COMMISSIONS
Church Health Commission
Healthy Pastor Team
Church Planting Commission
Evangelism & Discipleship Commission
Christian Education
Evangelism Committee
Prayer Mobilization Team
Youth Network
Global Ministries Commission
Leadership Commission
Chaplaincy Committee
Sec. 7 -Pg. 0
Commissions
COMMISSIONS
CHURCH HEALTH COMMISSION
Including Healthy Pastor Team
The Church Health Commission continues to seek to serve the congregations of the National Conference by
providing training and resources that will promote church health, encourage greater effectiveness in ministry, and
assist our pastors and congregations to become more intentionally missional. In the course of the present conference
year (2013-2014) the Church Health Commission has sought to fulfill these objectives through continued support for
the formation and promotion of Affinity Groups, the sponsoring of Church Health Seminars, and the establishment
of a Funding Criteria and Process for the funding of church health and revitalization efforts.
AFFINITY GROUPS
Affinity Group Purpose Statement: An affinity group will be established when there is a need for peer
support resourcing, and/or training focused on a particular area of ministry. All groups will be under the leadership of
the Commission. When established by the Commission, all of the following will apply:
1. The group will be led by a facilitator.
2. The group will meet at the call of the facilitator for resourcing, discussion, education, etc.
3. Groups may be started or ended as the needs of our pastors and churches change.
4. Groups may be of any size, but may be divided into sub-groups by geographical location or to keep the
number of participants to a workable number.
Affinity Groups Presently Meeting and Reporting to the Church Health Commission:






Healthy Pastors Team – Purpose: to provide support, resources, and encouragement to denominational
leaders and pastors, their families, and our churches in encouraging healthier lifestyles beneficial for
effective ministry. Facilitator, Mrs. Margie Miller (Margie@communityec.org).
Natural Church Development – Purpose: to bring together leaders from local churches presently
utilizing Natural Church Development resources. Facilitator, Rev. Gordon Lewis (glewis@eccenter.com).
Governance -- Purpose: To provide an opportunity for church leaders to discuss models for local church
governance. Current resource: The Evangelical Congregational Church Governance Manual. Facilitator,
Rev. Gary Brown (gary1780@gmail.com).
Turnaround Churches –Purpose: To provide an opportunity for pastors serving in turnaround situations
to meet for study, discussion, prayer, and fellowship. Current resource: Leading Turnaround Churches,
Gene Wood, Church Smart Resources, 2010. Facilitator, Rev. Gary Kuehner (gkuehner@eccenter.com).
Pastor’s Wives – Purpose: to provide fellowship and support for the wives of pastors serving in the
Delaware Region. Facilitator, Mrs. Carol Kuehner (gckuehner@comcast.net).
Dangerous Calling – Purpose: to provide pastors with the opportunity to meet to discuss the challenges
and temptations unique to the calling of pastoral ministry. This group, which plans to begin meeting in
September 2014, will utilize the book and video resource Dangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp.
Facilitator, Rev. Jim Price (revjjfp@comcast.net).
If you have an interest in participating in one of the above groups you are encouraged to contact the
facilitator. If you are interested in facilitating the formation of a new group we invite you to contact the Church Health
Commission chairperson, Rev. Gary Kuehner (gkuehner@eccenter.com ) for guidance and support.
CHURCH HEALTH SEMINARS
The Church Health Commission sponsored two seminars this past year.

Be Still led by Rev. Mike Campbell, September 21, 2013.
Sec. 7 -Pg. 1
Commissions

Biblical Preaching Seminar led by Rev. Dr. Randall Pelton on the Great Lakes Region, February 13,
2014.
This spring the Bishop and Conference Ministers led training seminars in each region: Church Leadership
101, and The Healthy Pastoral Relations Committee for pastors, lay delegates and members of local Pastoral
Relations Committees.
FUNDING CRITERIA AND PROCESS
The Church Health Commission has a limited amount of endowment funds available each year to financially
support church health and revitalization goals. The following process and criteria was developed this past year to
guide the use of available funds:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The pastor and local church leaders meet with the Conference Minister to discuss the situation leading to the
request for funding. The Conference Minister has the responsibility to evaluate the situation and request and to
decide whether or not to move forward with the process.
Moving forward, the Conference Minister requests the pastor and church leadership to submit a written funding
request to the Supervisory Committee. Along with the specific amount being requested the proposal should also
include the following information.
a. How the church got to this point (recognizing a ministry opportunity or dealing with a ministry
challenge).
b. What the church needs.
c. What the church will do with the financial assistance.
d. What the church expects to happen because of the financial assistance.
The Supervisory Committee will review the request and decide whether or not to submit the request to the
Church Health Commission for funding consideration.
The Church Health Commission will review the written proposal and base its decision to grant financial
assistance on the following criteria:
a. Assessment of Church Health – measured by the completion of a Natural Church Development Survey
(required and funded by the commission).
b. Recommendation – by the Conference Minister.
c. Assessment – of the skills and passion of the pastor in ‘turn around’ work.
d. Due Diligence – the process is to be followed including all needed forms, exercises, and reports as
requested by the commission.
e. Hope—overall the evaluation of the situation should lead to a reasonable expectation that the funded
project will support realistic ministry goals of church health.
James Price
CH: HEALTHY PASTOR TEAM
The Healthy Pastors Team serves as an Affinity Group of the Church health Commission. Its mission is to
provide support, resources and encouragement to our denominational leaders, pastors and their families, and the EC
churches by promoting holistic health and lifestyles that can, in turn, strengthen their ability to carry out their
ministries.
This past year, at the 2013 National Conference, the Healthy Pastors Team organized the first ever 5K Rev
Run/Walk. The event was open to pastors, their wives and lay delegates. Twenty-eight people signed up to either
walk or run the course through the Messiah College campus before the official start of National Conference. The
weather cooperated, and even though Messiah was undergoing construction which changed the 5K course several
times, the event got off without a hitch. The course was marked with cones and water was provided before and after
the event. T-shirts with the conference logo and 5K were provided for each participant and most wore their shirt for
the run/walk. Extra t-shirts were sold at conference and all proceeds from the Run/Walk and the t-shirts went
toward Church Planting, $1,450. All the participants had their “Photo finish” picture viewed by the entire conference
on the video screen. We applaud the participants and everyone who helped with the event.
The EC Leader is now featuring a pastor each month who has developed a healthier lifestyle. It serves to
encourage all our pastors and gives them a peer they can go to and ask questions or share their trials in trying to
develop a more balanced life. Stress and burn out continue to dominate the reasons why pastors leave their pulpits
and return to the secular world.
Margie Miller, FCN (Faith Community Nurse) serves on the Episcopacy committee, assuring she has the “pulse” on
our Bishop’s health and can make recommendations and insights accordingly to the committee. Margie also serves
on the Healthy Pastor Team.
Sec. 7 -Pg. 2
Commissions
Jackie Iatesta, FCN serves on the Church Health Commission giving input on topics for Church Health
Seminars and is the interviewer for the EC Leader articles featuring the healthy lifestyles of our EC Pastors.
Looking forward to 2014 when the 2nd Annual Rev Run/Walk/Ride will take place at National Conference.
Yes, biking is being added to include our bike enthusiasts. A participant can ride only or ride and then run or walk or
just walk or run the 5K. Once again the proceeds will go toward church planting. The event is open to everyone,
clergy or lay delegates and we look forward to increased participation in 2014.
Both Margie and Jackie have found their “roles” within the EC denomination change according to the needs
of the people and seek to follow God’s leading in whatever role they are to play. They are both available as resources,
consulting and friends to the entire denomination, the pastors, their wives and their families.
Jackie Iatesta
CHURCH PLANTING COMMISSION
The vision of the Church Planting Commission is that the Evangelical Congregational Church becomes a Church
Multiplication movement, realized when churches plant healthy churches that plant healthy churches.
CPC MEMBERS
Bishop Bruce Hill (Chair), Leslie Cool (Church Planting Associate, Vice Chair), Ralph Owens (Secretary), Rob Barley,
Tasha Byerly, Bud Daneker, Nathan Fry, Terry Jacobs, Jeff Martin, Ramon Mendez, Pam Ream, Mike Snedeker, Gary
Brown (CM), Gary Kuehner (CM), Gordy Lewis (CM), Randy Sizemore – Advisory (Director Global Ministries).
We have a teeny, tiny dilemma – church planting, church health, church restart, church revitalization and
missional church ministries – the lines between these various types of church and denominational ministries have
sufficiently blurred to make the work of the Church Planting Commission (CPC) interesting, to say the least. As we
process our responsibilities with and for our planters, especially proposed new planting venues, we are finding it ever
more complicated to determine which agency or budget is responsible for which initiative.
In light of this increasingly more complicated world of church ministry, we are striving to keep in mind (and
even then, holding the reins rather loosely) what we have tried to say on various occasions . . .
Church planting is the intentional, relational and redemptive work of the people of the church in identified
communities or to identify people groups to the end that a new church (gathering of God’s people for
church related ministries) is the fruit.
Though not a perfect definition, these words help us find our way in the fog created by the excitement to do
something new and the reality of doing something that might produce a new church. In the end, we are the Church
Planting Commission, and we are responsible to use the financial gifts we have received as best we can for church
planting.
Church planters are the Indiana Joneses of the Church. They are adventurers in search of the treasure of lost
souls. They are entrepreneurs, serving the vision and mission of Jesus and His Kingdom in an increasingly hostile
world. Church planters are pioneers, living on the edge, often living with just enough. And church planters are
ambassadors, representing the One who has sent them. They also represent each of us, the people of the EC Church.
And we know that you get this. How? Your support! You pray. You visit. You serve when we explain a need.
You give. Thank you for making church planting a priority in your lives, your calendars and checkbooks. You make EC
church planting possible.
CURRENT PLANTING MINISTRIES
These are the men, following Jesus and empowered by His Spirit, who seek to meet the lost where they live.
These modern day pioneers take the powerful and life-changing message of Redeeming Love to the un-living. Please
pray for these men, their families and ministries by name.

