A Community-Wide Answer to Prayer

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.  I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds. Your ways, God, are holy.  What god is as great as our God?”  Psalm 77:11-13

THE EARLY DAYS | DECADES OF PRAYER + FRIENDSHIP

Local pastors & leaders have gathered to pray together for more than 25 years.  Their gatherings have taken many forms, but their humble consistency laid the groundwork for a greater work of unity & community transformation.  We call it a “Gospel Movement.“         

Years ago they established a healthy tradition - one that pastors & leaders still honor today.  Every January they retreat together to the Oregon Coast for three days of worship, prayer and fellowship.  The Pastors’ & Leaders’ Prayer Summit started with ten pastors, grew to twenty, and then expanded to women & other ministry leaders.  Now nearly 50 leaders attend the summit annually.  The trust & relationships God created through the Prayer Summit led to the friendships that carry collaborations forward today.

PASTORS PRAYER SUMMIT 2014

On the last night of the summit in 2014, leaders took a rather unprecedented step together.  Typically, they use those hours to pray for our community.  This time, the facilitators sensed something different. They invited the pastors, with all their different practices & theologies, to simply listen to see if the Lord had anything to share with them.  

After their time of silence, they regrouped and shared what God had spoken.  Two major themes emerged: prayer and proclamation of the gospel.  Two different people believed the Lord highlighted Colossians 4:2-6.

COLOSSIANS 4: CHURCHES PRAY TOWARD EASTER 2014

It was clear something unique happened that evening.  When was the last time so many unified, God-appointed, spiritual leaders listened to Him together?  True to His nature, He spoke. True to His Word, He gave wisdom. And they resolved to be faithful with what He shared.