Sept/Oct 2015
contents
2015 conference is in the books and I want to say thank you to everyone who worked hard to make it such a success. Most notably, I want to say thank you to Tim DeLaughter, Grace Community Church, and their leadership teams for hosting us at their great facility in Winchester, Virginia. Their efforts, along with the staff and volunteers from the different National Church teams and committees made the 2015 conference a memorable one. For me, this conference will hold many great memories. It was at this conference that we took action to begin discussion about a reorganization of our national church structures. We all know that this is no small feat amongst the Brethren. Ron Waters and the Mid-level Reorganization Committee did a great job framing the proposal and allowing the Brethren to get their minds around the changes in hopes that we can see them implemented at future conferences. Also, the conference holds a great memory for me because of the leadership of Ken Hunn. Ken finished his 12 years of service to the Brethren Church in the role of Executive Director at the 2015 conference. With a great servant’s heart, he passed the mantle of leadership on and I pray that I am able to serve in this role as well as he has over the last 12 years. Finally, please join me in praying for our Brethren all over the world as we live into the calling we have received from Jesus Christ. I look forward to gathering again next summer to tell the stories of how Jesus has been moving in our midst!
stay connected Brethren@brethrenchurch.org www.brethrenchurch.org 419.289.1708 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805
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The Brethren Evangelist Sept/Oct 2015
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THE BIBLE SPEAKS // Article from 1947
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THE LOGO OF PREACHING //
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SPOTLIGHT ON: CAMP PENIEL
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MOVING FORWARD // Ronald W. Waters
by W.I. Duker
by Jason Barnhart
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BECOMING // Youth Conference 2015
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MISSIOCHURCH // Jeremy McClung
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GLOBAL PARTNERS // Recap
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NATIONAL WMS REPORT // Up for the Challenge by Sherry Van Duyne
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CONFERENCE RECAP
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BITS & PIECES
by Scott Soden
United States Postal Service
Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation
1. Publication Title: The Brethren Evangelist 2. Publication Number: 0064-20000 3. Filing Date: 8-31-2015 4. Issue Frequency: Bi-Monthly Except July/August 5. Number is Issues Published Annually: 5 6. Annual Subscription Price: Free for members of The Brethren Church; $15 for others 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: The Brethren Church, Inc. 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: The Brethren Church, Inc. 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor Publisher: The Brethren Church, Inc. 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792 Editor: Steven Cole: The Brethren Church, Inc. 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792 Managing Editor: same as above 10. Owner Full Name: The Brethren Church, Inc Complete Mailing Address: The Brethren Church, Inc. 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792 11. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None 12. Tax Status (for completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates) The purpose, function and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has not changed during preceding 12 months 13. Publication Title 14. Issue date for Circulation Data below Sept/Oct 2014 May/June 2015 The Brethren Evangelist 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation a. Total Number of Copies (net press run) b. Paid and/or requested circulation (1) Paid/requested outside-county mail subscriptions on Form 3541 (2) Paid In-County subscriptions stated on Form 3541 (3) Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other non-USPS paid distribution (4) Other classes mailed through the USPS c. Total paid and/or requested circulation d. Free distribution by mail (samples, complimentary) (1) Outside-county as stated on Form 3541 (2) In-county as stated on Form 3541 (3) Other classes mailed through the USPS (4) Outside the Mail (Carriers and other means) e. Free distribution outside the mail f. Total distribution g. Copies not distributed h. Total i. Percent paid
Average No. copies each Issue during Preceding 12 months 5499
No. copies of single Issue published nearest to filing date 5290
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0 15 5463
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0 0 0 30 30 5493 6 5499 100%
0 0 0 10 10 5289 1 5290 100%
EACH WEEK we search through the Brethren archives to find an interesting #TBT (Throw Back Thursday) post to share on our Facebook page. In our quest we discovered a series that was published in the 1947 issue of the then weekly publication, The Brethren Evangelist. We’ve chosen five topics that were of significance in 1947 and we challenged a Brethren Elder to share how we are living out each topic in 2015. What fun it was to discover what our denomination thought and shared back then and how relevant these topics still are to us today, 68 years later. We hope you will enjoy these articles and find them as enlightening as we did.
