blast
THE AGK BLAST
THE AGK BLAST
September ‘26 EDITION
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Devo with
Pastor nathan
Pressed
Whether at home and in the office, I seem constantly surrounded. NeeDoh squishies—soft, stretchy toys that my daughter, Natalie, loves … different sizes, colors, and shapes—are everywhere.
Last week, while at the Kansas State Fair, someone bought Natalie another one. This one was different, though. It wasn’t the name brand, and it didn’t respond the same way. When squeezed, it didn’t return to its original shape. It showed the visible marks left by the pressure.
That difference got me thinking.
Ministry has a way of squeezing us. Paul understood that: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair… struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8–9, NIV
I first fell in love with this chapter in college because I was required to memorize it. Honestly, that 22-year-old didn’t understand the depth of these words, and I’m still learning them.
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He was pressed.
He was perplexed.
He was struck down.
The key is found in the words, “but not.”
But not crushed.
But not in despair.
But not destroyed.
Pressure is real, but it does not get the final word.
There are incredible joys in ministry: people saved, churches strengthened, prayers answered, and lives transformed. Yet never without pressure.
People disappoint us. We disappoint people. Plans change. Relationships shift. Discipleship investments don’t always bear fruit. Ministry involves burdens few people know about.
And then there’s just life — raising a family, kids making decisions about their future, aging parents (not talking about mine, in case they read this), finances, vehicles, taxes, and retirement. Sometimes, we are simply exhausted.
Scripture doesn’t shame us for acknowledging weariness. Paul writes: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NIV
Biblical resilience isn’t pretending nothing affects us. Resilience says: What I have walked through may have affected me, but by the grace of God, it will not define me, destroy me, or keep me from continuing faithfully.
At some point in every calling, bravery has to become resilience. Bravery says, “I’ll step out.” Resilience says, “I’ll keep going.” But resilience doesn’t always mean pushing harder. Sometimes it looks like rest and renewal.
Isaiah says: “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31.
Some seasons we soar. Some seasons we run. And sometimes, faithfulness simply looks like continuing to walk. We do not rest because we have abandoned the assignment. We rest so God can renew us for it.
In his book Dangerous Calling, Paul David Tripp asks an important question: What is happening in me while ministry is happening through me? Pressure can expose fear, self-reliance, control, insecurity, or isolation. Yet it can also make us increasingly aware of our dependence on Jesus.
That is why rhythms matter: prayer, Scripture, rest, relationships, reflection, and healthy boundaries. If you’re not sure where to start, try setting aside a consistent daily time—even just a few minutes each morning—to be quiet with God in prayer or read a brief passage of Scripture. Consider a weekly check-in with a trusted friend or mentor to share some of the challenges you’re dealing with or maybe just to vent.
Small, faithful steps like these can help us stay grounded. Practice what my friend Dr. Darryl Wootton calls the “Two-beat rhythm”: before you respond to a comment, an email, a request, or a moment of tension - pause for two beats. Inhale. Exhale.
AGK family, don’t let a hard season become your permanent address. Remember, you’re not alone—we are here for each other. If you are feeling pressed or weary, reach out to someone you trust or offer encouragement to someone else. Let’s carry one another’s burdens and walk through this together. You can reach out to our Network office, your presbytery, or me. My cell is 417-825-0159.
Allow the Lord to renew you. Stay close to Jesus. Do the next right thing. Keep moving faithfully. We are in this together.
Paul’s words remain the goal: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7, NIV
Pressure does not determine your final shape. Resilience helps us stay faithful.
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What is pressure producing in me right now?
Where do I need Jesus' renewing work?
What healthy rhythm do I need to strengthen in this season?
Kid Con is a weekend of fun for kids (1st-6th grade) to experience Jesus and to understand that they were made with a purpose! Kids will have an opportunity to be discipled in a deeper understanding of what it means to say yes when God says "Go", wherever that might take them. You will not want to miss our speaker, David Alexieff, the national BGMC Director, as he encourages our students to hear from God and "Go!" Register now!
October 2-3
WHEN:
WHERE:
Wheat State Retreat Center
WHO:
1st-6th grade
2026 NextGen Camp Recap
What an incredible summer we had at AGK NextGen Camps! This summer, we watched students from across Kansas come together for unforgettable weeks filled with fun, laughter, worship, and life-changing encounters with God! Across every camp, students had the opportunity to step away from the distractions of everyday life and grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus. Students responded to the presence of God, made decisions to follow Jesus, experienced spiritual growth, and were challenged to live out their faith beyond the campgrounds.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible pastors, leaders, volunteers, speakers, worship teams, and staff who gave their time and energy to invest in the next generation. Thank you to every church and every leader who helped make this summer possible!
We believe camp is more than just a week of fun. It is an opportunity for students to encounter God, build lasting relationships, discover their purpose, and be empowered to make a difference in their schools, churches, communities, and world.
