DEACON - CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACKET - Ryan Fields

up in the South and have ministered primarily in an environment where there are (relatively speaking) a lot of Christians and a plethora of churches to choose from. There are many good things that come in that kind of environment. But as I have looked at our country's religious demographics, it is clear to me that there is a much larger need for gospel ministers in places like New England. This is not only because of the relative lack of Christians and gospel-proclaiming churches, but also because of the inordinate influence of this region. As one example, New England has some of the most influential educational institutions in the world, and the Boston area particularly attracts folks from all over the country and from around the world who will come for a time and then head off somewhere else, often becoming leaders in their various fields and institutions. This is a strategic place to do gospel ministry, even though it is a tough place to do gospel ministry. I should also say that part of my calling to New England has come through visiting it time and again in coming to see my wife's family (she grew up in Guilford, CT, her brother's family lives in Watertown, MA, her parents live is southern Vermont, her grandparents live on Cape Cod, and her extended family is all over the region). I have come to enjoy the beauty of the area, and as I have looked in on the culture of ministry there I have often seen a "band of brothers" mentality that is very attractive. We are hoping to move to New England so we can 1. raise our children in the culture and climate that my wife grew up in, 2. be near to parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins, and 3. share the hope of Christ in a dark place where the church can shine all the brighter.

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