The Board of Directors was simply doing what boards are supposed to do – they were wrestling with ‘big picture’ issues. That day, they would make a strategic decision that would impact the mission for decades. With courage and foresight, they took a big step of faith and determined to relocate the Home Office. It was the late 1940’s, and the Foreign Missionary Society of the Grace Brethren Church left Long Beach, California, and set up offices in Winona Lake, Indiana.
Why northern Indiana? Grace Theological Seminary had recently established its campus there, moving from its birthplace near Ashland, Ohio. And Winona Lake was considered by many to be a leading center of evangelical activity.
Why northern Indiana? Grace Theological Seminary had recently established its campus there, moving from its birthplace near Ashland, Ohio. And Winona Lake was considered by many to be a leading center of evangelical activity.
For more than seventy years, Winona Lake has served as ‘home base’ for the ever-expanding, cross-cultural ministries of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. With churches and church-planting ministries in thirty-seven countries, the FGBC has experienced amazing growth around the world. Currently more than 90% of our churches and more than 95% of our weekly worship attendance are located overseas.
With such amazing growth comes a growing set of responsibilities and opportunities. So once again, a Board of Directors was called upon to do what Boards are supposed to do – to wrestle with ‘big picture’ ideas:
- How do we more effectively train a new generation of cross-cultural workers before they are deployed overseas?
- How can we use our cross-cultural expertise to help reach the ethnic minorities God is bringing to America?
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| photo by AFSC Photos | photo by Chris Yunker |
Why Atlanta? Proximity to the world’s busiest airport is certainly a factor. After all, we are a global operation. More importantly, Atlanta is home to more than one million non-Anglos and non-African Americans, many of whom are first generation immigrants. We believe this culturally diverse and spiritually active region will provide great opportunities 1) for the training of new missionary staff, 2) for ethnic church planting initiatives, and, 3) for our mission leadership to remain active in cross-cultural ministry.
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While the goals of this relocation project are compelling, many details remain to be carefully considered over the next few years. For instance, is it feasible to maintain offices in more than one location? Is there value in maintaining a long-term presence in Winona Lake? We ask you to pray with us as we seek God’s wisdom in these matters.
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| photo by samsith |
For now, we are pleased to inform you that Encompass World Partners plans to open an office in Atlanta by September 1, 2012.
Click Here to watch a video about this visionary move!
