Northwest Michigan Jesus Ministry
www.nmjesusministry.org
NMJM Who We Are
Do you remember the “Jesus Video Project”? This unprecedented accomplishment, delivering the greatest story ever told to over 100,000 addresses throughout the Grand Traverse region and covering six counties, was the beginning of the Northwest Michigan Jesus Ministry, (NMJM). NMJM was established in 2002 and in connection with Good News Media, Inc., (GNMI), and radio stations WLJN and WLJW to build on the joyful momentum that began with this wonderful evangelism and disciple making effort. Love, passionate hard work and divine guidance have since guided the Northwest Michigan Jesus Ministry to use doors opened by God in continuing to “proclaim the mystery of Christ.” Col 4:2-6
NMJM Why We Exist
Our primary focus is to be a resource for you and to facilitate and enhance the mobilization and bringing together of the people of God across local church and denominational lines. This targeted, powerful and joyous “synergy” is accomplished by providing training opportunities and coordinated community-wide efforts from a network of disciple makers within the complete body of Christ.
NMJM What We Do
The primary value generated by NMJM relates to its unique position within the regional body of Christ to operate as the “supporting ligament” spoken of in Eph. 4:16.
“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
Whereas local church congregations are typically burdened with the needs for weekly ministry of their people, NMJM focuses on the equipping strategies so necessary to mobilize for discipleship and outreach. In this sense, NMJM acts as an integrated and synergistic extension of a local church format.
The “supporting ligament” concept manifests itself in the following ways: Communications Intersect (Connecting) NMJM clearly provides what most often is a “missing link” or “connection” between a community of Christians.
A web site that is a “hub” of interconnectedness between any church desiring to be a part of the regional church network (currently 30+).
A database of churches that can be reached immediately via email messages. Daily 60 second radio spots (WLJN & WLJW) that range from challenging / inspirational to simple announcements of upcoming events. Periodic radio broadcasts (WLJN & WLJW) such as the “Midday Connection” in the format of panel discussions that are informational and educational.
Training Resource (Learning) Seminars and workshops are available at both central locations and on specific local church sites. There are various formats used to address the multiplied varieties of needs represented by the wide range of churches and individuals in the lower Northwest Michigan area. Seminars emphasize practical applications for achieving a biblical worldview and an evangelistic and disciple making lifestyle. Key topics or areas covered include:
Prayer
Relational Church
Personal Contacts
Intentional Evangelism
Discipleship
Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey
Ladies 12 week study using the book Captivating from Ransomed Heart Ministries
Community Outreach and Events Coordination (Sharing)
Often there is a need to have a central / point organization to sponsor and implement activities which otherwise would not be addressed by individual persons and / or local churches. NMJM provides that cohesive entity, in particular, along with its relationship to WLJN and WLJW radio stations. Examples of this being lived out in an effective and needed fashion are:
National Day of Prayer Breakfast annually
National Day of Prayer Noontime Gathering and Radio Broadcast
Public Forums to address current issues
Hearts Alive & Free Men’s weekend (taken from the ministry Ransomed Heart and the book Wild At Heart)
Band of brothers, men meeting together after experiencing the Hearts Alive & Free Men’s weekend
Ladies Retreat’s addressing the heart of the woman
What We Look Like
We are best described as a body or organism that receives its life from integrating the following three aspects of unity of the New Testament Church:
Vision – Our vision is a picture in scripture from Eph. 4:4-6…, “There is one body and one spirit-just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Mission – Our mission is founded on Eph. 4:16…, “From him the whole body joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and guilds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
Strategic Plan – Our strategic plan is based on the Apostle Paul’s words in Col. 4:2-6…, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
What We Believe
We hold to the same doctrinal statement of our parent organization, GNMI. We encourage the unique distinctiveness of the New Testament Church as seen in different local churches and denominations under the one true headship of the Lord Jesus Christ, (John 17: 20-23 and Eph. 4: 1-16). As a point of clarification, we do not promote or endorse what is now commonly referred to as the “ecumenical movement”. (See the “By-Laws of Good News Media, Inc., Article 4: Doctrinal Statement” for further information.)