by Darrick Matthew Marquez, Oregon MOP

At all levels of ministry, leaders require a team they can empower and entrust, and that is exactly what we’re building here in Oregon District for the Oregon Messengers of Peace.

Building a Team

Upon entering this season of leadership, we found ourselves in need of a district core team to assist us in event planning, behind the scenes, and even in our financial responsibilities. With this need in mind, we stepped into this leadership role to build upon the foundation that all the honorable administrations before us had laid and built. The vision behind creating this core team is not only to delegate our assignments but to raise leaders and disciple them using this strategy.

Being that our district is relatively new – only 25 years old – we’re humbled to say that we are making history by being the first ORMOP federation to establish a structured core administration team. The following are a few teams we have created and empowered to expand God’s kingdom in our district: a Treasury Team, a Worship Lead, a Music Coordinator, a Decor Team, A Media Team, and our team of Choir Directors. To God be all the glory!

We thank God for his grace and favor in this achievement. We are already reaping all of the benefits of this new leadership structure. We believe it will continue to be a great blessing for future generations and will bring great success in hosting our youth events moving forward.

We have the team. Now, what are we going to do?

Building the Vision

Following the vision my team and I established and proposed, with the help of our Bishop, “COMMITTED/UNITED & ALTAR-ED,” our district board approved my team to host five events this year. We are so grateful for this achievement. As this year unfolds, we plan to title every event with the vision of “A Distinguished Altar.”

For example, at our kick-off event, we got to hear our music coordinator give a conference, and we decided to name it, “The Altar of a Musician.” Altars are essential, and the following three points give us an idea of how important they are:

1. It is necessary that the altars remain constructed so the fire of God can continue to descend.
2. It is necessary for us to slaughter what God is asking us to kill on those altars.
3. It is necessary to reconstruct and build greater altars for greater sacrifices the Lord requires of this young generation.

“All direction is from the altar” – T.F Tenney.

An altar is a place of encounter. According to the Hebrew origin, “altar” is translated to “*mizbeah*,” which is defined as the very place of slaughter and sacrifice. An altar is the very place where we can come face to face with the presence of God, the power of God, and the glory of God in all of His glory. Our altars have the ability to spiritually transport us across several unseen dimensions, even to the very throne room of God! There, we find ourselves able to do holy exploits and spiritual wonders for the glory of God.

I genuinely believe it is the will of God for our young people to sacrifice at an altar to God. The altar we create should be diligently built and tended with holy fear. We must do ourselves a favor and create a holy, safe place with God.

My greatest desire for the Oregon Messengers of Peace this year is to be used by God to create resources for our young people to get their hands on and instill in them the importance of building their own personal altar.

At every event and conference, we aim to display unseen altars that stand as witnesses and testaments as to what God can do through someone’s life, to ultimately nurture faith, creativity, and a desire in them to build their own personal altar.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

As the Oregon Messengers of Peace, we are so excited to be a part of what God is doing worldwide, and at every level, whether at the national, district, or local level, we will build together under the direction of the Holy Ghost. AMEN!

In Unity,
Darrick Matthew Marquez
President, Oregon Messengers Of Peace

Dwell & Develop

Empowerment through Teamwork — The article describes the process of building a core team to handle various aspects of the ministry, emphasizing empowerment and leadership development. Reflect on your own experiences in ministry or team settings. How have you seen empowerment and trust within a team impact its effectiveness and growth? What steps can you take to foster a similar environment of empowerment in your own team or ministry context?

Vision and Commitment — With the vision of “COMMITTED/UNITED & ALTAR-ED” guiding the Oregon Messengers of Peace, the group is focused on hosting events that emphasize the significance of personal altars. Consider the visions or goals that guide your own life or ministry. How do these visions shape your actions and priorities? What does it mean to you to be “committed” and “united” in your context, and how can you apply these principles more effectively?

The Role of Altars in Spiritual Life — The article highlights the importance of altars as places of encounter, sacrifice, and transformation with God. Reflect on the concept of personal altars in your spiritual journey. What does the idea of building and maintaining a personal altar mean to you? How can you cultivate a space or practice in your life that allows for deeper encounters with God’s presence, power, and glory?

Legacy and Impact — The leaders of the Oregon Messengers of Peace are conscious of the legacy they are creating for future generations through their structured leadership and the emphasis on building personal altars. Reflect on the legacy you wish to leave in your community or ministry. How can you contribute to a lasting impact that will empower future generations to seek and encounter God in profound ways?

Faith and Hearing the Word of God — The article concludes with a reminder of the biblical principle that faith comes from hearing the Word of God. In your personal life or ministry, how do you prioritize hearing and engaging with God’s Word? Discuss ways you can enhance your engagement with scripture to nurture faith, creativity, and a desire to build your personal relationship with God.

About the Author

Darrick Matthew Marquez  currently serves as the Oregon District MOP President. Originally from Los Angeles, California, Darrick has made Oregon his forever home. “The greenery, the coffee, and the sunsets are to like no other here!” Darrick assists The Bridge Apostolic Church in Portland, OR as a deacon on the road to becoming an ordained minister. He serves the youth along side my colleagues, Secretary Jose Cuaxinque and Treasurer Eli Hernandez.

Connect on Instagram: @oregonmop