Conference News

Retired Army Chaplain (Colonel) Jerry L. Jones, of Lawton, OK, a Heartland ordained minister, is the new director/ecclesiastical endorser for IPHC. Colonel Jones assumed his duties October 1. He succeeds Retired Colonel Hugh Morgan, who served IPHC in this role for 15 years.

Colonel Jones is a graduate of Southwestern Christian University and is the first Southwestern chaplain to climb to the rank of colonel. He also earned a Master of Divinity degree at Midwestern Baptist Seminary in Kansas City.

James and Iris Crawford feel strongly that they are called to the ministry of evangelism. James' preaching in his
revivals and crusades encourages people of all age groups.

They have committed themselves to serve full time in the ministry of evangelism.

Cowboy Church, Pearline Perky, pastor, celebrated its first birthday in their new facility August 19. The church is located in rural Bradley, OK (pop. 182), located about ten miles east of Chickasha. Lu and I had the privilege to attend the morning service.

The church is experiencing growth: nine new members were added Sunday. One was a confession of faith.

Pastor Steve Cowan led MY Church in its third birthday celebration Sunday. The Mustang church started as a new church plant and now has two Sunday morning services with combined average attendance of about 100. The Mustang sanctuary has room for about 100 chairs.

Pastor Steve and Krista have worked hard at growing the church, including remodeling the facilities. The interior of the sanctuary looks so new one would not believe it is the same building. The next phase is to give the exterior of the building a new image with new sidewalks, porches, awnings and landscaping. Pastor Steve also believes in community involvement , and now serves as president of the Mustang Ministerial Alliance. He has done a very good job getting the name of the church established in the Mustang area. As another example, in the recent Heritage Day parade the church won the best float award.

Passion Church of Bethany celebrated its 5th anniversary Sunday, August 26th. Rev. Steve Ely serves as pastor of this growing congregation that is reaching mostly young people and young adults. Attendance climbed into the 260s.

The occasion was marked by one worship service followed by a barbecue brisket dinner under the big tent.
Pastor Steve believes strongly in the importance of well-planned special days to keep momentum alive and the church growing.

The IPHC has implemented a strategy to double churches and membership by 2020. This bold vision is called Vision 2020. Heartland Conference has partnered with this vision. There is still time for you to reach this worthy goal. By growing 10% a year for the next eight years, your church will double by 2020!