Preaching By W.I. Duker
The Bible Speaks About
Perhaps no one profession is brought into our common conversation and before the public eye more often than that of “Preaching.” As a natural result no one person is known favorably and unfavorably, more than a “preacher.” It is well that this is so, for the one thing entirely necessary for the preacher is that he has a public that knows him. Not that this is the only thing that he is needing, for certainly there are many qualities and endowments that are certainly necessary before he has a public to hear him. But after all has been said about his God-given virtues, he still needs a public to hear him, or why preach? The public, as such, has always been relatively fickle and as a result its comments on the preacher carry along this same quality. Today we are on the front
page, but tomorrow advertising of some common nostrum either crowds us off the front page or puts us out of the running entirely. Today we have palm branches and tomorrow we have thorns. Certainly we are living today in an age in which many of the instruments and devices long in use are discarded. Just because something has long been in use is no longer sufficient reason for its continued use. We are attempting to reevaluate all devices and institutions in a day in which values and measuring devices are undergoing changes so great that this “reevaluating business” is a most hazardous occupation both to the one doing the “reevaluating” and to the innocent bystander. In this paper we are asked to forget all this superfluous approach to preaching and attempt to see, at least in a small
measure, what the Bible has to say about preaching. The breadth of the subject indicates to any careful reader at once the limitation of its treatment in this article.
No one can speak or write intelligently upon any subject without defining terms. What is meant by preaching, that is, what does the Bible mean when it speaks of preaching? By preaching, is generally understood the delivering of a religious discourse based upon a text of Scripture. Some of Scripture Terms are: Baw-sar (Hebrew)—to be cheerful, joyful and Kaw-raw (Hebrew)—to call out, to proclaim and Ko-heh-leth (Hebrew)—an assembler. Also, we find the words Ang-ghello, (Greek)—to announce good tidings, evangelize.
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By preaching, is generally understood the delivering of a religious discourse based upon a text of scripture. “In general, ‘to preach’ is loudly to proclaim the will of god, as His appointed heralds. The Gospel is preached to the dead, etc., to mortal men, that they through the power of God attending it, may, by the quickening influence of the Holy Ghost live comfortably to the image and will of God, in fellowship with Him, and to His glory.” I Peter 4:6. Certainly we will wish to look into the Old Testament to see some Old Testament Preachers. In the Old Testament Enoch prophesied (Jude 14, 15). He, according to our search, taught the principal of truths of natural and revealed religion. Conviction of sin was in his doctrine, and communion with God was exemplified in his conduct (Gen. 5:24; Heb. 11: 5, 6). Noah, it is said, was a preacher of righteousness, and Abraham commanded his household after him to keep the way of the Lord and to do justice and judgment (Gen. 18:19). Jacob, when his household lapsed to idolatry, remonstrated against it, and exhorted them and all that were with them to put away strange gods, and go up with him to Bethel. Melchisedek, also the priest of his people, published the glad tidings of peace and salvation. Moses was a most eminent prophet and preacher.
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He set himself the example of each. His first discourse was heard with profound reverence and his last discourse was both uttered and received in raptures (Exod. 4:31). The above does not at all include all Old Testament references to preachers before the Christian era. It is only suggestive and representative. But for one who might be tempted to look upon preaching as a device of men and an unnecessary convenience of worship for them, we suggest a further study before they discard it entirely. The great body of Christians who fail to find their way to the place of Preaching, or being there, fail to remain for the preaching service: to them we suggest that if they are at all sincere in their convictions, that they give more thought and study to this matter.
New Testament Examples— Certainly our Lord improved the opportunities given Him and His synagogue discourses give ample evidence of His desire and accomplishment in setting forth the Kingdom. The apostles were preachers. So were Apollos, Timothy, Titus and others mentioned in the New Testament. May we continue to quote, “A preacher’s life too, must be correspondent with his instructions, otherwise he
The Brethren Evangelist Sept/Oct 2015
becomes guilty of attempting to make his hearers to believe that all he says is but a ‘cunningly devised fable:’ nor can he deserve the name of a preacher, who does not by frequent and effectual fervent prayer, cry for the blessing of God on his labors; for ‘Paul may plant and Apollos may water but it is God alone that giveth the increase’”(1 Cor. 11:7). Since the full establishment of the Christian Church, preaching has been regarded as a sacred profession, and has, for the most part, been confined to an
appointed and specially trained order of men. It would seem strange that sincere Christian men and women should look so lightly upon the preaching of the Word of God. Certainly we refer to the great body of men and women, members of the Church who find so many excuses and opportunities to avoid listening to preachers today. We might excuse them if they would place the blame upon the preacher himself. But in most cases they do not even do this. They just do not find it necessary or as important as their secular tasks and social obligations. We do not refer to those who have not confessed their faith in Jesus Christ. They, if any can at least be consistent. But to one who claims forgiveness of sins, and salvation through grace, and then fails to attend to the preaching, or hearing the preaching, of the Word of God! Our conclusion certainly is that Preaching is not only a convenience, but an obligation. Not only a device, but an instrument of God for the saving of souls. Ministers should take heart and courage and dedicate themselves to the God assigned task. Let stones and flowers do their bit in this field, let our lives preach and our deeds tell the story; but men must still p reach by word of mouth, fervently, cheerfully, joyfully, and consistently. In general “to preach” is loudly to proclaim the will of God as His appointed herald. Eph. 3:8.