We are so grateful for all God did this summer, and we can't wait to see how the seeds planted at camp continue to grow in the lives of kids and students across Kansas.
Here's to an incredible summer of NextGen Camps and all that God has ahead for the next generation!
Pastor Appreciation- An Article for church boards
Pastor Appreciation Month is upon us. As a full-time pastor, I understand that it can be uncomfortable to lead your board and congregation to wholehearted participation in this important event.
Imagine walking onto your platform this Sunday and saying, “Today’s sermon is titled, 'Why You Should Honor and Bless Me.’” If that thought doesn’t make you cringe, we need to talk. :)
So allow me to speak on your behalf. As Assistant Superintendent, I am asking every lead pastor in the AGK to share this article with your board. Let them know I insisted that they read it!
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Honoring and blessing the men and women who shepherd your flock is instructed in Scripture. Repeatedly.
Consider the following verses. All emphases are mine.
1 Timothy 5:17 ESV
Let the elders who rule well be considered WORTHY OF DOUBLE HONOR, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.Galatians 6:6 ESV
Let the one who is taught the word SHARE ALL GOOD THINGS with the one who teaches.1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ESV
We ask you, brothers, to RESPECT those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to ESTEEM THEM VERY HIGHLY IN LOVE because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.Hebrews 13:17 ESV
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. LET THEM DO THIS WITH JOY and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. -
Look at that last Scripture again from Hebrews.
Hebrews 13:17b ESV
…Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.The flip side of this statement is that it IS advantageous to your church to help your pastor serve happily. The following is just a small sampling of the benefits for your church when your pastor serves with joy:
- A pastor who serves with joy will lead with vision and passion.
- A pastor who serves with joy will preach sermons oozing with hope and life.
- A pastor who serves with joy will catalyze a culture of joy for your congregation.
- A pastor who serves with joy will receive strength from the Lord to persevere through the hardships of pastoring (Nehemiah 8:10).
That last benefit is REAL and leads to the final reason your church should honor and bless your pastor.
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Pastoring is demanding, complex, and emotionally challenging work. The expectation is often for professional-level performance without professional-level compensation or benefits.
Your pastor is expected to be an effective counselor, preacher, leader, and financier. In smaller church settings (the majority of our AGK churches), he or she functions as CEO, CFO, and COO simultaneously.
No wonder a Hartford Institute for Religion Research survey (Fall 2023) found that over 40% of clergy have seriously considered leaving their congregation since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. More than half have even considered quitting the ministry altogether.
Recently, I went to bed exhausted from the heavy responsibilities of pastoring. My body, mind, and emotions needed rest. My instinct was to turn my phone to silent mode for the night, but then I remembered several situations within my congregation that might need my support during the night. I made sure my ringer was on and set at maximum volume.
That is a small and simple example of the weight that comes with pastoring.
Please hear my heart, I am not organizing a pity party with this article. The calling of God into pastoral ministry comes at a high cost, but also brings amazing benefits straight from Heaven.
It just so happens that one of those benefits flows through the love, support, and encouragement of the congregation each pastor serves. I hope you are eager to cooperate fully with that design! If so, here are some ideas that may inspire you as you seek to show deep appreciation for your pastors.
Why Every Church Should Honor and Bless Their Pastors
(At least once a year)
Ideas for Showing Appreciation to Your Pastors.
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This is the bare minimum I am asking you to do. Even if your church is able to pay a generous salary, a love offering in October can be a huge blessing to your pastor as Christmas and other end-of-the-year expenses approach.
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Sometimes, pastors need to hear that their efforts are appreciated and bearing fruit. Cards from congregation members expressing specific testimonies of gratitude can breathe life into a weary minister’s soul.
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Mark 6:31 ESV
And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. -
This could be especially meaningful if you have only given a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for a while. A COLA raise should be the minimum you aim for.
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Pastors’ kids often face pressures and expectations that are unfair. Individual gifts for each of them can communicate that their church loves them. Even if they don’t always behave perfectly. ;)
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Rest is not just practical — it is a biblical principle woven into Creation itself. Just as Jesus called His disciples to come away and rest, a scheduled sabbatical provides the renewal a pastor’s soul needs. By investing in your pastor’s long-term health, you will promote strong, Spirit-filled leadership that will bless the congregation for years to come.
Whether your church has a long record of pouring on the honor and blessing during Pastor Appreciation month or you are just getting started, don’t let this year’s opportunity pass you by.
Bless, encourage, and honor your pastors and their families. By doing so, you will strengthen them and your church. Imagine the pleasure of Jesus when we show intentional love to His called shepherds! To that Chief Shepherd be the glory this month and forever!
Assistant Superintendent
Pastor Ryan Wheeler
Living Word Assembly, Chanute, KS
women’s conference
Hey sis! You and I both know our day-to-day lives can be so demanding. Sometimes we just need to give ourselves permission to get away and be refreshed.
