In his annual Chairman’s address, Bishop Chuck Murphy held up once again the vision of reaching the 130 million un-churched in America, and articulated ways in which the AMiA is growing in this effort. Recalling the story of the Mission, he traced its growth from just a handful of churches five years ago to 87 congregations today, and more in the ‘pipeline’ on the way to full affiliation. “We’re passionate about this vision—it’s the unique thing God has given us to do” asserted Bishop Murphy, “and we must press on and continue this ‘long obedience in the same direction.’”

Murphy also introduced some new faces in the leadership of the mission since the last Winter Conference. Bob Devlin from Pittsburgh is now serving as the Executive Officer of the Mission, helping to give shape to structures that will sustain and grow the Mission over time. The Rev. Paul Briggs came from banking to take over the helm as Chief Operating Officer of the Mission, overseeing day-to-day operations and helping networks to emerge and grow. Mr. Hal Desaussure, Jr. of Ohio has been named to serve as the AMiA’s Chancellor, the legal advisor to the Mission.

“We are like John Wycliffe in his role before the other great reformers, we have been called to be morningstars of a new work of God—a new reformation that is happening around the world,” affirmed Bishop Murphy. He held up the model of celtic mission that transformed the church’s outreach in the British Isles before the establishing of the Roman church there. “They sent out mission teams, planted new communities of worship, and encouraged bishops to be missionary leaders. They were the most effective in transforming communities and bringing people to the Christian faith,” reflected Murphy. “We will discover our future by way of the past.”

The AMiA’s Chairman concluded his address with a challenge to the conference attendees. “God is doing this thing, creating new wineskins. So seek His face, open up and listen….then do what He says.”

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