From the beginning of the MIP Leadership Seminar to the benediction of the Commissioning service, the 2017 MIP Commissioning Celebration was filled with the Spirit, joy, and inspiration. Dr. Hill exhorted the MIP candidates to finish their commitment to their calling in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Baker charged the candidates to hold onto their calling through the Word and Spirit. The MIP candidates and supervising pastors were given a commemorative piece of their MIP experience and an motivating book by Dr. Hill.
The Saturday Celebration service attendance was estimated to be over 1,800. Some came from Korea, Germany, Western Canada, and the Bahamas, as well as 35 states in the United States. The large attendance was evident by the many who toured the International Offices, filled the sanctuary at the North Cleveland Church of God, and enjoyed the first ever reception after the Friday evening service.
The Commissioning prayer at the end was a meaningful highlight, as members of the International Executive Committee members, International Office leaders, administrative bishops, state training leaders, and supervising pastors fervently prayed for the candidates to be empowered to finish their commitment to reach the harvest. The whole MIP Commissioning Celebration was a highlight for those who attended, and it was especially a milestone for the MIP candidates as they finished the training program and now move forward in ministry to plant churches, reach unchurched people, and build the kingdom of God.
