces Life Community Church 9/8/24

Kris & Angela Gonzales Raton Family Worship Center 10/27/24

N M S M

N M S M

MEN’S MINISTRIES I am so excited for NM Men as we approach 2025! If you don’t already have the date saved for our annual conference, be sure to mark May 16-17. It’s going to be awesome!

Also, we have 2 new events to announce for our men.

First up is a Men’s Missions Trip to Panama to build a church with missionary Terry Bell.

There are limited spots on this trip so be sure to let your men know to sign up soon. Pastor Jeral Dickenson and Pastor Josh Wood are leading this trip and I know it’s going to be lifechanging.

Then our very first Men’s Golf Tournament is March 1 in Las Cruces. Both signups are live NOW. Let’s go men…2025 is going to be off the charts!

Pastor Jason Dickenson Men’s Ministries Director

Fall 2024