Agape Community Ministries

Every year I have the opportunity to co-teach a Doctor of Ministry class for Harding School of Theology with Dr Jeff Peterson. This year the cohorts met in Ft Worth at the Southside Church of Christ. In addition to great discussions in class we all toured the Stockyards, One Safe Place (Family Justice Center), Hope Works, and Southside’s community ministries. One of my students, Charles Fulbright, invited me to speak to his congregation at Eastland while we had an ice cream buffet and discussion about AgapeCM. It was good visiting with Darrin and Sharon Lackey—her mother and father were shepherds where I first served as a youth minister and treated me well. Outstanding food along with many great conversations made the extremely hot weather enjoyable.

Had a good session today on Faith, Masculinity, and Engaging Men in Violence Prevention. The audience shared stories that remind us how abuse in faith communities and our culture continues to become more prevalent. Advocates are on the front lines and faith leaders must listen and support women in their journeys to safety.

Well presented sessions on Men and Masculinity, Expert Witness Trainings, and Preparing for Strangulation Cases today. We were very moved by the “What Were You Wearing?” exhibit. Nodding Donkey’s smoked brisket queso ended a first day that has already impacted us for our work.

In this digital age, letters and personal notes are still the most effective way to raise financial support and thank our donors. Busy praying over our Spring mailout. Thankful for these contacts, supporters, and prayer partners.

I appreciate Cody Noffsinger’s presentation on Trauma informed Care for McMinnville area pastors. Cody is one of the members from this past cohort for IPV. He did well and we made connections to form a cohort for next year in this area.