Welcome!

Mission Northwest is an association of churches located primarily in Washington, Idaho, Montana and Utah, including one church each in Nevada, California, Arizona and Alaska. Our mission is to “resource and develop churches that connect people with Jesus Christ.” We equip and encourage one another for the purpose of carrying out the church’s mission of making disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19-20). Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We take Jesus’ directives seriously. To strengthen each church’s ability to achieve this Jesus-directed mission we develop visionary pastoral leaders, revitalize churches, plant new churches (including Fresh Expressions of church) and foster our connections with one another for mutual edification, fellowship and enjoyment.

Re-Imagining Church Membership for a Renewed Church

A White Paper on Church Membership by Dr. Charles Revis

Dr. Charles Revis has issued a “White Paper” calling for churches to re-imagine church membership for a renewed church.

The paper identifies four poor membership practices which undermine healthy congregational life:

  • Permanent lifelong church membership

  • Consumer view of church membership

  • Church membership as a democratic right

  • Church membership as fight club privileges

These practices should be replaced with healthy church membership practices. Rather than allowing church membership to languish in a rut we would be wise to re-imagine church membership through the lens of active discipleship and covenantal promises. A re-imagined church membership can lead to healthier church life, foster spiritual maturity, expand the volunteer base and insure the exercise of appropriate congregational authority.

The paper offers these seven action steps for re-imagining church membership:

  • Recover the expectation of a REGENERATE church membership.

  • Practice ENGAGED church membership.

  • Clarify and reinforce member EXPECTATIONS.

  • Limit church membership to a ONE-YEAR RENEWABLE COVENANT.

  • Identify and clarify the LEGAL dimensions of church membership.

  • Train church members to REPRESENT the body collective

  • Lift up the DISCERNMENT responsibility of church membership.

A re-imagined membership holds promised for a renewed and invigorated church. We encourage every church and pastor to download the entire document, study it and use it as a roadmap for invigorating church membership practices.

Download the White Paper on Church Membership

 

Executive Minister Article “Better Together”

and

Ministry Overview 2020 and 2019

Read article & Overview

 

News, Articles and Upcoming Events

 
Blog Articles
On Seeking Advice in a Complex World
On Seeking Advice in a Complex World

I can truthfully say this, I’ve never regretted garnering advice from mature colleagues, respected church leaders and from my wife. In this brief article I encourage you to develop your ability to seek advice from others, and do so regularly. It will make you a better pastor and leader.

Read More →
Twelve Trends for the Church in 2021
Twelve Trends for the Church in 2021

While predicting future trends is never a precise effort, we do see enough data points to suggest these twelve trends are potentially powerful movements that will affect congregations,

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Advent Measures
Advent Measures

More than in any time in years past, I believe people are looking for relationship – meaningful, honest, sincere relationship that can tolerate momentary physical separations.

Read More →
A Lesson In the Lights
A Lesson In the Lights

in this dark season of Advent waiting—especially in this uncertain time of global pandemic—where it would be easy to lose hope, get spiritually lethargic, and stop growing and progressing as followers of Jesus, let’s remember that the work is always worth it.

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No God Like Our God
No God Like Our God

In Jesus’ self-giving we encounter the premier expression of God’s nature—of God’s love and grace—seen most clearly at the Cross.

Read More →
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Resourcing Churches

CHURCHES CONNECT AND NETWORK WITH OTHER CHURCHES, FIND ENCOURAGEMENT, AND RECEIVING EXCELLENT TRAINING AND RESOURCES AT EVENTS HELD THROUGHOUT THE REGION.

The Region consists of churches in association and thus the ministries of the Region are an extension of the missional work of local churches.  We believe that churches serving one another is a biblical principle.  Interdependent churches that mutually encourage, serve and challenge each other are healthier than independent churches. To that end a major portion of the Region’s ministry consists of resourcing our churches as they strive toward spiritual health, outward focus and commitment to Jesus Christ.

Equipping Pastors

DEVELOPING GREAT LEADERS IS A CRITICAL STRATEGY FOR REPRODUCING DISCIPLES.

We are committed to leadership development. Our network of Leadership Learning Communities helps pastors become life-long learners who in turn develop leaders in their local congregations. Through peer learning and coaching we are creating a leadership development culture where pastors develop their skills and in turn lead their churches to grow and maximize their effectiveness.

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Our Mission:

Resourcing and Developing Churches that Connect People to Jesus Christ.

Through our Landmarks:

Leadership

Church Transformation

Connection

Church Planting

Contact Us

Upcoming Events

Leadership Learning
Communities

M-NW Pastors: Connect Remotely! Local LLC leaders look forward to letting you know how and when. Click Here to connect with one near you.