Plants
o Bethlehem, PA . . . Sonrise (Rick Sergi)
o Ephrata, PA . . . House of Blessings (Abe Montanez)
o Harrisburg area, PA . . . Restore Community (Brian Parker)
o Lehigh Valley, PA . . . Horizon (Bud Daneker)
o Millersville, PA . . . The Gathering (Juan Carlos Morales)
Sec. 7 -Pg. 3
Commissions
Philadelphia, PA . . . Communidad Biblica (Rolando Diaz)

Allentown, PA location
o Pottstown area, PA . . . Journey53 (Rick Christman)
o York, PA . . . Iglesia Cristiana (Carlos Kelly)
Restarts / Revitalizations
o Slatington, PA . . . Trinity (Brian Kern)
o Tallmadge, OH . . . New Direction (Tim Ream)
Informal Partnerships / Missional Works / Potential Adoptions
o Lancaster, PA . . . Iglesia De Dios Ven A El (Luis Ramirez)
o Palmerton, PA . . . Gaming Grotto (Chris Bronico)
o Reedsville, PA . . . LifeTree Café (Jeff Byerly)
o Sinking Spring & Mohn’s Hill, PA . . . Two Lifetree Cafés (Jerry Artz, Mohn’s Hill & Mike Snedeker,
Sinking Spring)

“Off the Avenue” and “Canal Street”
o


PLANTER CARE
The members of the CPC try to balance allowing our planters to tell us what they need with intelligent
guesses based on our contact with them. We have discovered that they are sometimes just too close to the issues to
recognize that they need help or a break. Regular contact, as much as possible (Bishop, CMs and CPA) with our
planters is a first line of action. Along with focus upon their ministry goals, our concern is self care. A healthy planter
will better lead to a healthy ministry.
We’ve recently shifted away from an annual planter retreat (not a good match for planters’ busy schedules)
to an “as needed” provision of funds for short getaways. Our feeling is that “tired today” cannot always wait until the
next retreat. Some of these getaways have been designed to overlap established events – Exponential, Ecclesia, Fresh
Expressions gatherings, and similar events.
VISION DAY
The CPC co-sponsored the November 2013 Fresh Expressions Vision Day in Sewickley, PA (near Pittsburgh).
A fair representation of EC leaders attended, as well as representatives of a couple of other tribes. The conversation
was encouraging. Each attendee walked away carrying seeds of ideas that might be planted for ministry. We invite you
to pray for the EC leaders and churches who are currently pondering what to do with what they now know. Ask God to
open their minds and hearts to what He is already doing that they might join Him and realize newness in their
ministries.
EDUCATIONAL ISSUES
The CPC has long believed that almost every ministry technique a church planter carries in his toolbox could
be valuable for a pastor and/or established congregation. To that end, we have been discussing the value of seeking to
educate our pastors and leaders regarding church planting, as well as the value of using church planting ideas and
techniques in the context of the local church. This has been the catalyst for sponsoring several Fresh Expressions
Vision Days.
We are currently discussing the possibility of smaller, more locally focused, informal conversations that we
might make happen between Fresh Expressions and other planting leaders with some of our pastors and church
leaders. Our hope is that these types of events, closer to our pastors and leaders, might improve attendance and
exposure to new ideas for ministry. We’ll keep you posted.
The CPC recently posted an invitation for our pastors to attend the Fresh Expressions National Gathering in
Alexandria, VA (March). Scholarships were provided and a few pastors and leaders took advantage of this
opportunity. This two-day event provided exposure to many of the men and women who are leading the way toward
church health, growth and multiplication.
We had a group attend Exponential 2014 – Chris Bronico and Nathan Fry (Palmerton Gaming Grotto); Juan
Carlos and Lynette Morales (The Gathering); Mike Snedeker and Matt Hill (Community EC, Sinking Spring); and Les
Cool (CPC; I dragged Carol along). Our goal is to capture the excitement, learn a few new ministry techniques and to
share what we bring back with the greater EC community.
NEW MINISTRY VENUES
For the second time, we advertised available financial support for churches with ideas for new planting
ministries. The first offer has produced the exciting Gaming Grotto in Palmerton, PA. Chris Bronico has already
introduced spiritual conversations into a gathering of game players. Fresh Expressions recently produced a
promotional video for FE based on the ministry of the Gaming Grotto. In addition, Chris and Bishop Hill were
interviewed at the Fresh Expressions National Gathering.
Sec. 7 -Pg. 4
Commissions
The recent proposals, though all very good congregational ministry ideas, were not quite what we were
looking for. We offered each church helpful “next steps” they might take to find other means of support or advice
regarding the possibility of redesign for a future proposal. We are optimistic that God will either lead us to or bring to
us the next EC planting initiative.
It has been during the discussions around these ministry proposals that we encountered the complications
associated with the reality that more and more of what the CPC is asked to do overlaps church health and church
education. We are trying to sort this out.
We have also been forced to ponder the questions associated with churches “not in good standing” asking for
financial assistance from the CPC. We are also trying to sort this out. This may also overlap churches asking for help
from other EC entities. Pray with us as we continue to work through this new reality.
PLANTING PARTNERS
One of our significant and dependable sources of income for church planting has been our Church Planting
Partners program. Each planting partner pledges $100 for church planting each year, and their regular prayer
support of our planters, their families and the ministries they represent. Thank you Church Planting Partners for your
faithful support of our current church planting ministries. Each gift you send not only helps fund church planting, but
also encourages those involved in making church planting happen.
This year, while we are at National Conference, we would like to invite more of you, our pastors and
delegates, to join the Church Planting Partners team. A church planting partner pledges to give an annual $100 gift to
church planting (you choose when) AND to pray regularly for our church planters and planting ministries. A special
bulletin insert has been provided for you. We also invite you to take this insert back to your church and invite others
to join you as you join with us – Church Planting Partners.
NEW PLANTERS
We need more planters. If you would join us in the search for more planters, we could greatly increase the
numbers of eyes and ears on the lookout for men and/or couples gifted and called to the work of church planting. A
church planter may be disguised as a regular pastor type, a banker, a janitor or small group leader with exceptional
gifts and graces including . . .








