blast
THE AGK BLAST
THE AGK BLAST
September‘25 EDITION
The AGK Office will be closed September 1st in observance of Labor Day
Devo with
Pastor nathan
Adjusting Our Glasses
“If you can see the invisible, you can do the impossible.”
That phrase has been echoing in my heart lately. And I believe it carries prophetic weight for us as leaders in the Kansas Ministry Network. If we’re going to lead well in this season, we need more than well-crafted vision statements—we need Spirit-empowered eyesight.
We need eyes that see past the surface.
Eyes that recognize the sons and daughters standing right in front of us.
Eyes that believe God still does the impossible when His people choose to see by faith.
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Dr. Ed Stetzer once shared a story that, while humorous, also holds a deep truth. After preaching a sermon online, he received a thoughtful email from a viewer—not critiquing his theology but pointing out that he had adjusted his glasses 74 times in 36 minutes.
Not exactly the kind of feedback most of us are looking for, right? But it was true. His glasses were slipping constantly, and it subtly distracted from the message. So, he made a change—he bought a product called “Nerdwax” to help his glasses stay in place.
It seems small, but here’s the takeaway:
Sometimes, our lenses need adjusting—because what we see impacts how we lead. -
This truth became real for me recently—not in the pulpit, but at home.
Ministry had kept me busy—too busy. I had missed dinners, rides to church, and meaningful daily moments with our kids. My wife, Amber, who faithfully carries the weight of solo-parenting many days, gently encouraged me:
“Take them out for ice cream. Have breakfast. Go on a walk. Just reconnect.”
So I did. Nothing elaborate. Just presence. And something shifted.
Each of our kids responded differently—but each responded positively. Their attitudes in homeschool changed. Their interactions with Amber improved. It wasn’t about the activity—it was about being seen.
That moment reminded me of a leadership principle that’s easy to forget:
Time with people changes how they respond to you.
This applies not just to our families, but to our teams, our congregations, our students, and the people God places in our care. When they feel seen, they flourish. When they feel ignored, they pull away.
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To my fellow pastors, missionaries, and leaders across AGK—can I ask you to pause and reflect?
Who have you stopped really seeing?
Where has your schedule blurred your vision?
Are you still seeing the people God placed in your life through fresh, Spirit-led eyes—or just getting through the list?
We’re in a season where supernatural clarity is not optional—it’s essential. God is calling us to adjust our glasses and lead with prophetic insight, deep compassion, and Spirit-filled attentiveness.
This isn’t about better planning. It’s about returning to the heart of our calling:
To disciple the sons and daughters God has entrusted to us.
There’s a powerful moment in Genesis 16 that captures the heart of God as clearly as anywhere in Scripture.
Hagar—a mistreated servant, rejected and alone in the wilderness—encounters the Lord. And she becomes the first person in the Bible to give God a name:
“She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.’”
—Genesis 16:13 (NIV)El Roi — The God Who Sees Me.
It’s personal: Not just “God sees the world,” but God sees me.
It’s from the margins: Hagar was not part of the covenant family—yet she was seen.
It’s intimate: God’s vision is not distant oversight—there is involvement.
We serve El Roi—and He’s calling us to see others the way He does.
This Fall Is Prime Time
As we prepare for the fall season, remember: this is prime time for families to connect. In my experience, before someone commits to a church, they’re often hoping to connect with someone—to be noticed, welcomed, and seen.
The Bible is full of stories of those who were seen:
· Hagar was seen.
· Rahab was seen.
· Joshua was seen.
· Gideon was seen.
· Mary was seen.
· Nathaniel was seen
· Saul (Paul) was seen.
You are seen.
But here’s the deeper question:
Are you seeing the people God sees—and are you seeing them the way He does?
That phrase again:
“If you can see the invisible, you can do the impossible.”
It’s not just poetic—it’s biblical.
Hebrews 11 tells us the heroes of faith “saw” promises they hadn’t yet received.
Moses endured “as seeing Him who is invisible.”
Jesus looked at fishermen and saw apostles.
The Holy Spirit looks at your current limitations and sees future breakthroughs.
Can you see what God sees?
Can you see the overlooked teen in your youth group and recognize a future pastor?
Can you see a move of God in the small town where you’ve been faithfully laboring?