THE
LOGO
OF
Preaching By Jason Barnhart
“Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
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1 Corinthians 1:20-25
f you study any memorable logo you will discover one important truth about them all—they’ve mastered ‘negative space.’ This is the white space, the blank space, the unused space that gives the logo its boundaries, structure...its very appearance. If you take away negative space, the colors all bleed together, letters lose shape, symbols lose their distinction—the logo becomes a mess and is ineffective. I always read the Apostle Paul’s words as limiting. I never wanted to take away from the centrality of the cross and resurrection (after all, I call myself a ‘Christian’), but surely there are other preaching topics than the crucifixion. What about discipleship? The ever-popular marriage series that make single people feel awkward? Workplace ministry? Evangelism? For our scripture-driven friends, what about preaching from the Old Testament? Do we only preach from the Gospels? [Sorry for the tongue and cheek parts of that paragraph.] Sept/Oct 2015 The Brethren Evangelist
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If all we preach is Christ crucified, why did Jesus need to live a life? Is the Apostle Paul guilty of being what the late theologian Dallas Willard called a “vampire Christian,” only wanting Jesus for his blood?
the Lord’s Supper, preaching asks us to take and eat the word of God, be empowered by the Spirit, and live lives of testimony, of preaching, to the reality of Christ and his kingdom.
The Jews demanded signs that Jesus was, indeed, the Messiah. Paul’s response, “what if the cross is the quintessential sign?” The Greeks wanted wisdom. Paul’s response, “if wisdom is ‘good judgment,’ what if the cross was, and is, the best judgment ever handed down?”
So let’s recap:
The late preaching professor Fred Craddock wrote in regards to the performance of preaching, “I’m crucified between the sky of what I intend to be and the earth of my performance.” Why does the Apostle Paul call preaching back to Christ crucified? Preaching is a central symbol in the life of the church. The cross is the ‘logo’ of preaching (but don’t be like every church in America and put a cross in your church logo and think you’re unique). The preacher, standing up front, delivering the word, is a logo of the goodness and wisdom of God. The cross gives our words definition and power. The cross limits us to always call believers back to the way of Jesus. The cross is all we really have. It is what makes us unique from all other belief systems and philosophies on this planet. The cross is a line in the sand. Christians remain open to the world’s ideas until those ideas ask us to give up the cross and resurrection. When we refuse to relent on that core truth of our existence we start speaking what author Os Guinness calls “fools’ talk.” Preaching is fools’ talk. But it is a speech act that declares that the ways of the kingdom are not the same as the ways of this world. And just like we are instructed to take and eat the bread and drink from the cup at
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• W hy preach? Because we continually need reminded of Christ being crucified. • Why do we need reminded? Because Christ makes us unique—not our programming, staffing, or building efforts. ow does preaching ac• H complish this task? The cross becomes the negative space of our lives as a community. The horror and tragedy of Calvary allows for the positive expression of the Church to appear. We become logos for Christ. Preaching continually reminds us “that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:19). We receive the word and become the word to our community. In Eugene Peterson’s words, “We become what we eat.” For the Apostle Paul the cross not only saves people it also creates a peculiar people who live sacrificial lives. Preaching becomes the communal habit whereby each time a church gathers, we collectively receive the Word and are, as the Apostle Paul writes to the churches in Galatia, “crucified with Christ” (Gal. 2:20). Jason Barnhart is the University Chaplain at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio
SPOTLIGHT ON:
Camp Peniel
Camp Peniel is a beautiful 100-acre facility located in the soft rolling hills of southern Somerset County, near Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. The camp’s name was inspired by Genesis 32:30 “So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, ‘It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.’” Since its beginning in 1965 our focus has been providing others with a unique place to experience God. For three consecutive weeks in June and July children from our Brethren district and their friends come enjoy the facilities. With each week of camp, the tradition is to hold a Galilean Service along with communion, where a countless number of campers have given their lives to God. The children get to enjoy a wide variety of activities such as: a 100-ft. slip and slide, outdoor movie nights, campfires, trail walks, just to name a few. Time and again we hear testimonies of how not only the children’s lives are changed, but the director’s and staff as well. Our directors are committed to providing the best overall experience to lead campers as close to Jesus as possible. These are weeks where lifetime friendships are created and memories are made.
a calming atmosphere to enjoy the beauty of nature and the hand of God. At a recent ladies retreat, it was said that Camp Peniel “has the most beautiful, peaceful spots I have ever seen.” Another said, “I came here desiring to deepen my relationship with the Lord and others. My prayer was answered!” God has continued to bless us with a beautiful facility with many ways to enjoy life to the fullest. Here you can swim, canoe, and fish in our fully-stocked four-acre lake, or you can walk the Ten Commandment Trail (built by one of our campers) through the wooded area surrounding camp. Camp Peniel is the perfect place to unwind and be refreshed both physically and spiritually. And most importantly, to see God “face to face”.