skills, experience and a history of empowering leaders
ministry focus on need based evangelism
experience developing loving relationships
ministry focus on gift based ministry
a passionate spirituality
a visionary capacity
an entrepreneurial spirit
displaying flexibility, adaptability, resiliency
We would be delighted to chat with you, and with your potential planter(s). Our goal would be to walk with
these individuals as they verify their calling and suitability for church planting. Start your conversation today (Les
Cool, Church Planting Associate, revcool@ptd.net or 717-951-8433). Together, we can accomplish more for the
Kingdom.
THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES
The CPC finds that serving the people of the EC Church and the Kingdom of God through our hands on
approach with our church planters is both a privilege and a blessing. We not only get to serve our planters, we also get
to share in the adventures they experience in their unique communities.
We may be your hands and feet with our church planters, but you do not have to settle for merely reading
reports. We invite you to become an active part of the team. Please pray for church planting. Consider supporting
church planting. Offer your gifts and graces, skills and abilities for use in one of our church plants. There are plenty of
roles you might fill.
We especially encourage you to pray with us as we seek to love others, meet their felt needs and share the
gospel. Pray that we would be successful in our labors of producing the fruit of sowing seeds, developing
relationships, engaging in spiritual conversations and creating environments where we might observe changed lives.
This is the work of church planting, personal and corporate obedience to the Great Commandment and Great
Commission.
Rev. Leslie Cool
Sec. 7 -Pg. 5
Commissions
2013 STATISTICS
BAPTISMS
DEDICATION TO FULL-TIME SERVICE
NUMBER OF ASSIGNED PASTOR (S)
NUMBER OF OTHER EMPLOYEES / VOLUNTEERS
-
4
10
2
-
-
-
1
4
39,000
31,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
15
-
15
11
4
650
55
-
2
1
-
1
12
11,300
3,150
128
180
128
-
-
-
-
27
4
-
-
1
-
187,645
14,000
58
35
78
-
-
-
-
-
-
8
-
2
2
10,122
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
78
77
78
48
9
263
153
17
-
4
-
1
1
48,159
3,872
27
34
25
-
-
-
4
8
-
-
-
1
-
23,840
1,400
28
22
24
8
4
12
24
6
22
1
-
1
-
6,292
5,500
Sec. 7 -Pg. 6
TOTAL MONEY GIVEN TO HELP OTHERS
REDEDICATIONS
-
TOTAL INCOME
PROFESSIONS OF FAITH
18
SIGNIFICANT RELATIONAL CONTACTS
MISSIONAL CONNECTIONS
25
AVERAGE WORSHIP ATTENDANCE
26
LAST YEAR
AVERAGE KIDS DISCIPLESHIP ATTENDANCE
Slatington,
Trinity,
Brian Kern
Tallmadge,
New Direction,
Tim Ream
AVERAGE DISCIPLESHIP ATTENDANCE
Bethlehem,
Sonrise,
Rick Sergi
Ephrata,
House of Blessings,
Abe Montanez
Harrisburg area,
Restore Community,
Brian Parker
Lehigh Valley,
Horizon,
Bud Daneker
Millersville,
The Gathering,
Juan Carlos Morales
Philadelphia,
Communidad Biblica,
Rolando Diaz
Allentown,
Rolando Diaz
Pottstown area,
Journey53,
Rick Christman
York,
Iglesia Cristiana,
Carlos Kelly
REGULAR ATTENDEES / PARTICIPANTS
CHURCH PLANTS*
FINANCIAL
STATS
MEMBERSHIP STATISTIS - 1000
Commissions
Lancaster,
Iglesia De Dios Ven A
El,
Luis Ramirez
Palmerton, PA,
Gaming Grotto,
Chris Bronico
Reedsville,
LifeTree Café,
Jeff Byerly
Sinking Spring &
Mohns Hill
Life Tree Café
Mike Snedeker &
Jerry Artz
Off the Avenue
Canal Street
CHURCH
PLANTING
TOTALS
30
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
41
31
-
22
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,495
-
-
-
-
-
444
8
-
-
-
-
-
12
1,012
168
-
-
-
-
-
476
4
-
-
-
-
-
16
275
142
431
443
366
89
17
1,849
258
60
28
14
-
8
47
397,322
60,727
*As of April 7, 2014 with 10 pastors and 11 sites reporting.
EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP COMMISSION
Including the Christian Education Committee, Evangelism Committee, Prayer Mobilization Team
and Youth Network
The Apostle Paul was a teacher, writer, missionary, church planter and tent-maker. His love for Jesus kept
his mind engaged and his schedule full. Obviously, he was a busy man. Even so, the course of his daily work led him
to continually focus on building relationships. Paul's ministry was fueled by the desire to connect with people -- then
connect them to Jesus. To the church in Thessalonica, Paul wrote, "We loved you so much that we were delighted to
share with you, not only the Gospel of God, but our lives as well ..." (1 Thessalonians 2:8).
The Gospel and relationships are so intertwined that to have one without the other would be like playing
baseball with just a bat, but no ball. It doesn't work. As the church, we must continually stretch ourselves to connect
with people anywhere and everywhere. Otherwise, we might do a whole lot of swinging but completely miss the point,
which is to connect – to make contact!
CONNECT is a great word for us as pastors, lay leaders, and our local churches to think about. Are we
connecting with each other? More importantly, are we connecting with people who don't know Jesus?
The Evangelism and Discipleship Commission has a vision that our churches will effectively proclaim the
Gospel and do so while connecting with people of varying cultures. Our goal is to cast vision and to provide resources
that will sharpen your ministry and help you, like Paul, connect with people, then connect them with Jesus.
Here is a snapshot of ministry resources that are available:


Prayer Support - The Prayer Mobilization Team (PMT) prays regularly for God's will and mission to be
done through our local churches. You can direct specific prayer requests to them for your ministry. They
also offer prayer retreats / summits in various regions of the denomination. Two events were held in March
-- one for the Delaware and Susquehanna Regions combined and another in the Great Lakes Region.
Additional opportunities are also available. Please contact Carolyn Boussum for more details.
Men's Ministry - Our men's ministry is off and running! A retreat was held at Twin Pines in April. The
theme was: "Journey of Discipleship." Bishop Hill, Gary Kuehner, and Mark Harris led the sessions. Watch
Sec. 7 -Pg. 7
Commissions


