Rev. James Parks

For God so loved small towns that He sent His one and only Son… That’s not how John 3:16 reads, of course—but it was the theme of a workshop I attended at the Exponential Conference last month. I went to four workshops, and this one was by far the most encouraging and impactful. The heart of the workshop was simple: God loves small towns, and God longs to reach people in small towns. I’ll admit that when I think about church planting or multiplication, I often focus on population growth. If...

A mission team from the Upper Midwest will be heading to Limpopo, South Africa, from November 6–18, to serve with Blessman International, a ministry that provides food, health care, and spiritual support to children and families. Please join me in praying for the 15 missionaries going to represent Christ and share His love through both word and action. This trip reminds me of the exciting work happening through our newly forming Conference Missions Team. Ten people have already joined, and...

When I ask this question, many people say fall. With cooler weather, changing colors, football, and pumpkin spice, fall has a lot to offer. Others pause and then respond that their favorite season is pheasant season, which doesn’t come until later in October here in Iowa. But I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say their favorite time of year is charge conference season. And yet, that is exactly the season we are entering in the Upper Midwest Conference. Every church is preparing for its...