Camp Peniel’s updated facility is open year-round to the public for daily, weekend or weekly rentals. In recent years our camp has been host to birthday parties, weddings, weekend gatherings, holiday meals, conferences, church camps, retreats and more. It is a blessing to open our gates and provide others with Sept/OctSept/Oct 2015 The 2015 Brethren The Brethren Evangelist Evangelist
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from the Mid-Level Organization Task Force By Ronald W. Waters In July, General Conference adopted a proposal that will address perceived deficiencies in our overall organization in The Brethren Church. By a nearly three-fourths majority, delegates adopted a twopart proposal that 1) expresses our collective desire for organizational change and adopts a transition from districts to regions, and 2) recommends action by districts for implementation of that transition. The proposal asks districts to begin the process in 2016 by affirming the recommendation and taking the first steps toward implementation. Recognizing the significant changes required, districts will have an extended time to complete implementation—until July 31, 2020, if necessary. Action for implementation is necessary at both the national and district levels. According to “A Manual of Procedure for The Brethren Church,” General Conference “shall have no power to interfere with [either] the work of any local church [or] with the work of the several district conferences” (Chapter Two, Section II, Article 2). While General Conference may adopt parts of the proposal, other portions may be enacted only as districts fully collaborate in the process.
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At this time, no action is necessary by local churches. However, congregations may eventually need to make minor adjustments in their constitutions, bylaws, and deeds to conform to the changes at the district/regional and national levels.
Major themes and impact of the proposal The proposal came from the MidLevel Organization task force formed by the Executive Board of The Brethren Church in 2011. The desire behind the study and proposal is three-fold: o enhance the health of con1. T gregations by organizing to better serve them. To foster deeper relationships 2. among ourselves. o lead us together into greater 3. T and more unified mission for our Lord Jesus in the world. Change impacts an organization at every level. Here are some implications of the proposal.
Implications for congregations • R ather than attending a district conference once a year, perhaps at a distant location, congrega-
The Brethren Evangelist Sept/Oct 2015
tions will intentionally interact throughout the year with a cluster of three to eight Brethren churches (nearby congregations, where geographically possible). • Congregations will have access to denominational resources, equipping, and training through a qualified part-time regional staff person. This will lead to stronger, more consistent leadership development. ore than half of the persons • M from local congregations who currently serve as district officers or on district boards or committees will be freed for mission and ministry locally. • P astors or congregations who fall under discipline by a Regional Board of Oversight will have a right of appeal to a National Board of Oversight. • C ongregations will have a more direct connection with their historic church camp, including direct financial support of the camp. • C ongregations will be encouraged and equipped to initiate more localized missional activities themselves and cooperative outreach with nearby congrega-
tions in their clusters—such as starting new churches and outreaches, sharing of ministry resources and equipment, access to persons with needed spiritual gifts and expertise, joint youth ministry, and other ways. • Congregations and General Conference will relate to one another essentially as before.
Implications for districts and regions • Structure overall will be simplified, and people and money will be freed for missional ministry as districts transition into regions. • Relational bonds among congregations will be fostered and strengthened throughout the year through intentional local clusters of churches. Time, effort, and travel will no longer be invested in planning and attending a once-a-year district conference. • There will be five larger regions instead of nine districts. Many current districts are too small to function effectively, so they will be combined. Larger districts will transition into nearly equivalent regions. • The most significant mid-level functions will remain at the regional level, close to churches. • Examination and oversight of leaders and oversight of congregations will take place through Regional Boards of Oversight, composed of elders and lay people from the region.
• Initiative and empowerment of church planting and multiplication will come through Regional Boards of Mission, composed of people from the region and working in partnership with MissioChurch. • Camps will retain their historic congregational connections and relate directly to the churches they serve. They will retain local management through formation of separate not-for-profit corporations. They will be accountable to the Brethren churches they serve and will be freed to develop broader and more financially sustainable programs. They will be encouraged to enter into strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations, seek grants and other external funding, and serve congregations and individuals outside The Brethren Church who may not have access to a Christian camping ministry.
Implications for The Brethren Church as a whole • Together we will achieve greater alignment of mission and vision among local churches and between local congregations and General Conference. • The national church and staff will have a greater orientation toward local churches and will develop closer relationships and interaction with them. • Part-time regional staff will bring resources of the denomination
and national office closer to congregations and provide more direct interaction with national leaders. • The overall ministry of the church will become more sustainable over time both financially and through wise use of human resources. More resources will be used to fund ministry and less for bureaucracy and maintenance of the organization.