Can you see world changers in your own children, if you’ll make the time to invest?
Let me offer simple ways to sharpen your perspective in this season:
Consider taking a class through AGKSOM (the AGK School of Ministry). Whether you’re preparing for credentialing or want to grow as a disciple and leader, AGKSOM is a great tool to help you see more clearly.
Ask a trusted leader to coach or mentor you.
Sometimes we need someone to lovingly point out when our glasses are slipping. Don’t lead alone. Growth happens best in relationship.
Let’s be leaders who adjust our glasses—literally and spiritually.
Let’s slow down enough to see again.
Let’s be willing to change our schedule if it means restoring connection.
Let’s lead with clarity that calls out the unseen promises in those around us.
You’re not just leading programs.
You’re raising sons and daughters.
And if you can see the invisible in them…
God will empower you to do the impossible through them.
“Where there is no vision, the people perish…” (Proverbs 29:18, KJV)
So, let’s adjust our vision.
Let’s see with the Spirit.
And let’s never stop calling out the unseen potential in those God has placed right in front of us.
Supt. Nathan L Sheridan
honduras Recap
At 3:30AM on Saturday July 19th, fifteen students and four adults gathered at the Wichita airport to fly to Honduras for a life-changing mission trip with Jenni and Kelly Conrady. This team was led by T.R. Stewart and Jenna Tuck and represented eleven churches across Kansas.
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…where most of the team participated in the teen class after an exuberant worship service. This class gave all the students a chance to see that though they lived in different places, they faced many of the same struggles and challenges.
After service was dismissed, the team gathered for pizza and orientation before changing clothes to go to the AG campground. At camp, they moved all the mattresses from three cabins and spent the remainder of the time learning an evangelistic skit and the actions to some children’s songs.
Monday through Thursday consisted of mornings of painting cabins and bunk beds at the camp and afternoons of children’s ministry. The completion of the painting was a high priority because a Missionette group was going to be at camp one day after the team was set to be finished. In the afternoons, Jenni and Kelly took the team to four different sites to present the children’s program. Two of the sites were locations of their feeding centers and two were at partner churches. The programs started with time to play, jump rope, paint faces, and make balloon animals. Once all the games were put away, the team sang and danced with the children, played some group games, and then put on a skit that shared the importance of following Jesus. Jenna Tuck prepared a message that was translated by a friend of the Conradys. All children were invited to put their faith in Jesus. After hearing the message a couple of times, Emily Young asked if she could present the message at the last two programs. She did an amazing job as she stepped out in faith.
On Friday, the team enjoyed a free day of island hopping, beach combing, swimming, snorkeling, and lunch on the island of Chachahuates. The day ended with souvenir shopping and a traditional Honduran dinner.
Each day of this trip brought new challenges, from adjusting to a different culture and climate, to finding creative ways to communicate and lead. Yet, the team grew closer—not only to one another but also to God—as they leaned on Him for strength and guidance. Working with the Conradys gave the students a glimpse into long-term mission work and helped them see how their week of service fit into a larger picture of what God is doing through Hola Hope in Honduras.
On Saturday, the team left with more than just paint-stained clothes and tired bodies. They carried home stories of transformation, both in the lives they touched and in their own hearts. The trip was a vivid reminder that serving others, even in small ways, can have an eternal impact.
“The mission field isn’t just overseas—it’s over your back fence.”
U.S. Missions is focused strategically on bringing the hope of Jesus to various relational, ethnic, cultural, and needs groups in the United States. The seven core ministries of U.S. Missions are Adult and Teen Challenge, Chaplaincy Ministries, Chi Alpha Campus Ministries, Church Mobilization, Intercultural Ministries, Gospel Outreach, and Youth Alive.
Jesus said in Matthew 9:37–38:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
On our college campuses, the harvest is ready—and through Chi Alpha, God is sending workers who speak the language of this generation.
A Chi Alpha missionary noticed there was one empty chair at their weekly Bible study. They prayed over that chair each week, asking God to fill it with a student who needed Him. One night, a freshman named Alex walked in, clearly nervous. He had grown up without church, felt out of place, and was considering dropping out of school. The group welcomed him, the missionary asked his name, and someone said, “That’s your seat—we’ve been saving it for you.” Over the next few weeks, Alex heard the Gospel for the first time, experienced genuine friendship, and gave his life to Christ. Now, he’s not only still in school—he’s leading worship for that same Bible study.