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for more opportunities as this ministry continues to develop and teach men to follow Christ, so that they can
be Godly leaders at home, church and in the world. Wayne Houck is giving leadership to this effort.
Christian Education - This past year a group of pastors continued to research the 3DM model for
discipleship. In 2014, the committee will be expanding their focus to identify a variety of discipleship
methods and resources to pass along to local churches. If you would like more information please contact
Rev. Steve Holubec.
Youth Network - Once again, the Youth Network sponsored a large Christian outreach event over
Thanksgiving break called FAT – “Friday after Thanksgiving”. This event draws in several hundred youth
for a night of fun, connection and ministry. Matt Hill has information about the Youth Network.
Fresh Expressions - In 2012, we sponsored a Fresh Expressions Vision Day in York, PA. Several pastors
and local church leaders participated. In 2013, Dr. Chris Backert, Director of Fresh Expressions (US) was
our guest speaker at National Conference. In addition, another Vision Day took place near Pittsburgh in the
fall. This spring, pastors and church leaders were encouraged to attend the Fresh Expressions National
Conference in Alexandria, VA on March 28-29. The denomination offered up to $400 in scholarships for
pastors to attend.
Women's Ministry - For many years the women's ministry hosted an annual "A Day Apart" retreat during
the spring in eastern PA. Following Sue Yarnall's excellent service this important ministry is in transition.
The Weiglestown E.C. Church is looking to develop a new core leadership group with hopes of possibly
sponsoring a weekend retreat this fall. The Great Lakes Region also offers a women's retreat each year.
Evangelism Committee – This past year the EDC gave Rev. Gary Kuehner the green light to develop a
committee specifically focused on evangelism. The committee started meeting last fall. Their focus has been
on "renewing a passion for evangelism". Gary is willing to speak in local churches about evangelism. In
September, he also led a workshop on sharing your story, hosted by the Berks District.
Discipleship Training and Financial Assistance – Scholarships are available to help your local church
pursue a discipleship strategy and receive further training. In the past, churches have made use of these
funds to work with Navigator's, 3DM, etc. If you have a vision for discipleship ministry in your church
please don't let the need for finances hold you back. Come talk to us!
Our goal is to equip pastors and local churches to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and to be effective in
making disciples. We are very interested in adding creative and visionary individuals to our team. If you sense that
God might be leading you, or there is someone in your church who would serve well on this Commission, please let us
know. And, as always, thank you for partnership in the Gospel.
Ryan Taylor
EDC: CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
In last year’s report I mentioned that Christian Ed (CE) would be narrowing our focus by promoting
discipleship, specifically by promoting 3DM’s (www.3dmovements.com ) materials. Over the course of this year, we
discovered what I am sure many of you already know, anytime you try to promote a book, series or curriculum people
automatically think “program.” That may or may not be bad; but programs come and go, and we may or may not see
fruit from them. Discipleship is a lifelong commitment to becoming more like Christ and helping others do the same,
it is not a program!
The conclusion CE drew was that several churches who are doing discipleship well were using various
materials to help in the discipleship process. We also noted that the best way to promote discipleship was to do it well
and let the fruit speak for itself. This was a bit of a tough pill to swallow as we wanted BIG CHANGE and wanted it
right away. But like yeast being kneaded through dough, it will take time but when it starts to rise the results are
astonishing.
So instead of being the mouth piece for one specific group, we’ve decided to become a facilitator for all
effective discipleship material. As such, we would like to share with you brief snapshots and testimonials of three
different discipleship approaches that are yielding Kingdom fruit:


