Upper Mississippi Valley Network

Just as river valleys channel water, we channel Jesus - the living water. We are a Network of believers offering living water to the Upper Mississippi Valley.

As followers of Jesus, we offer living water to thirsty neighbors through vibrant ministries led by spirit-filled leaders.

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” John 4:10

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:37-38

Christ Centered. We affirm the supremacy of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, who is leading His Church through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. (Colossians 1:17-18)

Gospel Focused. Our work is to preach the Good News of the finished work of Jesus Christ who lived a perfect life, died on the cross, rose from the dead, and is coming again. (1 Corinthians 15:1-8)

Biblically Grounded. The Bible is God’s Special Revelation, inspired by the Holy Spirit, as Absolute Truth, the fully sufficient and infallible Word of God, and our only rule for faith and life as individuals and churches. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Kingdom Minded. Jesus Christ commissioned then sent his followers out into the world to be His ambassadors, to proclaim the Gospel message, and to multiply disciples through word and deed. (Matthew 6:33, 28:18-20)

Intentionally Equipping. We are called by Jesus and led by the Spirit to be Ambassadors and Witnesses, Jesus calls and equips leaders within churches to build up followers of Jesus for ministry. (Ephesians 4:11-13)

Ministry multiplying. We want to start new ministries that bring Jesus - the living water - to the thirsty in our communities. (John 4:10)

Neighbor Loving. Looking out to the world in love, we seek the well-being of our neighbors with bridge-building cultural engagement to offer living water to the thirsty who live in our communities. (Jeremiah 29:7)

Make Healthy Disciples. We will encourage and equip congregations to multiply disciples who follow Jesus in grace and truth. (Matthew 28:18-20)

Strategy: Cluster Coordinators will provide encouragement and oversight while providing training and regular sharing during planned cluster meetings.

Equip Healthy Leaders. We will help congregations identify, encourage, and equip servant leaders who follow the leading of the Spirit. (Matthew 20:25-27).

Strategy: Continue with strong support of Pathways and the Ordination Team as well as establish our Covenant Keepers Team to support congregations facing conflict and in preparation for future assessments.

Multiply Healthy Ministries. We will encourage and equip congregations to intentionally and continually multiply ministries that offer living water to the communities God calls them to reach. (John 7:37-38)

Strategy: Provide support in staff transitions (partnership with Chemistry Staffing), sharing best practices, establish collaborative hub ministries and support and work together with other local congregations.

Grow Healthy Communities. We will encourage and equip ministries to make the neighborhood better for everyone by loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. (Jeremiah 29:7)

Strategy: Increase focus on Outreach and evangelism training and work together as we seek a future in church planting.