Looking to the future There is no guarantee that a structural change will result in a surge in outreach and growth. However, structures that are no longer achieving their purpose can serve as stumbling blocks as we seek to live into God’s calling for us. Adopting and implementing this proposal is an act of faith. General Conference and the MidLevel Organization team believe it is worth the risk, time, and effort required to better position us to join God in fulfillment of the mission and vision to which he has called us. Over the next several months, the task force will develop and release explanatory materials, suggested steps to help districts in the transition, and actual changes in “A Manual of Procedure” to implement it. We welcome your input. Please feel free to contact Ronald W. Waters, task force coordinator, at 330-525-7169 or by e-mail at RonaldWWaters@ gmail.com.
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bpi Brethren Peace Initiative
Words that Inspire and Challenge Peacemakers ... To Be NONVIOLENT
The Basis, Pattern, Example, and Inspiration for our nonviolent thinking, believing, and living is none other than Jesus, the Son of God, Savior of the World. And periodically it is wise for us to consult some valid resources, and review why we do what we do as PEACEMAKERS – just to keep us on track ….. and properly motivated. First, from the lips of Jesus, in his “Message on the Mount,” recorded in Matthew, we are taught that “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God” (5:9). And “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say, ‘love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven’” (5:43-45a). Dr. Preston Sprinkle, evangelical Christian and professor at Eternity Bible College in Simi Valley, California, in his “A Christian Case For Nonviolence,” entitled FIGHT, reminds us that “Jesus practices what he preaches. Throughout His ministry He never retaliates (violently) and always loves His enemies even when He is violently attacked.” Then Dr. Sprinkle cites the occasions when Jesus’ accusers “spit in his face, beat him, and slap him, jeering at him” (Matthew 26:67). But still no retaliation; only love. Moments later, “Roman soldiers spit on Him and pound His
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Phil Lersch, Facilitator Brethren Peace Initiative
head with a stick” (Matt. 27:30). Still no retaliation; only forgiveness. Further, Dr. Sprinkle: While on the cross Jesus prays for His oppressors: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Jesus’ life is peppered with violent attacks, yet He never responds with violence. He embraces suffering, not because He is weak, not because He can’t do anything about it, but because suffering is the God-ordained pathway to resurrection glory. For Jesus and for us. And later—“Jesus’ nonviolent, non-retaliatory journey to the cross is also a pattern for us to imitate.” Jesus suffered injustice on a Roman cross to die for sin, but He also intends it to be a nonviolent pattern for us to follow,—the same way that he gave us the example of washing one another’s feet, writes Dr. Sprinkle—which should resonate with Brethren readers! Also Jesus rebukes James and John for their thirst for violent retaliation (Read Luke 9: 51-56). He encourages His followers to endure patiently when violently attacked (Read Mark 13:9-13). He also disarms Peter when he violently resists evil by hacking off the ear of a man trying to arrest Jesus, with “Put your sword back into its place” (Matthew 26:52). Jesus’ words really must have impressed
The Brethren Evangelist Sept/Oct 2015
Peter, for years later Peter wrote a letter to several churches in Asia where he highlighted Jesus’ nonviolent, non-retaliatory journey to the cross as a model for Christians to follow, saying: “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” (I Peter 2:2123 — All scriptures quoted from NLT — New Living Translation.) Again, quoting from Preston Sprinkle: “Jesus’ words, coupled with His exemplary life, make an impression not only on Peter but also on the other New Testament writers. In fact, the New Testament highlights Jesus’ nonviolent response to violence as a pattern to follow more than any other aspect of His ministry. In a world drowning in violence, Jesus never acts violently. Though evil runs rampant, Jesus never confronts it, nor does He allow His followers to confront it with violence. NEVER!” Let us go forth, Brethren …. BEING and DOING likewise faithfully!!!
I See Jesus in You When ...! By Gary Diehl The MOBILIZE team walks with you and your ministry to help you become more of what God desires. In the year between the 2014 and 2015 General Conferences, the team engaged in conversations and activities at many levels that helped Brethren ministries continue moving forward in fulfilling God’s purposes. MOBILIZE efforts focus on two important aspects of ministry: Ministry Vitality (How can we help your ministry become more alive, vibrant, fruitful?) and Ministry Transitions (How can we help your congregation navigate a change in pastors, or help your leaders learn about and implement new ways of leading?) As we looked back at this year’s General Conference, we celebrated lots of those important conversations and activities. This year’s Conference theme was “Becoming”. Our Father’s heart for us—his dearly loved children—is to become more like his son Jesus. His work in each of us is not complete—it is always in process. For me, one of the most powerful Mobilize activities happened during General Conference as four different individuals shared publically how they have seen the character and heart of Jesus shine through in another person. Each one called out specific ways they have witnessed Jesus’ love, or his compassion, or his willingness to sacrifice, or his faithfulness being lived out through their friend.
