b'a new strategic business plan, settle the debateand then elevated the organization to new heights about moving the office to a different location,of influence and ministry.create new member benefits, start a government relations program, and build stronger relationshipsNew perspectives between member ministries and the association. O ne of the first things John did as These are all things I knew I could do, JohnAGRMs new leader was set off on an said. It was just whether or not the membersexploratory trip, visiting numerous would be open to changes, some of which neededmember ministries around the country. He to be done quickly to save the organization.learned that mission staff at the time didnt feelWhile some members understood the needa strong connection to the association. Member for change, others were focused on tradition andrelations became a priority.felt uneasy. But with hard work and diplomacy,Another thing that stood out was that these the estimated 10 years needed to accomplishmissions were known for evangelistic chapel serv-improvements in these 25 significant areas turnedices, but there was so much emphasis on that and into just three years. not as much on holistic care of those coming in, A decade later, after John and his team hadJohn said, adding that around eight of 10 missions accomplished a major turnaround and took theat that time wouldnt offer food to guests until they organization in a new direction, Steve Burger,had attended a service.former executive directorwho had broughtI started making suggestionsnot well-AGRM to a new level in his daypulled Johnreceived at firstthat perhaps we should aside at a Citygate Network conference. stop playing the hell card and start playing the With tears in his eyes, he said, I just cantabundant-life card and see what happens, John believe what youve done with this organization.said. Today, almost all of our missions will feed This is where I knew it could go, we just neededsomeone without that person needing to attend someone like you to show us the way. a chapel service.Steve explained that some on the boardA spoken gospel message is still an important expected John to close down AGRM, hopefullycomponent and a distinguishing mark for a city with dignity, but instead hed breathed life into itmission or a rescue mission, but these days it is \x02 A spoken gospel message is still an important component and a distinguishing mark for a city mission or a rescue mission, but these days it is often done oneonone at dining room tables or in counseling sessions. Leaders have told John that theyve seen positive results: Just as many people are deciding to follow Christ through this new approach as did with the chapelfirst strategy. JULY/AUGUST 2023 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG 11'