Real Life Discipleship - Jim Putman; being used by Community E.C., Sinking Spring. Real-Life
Discipleship explains what should happen in the life of every Christian and in every small group so that the
church becomes an army of believers dedicated to seeing the world saved. With the overriding goal to train
disciples who know how to make more disciples, this book offers proven tools and strategies from Real Life
Ministries, one of America’s fastest-growing churches.
3DM - Mike Breen; being used by St. Matthew’s Emmaus, Trinity Royersford. 3DM is a movement training
churches and Christian leaders to do discipleship and mission; combining over 30 years of learning from a
very secular social context. Originating out of St. Thomas Church, Sheffield England, 3DM reinvented
church, creating something that looked a lot like what we see in the first century that has impacted their
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streets, campuses, living rooms, and pubs; quietly starting a missional revolution. They didn’t just create
converts—they created disciples that seemed to live like Jesus did; training regular, ordinary lay people to be
leaders; who in turn trained others.
“Without hesitation, I can say that my experience and growth with the 3DM movement has been
the best thing to happen to me, to my family and to my ministry. 3DM lives what they teach and they are
advancing the kingdom. I highly recommend their Learning Community experience to anyone who wants
to make disciples.” - Al Giles, Lead Pastor, St. Matthews E.C., Emmaus PA.
“Exposure to the disciple-making model of 3DM has really changed my entire
outlook as a follower of Jesus. Jesus was intentional about listening to His father,
fellowship and walking through life with his disciples, and reaching out to the
world. Through 3DM, I've realized I'm very capable of doing this as well. Having
grown up in the E.C. Church, it has laid the groundwork for my p assion for Christ.
I accepted Christ at Twin Pines camp. I've been active in the church ever since.
However, I haven't felt the overwhelming push to be proactive in making disciples
outside my local church. 3DM has shown me that being a disciple and making
disciples can be done not on the church's terms, but rather, on life's terms!” Justin Stauffer, St. Matthew’s Emmaus
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Be Still - Mike Campbell; being used by Faith E.C., Bair. The Be Still book has become the only Christian Ed
resource for preteens to adults that we use in our small church of about 60 people. The purpose of Be Still is
to provide a discipline for the pursuit of knowing Christ and ultimately making Him known to believers,
skeptics, and seekers.
“The book is designed to help busy individuals develop a 10-20 minute daily routine of getting
alone with God by allowing Him to speak to them through His Word, listening for the voice of His Spirit,
and responding to Him in prayer. The teens and preteens are learning the process in our weekly meetings
with them. This process helps us develop the spiritual disciplines of prayer, silence and solitude,
meditation, daily devotion, Bible reading, journaling, fellowship in the Word, self-control, perseverance,
and ultimately evangelism. The result is an ongoing spiritual transformation in the lives of individual
Christians as well as our church as a whole. We have seen significant results over the past 5 years.” - Mike
Campbell, Faith E.C., Bair.
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2:7 series – Navigators; being used by Bethesda E. C., Reedsville. The Navigators strategy utilizes the 2:7
series of books for discipleship.
“The opportunities for men and women to share in triads provides for a deeper and more
impacting spiritual progress for individuals to learn how to deepen their walks with the Lord. The
materials are designed to help individuals begin their own personal quiet times, develop a significant
prayer life, and strengthen their own personal understanding of the gift of salvation in their own lives. In
this way, their faith in Christ is deepened, and they become more committed in their pursuit of walking
with God.” - Jeff Byerly, Bethesda E.C., Reedsville
We would love to help your church pick out a discipleship material that will fit your congregation’s needs. If
you have any questions about any of the material please feel free to contact the churches using it or anyone on the CE
committee.
Committee members are Rev. Matt Hill, Rev. Lewie Bennett, Rev. Glenn Lambert and Rev. Stephen Holubec (chair).
Rev. Stephen L. Holubec
EDC: EVANGELISM COMMITTEE
The Evangelism Committee is a subgroup of the Evangelism and Discipleship Commission. The Evangelism
Committee meets monthly to pray for a renewed passion for evangelism in the EC Church and discuss how this
renewed passion can be realized.
The Evangelism Committee believes that a renewed passion for evangelism in our churches must start with
our pastors. In his book “Essential Church” Thom Rainer says this: “In many thriving churches the driving force
behind obedience to the Great Commission is the passion the senior pastor maintains for the lost. This passion will
flow from the top down. As the congregation sees his zeal, they catch the same fire.” Our pastors must become
passionate evangelists, convinced that the gospel of Christ is a powerful message – the message God uses to save the
lost and set people free – and proclaim it unashamedly (Romans 1:16).
The Evangelism Committee believes that our pastors need to be encouraged and challenged to become more
passionate about evangelism. This encouragement and challenge can happen when denominational leaders meet
with pastors and when pastors meet with each other one-on-one and in small group settings. This encouragement
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and challenge can also come through various types of evangelism seminars. This past year a seminar titled “A Story
worth Telling: How God Uses Your Personal Testimony to Reach People for Christ” was offered with 26 pastors/lay
people in attendance. The Evangelism Committee plans to offer more evangelism seminars in the future.
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good
tidings, who proclaim salvation … “(Isaiah 52:7 NIV).
Gary Kuehner
EDC: PRAYER MOBILIZATION TEAM
The 2014 Susquehanna/Delaware Regions Prayer Summit took place on March 28-29, 2014 at the Swatara
Camp Retreat Center, while the Great Lakes Region met at the Delightful EC Church in Southington, OH as the
pastors and prayer leaders from about 20 churches sought God, His will, and His power in group prayer through
using a God-focused prayer format detailed in John Franklin’s book, And the Place Was Shaken (Broadman &
Holman, 2005).
Prayer requests for the 2013 National Conference were given to the Prayer Mobilization Team [PMT] from
Bishop Hill and were sent to all the churches to be distributed to the pastors and their congregations. The PMT
intends to continue to support future major denominational events through various prayer networking initiatives.
Since prayer and discipleship are inseparable both have been brought together in this report. The PMT
which is a team of pastors and lay leaders has become increasingly aware that our churches must begin the process of
transforming our ministries by mobilizing God's people to pray together in God’s Word. While preaching, teaching,
worship, and outreach makes use of our individual gifts to develop disciples, prayer is common to every believer and
is essential to increasing intimacy with God and with one another. It is this divine vertical and horizontal intimacy
that is the foundation of effective disciple making and healthy churches as the Lord heals, directs, and gives increase
to the church that prays together.
God can do more to change a person, a family, or a church through prayer in the Word than any other
method, but this requires a paradigm change for many individuals and churches. If this is to happen throughout the
denomination pastors and prayer leaders in all of our churches must have a God-given vision and desire to birth a
prayer movement which then brings the whole congregation together in corporate prayer.
Over the past year, several pastors and lay leaders on the PMT have begun implementing various initiatives
in their own churches to increase this kind of prayer based upon several resources that we have been reading and
studying. We have been gaining some success in moving more and more of our people toward getting comfortable
with praying together in small groups and as a congregation. We have resources to help the people in our churches
overcome the things that inhibit participation in group prayer.
The PMT hopes to provide more Prayer Summits in the future to help pastors and prayer leaders to
develop a vision for their churches and to call upon the Lord to give all of their people the desire to pray together.
We are also hoping to provide Prayer Workshops for individual churches, pastors, and prayer leaders to
help learn the foundations of dynamic corporate prayer and how to implement them using the resources that we have
available.
We look forward to receiving inquiries from many of our churches during Conference and in the coming
year.
Carolyn Boussum
EDC: YOUTH NETWORK
The youth network in the past has strived to be a place where youth pastors and leaders can gather to share
the ups and downs of ministry. In the past we have had some success with meeting and share both the successes and
failures of ministry, all in the spirit of encouragement toward growth. With this being said, the youth network did not
meet this year due to changing responsibilities for many of the consistent members and attendees.
Although the youth network did not function as usual this conference year, the youth network still worked to
provide quality events to bring youth groups into fellowship with one another. Yet again, the youth network had a
tremendous turnout for the 2013 Friday after Thanksgiving Lock-In. This year our numbers were almost as high as
last year, with 260 in attendance at Ozzy’s Family Fun Center. All in attendance had a great time participating in the
wide range of activities offered at Ozzy’s.
Lastly, we are still looking for more youth leaders and pastors to gather together and share in ministry as we
all strive to lead youth to Christ. If the youth leader of your church does not know about the youth network please let
us know so that we can make contacts and help share the burden of this vital ministry.
Rev. Matthew A. Hill
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GLOBAL MINISTRIES COMMISSION
INTRODUCTION
At the writing of this report I am about three months into the new shared ministry position between Dixon
Bethel and the GMC. I am adjusting to a new rhythm of preaching, pastoral visits, ministry council meetings,
international phone calls, correspondence and GMC staff meetings via Skype. I can say for certain that our
congregation is excited to be intimately connected to the work of the global EC Church and I have received much
support, prayer and encouragement from local pastors, members and international church leaders. This will be a
learning year as we work to balance our responsibilities to everyone’s general benefit.
FACILITATING MISSION WORKERS
My recent trip to visit EC missionary Ken Sears at Zaporozhye Bible College in Ukraine reminded me of how
blessed the EC Church is to be able to “second” or loan our missionaries to over 20 different sending agencies in order
to help build the Kingdom of God. Ken has invested almost 19 years as a professor, administrator, preacher, pastor,
friend of countless believers in Ukraine who are reaching their nation and the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If
we add Ken’s influence to the other EC missionary workers scattered around the globe, we begin to see the enormous
impact we are having on this world for Jesus as we partner together in facilitating our mission workers!
This year the GMC will conduct the second three year comprehensive review of our mission workers. We
have established a review committee that includes GMC members, missionaries and pastors and we have asked each
mission worker to complete a comprehensive self-evaluation. These evaluations will be reviewed by the committee
and appropriate responses will be decided upon and carried out.
Our mission workers continue to face the challenge of securing and maintaining enough support to remain
in active ministry on their fields. The financial support from local congregations and individuals is decreasing while
the cost of keeping missionaries on the field is increasing. More individual and local church donors are becoming
more selective and discerning in who they will support. I have encouraged our local congregations to actively review
their mission budgets annually to ensure that their mission giving is going to worthy endeavors.
One of the most vexing questions the GMC is grappling with has to do with whether or not we should be
actively recruiting the next generation of missionaries. If we do, can we support them? It doesn’t seem as though the
current method of supporting missionaries will work well in the next decade. Should we find new methods of support
