| Reference Letters |
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Responses from ministers attending the recent Minister's Renewal Summit:
Brother,
I've now heard back from each of the other 2 who were in my group Friday night. It turns out that all 3 of us confessed our failings to our churches today and called for their prayers. As a result, in 2 of the churches 5 others (4 here, and an elder's wife in the other church) were moved to make similar confessions.
In addition, each one of us has followed through thus far on the specific things he committed to the others to do upon returning home. As for me, I've had more heart-to-heart talks with fellow Christians (including 2 of my elders) than I've had in a very long time. It has been real today for me like it has not been for some time.
That the Summit experiences changed me, I already knew. I just wanted you to have a glimpse of the kind of ripple effect the Summit is having. I'm praying that the same is true in every church represented there (and even in some which weren't - we had a visiting preacher with us today who seemed touched by our service). God was powerfully at work!!
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Dear Archie,
"I've been to the mountain top." AND, I'm already looking forward to going again. This weekend was a blessing for me and the other brethren of our church, although they are unaware at the present.
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Hi Archie,
I have a difficult time coming up with the right words to express what took place during the past few days. I guess I expected another "ho hum" type get together with a lot of "party line" and "rah rah rah" but was very pleasantly surprised. I can say without reservation that it was one of the very few really productive times I have invested my time in. Grace and Peace.
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I really hated to leave such a great experience. I really couldn't adequately express what I'd like to say to you even if I wrote several pages. Suffice it to say that I can't imagine any way that the Summit could have been any better for me or that it could have come at any better time for me. Perfect is a word I'd reserve for God alone, but this got pretty close - perhaps because he was so clearly in it. Brother, thank you again! And again! I'm sure there were many headaches involved with this thing, but what you and the Lord put together did this one preacher a world of good. For that, I'm indebted to you and to him.
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Archie!!
First, thanks for the incredible weekend. Simply incredible. This past weekend is exactly what I needed...God's presence was truly with us. Thank you for your support, inspiration, and encouragent.
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At the risk of sounding trite, but meaning every word in every sense of the word, this week-end was a "Mountaintop Experience". Thanks to all of you for a truly uplifting time. From the well prepared sessions, to the extremely well led worship times; from the wonderfully expressed prayers to the location and its amenities, it could not have been better. I'm looking forward to next year.
Reference Letter to Another Congregation reagrding the "Strategies for Renewal" retreat:
Wow, where do I start. We just came off one of the best weeks our congregation has ever experienced. Archie is a true tool for the Lord. We had reviewed numerous men who lead such retreats and felt Archie was the right one for us. After this weekend, I would never consider anyone else. Our sessions went way beyond strategic planning, but back to the heart of what our church should be. The 16 men who participated broke down alot of barriers, refocused our personal efforts and walked away from the retreat unified and energized. Archie has a way of presenting the gospel and God's intent for the church that is right on the mark, but done in love and humility. Over the last three days we have come to love Archie and how he has touched the hearts of our entire congregation. We have a number of e-mails flying back and forth between those who participated this past weekend, all excited about our renewal and all wanting to make sure we keep things moving. You should expect to hear some things that might be tough to swallow, and you will walk away with a new appreciation for prayer. One area we should have focused on more in preparation for the retreat was in prayer. Every member should be focusing in prayer on being open minded, and asking God to work in their hearts. Archie will tell you that it is not him, but God who changes us, and did we ever experience it. I wish you good luck and hope that your weekend is as uplifting and satisfying as ours was.
Ministry Leader/Strategic Planning Retreat Coordinator
Comments from others who have participated in retreats and seminars:
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Archie,
What a booster shot! I have never seen a set of leaders moved in such a powerful way. When God moves, He moves. The prayer times were the highlight of the weekend without a doubt. Unbelievable. The Lord is definitely working in you. You have helped us do in a weekend what we couldn't do in the last two years! One of the spiritual gifts should be a facilitator because you have helped to facilitate the movement of the Spirit in our lives. I cannot say "thank you" enough.
Worship Leader
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Archie,
I am positive that God sent you to us! My guess is we'll look back to this weekend to date the beginning of the real growth at our church. I am excited about renewal in our church. May the Lord bless your ministry and allow you to do for many other congregations what you are doing for us.
Senior Minister
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Archie,
Thank you for letting God work through you. We were and will continue to be so blessed!
Minister's wife
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Archie,
Thank you for what you have brought to this body in the past two days. I didn't know what to expect when I got here. I have been thru so many "planning" seminars/workshops in my professional life that I didn't know how it would fly here. But you have injected such a strong spiritual aspect and have pricked my heart with some things you have said. I thank you for that. I appreciate the work you are doing for the Lord's church. Thank for helping me this weekend.
Ministry Leader
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 Archie,
Sometimes it takes an outside view to see what is so obvious. I pray that through our weaknesses God will be made strong.
