MERGE HISTORY
The Merge began in 2006 by Pastor Kelly Williams of Vanguard Church with a heart to connect local pastors in unity and friendship. After faithfully leading for 10 years he turned over the leadership to Pastor Thomas Thompson of Pulpit Rock Church in 2016. In January of 2018 Pastor Thomas handed off the leadership role to Pastor Dean Hawk who is the current Merge Director.
About the Merge Director
Dean Hawk is the Founding Pastor of Rock Family Church which began in 2004. Dean is a Mitchell High School graduate and returned to Colorado Springs with his family in 2000. Prior to becoming a lead pastor he served as a youth pastor for 23 years in Dallas and Tulsa. Dean is passionate about building unity among churches and connecting with other pastors in friendship, coaching, and mentoring. Every Sunday members of RFC pray for a different church and pastor in the community during their worship service.
Dean has been married to his wife Kim since 1983 and they have three adult children. He enjoys snow skiing, golf, going to the gym, and taking cruises with his wife.
Our Heart As Leaders:
“Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Philippians 2:2-4 (NLT)
FAQ’S
Who Is The Merge For?
The Merge is for all pastors of every race, denomination, church size, full time, part time, or bi-vocational, who are the senior leader of their church or campus in the greater Colorado Springs community.
What Is The Purpose?
The number one focus is to build and grow friendships as ministry leaders. The Merge provides an atmosphere to get acquainted with other pastors in hopes that it will lead to pastors connecting for coffee or lunch one on one.
How Often Do You Meet?
There will be a Merge event approximately six times per year. This is usually a lunch or breakfast gathering for around 75 minutes.
How Will I Get To Know Other Pastors Through The Merge?
We have set up a Merge database through Planning Center. Once you are a member of the Merge you will have a profile with your contact information and you will have access to reach out to other pastors via their profile. This database is held in strict confidence and is to be used only for Merge fellowship purposes.
Where Do You Meet?
Typically the Merge is hosted at a different church each time we gather.
Are There Any Fees?
There are no dues or fees associated with membership in the Merge. The only expense would be if a Merge gathering was held at a local restaurant and each participant covers their own meal.
Who Typically Comes?
It truly is a mix of pastors from every church size and background. We have church planters who have just launched to some of the pastors from the largest churches in our community all hanging out and fellowshipping together.