before recruiting or should we recruit and “hope” God helps them discover new funding strategies?
EMPOWERING NATIONAL CHURCHES
The Evangelical Congregational Church of Japan
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Japan Partnering with Nepal - The EC Church of Japan (ECCJ) continues to grow and mature. While
Rev. Nobuo and Keiko were visiting in Pennsylvania last October I challenged them to encourage ECCJ to
begin to partner in some small way with another one of our international EC conferences. I had invited
Nobuo to join me on a visit to the EC Church of Nepal in 2011 and some initial foundations of relationship
between Japan and Nepal were established. Just before I left for my visit to Nepal in November of 2013,
Rev. Abe contacted me and informed me that the EC Church of Japan wanted to provide enough funds to
buy the 10 orphan boys that Janga and Mercy care for at “Mercy Home” a new set of clothes and shoes for
Christmas. I have since learned that the EC Churches of Nepal and Japan have been in contact, sharing
prayer concerns and mutually encouraging one another.
Progress toward National Conference Status - Rev. Abe and I also had in depth discussions while he
was here in Pennsylvania about the status of the EC Church of Japan graduating from a mission conference
to a National Conference. He informed me that they were well on their way and have since sent me rough
drafts of their proposal which includes the translation of the Articles of Faith and Christian Practice sections
of the Discipline into Japanese as well as the organization of their National Conference governing body,
ministerial qualifications and responsibilities and financial structures. Our goal is to grant them National
Conference status at our National Conference sessions in May 2014. Providing all is in order, they will bring
a delegation from Japan to our National Conference in May and we will send a delegation to Japan in
September to mark this historic event!
Ministry in Japan’s Disaster Areas - Clean up and restoration efforts following the tsunami and
earthquake of 2011 continue to dominate the lives of the people in the affected areas. Many still live in
shelters and feel isolated and forgotten. There are complaints that the government is not doing enough to
alleviate the ongoing clean up and restoration projects. There has been an increase in the number of suicides
and for some life will never be the same. The EC Church of Japan continues to minister and meet with a
group of pastors in this disaster area. The bright spot in this dark story is that so many Christian relief
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volunteers have come from all over the world to help the Japanese people in these areas that now have a
positive view of Christians and the Gospel with many hearing about Jesus Christ for the first time!
The Local Congregations - Japan has four congregations in the greater Tokyo area with an average total
attendance of 100 for worship. Kyodo Grace has been allowing local choral groups to use the sanctuary
for rehearsals, with the requirement that pastor, Rev. Sudo leads a chapel service for them. They also host
some classical concerts throughout the year as a way to interact with the community. Rev. Sudo also leads a
small group bible study in his home. Sagimahara Grace Chapel continues the daycare ministry for
mothers and toddlers. They are trying to adapt to the changing Japanese culture that is producing fewer
children than ever before. This spring they plan to start a “New Mothers” program and will continue their
Sunday school ministry. Fuchinobe Community Church continues to rent a room in the clinic for public
services. They are focused on young families, developing small group studies and offering marriage
enrichment classes. Kobuchi Mission Church may or may not remain with the conference. This small
congregation meets in Mr. Aritta’s home and has about 8-10 in attendance.
Current/Future Focus - Rev. Nobuo is working on ways to build better relations between the existing
congregations so that they can work together toward their common goal of reaching Japan with the Gospel.
He is implementing pulpit exchanges and using the successful ministry strategies in one congregation as a
resource for the other congregations. He wants to keep planting churches and will use Yoriyoshi & Emiko as
church planters when they return to Japan in the summer of 2014. He has experienced some success with
the English Camps as evangelistic tools and wants to continue to invite teams from the USA to help run these
camps. Last year 12 children and 1 adult were saved at an English Camp co-sponsored by Japan and GMC.
The Evangelical Congregational Church of India
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Partnership in Training Church Leaders - Rev. Angam and I had decided about two years ago when he
became the new General Director of the EC Church of India (ECCI), that we would no longer focus on
specific projects for each of the six presbyteries/conferences, but we would invest our time and resources
into those events that would benefit the entire denomination. Since then ECCI and GMC have partnered
together on two Church Leaders’ training seminars. The first was a regional missionary worker training
seminar in 2012 and the second was the recent Church Leaders’ Seminar held November 29- December 1,
2013. For both of these training events the GMC contributed $2,500 to help cover the costs of
transportation, food, lodging and materials. I was invited to attend both training events but could only make
the most recent one. The event was a success with approximately 300 church leaders in attendance. I was
the keynote speaker, presenting five messages on biblical principles of leadership from 1Timothy and Rev.
Angam had also scheduled two other accomplished church/government leaders to present four seminars on
various topics of leadership. Both Rev. Angam and I are pleased with this new direction of partnering
together to train and equip church leaders. Dr. Ken Miller and Rev. David Swift will be returning to India
April 22-29, 2014. Dr. Miller will be the speaker for the Annual ECCI Leaders’ Conference and Rev. Swift,
Chair of the GMC’s India/Nepal Committee will be furthering our conversations regarding our ongoing
partnership projects.
Partnership with Evangelical College of Theology - Our partnership with ECT also took a new turn in
2013 with the sending of about $15,000 from the VBS for the “ECT Security Fence” project along with the
first GMC work team to North East India to help ECT build the fence! ECT prepared the footers and
foundation for the section of the wall we were building before our team arrived and our team worked beside
their team to lay the bricks and complete a large portion of the security fencing that surrounds the campus.
(Lalrosiem estimates that it will take another $10,000 to complete the remainder of the fencing project).
Along with building a fence we took 10 laptops and provided a basic computer class, we provided a
child/evangelism class for ladies and our team also taught a few impromptu leadership classes and spoke in
several churches. Dr. Ken Miller also went along to teach a fully accredited seminary class. It is my
understanding that John Price (from our Plymouth Meeting EC congregation) who went along to teach the
computer class is planning a return trip to teach further computer classes for ECT. While I was there in
November for the Church Leaders’ Seminar I had the privilege of dedicating the section of the wall our GMC
team built and I also had opportunity to meet with the faculty and staff of ECT to discuss our ongoing
partnership.
The GMC is also partnering with ECT by helping Rev. Lalrosiem Songate, Principal Elect of ECT; acquire his
PhD in Missions at Concordia Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The Evangelical Congregational Church of Nepal
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Decade Celebration - The EC Church of Nepal (ECCN) celebrated its 10th anniversary in conjunction with
their Annual Conference session on December 6-8, 2013. The GMC delegation included Rev. Angam and
Rev. Martinez, the directors of the EC Churches of India & Mexico. I also invited Pastor Ted Rathman, Rev.
Sec. 7 -Pg. 12
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Carlos Kelly and Dr. David Dick to join me for this visit to Nepal. Rev. Janga used this opportunity to
televise the celebration, including a clear gospel presentation throughout the region. During this celebration
the EC Church of Mexico and India presented the EC Church of Nepal with love offerings. Rev. Janga
estimates that approximately 500 people attended the decade celebration.
Annual Conference - During the Annual Conference sessions our team members had opportunities to
preach and bring greetings. The international EC leaders ordained one (1) pastor, four (4) deacons and one
(1) deaconess in the EC Church of Nepal. We also participated in serving the Lord’s Supper and the baptism
of 18 new believers. Pastors and congregations from the USA contributed funds to purchase three (3)
resource/study books for each pastor in the conference. Following the closing of Annual Conference we also
held a one day training seminar for the pastors.
ECCN’s Current Status and Future Plans - Currently ECCN has 16 chartered congregations. Each of
these has several “fellowships” or church plants that will grow to become official congregations. The
membership of ECCN is at 2,500. Janga’s goal by 2025 is to have 100 churches and have reached 100,000
souls for Christ. In 2013 they saw 208 conversions and baptized 147 new believers. They also hosted several
women’s prayer seminars and a youth seminar with over 200 youth participating. They feel they are on
track to plant at least 5 new churches in 2014.
Mercy Home (orphanage) - Janga and his wife Mercy house 10 orphan boys in their home. They are
currently in their second rented location but will have to vacate this house in the summer of 2014. Janga is
trying to build a permanent building that will serve as the headquarters for ECCN, Mercy Home and his
personal living space. He purchased a piece of property and began developing it but the rainy season’s
mudslides destroyed almost one half of the retaining wall they had built. He also needs to build a road to the
site to continue with construction and of course needs the funds to build the actual building. The GMC is not
in a position to help with much of these costs so I am not quite sure how he will accomplish this necessary
building.
The Evangelical Congregational Church of Mexico
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Progress Toward National Conference Status - In 2012 the GMC entered into a covenant with ECCM
to support Rev. Elias Martinez by replacing his secular salary for a period of four years until July 2016 so
that he could devote his attention to leading ECCM through the process of becoming a National Conference.
ECCM has become self-supporting as far as the operational expense of their conference is concerned. The
GMC’s limited financial support is now used for educational/training of pastors, evangelism, outreach and
youth camp. They are still implementing a unified governing structure. In 2012 Elias introduced the
equivalent of the EC Discipline to the local churches of Mexico.
Activities in Local Churches and Communities - The ECCM continues to reach their communities
through VBS programs that impacted approximately 1,000 people last year, evangelistic campaigns in
several locations that experienced 200-250 persons per night and other informal evangelistic strategies.
Elias reports a total of 40 converts last year but suspects there were many more that went unreported.
Mission Activity - Once again this year the ECCM sent teams to least reached/marginalized communities
in the southern part of Mexico. The teams take school supplies, shoes, clothing, gifts, toys and food as a way
to show the love of Jesus. They use movies and other means to communicate the message of salvation. The
first time they took bibles to give away they ran out because so many people were eager to have the Word of
God. In one village the authorities would not let them use public buildings to show the movies so the people
began opening their homes to them!
ECCM has also spent the last two years learning about and partnering with the EC Church of Liberia. In 2013
they designated the EC Church of Nepal as their focus for the next two years. Elias went with me to Nepal in
December 2013.
Current and Future Projects - ECCM officially chartered a new congregation this year in Rio Bravo and
are planning to plant more local congregations. In their churches and the Bible Institute they are training
and educating their congregations about the need to be actively involved in missions and hope to be able to
send missionaries in the near future. Bethel Church in Rio Bravo piloted a children’s ministry that had 80100 in attendance every Saturday. Now they are training and equipping the other congregations to
implement this ministry throughout the conference.
El Retiro Children’s Home
ERJ continues to minister to needy children in a difficult environment. We have made much progress over
