A Generation In NeedThings have changed – Important update.
Sometimes things change
and yet stay the same…
I recently turned fifty-eight years old. In many ways I’m still the same, but in other ways everything is different. In high school I was thin enough to walk between the rain and not get wet… now forty years later I need an umbrella for sure, but at the same time, I’m still me! Sometimes things change and yet at the same time they stay the same.
This February will mark twenty years since being appointed as a missionary with Campus Ambassadors, a ministry of Missions Door. At that time, I began using my own tagline, “A Generation in Need.” I probably don’t need to tell you, that to me, this tagline is so much more than just four words strung together. It has been my sincere motivation and passion from day one to serve, love and reach this generation in need with the Gospel. The tagline and the need has not changed.
I’ve always believed that every missionary should have some form of a support and accountability system to offload the administrative burden of managing a non-profit. Keeping up with tax codes, labor law, benefits, payroll, donor questions, and… the list could go on and would certainly take valuable time away from ministry. This system of support and accountability is often referred to as a “missionary sending organization” because they enable missionaries, like me, to be more invested in the ministry and less consumed by the necessary administrative aspects. This belief has not changed.
Last January after nearly a year and a half of seeking God’s direction while simultaneously providing pulpit supply to one of our supporting churches, Annie and I answered what we saw as a clear call for me to pastor the First Congregational Church of North Brookfield, MA (CCCC associated). While experiencing this call to the pastorate, we did not sense God’s call away from campus. So I reduced my hours to part-time and have also continued to teach one unique course per semester. This helps me connect regularly with more students.This has not changed.
Beginning in February of 2018 an internal difference within the Missions Door executive leadership team became visible to all of us on staff. These differences were serious. At that time as an Area Director I became very involved in the process of seeking a resolution. However in the end it was determined the best response was a “Paul & Barnabas” type of agreement to separate and continue doing ministry just not within the same organization. Val Nordbye who was the National Director of Campus Ambassadors, myself, and three other Area Directors with a combined 101 years of campus ministry experience and 16 other staff from the Northeast chose to leave Missions Door. This has changed.
A new non-profit organization called “Campus One80” has been formed with the full blessing of Missions Door. I’m both excited and encouraged with the opportunity to keep the best things in the box and to rethink outside of the box how to best reach this generation in need. When you have a chance, please take some time to review our website www.campusOne80.com. This has changed.
My last day with Missions Door will be on December 31st, 2018. All donations received in the 2018 calendar year remaining in my account will be transferred over by Missions Door and will continue to be used to fund ministry, increase staff and develop new student leaders who will, in turn, take the gospel into their classrooms and residence halls. Some will discover a call to continue serving with us on campuses, while others after graduation will take the gospel into their professional fields and their local churches. My commitment to creatively develop a relevant apologetic that is true to the scriptures and compelling to the lost has not changed. My desire to see students and faculty come to truly know Jesus has not changed. Teaming up with other staff with the same passion and vision has not changed. The need to have a sending organization for accountability and assistance with administrative tasks has not changed. And most importantly the need to be reaching “A Generation in Need” has NOT changed. The only change to take note of is the sending organization is now Campus One80.
Annie and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
=== JOE ===
Details to our supporters.
Missions Door has fully endorsed our transfer over to Campus One80. When I announced to Missions Door my intention to move to Campus One80, I received an email from Rick Miller, the president of Missions Door, explaining the process for the transfer. Leaving out the details of this process, I thought it good to share his beginning and closing comments…
“I thank God for you and the almost 20 years you have invested in campus ministry through Campus Ambassadors. God has blessed your ministry and you have been a blessing to CA and Missions Door. Thank you for all you have done for Christ and His Kingdom!”
“Thanks again, Joe, for your good service and partnership in ministry. Here’s praying that our Lord will continue to bless the work of your hands as you serve your congregation and students in Jesus Name! Blessings in Christ, Rick.
Donations received in 2018 and remaining balances in our account will be transferred to us by Missions Door to continue being used for ministry, evangelism, training, planting and recruiting the same as it has always been.
