by Tom Dickelman
The Center for Innovative Ministry is pleased to announce the release of “Tom and Edwin’s Excellent Adventures,” an online video series that captures the conversations and experiences of two pastors during a four-day, 1,600-mile road trip to research starting a new church.
The video series was the idea of McCormick graduate (’83, ’91) Tom Dickelman, the founder of the Center for Innovative Ministry. “Rev. Edwin Estevez was named the Center’s first ‘Innovation Scholar,’ and following a two-year residency at 4th Presbyterian Church in Chicago he spent 10 weeks working at the Community Church of Lake Forest & Lake Bluff – an independent church I founded 16 years ago,” Dickelman said. “We decided during the 10-week period we should check out the Wilmington area first-hand to assess community needs and determine the right opportunities to start a new worshiping community.”
Dickelman, Estevez and Community Church Minister of Music Ken Hall placed a GoPro camera on the dashboard of Dickelman’s pickup truck and recorded their conversations, which ranged from demographics and marketing to strategies for making the challenging life of ministry enjoyable. “Frankly, our conversations focused on the sorts of things that are essential to new church start-ups – but that you don’t necessarily learn in seminary,” Dickelman said. “Our hope is that others who are beginning new worshiping communities or churches will find the videos to be informative and enjoyable.”
“Tom and Edwin’s Excellent Adventure” totals 41 episodes, with two new episodes being released each week. www.centerforinnovativeministry.com/videos/
For more info: Tom Dickelman, (847) 224-6226, tom@dickelman.com
