blast
THE AGK BLAST
THE AGK BLAST
april ‘25 EDITION
Devo with
Pastor nathan
The Joy of Easter — And the Rest We Often Miss
After 23 years as a pastor, preparing for ministry seasons year after year, when I think of Easter, I consider not just the message we preach but also the condition of the soul delivering it.
In those early years, I gave everything to Easter: sermons, services, egg hunts, volunteer coordination, early mornings, and late nights—all of it. In the midst of it all, I often told myself, "It’s worth it—it’s for the Gospel." And it is. But I also found myself arriving at Easter Sunday worn out, hoping the anointing would somehow carry me through the emptiness I hadn't taken the time to fill.
What would I do differently now? I'd intentionally build in “rest.” Not as a reward but as part of the preparation. I’ve learned that my creativity and connection with God deepen when I slow down. That looks like a quiet walk, sitting on my back porch, or even a few hours on the golf course. But it was never really about the activity—it was about giving space for my soul to breathe.
A few weeks ago, I was driving to McPherson, Kansas. I saw the gas gauge dipping low but figured I could make it. Then, just outside of town, I ran out of gas—dead stop. I had to call someone for help. As I sat there waiting, I started laughing because I’ve lived this moment before—not just on the road, but in ministry.
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into Easter weekend on fumes? How often did I quietly whisper to God, "Lord, if You’ll just get me through this one… I’ll rest better next year. I’ll prepare differently next time. Just anoint me again—help me not to fall flat.”
We’ve all been there—bargaining with God while praying for another wave of grace to cover the exhaustion. But that’s not the life He called us to. Jesus didn’t rise from the grave for us to live burned out. He rose to give us life—full, abundant, and whole.
This Easter, I invite you to reflect—not just on the resurrection story we proclaim—but on how that story is shaping your life right now. Make room to rest. Let your tank be filled. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you… and He’s not asking you to earn His help. He’s just asking you to make room for it.
“Corrie ten Boom once said that if the devil can’t make you sin, he’ll make you busy. There’s truth in that. Both sin and busyness have the exact same effect—they cut off your connection to God, to other people, and even to your own soul.”
― John Mark Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern WorldAnd while we’re at it—pastor, be you this Easter.
Don’t try to preach like the latest trending voice or craft your message to impress social media. Don’t sacrifice a Sunday—especially this Sunday—trying to be someone you’re not. God called you. He entrusted you with that pulpit, that congregation, that community.
There is power in authenticity. Your people aren’t looking for perfection; they’re looking for something real. And the Spirit moves through the real. So take a deep breath, release the pressure, and lead from who God has made you to be. Your resurrection story is enough because He is enough.
And while you lean into being you, don’t forget to celebrate someone else. Find another pastor or leader—maybe someone in Kansas that you know—and celebrate what God is doing in their ministry. Text them, pray for them, and cheer them on. It’s incredible how joy multiplies when we give it away. Celebrating others breaks comparisons and builds the Kingdom. You don’t have to carry the weight of Easter alone—we’re in this together.
Scripture Reflection
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." – Matthew 11:28
“In Your presence is abundant joy; at Your right hand are eternal pleasures." – Psalm 16:1
A Prayer
Lord, thank You for the joy of Easter—the celebration and the invitation to live in resurrection. Forgive me for the times I’ve run on empty, believing You’d only meet me if I pushed harder. Help me receive Your rest, joy, and Spirit—not as a reward, but as a gift. Amen.
-NLS
The SUMMIT
FORMERLY KNOWN AS NETWORK COUNCIL
THIS EXPERIENCE IS INTENTIONALLY CURATED FOR
YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY
NEXTGEN KIDS: INFANT - 6TH GRADE
NEXTgEN YOUTH: 6TH-12TH GRADE (new!!!)
ADULTS OF ALL GENERATIONS
Called Conference
this event is for any person (11th grade-adult) who feels called to vocational or Marketplace ministry and is looking for next steps.
WIMB Recap
This year’s Women in Ministry Breakaway was a beautiful time of connection, encouragement, and renewal as women from across Kansas came together to lean into the theme: Power, Love, and Sound Mind. Each day focused on a different aspect of this powerful Scripture, creating space for the Holy Spirit to move and speak.
Thursday was all about Power — stewarding our power and faith through intentional effort. It is our responsibility to "guard the good deposit." We were reminded that His strength equips us to walk boldly in our calling and we must tend to the ground we’ve been entrusted with.
