Mission North America Strengthens Leadership
Mission North America, a ministry of the Church of God focused on evangelizing the USA and Canada, has added three staff to their leadership team.
Effective at the International General Assembly in Orlando last month, three former state administrative bishops have joined Mission North America (MNA) to advance its mission which identifies the two countries as “last century’s missionaries; this century’s mission field.” It includes various ministries of the Church of God, such as Men and Women of Action, church planting and revitalization, and USA Missions.
MNA is under the executive direction of Dr. J. David Stephens, second assistant general overseer for the Church of God whose portfolio includes the Division of World Evangelization.
Chris Moody has begun his duties as Director of Financial Development for MNA. Formerly the state overseer of Mississippi, Moody will direct fund raising activities for MNA, identifying funding opportunities and cultivating a donor base. According to Stephens, Moody has, “hit the ground running,” already securing a significant gift to the ministry since his appointment.
Assuming the role of Executive Administrator for USA Missions is Les Higgins, a past youth and discipleship director and immediate past administrative bishop for Ohio. Higgins role will be to assist with the direction of the many facets of USA Missions, most notably church planting initiatives. Higgins will work closely with Director of USA Missions Mitchell Maloney.
A final appointment from the General Assembly to Mission North America is Keith Ivester, immediate past state overseer for Florida-Tampa. Ivester has been named to a two-year assignment as Director of Vision 2020-Canada. According to Stephens, Ivester will take this two year period to ascertain what type of leadership is most effective in Canada, including appropriate titles such as superintendent or moderator. He will meet with the Canadian leadership, such as the Canada National Council, and with local congregations to identify the best path forward.
Although Ivester will maintain an office in Cleveland, Stephens said, “he (Ivester) is already in Canada making initial contact with Canadian leaders. We look forward to a substantial report coming back to the Executive Committee, which will chart the course for the role Canada will play in FINISHing the Great Commission.”