The harvest on our campuses is not someday—it’s now. Through US Missions and Chi Alpha, students are meeting Jesus in the most pivotal season of their lives.
When you support US Missions here in Kansas, you’re reaching the future leaders, pastors, missionaries, and influencers of our nation—right now, while they are most open to the Gospel.
Let me share what God is doing on a brand-new campus through Chi Alpha this year.
Samuel and Natalie Kinnin are brand new nationally appointed Chi Alpha Campus Missionaries to Fort Hays State University. They are currently itinerating and preparing to pioneer this amazing and much-needed mission. Samuel has also started his Chi Alpha Lead Director training, which is a year-long process that will prepare him for the upcoming assignment at Fort Hays State.
They have also received their updated budget from Springfield and need to raise an extra $3,000 in monthly support before they can launch Chi Alpha on campus. The Kinnins have begun reaching out to churches and pastors here in the AGK and are prepared to share the mission, vision, and heart behind Chi Alpha at Fort Hays State.
The goal is to have the budget completely raised by the summer of 2026. With that goal, they can officially launch Chi Alpha for the 2026-2027 school year.
Will you pray for Samuel and Natalie as they begin this process? Will you also pray about your role in supporting Chi Alpha at Fort Hays State University?
For more information, please contact:
I am excited to see what God will do through Chi Alpha and all of US Missions in the AGK. Let’s continue to fulfill the vision of US Missions: Seek, Save, Send.
Pastor Marc Cauthon
AGK US Mission Director
Evangel AG, Wichita
See you At the Pole
Wednesday, September 24
Why is See You at the Pole important for the students of Kansas?
See You at the Pole (SYATP) is more than a symbolic gathering—it's a statement of faith, unity, and spiritual boldness for students across Kansas. In a state marked by both rural resilience and urban need, SYATP gives our students a shared moment to publicly align themselves with Christ, pray for their schools, and declare that God is at the center of their campus, community, and calling.
If prayer is paramount, if we pray first, if we go to God in prayer for every situation, then SYATP is an incredible opportunity to let our faith and focus be shared and seen by Kansas. If the goal really is to make Kansas the most difficult place on earth to go to hell from, then we MUST make prayer a top priority!
In 2025, with our emphasis on CALLING, LEGACY, and the Great Commission, SYATP is an opportunity for a strategic spiritual launchpad—not just a moment, but a mobilizing event.
It allows students to:
Demonstrate spiritual ownership of their campus.
Visibly respond to the call of God in front of peers.
Partner with a generation committed to revival, generosity, and gospel urgency.
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To maximize the moment, we must prepare like revival depends on it.
Here are a few ideas:
1. Pray Ahead of Time
Launch 21 Days of Prayer leading up to SYATP.
Equip students with prayer guides focused on schools, friends, administrators, and spiritual awakening.
2. Empower Student Leaders
Host pre-SYATP training sessions (in-person or online).
Equip them with Invite Kits, scripts, and permission tools to promote SYATP boldly.
3. Partner with Local Churches + Youth Ministries
Unify youth pastors across cities to support their students at school.
Create SYATP after-parties or rallies on Sept 25 (evening) to build on the momentum.
4. Promote the Moment Strategically
Use countdown graphics, testimonies, and short videos of past years to stir vision.
Ask local influencers to share invites and testimonies.
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A clear WHY – Students need to know SYATP is not just tradition—it’s their moment to lead.
Visible leadership – One bold student can influence dozens. We must identify and encourage “point people” on every campus.
Adult reinforcement – Parents, pastors, and teachers who believe in the moment and pray with students before school starts.
Follow-up opportunities – What happens after the flagpole? Give them a pathway to keep praying, evangelizing, and discipling.
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Every public middle and high school in Kansas covered in prayer.
Record student participation and first-time salvations.
District-wide and city-wide youth unity— not silos, but churches linking arms.
Post-pole youth service where students are baptized, commissioned, and sent.