Friday shifted our hearts to Love — fanning into flame a passion for God’s Word, prayer, and being about the Father’s business. Women from our Kansas network shared their quiet time methods and the importance of intercession. In the evening, we were reminded to keep our hearts fixed on our First Love.
Finally, Saturday brought the focus to Sound Mind — embracing God’s peace, knowing He has already provided what we need, He can be trusted, and our inheritance is secure in Him. Throughout the weekend, we worshiped, laughed, pressed in, and learned to quiet the noise.
As we left this Breakaway, our hearts were lighter, our faith was strengthened, and a deeper sense of unity was woven among us. WIMB always offers a powerful reminder that we are never alone in this journey of ministry. I am so thankful to walk alongside this amazing group of Kansas women in ministry leadership!
PK Retreat Recap
This year we had 76 students in attendance. We also had 18 adult leaders, five of whom were from Nelson University.
That evening was a full schedule of group activities, dinner, camp clue, prizes, and free time. We had the student union open, which was run by Erica Lewis. She was able to give snacks and drinks to each PK and help run the student union. During free time that evening students could play carpet ball table, gaga ball, four square, dodgeball or pickleball.
Friday was another busy day with students participating in our third annual amazing race, free time, and group games. That evening at service we had Trevor Jones come and lead worship. Superintendent Pastor Nathan Sheridan shared a word from the Lord to the PKs. The Lord moved in worship and our prayer time following Pastor Nathan‘s sermon.
On our final day, we started out with donuts from Donut Palace. We had cabin clean-up, games, and one final service where the seniors came up and shared their testimony and advice to other PKs.
World Missions Update
The Importance of World Missions: Spreading the Gospel to the Nations
World missions have been a cornerstone of Christianity since Jesus gave the Great Commission: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). It has also been the cornerstone for the Assemblies of God since its inception in 1914 in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
The call to take the gospel to every corner of the earth is not just for a select few but for every believer.
World missions is essential for the Church and for the fulfillment of God’s divine plan. Here are a few things that are accomplished through World Missions.
1. Fulfilling the Great Commission
Jesus’ final command to His disciples was to go into all the world and preach the gospel. This is not an option but a mandate for believers. Every Christian has a role to play—whether in going, sending, praying, or supporting those on the mission field.
2. God’s Heart for the Nations
From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals God's desire for all people to know Him. In Revelation 7:9, we see a vision of heaven where people from every nation, tribe, and language worship before the throne. Missions aligns with God’s heart by ensuring that no group is left without access to the Good News of salvation.
3. Reaching the Unreached
There are still thousands of people groups who have never heard of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Over 3 billion people remain unreached with the Gospel. AG World missions focuses on reaching these people groups, translating the Bible, planting churches, and equipping local believers to spread the message.
4. Meeting Physical and Spiritual Needs
Missionary work often includes education, healthcare, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief. By meeting physical needs, missionaries demonstrate Christ’s love in action, opening doors for the Gospel. This holistic approach mirrors Jesus’ ministry, where He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and preached salvation.
5. A Call for Every Believer
Not everyone is called to move to a foreign country, but everyone is called to be involved in missions. Churches can participate through prayer, financial support, short-term mission trips, and partnerships with missionaries. Even in our daily lives, we can share the Gospel with those from different cultures and backgrounds.
AG World Missions is vital because it fulfills God’s command, reveals His love for all nations, and brings transformation to both individuals and cultures. The assignment is not yet finished, and the Church must remain committed to reaching every people group with the Gospel. As we participate in world missions, we play a part in God’s eternal plan, bringing light to the darkest corners of the earth and advancing His Kingdom.
Sent—Your Sons and Daughters, Assemblies of God World Missions' 2025 theme, celebrates this legacy. The stories of global workers who were called to missions and nurtured by their church families reverberate across Church history. Through AGWM, your sons and daughters are sent to the world.
Click here for Annual Theme Materials.
Click here for 2025 Resource Catalog
Click here to download Annual Theme Graphic Package.
Thank you for all you are doing to advance the Kingdom of God through World Missions. You are making an eternal impact!
Blessings,
Andy Parks
AGK World Missions Director
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2024 MiSSIONS GIVING
STL- $187,418.69
BGMC- $127,241.36
Threads- $9,557.25
Light for the Lost- $4,034.71
+MORE ARTICLES
NEXTgen Recap
NextGen Retreat was an amazing time of connection and refreshment! Youth, kids, and young adult pastors from across the state came together to play games, fellowship, and gain valuable resources. There was a red carpet night to celebrate our NextGen leaders, fun activities for connection between leaders, meaningful times of worship, and wonderful times of connecting together in the Word. We heard from our Superintendent Nathan Sheridan, National KidMin Director Kelly Presson, and Pastor Jarred Smith, and enjoyed "Five Minutes of Fire" offered by various youth and kids pastors around the state.