the last five (5) years at ERJ but it seems that the challenges continue to exceed our abilities to meet them. Below are
excerpts from the April 2013 Board Meeting that will illustrate my point:
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Back2Back (B2B) has been helping ERJ sponsor children through “Shelter Program” now changed to
“Hope”
B2B also had been helping with other funds from a donor-these funds are depleted
ERJ is receiving about $3,000 USD less per month from B2B since January 2013
B2B will fund salary of the Psychologist shared by B2B and ERJ
ERJ needs $7,000-$8,000 USD/month to operate
GMC provides $7,000 USD/quarter of about 33% of need
ERJ currently cares for 33 children
Carlos has secured donations from locals:
o 10 gallons of milk per week
o Bakery items
o Some professional services (such as Attorney Gabriela who is here now)
ERJ continues to work on meeting gov’t regulations/certifications/license
o Need lawyer, doctor, social worker, psychologist on retainer
o Many buildings need to comply with safety requirements
o Need dedicated secure office –each child has a file to be kept
o Be prepared for unannounced inspections from government
o Now have their own bank account
o Need approval to issue tax deductible receipts for donations
o Each staff member must pass psychological evaluation
o Each staff must meet requirements in newly developed manual
We need more and “better” ERJ Board members
o Those who can contribute wisdom, wealth or work to ERJ
o Juan proposed a goal that 50% of the monthly budget ($3,500) should come from the Board
members
Decided to create an ERJ Board Member “profile” listing requirements, expectations and qualifications
of those who serve on the Board
Chicken house project had a rough first year but a great second year
o Local vet has volunteered to help with chickens
o Getting enough eggs to meet the needs of ERJ
o 80 chickens now with plans to expand and sell surplus eggs/chickens
Goat and Cow projects also doing well
Isaiah donated a horse – used for “therapy” for children
Randy presented GMC Support Covenant for 2013-2014
Randy presented new GMC policy that ties receiving funds with submitting quarterly reports
We have made progress on many ancillary issues but with the new aggressive government regulations for
children’s homes and the increased costs of operating this ministry, the critical need for the future sustainability
of this ministry is a healthy Board of Directors that can provide vision, leadership and support for the ministry.
The Evangelical Congregational Church of Liberia
The EC Church of Liberia (ECCOL) continues to minister in a variety of ways to introduce men, women, boys
and girls to faith in Jesus Christ and to disciple them to maturity. The GMC has designated the 2014 VBS project
funds go to help support the Youth Camp program for ECCOL. The funds will go to help purchase a generator, video
equipment, bibles and materials, bedding, etc. for the camping program.
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Progress Toward National Conference Status - In response to a major church upheaval in 2009 and
the subsequent conflict resolution process through 2009-2011, the GMC, with Bishop Libensperger’s
approval, acted on the authority granted by the DISCIPLINE to suspend the normal election cycle of the
Field Superintendent of Liberia and appoint the current Field Superintendent, Rev. Matthew Gueh and his
leadership team to remain in office until 2015.
ENGAGING THE CHURCH IN THE GREAT COMMISSION
We continue to utilize our publications, website, rallies, mission minded kids program, mission leaders’
brunches, district meetings and presentations in local churches to encourage, equip and engage the local church in
the work of the Great Commission. One unknown factor in this new shared ministry paradigm is the effect that my
decreased availability to speak in local churches will have on the GMC. Even though the number of speaking requests
for the Director had markedly decreased in the last two years, there is some concern that if I am not out speaking,
local congregations will not be as engaged practically and financially in the mission movement of the denomination.
Judging the impact of my decreased availability to speak in churches will be difficult. I am convinced that the
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declining number and size of our congregations would result in less financial and practical participation in the GMC
regardless of whether the DGM was “full time” or in a shared ministry position.
NOTE ON ENGAGING THE LOCAL CHURCH
While having breakfast in Nepal with the leaders of the EC Churches of India, Nepal, Mexico and the USA,
the topic of “why we belong to a denomination” came up. It seems that all of our international conferences are dealing
with a culture that is questioning the necessity of belonging to a conference or denomination. Local congregations
and pastors are asking why they should belong to, cooperate with and pay for a formal organization like a national
conference. I have also had similar conversations with denominational leaders in Brazil and Ukraine. This
independence trend is very concerning to leaders who have witnessed the great impact and strength the Church of
Jesus Christ has when we combine our resources.
I have challenged our international leaders, including our USA Bishop to come up with an answer to these
questions in a simple framework form of 4 or 5 Biblical bullet points that would transcend culture, give unity to the
entire global EC Church and would allow each international conference to “flesh out” the bullet points to fit their
particular setting. They may look something like this submission I just received from EC missionary David Dick:
Why denominations?
- Biblical (only divinely established institution)
- Accountability (mutuality and reciprocity)
- Credentials (conduct and competency)
- Discipline (orthodoxy and orthopraxy)
- Synergism (do more together than alone)
- Stewardship (shared and leveraged resources)
- Health care (shared expenses)
I truly believe that one of the major challenges facing the global Church of Jesus Christ in the next decade
will be our ability to build and sustain the needed connectivity and synergy that’s required to ensure our effectiveness
in the Great Commission. It can be done but we must be willing to make the hard decisions and necessary changes
required at more frequent intervals than ever before.
Rev. Randy Sizemore
Global Ministries Commission
Balance Sheet
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013 (unaudited)
Unaudited
12/31/2013
Audited
12/31/2012
Assets
Cash and Investments
Accounts Receivable
Prepaid Expenses
Property, Plant & Equipment, net
Total Assets
Liabilities and Net Assets
Liabilities
Accounts Payable and Accrued
Expenses
Annuities Payable
Total Liabilities
984,466
35,700
4,158
1,850
1,026,174
998,607
35,700
5,305
3,420
1,043,032
28,039
40,369
68,408
27,583
40,369
67,952
299,372
658,394
1,026,174
427,264
547,816
1,043,032
Net Assets
Unrestricted
Temporarily Restricted
Total Liabilities & Net Assets
Sec. 7 -Pg. 15
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Actual
2013
General Fund Donations
Investment Income
Other Income
233,733
4,784
1,334
239,851
152,000
15,000
1,200
168,200
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
Budget
81,733
(10,216)
134
71,651
GMC Personnel Expenses
Travel
International Churches &
Field Rebalancing
Office Expenses
160,602
35,963
-
160,828
21,800
-
226
(14,163)
-
167,833
35,694
22,379
87,449
284,014
33,689
216,317
(53,760)
(67,697)
49,217
275,123
Revenues over/(under) expenses
(44,163)
(48,117)
3,954
232,551
7,991
6,041
1,950
550
550
7,441
(6,041)
1,400
8,620
6,822
1,798
-
-
-
913
897
16
41,221
49,031
3,779
(4,031)
0
-
41,221
49,031
(3,779)
(11,589)
53,086
47,628
5,458
-
-
-
(160)
160
Revenues
Expenses
Fund Rebalancing
11,867
25,325
17,685
4,227
-
11,867
25,325
(17,685)
(31,143)
11,423
26,100
(13,512)
(1,165)
Revenues
Expenses
Fund Rebalancing
-
-
-
495
2,999
(755)
(1,749)
Revenues
Expenses
Fund Rebalancing
15,678
33,550
20,144
2,272
-
15,678
33,550
(20,144)
(38,016)
19,917
30,037
(7,486)
(2,634)
Revenues
35,249
-
35,249
35,172
Commissions & International Churches
Regional Committees
Revenues
Expenses
GMC Rallies and Events
Revenues
Expenses
Budget
2013
Audited
Actual
2012
443,376
62,928
1,370
507,674
ECC India
Revenues
Expenses
Fund Rebalancing
Lamboi Viaphei
Revenues
Expenses
Nepal
Costa Rica
Liberia
Mexico
Sec. 7 -Pg. 16
Commissions
Expenses
Fund Rebalancing
49,800
12,219
(2,332)
-
49,800
(12,219)
(26,770)
37,900
(2,728)
13,778
11,909
1,869
-
13,778
(11,909)
1,869
15,461
14,004
1,457
3,955
550
(104,249)
613
22,117
-
22,117
(12,836)
777
-
777
3,701
(17,314)
(47,567)
(77,401)
224,029
Japan
Revenues
Expenses
Revenues over/(under)
Expenses
Active Missionaries
Other Funds
Total Revenues Over (Under) expenses
LEADERSHIP COMMISSION
Including the Chaplaincy Committee
“The Leadership Commission serves the local church by recruiting, assessing, and training pastoral
leaders within the Evangelical Congregational Church. The commission shall also provide leadership resources and
training for local church lay leaders” (EC DISCIPLINE).
The current members are: Bishop Bruce Hill, Chair, Rev. Harry Dow, Vice Chair, Ms. Christine Pense,
Secretary, Rev. Ken Kalisz, Ms. Pat Strain, Dr. Bill Worley, Rev. Fred Moury, Mr. Wayne Houck, Rev. Bob Brown, and
ex-officio members: Rev. Gary Brown, Dr. Gordy Lewis, Dr. Gary Kuehner.
Since last National Conference the Leadership Commission has been busy providing resources to our local
church leaders, both pastoral and laity. Below are many of the initiatives we have developed.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE DENOMINATION
Election of the Great Lakes Conference Minister - The new method for election, the “Google Hangout”
simulcast between Lakeside and Illinois, worked successfully.
Church Leadership 101 - “The Healthy Pastoral Relations Committee” seminars will be held in spring 2014. The
Bishop will record a DVD on leadership; local CMs will lead the sessions on the healthy PRC, pastoral job
descriptions, and a healthy pastoral evaluation process at each region. We will offer standardized guidance about
what is essential, healthy and relational. The schedule is: Delaware Region: May 10 and 17, Great Lakes Region: May
3 and 10, Susquehanna Region: April 26 and May 3.
Chaplains - Letter to Chaplains was sent out to remind them of the resolution not to officiate at gay marriages
(credentialing and scriptural obedience issue for us). Collegiality between chaplains has solved the issue for now.
Coaches - Jodi Earhart and Fred Moury are working to clarify who is currently serving as coaches as well as those
who have been trained as coaches.
Pastoral Assessment - Our Pastoral Assessment Center was held in January 2014 with eight (8) assessees. The
spouses of the married candidates also attended. Seven (7) will be proceeding to CRC for specific credentialing. Of
the candidates, two (2) are seeking approved candidate status; three (3) are for licentiate; one (1) is seeking a
specialized local deacon license; one (1) will keep going in ministry and does not require credentialing. In addition
Yoriyoshi & Emiko Abe, from the EC Church, Japan, went through the PAC.
Sec. 7 -Pg. 17
Commissions
Affinity Group(s) - Three Affinity Groups that are focused on leadership are currently meeting: Turn-around
Churches; a Small Church group led by Jim Price; a governance group led by Rev. Gary Brown.
Evangelism Committee - A new committee has been formed focusing on evangelism. This committee is being
chaired by Rev. Gary Kuehner.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN PARTNERSHIP
ETS Task Force for 21st Century Clergy Education - This task force is evaluating what is needed by students,
congregations and professionals in ministry in the 21st Century. We are among the “last standing” denominations who
still require a large-size (92 credit) M.Div. degree (a “48-credit-size” degree may emerge.) The Seminary has to work
within the context of competition – what degrees are being offered by other schools – and understand what students
can and will invest in themselves as ministry workers.
Institute For Church Leadership - Restructuring to core courses and electives – the core has been narrowed to
eight (8) for lay preachers and 12 for local pastors. A list will be appended. The sequence was essentially preserved
but there is a now a three year cycle rather than a five year cycle (whether you are a lay preacher or a local preacher).
We are happy to make it easier for students to complete their work and provide more flexibility for Evangelical to
offer other classes.
Student Aid - Aid goes to students within our National Conference seeking all degrees, with an emphasis on funding
M. Div. degrees. We believe that each conference, as it is formed, should be responsible for its own students. We will
encourage Evangelical Seminary to partner with international EC conferences around shared technology, when and
where possible. A bulletin insert for 2014 will feature three E.C. students in three different degree programs.
LEADERSHIP EDUCATION EVENTS – PAST AND UPCOMING
Sponsored by ETS:

Women in Ministry: Stories in Leadership – October 1, 2013

Faith In The Marketplace – October 24, 2013 (Lancaster)

Faith In The Marketplace – November 12, 2013
Sponsored By Denomination:
Church Planting Commission:

Fresh Expressions US Vision Day in Sewickley, PA – November 1, 2013

Fresh Expressions Conference (Arlington, VA): March 27-29

Exponential Conference (Orlando, FL): April 28-May 1
Church Health Commission:

GLR Biblical Preaching: Seminar February 13
Prayer Mobilization Team:

Regional Prayer Summits: March 28-29
Supervisory Committee:

Church Leadership 101 (2015) “Church Treasurers”
Christine Pense
LC: CHAPLAINCY COMMITTEE
Our Military Chaplains
1. CAPT Josh Metz, USA - Josh finished his assignment with the Polar Bears Infantry Battalion at Ft. Drum
New York. He baptized 5 people this past year. He is currently at Chaplain Captain’s Career Course at Ft.
Jackson, SC. Josh was recently selected for Major (O-4), and hopes to pin it on in the Fall. After school, Josh
will be assigned to Ft. Meade, MD. Josh hopes to become a manager of ministry and be a mentor to junior
chaplains.
Sec. 7 -Pg. 18
Commissions
2.
3.
CAPT K. Noel Blancaflor, USAF - Noel is stationed at Sheppard AFB, TX. A highlight this year was the
baptism of his oldest daughter. He is excited about his children’s interest in AWANA and spiritual things. He
looks forward to building team dynamics with his chapel team and mentoring a younger chaplain.
LT(jg) Andy Miller USNR - Andy is the pastor of our Canton First E.C. Church and is serving in the U.S.
Navy Reserves.
Our Veterans’ Administration Chaplains
1. Rev. Dr. W. Joel Copeland - Joel has served in the V.A. for 17 years, presently serving as Chief of
Chaplain Services at Lebanon, PA VA Medical Center, administering the spiritual care of veterans and
supervising three (3) full-time chaplains, two (2) fee-based chaplains and one (1) secretary. He also counsels
employees for personal and work-related problems as co-coordinator of the Employee Assistance Program. A
highlight for Joel was the remodeling of the chapel and installation of a new organ. He is pleased to report at
least six (6) conversions this year. His goal is to provide meaningful spiritual care to the hospitalized
veterans and to increase the influence of the chaplains within the medical center.
2. Juliana M. Lesher - Juliana has been with the VA 10 years now. She has been assigned to be Chief of
Chaplains for the South Texas Veterans Health Care system since 2011. She was sent to clean up some
serious problems, and had to remove six (6) chaplains from service. Thankfully she has now hired reliable
staff and is enjoying her ministry. She oversees ministry to four facilities, and supervises 17 chaplains. She
was involved in the renovation of the Audie Murphy VA Chapel. She was elected Secretary of the VA
Chaplain Field Advisory Council. She is working on her Ph.D. in Organizational Management at Regent
University and hopes to take her comprehensive final in January 2015.
In addition to these, there are many more pastors and laymen who serve full and part-time as chaplains to
other institutions and groups, such as the PA State Police, local police forces, fire departments, prisons, nursing
facilities, hospitals and hospice programs. I urge you to pray regularly for our chaplains. They dedicate themselves to
connecting with individuals to meet their needs and point them to Christ and His Kingdom. The Chaplaincy
Committee would like to be notified by any who are serving Christ in any of these ways in your local communities so
we can connect and encourage one another in ministry.
Pastor Bob Brown
Sec. 7 -Pg. 19