The AGK Women’s Conference is your opportunity to do just that! October 9th-10th, women from all over Kansas are gathering in Wichita to worship, laugh, get sound, biblical teaching… and simply be reminded that you are a real person with a real God who wants you to bring your real needs to Him.
I know you're busy, but would you freshly consider joining me at this year's women's conference? The theme is "As in Heaven." As we gather, my prayer is that you'll leave with greater clarity about your life in Christ, deeper confidence in your authority as His child, and gain fresh courage to carry His presence wherever you go.
Your Kansas sis,
Grace Wheeler
WHEN:
October 9-10
WHERE:
Evangel AG | Wichita, KS
Doctoral Project
Dear pastor/XA staff,
Do you want to see Christian young adults thrive and not just survive during life transitions after college? Join with like-minded leaders in the Kansas and Oklahoma networks to unite our discipleship strengths and help our young adult brothers and sisters develop their identity, community, and purpose as a child of God.
I invite local church pastors, Chi Alpha staff, and Chi Alpha student leader alumni, to participate in my upcoming doctoral research study, “Young Adult Discipleship 101.” Together, participants will listen to each other’s perspectives, learn from each other’s expertise, and collaborate on a young adult disciple action plan for local churches.
Regardless of your church’s size or whether you have an existing young adult ministry, I pray that hearing each other’s perspectives through this study will strengthen your sense of unity in the shared mission of discipling young adult brothers and sisters in Christ.
If you are interested in participating in just the survey or both the survey and workshop, click the following link to sign up.
For any questions, please email me at crystal@agkansas.com.
Blessings!
Rev. Crystal Cauthon
Kansas Chi Alpha District Director
Spiritual Growth Pastor, Evangel Assembly of God
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· Round 1, twenty-minute online survey available from September 28-October 3
· Aggregate results emailed October 5 for participants to view
· Round 2, five-minute online survey available from October 12-17
· Aggregate results emailed October 19 for participants to view
· Optional follow-up workshop (for survey participants only) on October 24 from 10 am- 3 pm in Wichita, Kansas. Participants will rank the survey results by importance and urgency, share discipleship resources, and collaborate to create a custom discipleship plan for young adults in local churches.
Aim Recap
Led by Terry and Michelle Turner and Bryan Parker, a team of 13 Kansas teenagers partnered with missionaries Mike and Sonja Trei for a week of ministry in Iquitos, Peru. Traveling by boat along the Amazon River, the team reached local villages and served through school presentations, door-to-door evangelism, lively sports competitions, and nightly services.
Each evening featured worship sung in Spanish followed by testimonies and short sermons, all led by the students. Every student shared at least once, and for some it was the first time they had ever given their testimony publicly. Students also led prayer at the altars after every service. The response in the villages was incredible. The team was warmly received, and the gospel clearly went forth. God used these students in powerful ways in Peru.
One memorable evening of karaoke and pizza brought laughter and rest amid the full schedule. Upon returning home, the team was grateful for the opportunity to serve and for the memories that will last for eternity. Special thanks to everyone who prayed and gave financially to make this trip possible.
YTH CON is a weekend designed to engage, encourage, and equip Kansas students and leaders. Each service will challenge us to become true followers of Jesus. And don't forget about the fun connection with friends during our late-night activities! This is a time to step away from the ordinary, encounter God in a fresh way, and be challenged to live boldly for Him. You are not going to want to miss YTH CON this year! Register now!
WHEN:
November 6-7
WHERE:
Bethel Life Center | Wichita, KS
Center for Holy Lands Studies
March 2027 | 11 Days
What if you could open your Bible… and walk into the story?
In March 2027, I would love for you to join Dr. Kent Duncan and me for an unforgettable 11-day biblical journey through Israel with the Center for Holy Lands Studies.
We will visit places like the Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Caesarea, Magdala, the Jordan River, Beersheba, Wadi Qelt, Ein Avdat, and more.
Why it matters: The Bible reads differently after you have stood where it happened.
This is more than sightseeing. It is an opportunity to deepen your faith, better understand Scripture, and experience the land of the Bible alongside friends from across the AGK Ministry Network.
If you have ever wanted to visit Israel, this may be the time.
Come walk the land.
Come experience the Bible.
Come with us.
-Supt. Nathan L. Sheridan
AGk Itinerating missionaries
US Missionaries
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Kansas RV Volunteers and Church Teams
Website | faithfulgeesekas.com
Email | faithfulgeesekas@gmail.com
Address| PO Box 212, Rose Hill, KS 67133
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Chi Alpha Fort Hays State University
Email | kinnins.xa@gmail.com
World Missionaries
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Honduras | Returning July 2027
Email | info@holahope.org
Phone number | 620.842.8510
Website | holahope.org
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International Media Ministries | Beginning itineration late fall of 2026
Email | info@imm.edu
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Wales | Begins itineration late fall 2026
Website | elliottsjourney.com
Email | elliottsjourney@gmail.com