“Woven” Women’s Conference
Date: October 3-4, 2025
Location: Evangel Assembly of God, Wichita, KS
Cost: Early Registration - $70 through September 10th
Full Registration- $90 as of September 11th
conference Speakers:
Event Host: Heidi Robidou
WOVEN Women’s Ministries Coordinator
Speaker: Stacie Cathcart
North Texas Women’s Director
Kid Con is a weekend of fun for kids (1st-6th grade) to experience Jesus and to understand that they are never too young to talk with God! Kids will have an opportunity to be discipled in a deeper understanding of what it means to pray, hear from God, and respond to Him. You will not want to miss our speaker, Julie Pratt, the Assemblies of God Children’s Ministries Director of Discipleship, who will teach us more about the power of prayer.
Registration (Until September 30): $70
Registration at the door: $80
One Day to Feed the World is our partnership with Convoy of Hope’s campaign that transforms lives. When everyone commits to giving one day’s salary, we harness power of equal sacrifice instead of focusing on equal giving. when you give through Convoy of Hope, poverty and hunger are replaced by hope and love. Mark your calendars for One Day to Feed the World happening November 23, 2025.
stl/bgmc highlight
Next Gen is working hard to support these three groups: Foster Care / World Serve / Chris and Sarah Geeseka, Church Mobilization.
Youth Camp raised $19,666.46 for the Geeseka's.
Kids Camp raised over $6,000 for World Serve and Foster Care
We still have a LONG way to go for Foster Care and World Serve!
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Presbyter book review
God Has a Name
by John Mark Comer
John Mark Comer’s God Has a Name is one of those books that carries both theological and personal truths. At its core, the book is built around a single passage—Exodus 34:6–7—where God describes Himself to Moses. Comer argues that this moment is foundational because it’s the most quoted passage in the Bible… by the Bible. In other words, if we want to know who God really is, we should start where God reveals His own character.
Comer approaches this topic with great simplicity: instead of offering abstract ideas about God, he goes phrase by phrase through the text—“Yahweh, Yahweh, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin…”—and unpacks what each trait means, not only in the Hebrew context but also in our lives today.
What struck me most while reading is how Comer continually brings God down from the realm of vague “theology” into the space of relationship. He reminds us that God is not just an abstract concept, but a being with a name, a personality, and a track record of consistent faithfulness. He’s not the God we often imagine—harsh, distant, or unpredictable—but the God who describes Himself as gracious and compassionate, who is patient with our failures, who overflows with loyal love.
For me, the most transformative part of this book was realizing how much my own life is shaped by my functional view of God. If I secretly imagine God as disappointed, I’ll live from a place of guilt. If I see Him as angry, I’ll live in fear. But if I trust His own words—that He is compassionate, gracious, patient, faithful, and forgiving—then my life begins to take on a different tone: more restful, more hopeful, more secure. Comer puts it this way: what comes into your mind when you think about God is the most important thing about you, because it shapes everything else.
The book isn’t without its challenges. Comer wrestles with the tension between God’s mercy and His justice, especially the harder parts of Exodus 34:6–7, where God talks about “not leaving the guilty unpunished.” He doesn’t offer easy answers, but he invites readers to sit in that complexity rather than ignore it. I appreciated that honesty—it felt more real than a neat, packaged solution.
Why it matters today: In a cultural moment where God is often misunderstood, caricatured, or ignored altogether, God Has a Name is a timely reminder that the starting point for faith is not our opinions about God but God’s own self-revelation. It’s a call to re-examine the lens through which we view Him, and in doing so, to reshape the lens through which we view ourselves, others, and the world.
God Has a Name is not just a book about God—it’s an invitation to know Him personally and truthfully. Comer manages to make theology accessible without watering it down, and he challenges readers to align their image of God with who God says He is. For me, it was a book that re-centered my faith on the character of God, and it left me both humbled and hopeful.
It’s not a book you read quickly and move on from—it’s one to sit with, to wrestle with, and to let reshape your imagination of God. And in that way, it feels less like a book about God and more like a conversation with Him.
Pastor Anthony Navaratnam
Lead Pastor
FLAG Church, Pittsburg
Wheat STate Volunteer Opportunities
Wheat State now have an easy way for anyone to see what opportunities are available for you to sign up and help serve on our team! There are also options to coordinate work teams or projects. Looking ahead, we have opportunities throughout the year for those who believe in the ministry of Wheat State to serve alongside our staff as we help guests get away and get alone with God. What happens at camp, changes the world!
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