Deacon
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Archie,
Again I want to say thanks for a terrific retreat. I really believe it will be a great Milestone in the history of this church. You have really brought a blessing of leadership, inspiration and spirituality to our leadership team. I feel so positive already about the outcome of this weekend. My prayer is that we all follow through. The Lord has blessed us with your skills.
Pulpit Minister
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Archie,
You were an anvil in God's hands to work on our hearts. His power was evident in awesome ways. With expectation and renewal we eagerly look forward to the challenges and opportunities He has for us.
Elder's wife
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Archie,
Thank you so much for helping us to have a truly life and soul-changing weekend.
Member
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Archie,
What can I say? God has obviously blessed you with a great talent for blessing people, congregations and leaders. I appreciate your love of God and His Word and your passion for helping us understand the nature of the church. Your zeal for empowering leaders and helping congregations envision how they can do God's work is awesome. You are extremely valuable to us and I thank God that He has brought you to us. I hope we can work together in the future.
Elder/Physician
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Archie,
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I praise God for you and pray for your health, peace and I'm looking forward to eternity with you and our Lord.
Ministry Leader
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Archie,
You have restored my joy of being an elder. You have given me hope to carry on. May God continue to bless you and your family. Enjoy life. Be blessed. Grace and peace be yours.
Elder/Educator
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Archie,
I personally appreciate the fine job you have done with the planning seminar this weekend. Our congregation has needed this kind of insight and direction for some time and I truly believe that every man here is excited about what God can do if we will only ask His guidance. Your focus on prayer is absolutely the correct and proper way to seek God's will for our body. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and experiences with us and may God bless your ministry.
Ministry Leader/Planning Coordinator
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Archie,
Wow! Praise God for the change in our leaders this weekend. Thank you for all that you have done. may God bless you in your ministry.
Youth Minister
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Archie,
I want to thank you for three great days. This was a new experience for me and one I will never forget. I am thankful for men like you and for your labor and love in the Kingdom. Thank you, Thank you for what you've done for our congregation.
Ministry Leader
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Archie
I am glad to hear that you are not only continuing the church planning work, but that you are expanding the program and making it available to other congregations
As stewards of the Lord's church it is our responsibility to keep it on the cutting edge of societal evolution. The good news never changes, God's word is like an immovable stone in shifting sand but the church must meet the challenges of the 21st Century with every method and tool available. Just as we don't want to ride into the new millennium on a horse and buggy, we don't want to carry the message of Christ into the year two thousand with antiquated methodology. A changing world requires a new approach, and I believe Strategies For Renewal offers just what we need.
After working closely with you I can say unequivocally that I have never worked with or even heard of a person I believe to be more qualified to direct this program. Your zeal to save the lost, your ability to preach and teach, and your analytical mind suits this work perfectly. May the Lord bless you in this work.
Senior Outreach Minister
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Archie,
You have had a profound influence on me and on our body this weekend. You've opened my eyes and have given us a much needed kick in the pants. I'm so thankful for your ministry and the service you offer to the Lord.
Pulpit Minister
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Archie,
Thank you for taking the time out to help us reach the goal of heaven. Thank you for helping me refocus my heart.
Ministry Leader
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Archie,
Thank you for sharing your vision and love for the body of Christ. Your presentation was great.
Deacon/Worship Leader
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Archie,
Thank you. We could not have done this without your guidance.Your gift for blending planning with God's will is excellent.
Elder
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Archie,
We couldn't have done it without your expertise. Thanks for sharing your love for church leadership with us.
Minister
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Archie,
A revolutionary for God's glory and Jesus' body! Thank you brother for challenging us to tap into the power of prayer and trusting God for results. I appreciate how you are being used in the King's service to awaken His soldiers for the battle over souls.
Deacon
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Archie,
This has been a great seminar. I appreciate the way you have challenged us, stretched our minds, challenged our comfort levels. I have been enriched by your faith and shamed by your loving confrontation. I appreciate your staying with the Book and the challenge and know-how to plan.
Elder
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Archie,
Thank you for the inspiration you supplied to our elders.
Church Secretary
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Archie,
Thank you very much for your passion, help and clear focus. This weekend has clarified so much for me as a youth minister. I've read so much on Purpose, Vision and Programming and never knew how to get from great ideas to effective programs that touches lives. I'm literally giddy with anticipation waiting to see how powerfully God is going to work and move at our church. Archie, I have a Vision of Youth Ministry that Listens to God, Functions Within the Congregation and Grows Christian Young People that Stay Faithful and Moldable to God. I believe this process is one of the keys to doing that!
Youth Minister
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Archie,
I was deeply concerned about this weekend. You did an outstanding job and I shall give thanks for you everyday. I pray our relationship grows and continues long. Your new friend.
Elder/Financial Planner
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Archie,
I thank you for your ministry. I pray you will be able to give a clear vision to many.
Elder (full-time)
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Archie,
Thanks again for your love for church planning. You have really helped us as leaders.
Pulpit Minister
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Archie,
I really appreciate the sincere nature that you have nurtured this group into a new way of thinking and seeing ourselves as the body of Christ. Thank you. Love you.
Elder
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