Back at the end of October Earl Mills, director for our Great Lakes Region (GRC) churches, hosted a series of gatherings across the Conference for Pastor Appreciation Month and to gather information for the region’s strategic planning process. Basically each event consisted of eating breakfast or dinner, sharing ministry highlights and prayer concerns, and talking about the strengths and needs in the Conference and its churches. Earl planned to use the information gathered at a planning retreat to be held in November. He’s been working with the local churches to create a conference-wide ministry plan. I was able to make three of the five meetings to share what’s happening across the Churches of God, General Conference (CGGC). Some were held in restaurants, but the best food was served up by Earl’s wife Kim who hosted several of the breakfasts at their home. She prepared good old fashioned farmer’s food in abundance: eggs, sausages, bacon, pancakes, toast, oatmeal, fresh fruit, juice, milk, coffee, and more. I want to know why Earl doesn’t weigh 300 lbs, and how Kim stays so trim. |
In mid-November I visited our CrossPoint Church. Bill and Candice Shoemaker began this congregation in 1998, and over the years it’s met in several locations. Currently they meet in a renovated storefront setting at 2019 Broad Avenue in Findlay, Ohio. Jim and Angela Klausing serve as the pastoral team leading the church with the assistance of elders Julie Calvin, Pete Male, Carla Nichols, Dan Routzon, and Ed Wymer. The ministry of the church is built around three imperatives: Live passionately, Inspire hope, and Point to Christ. |
This question provided a good start point for my message from Acts 16 where the Macedonian man begs Paul and his ministry team to “Come and Help Us!” Using that plea as my title and theme I talked with the church about three things: 1) Praying for God’s vision on where to share the Gospel, 2) Going where He directs, and 3) Being sensitive to the opportunities He provides. In every community, whether in Bangladesh or America, there are many, many people who need and want the Gospel of Jesus to transform their lives and bring hope. They are simply waiting for someone to come and share the “good news” with them. I called upon the congregation to become personally involved in reaching the Findlay community and beyond for Jesus Christ. I asked them to seriously consider becoming involved in our Hear the Call endeavor to start new churches worldwide. |
Yesterday evening I attended the GRC Christmas dinner held in Findlay. As at any such CGGC event there was good fellowship, excellent food, and great fun. I want to affirm Earl and Kim Mills along with Jan Kaukonen, GRC’s administrative assistant, for the spirit of hospitality and appreciation they share with the pastoral families in the region. It really makes the conference feel more like an extended family than a corporate enterprise. It’s nice to know and be known in ministry on a first name basis. I’ve noticed this familial connection elsewhere in the CGGC, but I also know sometimes there are those who feel isolated or alone in ministry. All of us need to encourage and support one another more until no such feelings exist among our churches and leaders. Let use this Christmas season to make all feel welcome, especially our partners in ministry. Try sending a card or giving a greeting to someone who isn’t in your usual circle of contacts. |
Ed
Soli Deo Gloria!
P.S.--The first edition of the Happenings at WTS-Scotland newsletter is now available online. Also, those in the Scotland area, join us for the second annual "Christmas at the Chapel" celebration on the WTS-Scotland campus.
Operation Christmas Child Shoebox List
Winebrenner Seminary Update
On Wednesday, December 3 the Winebrenner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees accepted the timeline for Dr. Draper’s transition as President of the Seminary. This is a result of Dr. Draper’s desire and his personal request. It is not a reflection of any negative action by the board. Dr. Draper will continue in his current role until January 1, 2016.
A search committee has been formed and initial meetings held to start the process. I am serving as the chairperson, with Dr. Joel Cocklin as the faculty and staff representative, along with Pastor Art Battle, Dr. Christine Florendo, and Richard Longsderff. Any questions or concerns may be addressed to me at the address below.
Below you will see the official announcement for the search to be posted to the Seminary website, CGGC website, and used for various advertisements in theological publications/magazines. Additional information pertinent to the search will be posted on the websites as the process moves forward.
We are grateful for Dr. Draper’s leadership and faithfulness to the Seminary community’s mission and core values. We covet your prayers for the Seminary’s search committee and for Dr. Draper as we move through the stages of this transition.
Blessings always,
Ed
Winebrenner Theological Seminary, Findlay, Ohio is seeking a President. Candidates should have an earned doctorate; organizational leadership and managerial skills; demonstrated ability to understand, articulate, and carry out fiscal, academic, and institutional responsibilities; a welcoming and affirming spirit for a broad range of theological perspectives while maintaining an evangelical position; an understanding of governance within theological education; the ability to communicate and network with a variety of constituencies; and the ability to support the school’s mission, vision, core values and basic beliefs. Details will be posted at http://www.winebrenner.edu, and curriculum vitae may be sent to:
Winebrenner Theological Seminary Presidential Transition
Edward L. Rosenberry, Search Committee Chair
700 East Melrose Avenue
P.O. Box 926
Findlay, Ohio 45839
OR
[email protected]
Search for New CGGC Executive Director in Progress
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.
For more information regarding values, beliefs and history of the CGGC you may visit http://www.cggc.org/about/ online. Please direct all inquiries pertaining to the Executive Director position to the e-mail addresses above and not to the CGGC offices.
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