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by Katie Childs
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IRM to Become Independent
The school board, after much discussion with IRM director Dennis Fuqua, decided the mission of IRM is not completely congruent with that of the academic institution. "IRM's charge is to help fan a movement," Mr. Fuqua said, "while MBC's charge is to give direction to an organization. How you lead an organization and how you feed a movement are at times diametrically opposed to each other."
Verne Davis, chairman of the board of trustees, said that although both academics and prayer are important to the student, IRM and MBC are two very different spheres; each requires much attention and leadership.
"IRM needs a broader base to grow," Mr. Davis said.
The board also was concerned with the financial weight of IRM.
Multnomah, in the process of adding classes and programs within the college and seminary, has had fewer funds to spend on programs not directly related to its mission.
IRM began in 1989, driven by a question asked by Dr. Joseph Aldrich, Multnomah's former president: "What would it take to see a move of God initiated and sustained in a geographic area?" The goal was to be like the early churches--undivided by denomination, race or generation but united by location.
The founders longed to see unity, humility and spiritual health in the whole church body. This was accomplished by giving church leaders a fresh awareness of God through prayer summits and conferences. This month, IRM will host summits and conferences from Japan to Indiana to California.
Over the past few years, IRM has slowly decentralized to make the split from Multnomah easier. Now each summit or conference is coordinated and facilitated by people from the region in which it is held.
"We are now seeking to take on a mentality of a network as opposed to an organizational ministry," Mr. Fuqua said.
Mr. Fuqua sees IRM expanding to play a role in transforming the Church, a reformation he believes can be every bit as significant as the reformation of the 1500s. Fuqua said, "The thought of having any role in that--of throwing my pebble into that pond--is an amazing thing."
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