Our Great Lakes Regional Conference met on June 4-5 at Winebrenner Seminary. The meetings began Thursday morning with worship led by the Movement Church praise team. They are the newest congregation in the fellowship, having launched last October. Earl Mills, GRC director, came and introduced the theme “Strength for the Journey” and a video interview with Dick Wilkin, the first administrator of the Churches of God, General Conference (CGGC). Dick shared that change is necessary in the life of every disciple of Jesus and in the Church, no matter how difficult. He recounted his faith journey starting with his conversion and call to ministry when his mother told him she had given him to the Lord. After sixty-three years of service to Christ and the Church he affirmed the importance of finding strength in and through others and that Jesus Christ is Lord. He is the fundamental source of strength. He encouraged everyone to take the long view of the harvest and not become weary in well doing. Press onward to the goal with renewed strength. He closed his comments with prayer. |
After the video, President Arnie Kaufman called the conference to order. New pastors (Eric Ferguson, Lathora Boyd, Kyle Stoker, Devin Dellinger, Joey Boehler, and Mike Martin) were recognized and various appointments made. Movement Church and Wonder Church were recognized and welcomed as new member congregations within the GRC. The conference also elected Terry Steinhauer the new vice president, Jereme Bear and Tina Swain to the executive board, Pam Jenkins to the nominating committee, and 20 persons to serve as delegates to the 2016 General Conference meeting. Other business included a review of minutes, budget approval, and reports from the University of Findlay, CGGC pensions, Otyokwah Camp, the GRC Foundation, and several GRC commissions which concluded the morning session. |
After lunch and a time of worship Eric Ferguson, lead pastor and church planter at Movement, came and spoke to this question: How can my church mean the most for Jesus and the kingdom of God? Using Philippians 3:7-8 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, he talked about leaving behind everything that boxes us in and keeps us from achieving all God has for us. Tim Eding came next and reported on new churches. Dave Draper also updated the conference on happenings at Winebrenner Seminary. The latter part of the afternoon was devoted to five break-out gatherings. Subjects offered included Clarity for the Journey, Human Trafficking, Legal Issues Facing the Church, Coaching Change, and Church Multiplication. At the conclusion of the workshops the conference enjoyed dinner together in the WTS Auditorium. |
The evening featured a program of recognition for Don Dennison, Dave Draper, and me. The three of us are transitioning in ministry. Don will step down from directing CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries and move into a supporting role. Dave will retire as WTS president later this year, and I’m returning to PA later this month. Since Lance Finley will begin serving as the new CGGC Executive Director on July 1st he came to share his vision for the General Conference going forward. After Lance spoke, the GRC interviewed Pastor Dave and Deb Carpenter regarding their new congregation, Wonder Ministries. Following the service the conference held a reception for all those recognized. |
Friday morning opened with an ordinance service incorporating Feetwashing and the Lord’s Supper led by Pastors Art Battle, Bob Fall, John Hagerman, and Jim Wilder. Matt Ginter took time to recognize Dennis Jones and Travis Perry for 25 years of service as well as Dave Green for 40 years. Matt also gave the report of the Pastoral Leadership Commission and led the conference in conferring annual licenses. David Odegard was also approved by the conference for life ordination. The General Conference reported next. I opened by thanking the GRC for their ministry and prayer support these past eight years and encouraged them to stay on mission with Jesus. I introduced Lance Finley, our new Executive Director, who in turn introduced the rest of the staff. The morning concluded with a time of strategic planning led by Earl Mills and Matt Ginter. |
The first hour of the afternoon session continued the planning process by defining the set goals with specific action steps. Then before the afternoon breakout sessions, I led the conference in the installation of officers. As on Thursday, there were five workshops in the second half of the afternoon, but all different from the first day. The selections focused on Don’t Kill the Pastor, How to Change, Take Your City, Sharing God’s Heart, and Applying for a GRC Grant. After a break time, the conference reassembled and finished its business. To close the GRC 2015 sessions, Director Earl Mills sent the delegates forth, challenging them to continue on the journey of ministry and find strength in Jesus and through each other. ONe Mission together, Ed Soli Deo Gloria! |
WTS Presidential Interviews to be Held
Morning:
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Presentation
10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Questions and Answers
11:15 -11:30 p.m. Break
11:30 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch (Only for Presidential Search Committee and Board of Trustees)
Afternoon:
3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Presentation
4:00 – 4:45 p.m. Questions and Answers
4:45 – 5:00 p.m. Break
5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Dinner (Only for Presidential Search Committee and Board of Trustees)
Presentation Topic:
From your perspective, what are some of the current challenges in theological education today and how would you address those challenges at WTS?