dedication, Pastor Bill served the Oak Hill Brethren Church for more than 41 years as a servant leader. It was beautiful to watch how powerfully the simple act of verbally recognizing “the Jesus in Pastor Bill” captivated the attention and hearts of the majority of those sharing the moment. So, what if all of us started asking for eyes to see “the Jesus” in others around us? What if we learned to call out how we see others living Jesus’ heart and life in visible, transformational ways? How are you seeing someone around you “Becoming” more like Jesus, and living that out? Which areas of your life are still “Becoming” more like Christ? Who has our Father called you to encourage—a brother or sister who is also on the journey of “Becoming” like Jesus? Jesus calls us to make a Kingdom difference in our constantly changing world. While the transforming Good News of the gospel does not change, how we live it out and share that Good News must change as Jesus keeps molding us more and more into his likeness. Together, let us continue Becoming all that Jesus desires, and celebrate the ways we see Jesus in others!
One of those precious moments involved Cory Smith, who now lives and serves at Park Street in Ashland, call out how he has seen Jesus in the life of his hometown pastor, Rev. Bill Skeldon. With humility and Sept/Oct 2015 The Brethren Evangelist
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YOUTH CONFERENCE 2015
“This is the year I started ‘Becoming’ who I’m called to be.” I have been going to youth conference for years. As a student, I looked forward to seeing friends and growing in my faith each year. When I became a youth pastor, it was awesome to guide students as they experienced youth conference, and to mentor them as they sought to bring back what they learned at conference into their everyday lives. This year, as a Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) member, I also was able to be a part of the vision for conference. This year’s theme was “Becoming.” As YAC members, we wanted more. We could sense our students and leaders wanted more. We wanted themes of discipleship and worship to ooze out of every element in the
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The Brethren Evangelist Sept/Oct 2015
schedule. But boy…I never imagined it would be as powerful as we experienced. Our students look forward to coming to youth conference year round. Conversations typically pick up in the spring and parents start envisioning the opportunities their children will have in an environment different from their own. In fact, youth conference has become for us a church-wide event between fundraising, prayer partners, and random supporters. So when we arrive on site, ready to soak in everything God has in store, it’s truly a community of believers taking part in Kingdom mission.
From the very beginning, the pace of conference felt different. Students jumped into every activity without hesitation and it made first-time attendees ready to expect anything. After the opening night of worship and powerful words from our speaker, Mark, our youth group time exposed seeds already taking root. In particular, we had a young female student attending for the first time open up and express she hadn’t felt connected or loved in that way before. It was such a powerful moment that would frame the rest of our week together for both students and leaders. On our mission project, we wanted to connect. During our group prayers, we wanted to connect. In random conversations during meals, we wanted to connect. But in hindsight, it wasn’t just the longing to connect. It was the drive to Become!
the students, was we didn’t just discuss/hear great talks that inspired us, but we were challenged to immediately apply these things through mission projects, group times, and our arrival back home. Our group will not look back on this conference as “Youth Conference 2015.” I think years from now, we will reflect back and say, “This was the year I started ‘Becoming’ who I’m called to be.” My encouragement to every student is this; if you haven’t attended conference in the past, don’t miss out. Perhaps next year will be your chance to start “Becoming.”
Become what? Mark unearthed for us a simple, yet powerful question that drove our students deeper into faith conversations. “What are we becoming?” In the days that followed, we tore apart our perceptions of Jesus (perhaps even false narratives) and dug deeper into the authentic Jesus. What set this year apart for me, and I think for
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Youth
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MISSIOCHURCH By Jeremy McClung
General Conference was a great time for church planters and those who support them to connect with each other and our established churches. Even as coordinator Bill Ludwig was away beginning his doctoral work in church planting, the rest of the team came together to support each other and spread the excitement about what God is doing in MissioChurch. Our presentation to conference revolved around what MissioChurch does to invest in our most valuable resources, the church planters themselves. We provide coaching, training and other tools, but one of our most valuable offerings comes in the form of what is called “assessment.” Far from being a pass/fail competency exam, assessment is an indepth review of a candidate’s strengths and potential weaknesses, meant to empower them to move forward into a successful future.
pathway toward planting. Bryan and Erika Baker from Gretna Brethren shared about how deep and soulbaring the process had been. Jim and Susie Black, who had been present at an assessment as observers and supporters (and NOT Alaskan church planters) brought rave reviews of what they had seen. After the session many people made their way into beautiful downtown Winchester for the MissioChurch reception. Grace Community’s downtown campus played host to an informal gathering in the same restaurant that hosts their Sunday services. It was a great time to chat with church planters and to talk about what was happening in church planting across North America.
