Christian Evangelistic Mission

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Christian Evangelistic Mission

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Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith.
-Acts 14:22

Since 1957, CEM has been starting new churches and supporting existing churches in Iowa and the surrounding region. We offer a church planting residency program, an annual conference for church leaders, and a variety of other resources designed with you in mind. Church Plants---> CEM facilitates new church planting by partnering with existing churches around our region. From assessment, training, to project management, CEM helps planters prepare for the successful launch of a new church. Church Health--->CEM invests in church health by offering an in-person process that helps church leaders develop and implement a renewed church vision and the strategic goals to meet that vision. CEM-hosted conferences, podcasts, and resources are also purposed for church health. Leadership Resources--->CEM connects ministry leaders with development opportunities, especially geared for those in small-to-mid-size churches. Whether it is mentoring, coaching, or networking in small groups, CEM is the touchpoint to connect leaders with the resources they need. Send us a message to see how we can help you and your church grow.

10/12/2026

Join us for our next gathering of Iowa Church Leaders! Register at cemchurches.org/events by Wednesday, Oct 28th.

Location: Pathway Church at 6523 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, Iowa.

08/31/2026

Only TWO weeks away until our September 14th event! Register for CEM's Church Leaders Gathering at cemchurches.org/events

08/18/2026

We had a great group of 14 preachers join us for Camp Exposit, CEM’s Sermon Collaboration Camp, hosted by Central Iowa Bible Camp! It was a great opportunity to get away, dig into Scripture, collaborate on upcoming sermons, share ideas, and encourage one another in ministry. We’re grateful for Central Iowa Bible Camp’s hospitality and for everyone who supports the mission of CEM. Your support of CEM is a continued investment in strengthening pastors, leaders, and churches throughout Iowa!

08/05/2026

🎙️ New Iowa Church Leaders Podcast Episode

If you're serving in ministry here in Iowa, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.

In the latest episode of the Iowa Church Leaders Podcast, Jerry Harris, Publisher of The Christian Standard and former Lead Pastor of The Crossing Church in Quincy, Illinois, joins host Tom Steele for a thoughtful conversation about the future of the Restoration Movement.

Drawing on decades of ministry experience, Jerry shares insights on the changing landscape of the church, reflects on the movement's rich heritage, and offers hope for the opportunities God has placed before us. It's an encouraging discussion that will challenge and inspire pastors, elders, staff members, and ministry leaders to lead with faithfulness, wisdom, and a renewed vision for making disciples of King Jesus.

You'll also have the opportunity to hear Jerry in person at the next CEM Gathering on Monday, September 14! Join church leaders from across Iowa for a day of encouragement, connection, and practical ministry conversations.

🎧 Listen to the podcast and learn more about the September 14 Gathering here:
https://www.cemchurches.org/podcast

If this conversation encourages you, please share it with other church leaders who would benefit. We look forward to seeing many of you at the CEM Gathering in September!

08/05/2026

Mark your calendars for September 14, 2026! Register at cemchurches.org/events

08/03/2026

📣 It’s that time again, preachers!
Registration is now open for our annual Preaching Collab. Start preparing now so you’ll be ready to roll in 2027!
Bring a sermon series and a Christmas series to share, and come ready to learn from one another, sharpen your preaching, and leave with fresh ideas for the year ahead. It also looks like we’ll be able to enjoy our annual kayaking adventure again this year!
If you have any questions, just let me know. And to all of our Preaching Collab alumni—help us out in the comments! Share why this event has been so valuable to you and why other preachers should join us.
https://www.centraliowabiblecamp.org/about-7

03/25/2026

𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀—𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲’𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂!

We’re gathering Restoration Movement church leaders from across Iowa on 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭𝟲, and we don’t want anyone to miss it!

Join us at 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁 for a powerful luncheon with 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿, President of Ozark Christian College, as he leads a conversation on:
“Calling the Next Gen: Partnering with God to Recruit Kingdom Leaders.”

✔️ 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
✔️ BBQ lunch included – $15
✔️ Bring your spouse, elders, staff, or ministry team
✔️ Register by April 8
👉 Register here: cemchurches.org/events

👥If you know a pastor, elder, or ministry leader—tag them so they don’t miss this.

03/06/2026

Calling All Restoration Movement Church Leaders – Join Us April 16

You’re invited to our next Restoration Movement Church Leaders Gathering on Thursday, April 16, hosted at Rising Sun Church of Christ in Pleasant Hill, Iowa.

This special lunch gathering will feature Ozark Christian College President Matt Proctor, who will help lead an important conversation on “Calling the Next Gen: Partnering with God to Recruit Kingdom Leaders” and training the next generation for ministry. Together we’ll explore how our churches can intentionally raise up and send out future leaders for the Kingdom.

This would be a great event to attend with your spouse, staff, elders, or other church leaders.

We’ll also be enjoying a delicious BBQ meal together, so please take a few minutes to register and help us prepare for your attendance.

Details:
📅 Thursday, April 16
📍 Rising Sun Church of Christ – Pleasant Hill, Iowa
⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
💲 $15 per person (includes lunch)

We’d love to have you join us for this encouraging time of connection, learning, and partnership as we invest in the next generation of Kingdom leaders.

Register today and plan to join us!

https://www.cemchurches.org/events

03/04/2026

🏛️Restoration Movement Church Day at the State Capitol 🏛️
📅 Wednesday, March 11 | 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
⏳ Just ONE WEEK away!

Church leaders, we are nearing an incredible opportunity to gather at the Iowa State Capitol through the Church Ambassador Network. This is our chance to pray together, represent our churches well, and personally meet with the state representatives from our districts.

We’ll begin the morning at Calvary Chapel Church near the Capitol for coffee and orientation. Each group will be assigned a guide to walk us through the process and help facilitate meetings at the Capitol. After our time at the Capitol, we’ll return to Calvary Chapel for lunch and fellowship.

🌾 Traveling from the coasts or corners of Iowa?
The Church Ambassador Network is providing housing the night before—just reach out to Tom Steele and he'll send you the details.

This is more than a visit—it’s an opportunity for Restoration Movement churches across Iowa to stand together and bring the Kingdom to Des Moines.

👉 If you haven’t committed yet, now is the time.
Message Tom Steele for details and let us know you’re coming!

01/26/2026

Hey, ladies in ministry! There is now a Facebook group for women who have an impact in ministry within Restoration Movement churches across Iowa & Nebraska. This includes pastors' wives, volunteer leadership, and paid staff alike. The group is meant for networking, encouragement, and support with occasional get-togethers thrown in there, too. If you know of someone from these states who would benefit from the group, please share this link with them: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1HCqjmQ5Me/

Address

PO Box 182
Indianola, IA
50125

Website

http://www.cemchurches.org/

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