The lives touched and changed over the generations is difficult to measure, and the ripple effect even more so. Never large in size, Mt Hope was mighty in ministry. For the final service on Sunday, about 66 showed up for worship, which packed the sanctuary. I began my remarks by teasing the assembly that we’d hold another “final” service next week and thereafter until no one came. Everyone laughed, but in my humor I intended a very serious commentary on supporting one’s local church (Hebrews 10:25). |
Interestingly, the Mt Hope church died once before. After starting in Crane’s school with 21 members, the church erected a “Schoolhouse” bethel dedicating it on July 30 the following summer with thirteen families in attendance. In an 1897 revival meeting, 37 people came to Christ and 23 of them joined the church. Two years later, 9 more came into the fellowship. However, by the late 1920s the community changed and the congregation aged to the point where the congregation disbanded and the meeting house was torn down. |
The celebration last Sunday was like a grand reunion as people who were in some way connected with Mt Hope returned for the last service. I spoke with folks from all over western PA and beyond. Richard and Anna Molgaard, who’ve been providing pastoral care and leading worship since 2013, put together a great finale for the church. The service included testimonials, special music, and was followed with a catered luncheon. |
At Mt Hope I was impressed by several things. First, during the life of this rural congregation its impact has been huge for the Kingdom. Second, the church decided to give its remaining assets to the Church Camp in the Allegheny Region to bless young people in years to come. How wonderful is that! Third, the church had some of the nicest contemporary stained glass windows that will be reused in another ministry. Last and most important, members and friends of Mt Hope told me they intend to join family members who worship in other congregations. It would seem you can size up a tree when it’s cut down, but not so for a church as ministry growth continues beyond the life span of a congregation. There’s hope for Mt Hope! ONe Mission together with you, Ed Soli Deo Gloria! |
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An application, position description and desired attributes of the Executive Director are available on the Churches of God website or by contacting [email protected] or [email protected]. Applications received by December 15, 2014 will be given priority, with a decision to be made, Lord willing, by March 31, 2015.
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Winebrenner Theological Seminary Presidential Transition
Edward L. Rosenberry, Search Committee Chair
700 East Melrose Avenue
P.O. Box 926
Findlay, Ohio 45839
OR
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Train Your Church Leaders
I didn't know how to engage volunteers. I didn't know how to turn the youth into an effective team. I didn't know how to develop young leaders. I was young and available. Luck wasn't enough. I needed training. I wasn't the only one.
I have built a solution for developing leaders in your church. You may want to start with yourself. You may want to train your staff or key volunteers. There are three steps to this solution.
Step # 1: Take our "Foundations in Christian Coaching" class. During January and February of 2015, we are offering it at three different locations (Mattoon, IL, Findlay, OH, and Pittsburgh, PA), AND we are offering this class for the first time online.
Step # 2: Take "A Coach Approach to Christian Leadership" class. This class will be taught in Findlay, OH on March 23-24 (Mon-Tue) by Bill Copper, a seasoned ministry coach and teacher.
Step # 3: Take our Mentor Coaching class and hone your coaching skills to a level of confidence.
These three steps will also make you eligible for the Certificate in Christian Leader Coaching from Coach Approach Ministries.
It is very frustrating to be want to lead for your church and not know how to do it. These three classes will give your leaders confidence and tools to lead your church into the vision God has for it.
Can you imagine how much less frustrated and more effective your church leader could be by May of 2015?
To sign up for any or all of these classes, click here: http://www.coachingclarity.org/become-a-coach/
Because you are with the Churches of God General Conference, use the Promo Code "CGGC" for a 30% discount on any or all classes.
Listen to my interview with author Reggie McNeal, as he speaks about the importance of building a coaching culture in your church: http://www.coachingclarity.org/?p=917
Thanks!
Brian Miller