But rather than just asking those present to take our word for it, we invited a few people who had recently participated in assessments to share their experience. Megan Morris of Mount Olive Brethren Church expressed her and her husband Justin’s appreciation for the insights gained through the process as they move along the MissioChurch
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GLOBAL PARTNERS
RECAP
By Scott Soden
If you didn’t make it to General Conference this year, you really missed a lot. Days filled with teaching, incredible speakers, nights filled with the laughter of renewed friendships. Our Global Partners have had quite a year. Here a just few of the stories we learned. Papudo, Chilé – The Godoy fam-
ily deployed in late November 2014. Since then they have established various classes in painting, jewelry making, cooking, and weaving. They have also started several Bible studies which are drawing the attention of both those in the community, and also from those they have come and teach in various classes. These small seeds are serving to not just plant a church in Papudo, but in other villages throughout the region. This October a team from Indiana will be going to Chilé to help construct a gazebo on the beach to serve as a place for the burgeoning church to sell their artisan items to tourists. It will also serve as an intimate café area to serve coffee, baked goods, and teas. All of this works to connect the Godoy family to the community in order to build more relationships, and also to begin the steps toward self-support and sustainability. Take a look at a recent video posted online that takes the viewer on a tour of the workshop by typing the following address into a web browser and leave a comment so they know you were there. {www.youtube.com/ watch?v=6Tpp4KRAxCY}
Pucasana,
Peru—In
the heart of what is now a quickly growing community stands a building with the name of the Brethren emblazoned on its side. This building was once part of a vision to establish a church, community center, and a training ground for missionaries. Unfortunately it had become a monument to so many dreams, merely a shell of what it could be, now lifeless and alone. However through a strategic set of relationships and conversations, that building and its face in the community is once again awakening. Already this abandoned building is humming with new life and energy as it becomes transformed into a school. This school, run by an unbelievably motivated woman by the name of Elena Pradu, is aimed at redeeming the building, but transforming the community for Christ. She and her team will soon be running classes for languages, history, math and science, as well as biblical studies, life skills, cooking, and much more. Her hope is to change lives by meeting needs in as many areas as possible. Already the national WMS is reaching out through prayer and a two-year campaign to raise $14,000 to finish the transformative work already in motion. We invite you to join as well.
Argentina—What does it look
like for a group of pastors and leaders to come together to discover what God wants to do, not just with a country, but an entire continent? That’s just what the leaders of Argentina have been pondering for some time. Thus a vision for a South American Summit is born. What so special about that? Great question! Argentina is the poster of what it looks like to create a fully functioning partner with its own vision and destiny. Now as they look to the future the question deepest in their hearts and minds is, “what is God calling us to now?” In response they are putting together a gathering of pastors and leaders from each country to pray, discuss, dream and focus on where they believe God is calling the Brethren in South, Central, and Latin America—not just for the next year or two, but the five, ten and twenty years. It will be exciting to come alongside and see what God does—not only that, but also to discover what role the North American Brethren Church will play in this incredible journey?
India—The
church in India continues to pour out doing relief work, prayer and ministry amongst some of the poorest in the world. However one must not mistake poor in wealth for poor in spirituality. In the 40 years since the mission in India began, the
church has grown exponentially, now numbering close to 15,000 baptized believers. The orphanage added over 80 children in the last year and the typing, sewing and life skills ministries continue to give hope to those who so often have none at all. Other outreach ministries to the communities are free buttermilk events and clean drinking water along with medical ministries throughout the region. There are many more stories to tell of how God is moving throughout the world in the tribe called the Brethren Church. Through the coming months we hope to highlight those in various channels such as articles in the Evangelist. Additionally we will be sending out stories online through the Story of Week and monthly memos. One can also discover more through Linda Immell and her “MOLE Report,” a monthly newsletter sent to WMS filled with even more updates and news. Attached to the Brethren Church website is the Global Partners section filled with information, photos, and videos as we produce them. These videos can be played during Sunday school classes, small group studies and before the entire congregation. If your connection to the web is not strong enough for a live streaming, let us know so we can continue to make them available in downloadable formats.
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Up for the Challenge...
