Re Gen in Review...

 

Re Gen 2021: an Evana gathering a year late…

I was blessed to attend what could be considered our national convention as an Evana church. This was to happen last year but then was postponed to this year. As the year went by Evana leadership was hopeful Re Gen could happen in 2021. I felt things were very tentative as spring approached so I really didn’t promote it. Our youth group also opted to go on a mission trip instead, so at a certain point I even wondered if I should go. There were a few other factors that kept this up in the air for me but in the end, a few weeks before the event, several things aligned so I could go and I did. Wow am I glad I did!

Let me just say it wasn’t half as fun as when we took a group of SMCers a few years ago. My sincere hope is that in 2023 we can return to this gathering with as many of our people as possible. Why? This is one of those rare opportunities we can get a glimpse of the larger church and how wonderful it is. It’s always good to know we are not alone but part of an extended family of churches from all over the country.

In many ways it’s like a family reunion but with hundreds of people, powerful worship times, fascinating workshops and great food-all on the Taylor University campus! It’s a time of connection with folks we probably don’t see often-or ever if they are far away. So a big part it for me is just having good conversations with brothers and sisters in Jesus.

Let me share a few highlights: there were daily delegate sessions where Evana business was brought-2 items we voted on was a change to the bylaws that would allow another gathering to happen in 2023 (the bylaws state they must happen on the even years-never thinking a pandemic would knock off the rhythm). Then we voted on the Evana board. I’ll have these ballots and other info on my blog under ReGen documents if you want to take a closer look when I get them from Evana.

I took in daily seminars including "Multiplying Disciples via Missional Discipleship Groups" by Marvin Lorenzana, which had a rather revolutionary approach to discipleship. If you want to learn about it here is the link to his book on the topic:

https://assets.mennonites.org/Downloads/MissioDei29_MDI_C20.pdf

You will be hearing more about this.

Then I went to "Navigating Gender and Attraction within the Church" with a little trepidation. Sexuality is a hot button issue but the presenter was grounded in Biblical truth that aligns with our confession of faith that clearly states God created us male and female and sexual intimacy is reserved for one man and one woman in marriage. There was a lot of scientific research presented and but in the end a path to transformation was pointed to that can allow us and those we love to break free from sexual sin. If you want to hear more about this seminar I'm glad to talk to you personally.

Worship times were lead by a collective group called Singlove.  The amazing part was in this full band that average age was 16! The leader was 22 and most of the group had been in it for around 5 years-so there were kids who started when they were 11! They were good-and loud (thankfully earplugs were available-for those of us who rocked it out enough when we were young and have no desire to lose more of our hearing ;) It was powerful and Spirit filled worship that lifted us to the Lord.

The speakers were inspiring and solid. The main morning speaker was a very high energy woman named Hannah Gronowski . She was able to speak to our heads and hearts with the Word of God-touching an inter-generational crowd of over 400 people. I hope at least a high light video of the worship times will be put on YouTube in the near future so stay tuned!

I can tell you there are good things happening with the Evana Network and ReGen is the best place to see, hear and experience them. I hope you’ll go with me in 2023!