As a movement, Converge exists to help people meet, know, and follow Jesus. We do this through three essential strategies: starting churches, strengthening churches, and sending people out for kingdom work. But of these three, strengthening the local church is mission-critical and here’s why: without strong, healthy churches, the other two cannot thrive.

As leaders, we long for our churches to be thriving, healthy, and missionally effective. But how do we truly know the health of our congregations? How do we discern strengths and blind spots, opportunities for growth, and areas requiring strategic focus?

As the holiday season fades and we settle into the rhythms of a new year, I’m filled with excitement and hope for what God is doing in the northeast. This is a time of fresh beginnings, renewed vision, and meaningful momentum. Across our region, we see evidence of God’s hand at work through growing partnerships, bold church planting initiatives, and deeper investments in ministry leaders.

As I reflect on the past two months in this role, my heart is full of gratitude—for each of you, for the work God is doing in our region, and for the opportunities ahead.

For those of you still wondering if you should come, the answer is YES! Attending Advance is vital, not only for the valuable training and insights you’ll gain but also for the unity it brings to our mission.