Easter Resource
Easter brings a sense of joy and renewal. He is risen—and that changes everything! To make the most of this season, churches are called to create experiences that draw us closer to Christ and to one another.
Thoughtfully planned Easter programs for church help bring people together, creating opportunities for reflection and community engagement. From sunrise services to Easter dinner outreach, this season invites us to celebrate, serve, and share the hope of Jesus’ resurrection.
As one of the highest-attended Sundays for many congregations, having well-planned Easter service ideas is essential. Looking for family-friendly activities, crafty projects, or modern engagement strategies? This list of 21 Easter program ideas will help your church engage your congregation and share the Good News of salvation with your community this season!
Woven Tour
The “LOCALLY WOVEN Tour” is a free event for any woman in Kansas to attend - any woman in ministry leadership and any woman in the churches or communities to whom you minister. We pray that each woman who attends will leave a little (or a lot) more encouraged, equipped, and empowered to link arms with others. Whether across the globe or down the street, in our homes or corporate workplaces, quietly in the back or up front on a stage, we are all women ministering to women.
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This tour provides space for women to be woven together, not just at an event that occurs once a year but locally and throughout the year. LOCALLY WOVEN facilitates excellent opportunities for women to get to know other women and churches in the same area and hopefully continue that connection all year long. WOVEN Women's Ministries desires to help serve the local church as they minister to women, and this tour also provides a more direct line of contact between WOVEN and women on the local level to do just that.
Join us at the location near you for this intentionally comfortable and casual time to be LOCALLY WOVEN together!
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NORTHEAST - April 1 - Paola @ Cross Point Church
SOUTHEAST - April 8 - Oswego @ Oswego AG
CENTRAL - April 15 - Hutchinson @ Hope Church
SOUTHWEST - April 28 - Hugoton @ Hugoton AG
NORTHWEST - April 29 - Tribune @ Tribune AG
KIDS CAMP 1
Date: June 1-4
RSVP price: $20 per student
Early Price: $170 until april 14
Standard Price: $190 until may 5
speaker: Jamie Walton
KIDS CAMP 2
Date: June 4-7
RSVP price: $20 per student
Early Price: $170 UNtil april 14
Standard Price: $190 until may 5
speaker: Liz Hoffman
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YOUTH
CAMP 1
Date: June 9-13
RSVP price: $20 per student
Early Price: $220 until april 14
Standard Price: $240 until may 5
speaker: Justin smith
YOUTH
CAMP 2
Date: June 16-20
RSVP price: $20 per student
Early Price: $220 UNtil april 14
Standard Price: $240 until may 5
speaker: nii abrahams
YOUTH
CAMP 3
Date: June 23-27
RSVP price: $20 per student
Early Price: $220 until april 14
Standard Price: $240 until may 5
speaker: Yoyo Garcia
+MORE ARTICLES
round table
The AGK Ministry Network is honored to invite you to a special Leadership
Roundtable with Pastor Gerald Brooks - pastor, author, and global leadership
mentor. This gathering is open to all who desire to grow in wisdom, sharpen
their leadership, and produce lasting impact. Pastor Brooks brings practical insight that has empowered leaders around the world.
Space is limited — RSVP today! We look forward to seeing you there!
JBQ & TBQ recap
JBQ Recap
JBQ had a great season this year! We had 16 teams competing, with multiple teams getting the opportunity to advance to South Central Regionals in San Antonio, Texas, and one team advancing automatically to nationals in Naperville, Illinois. We are so excited for all the students who are learning what the Bible says and hiding God's Word in their heart. We are so thankful for all the coaches and officials who help make that happen through JBQ!
TBQ Recap
TBQ had a great pilot program covering four chapters of Acts. Next year, they hope to expand the number of teams as they study selected chapters from the books of Galatians, Ephesians, and Philippians. For more information, contact the AGK Ministry Network office.
Reynolds Law Group Resource
Church business meetings don’t have to be contentious or a source of dread for pastors.
We’ve created a free 4-part video series and guide designed to help pastors lead business meetings with confidence, clarity, and effectiveness.
In this series, Glenn S. Reynolds, DMin, JD, shares key strategies to ensure church business meetings are:
Legally Sound
Strategically prepared
Logistically smooth
Spiritually aligned
This resource is built for pastors, board members, and church leaders to navigate annual business meetings, and board of directors meetings with less stress and greater impact.
