MARKcentral(s) 2016

If you’re a long-time reader of this blog, you’d know from previous posts that in my earlier years in ministry, I wasn’t always a big fan of the annual Gospel of Mark manuscript conference, MARKcentral. This has since changed, as I’ve seen the Spirit move in powerful ways in my life and in the lives of students and use these weeks to begin a transforming work! So, when I was asked to co-direct this year’s conference, with my colleague and good friend David, I excitedly agreed.

The directors: David and I sneaking in some admin work during “free time”.

This year MARKcentral had a few new changes. The one that was probably the most challenging logistically, was that we decided to split the Central Field region in two, and had two MARKcentral conferences at two different times and locations. The campuses at each location were decided not based on geography but exam schedules (as it was noticed that campuses that finished exams early in April had a harder time recruiting students to come to a conference during the first week of May). So the first week of MARKcentral was from April 24-30, at our Circle Square Ranch camp in Arden, Ontario. The second week was from May 1-7 at Ontario Pioneer Camp in Port Sydney, Ontario.

The planning for the logistics of these two weeks at two different locations resulted in many late nights and stress headaches. We longed for more consistency between the two weeks, but ran into many unforeseen problems as the weeks began to take shape. But, I can say from this vantage point, each week had its share of great joys and minor problems. David and I were able to innovate some new programming, empower staff to lead and grow in their leadership, and partner well with each other as we led with our combined giftings and skills.

I’ve written posts for each week of MARKcentral, but for photos and videos from both weeks, follow ivcf.markcentral on instagram.