By Sherry VanDuyne
As an “intro” to one of the General Conference sessions this past July, we played a game, “rock, paper, scissors”. (My definition of this time that I called an “intro”—a bit of light-hearted fun to invite people to relax and a help in gathering folks together.) In less than five minutes the entire room was congregated around two women. These were the finalists. One would be the champion. There was lots of cheering, a united body and many smiles anticipating a final winner… Most all of our Conference week had this kind of anticipation, excitement, group involvement, joy…kind of like our journey to get to Virginia. Many of us came via the interstate road system. You know, miles and miles of driving on four-lane highways, going somewhere fast. We trusted our GPS, or in my case a paper map and my husband’s directions. (I just LOVE paper maps and probably always will.) I could see the big picture and follow my progress. During this time we even went up and down mountains, observed beautiful scenes, got stopped for construction and drove through long tunnels. National WMS (and our denomination in my opinion) is poised and trying to be in position for whatever our Great God is doing. We’ve been faithfully traveling that “interstate” for years. We’ve traveled miles (sometimes fast but many times slowly), been up and down mountains, gone through a tunnel a time or more and encountered reconstruction along the way. NOW it’s a NEW DAY to see the big picture of our journey and make progress…with the Holy Spirit’s help and not on our own strength. We spent our women’s sessions celebrating our journey, anticipating what needs to come, encouraging each other. We heard stories and dreams of many groups. We shared ideas, resources and goals. We prayed and brain-stormed and challenged each other. We asked tough questions… What are the strengths of a woman’s ministry both local and national? How can we celebrate and embrace our uniqueness? Have we lost sight of who we are? Do we need to confess an attitude of defeat and negativity? What does the Lord have in store for us? Our National WMS President, Gloria Radcliff, challenged us during our conference sessions by asking these questions and leading us in great discussions. (Ladies will hear more on this during this year.) She recently sent an email to the WMS Executive Board members and signed it, “Up for the Challenge”. We are not playing a “rock, paper, scissors” type of random luck game. But, I do love the image of gathering around each other, cheering for each other, anticipating, being united and then joining in to whatever our Lord calls us…as women and as the entire church. In case you are still wondering, I was the “rock, paper, scissors” champion. My prize? I got to pray for our Conference that morning! I am still praying for the Brethren Church. I want us all to be “Up for the Challenge!” Are YOU? Are WE?
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The Brethren Evangelist Sept/Oct 2015
National
WMS
• 2015-2016 WMS Theme: Seeing God Glocally…experiencing God at work around the world and around your town. This reflects or characterizes both local and global considerations. • New Two-year Project: Renovation of the existing building in Pucusana, Peru to make it a ministry partner in that community • Awarded Three Grants (from Legacy Gift Interest): Lanark, IL – assist in needs of unwed mother’s ministry in their community $1000 North Manchester, IN – $1000 for purchase of pottery wheel for Puertas ministry in Papudo, Chile St. James, MD – $1000 to assist in purchasing furniture for a lounge at an alternative assisted living facility in their community • Praise God for 42 WMS groups with 497 members in every district • Collected and gave $14,734.68 to the 2014-2015 Project, the MissioChurch Partners Pathway Fund. $7,288.48 last year and $ 7,436.20 this year • $6,614.25 in Thank Offering collected for our designated missions (Global Partners and MissioChurch, ATS, AU Campus Ministry, Riverside Christian School, ATS Brethren Student Aid) • Officers (both newly-elected and appointed): President, Gloria Radcliff; Assistant Secretary/Subscription Secretary, Judi Gentle; Financial Secretary, Cathy Stoffer; Literature Secretary, Mary Margaret Bittle and MOLE (Mission Outreach Liaison, Etc.), Linda Immel NOTE: Send all monies to Cathy Stoffer (1530 S. Baney Rd, Ashland, OH 44805) Sept/Oct 2015 The Brethren Evangelist
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Conference RECAP
T
hroughout this issue of The Brethren Evangelist we’ve tried to highlight the important happenings. Along with the pictures from the week, we’ve included quotes from our evaluation forms. We hope you enjoy being reminded, if it is your quote, how the week affected you. If you read something that intrigues you, ask someone who attended if they are able to put that quote in context for you. We'd like to share some quotes with you." Great time! A very special thanks to the staff and the church members at Grace Community Church! I deal with people who have social issues at my work. Dealing with social problems is not a part of my job description but can definitely affect my work process and staff time. I was challenged to pray and think about how to address and balance these people issues and my work requirements.
WMS is trying to reach out more and hearing the reports of what others are doing inspired me to love others. Kudos to Grace Community! Great facility, great worship teams, very helpful members, seemingly endless snacks; great job! Yes, helped me realize that I am part of something greater and to not focus on myself so much, especially in times of church conflict. I will remember the phrase “storm the gates of hell” in a new and fresh way! And hopefully...do it! Challenged to name the lies we have believed and discover God’s truth about who we are called to become. Got some great ideas to take back and try at our church. Was rejuvenated and reinvigorated to go and do what I have been called to do for the kingdom!! To work more on a one on one basis with others to disciple them. As pastor, I have been looking how to “program” a pathway for discipleship but I have work to do in my own life. I also need to keep looking for some one to help disciple me! Challenged to stop viewing ourselves as small and instead live into our identity as God’s children with a unique witness and perspective. Several individuals from other churches approached me throughout the week with words of encouragement from the Lord. It was great to hear God speaking through close friends from across the country. I loved the comment that
“for it to be a sacrifice it has to be yours.” 20
The Brethren Evangelist Sept/Oct 2015
“The workshop sessions helped me understand that in discipleship, we meet people where they are, like Jesus did on the Emmaus Road. To a great extent I had been doing this, so in many ways, this was encouraging."
“Yes—the opportunities for prayer during services and for calling out Jesus in others. I was surprised to find myself and others doing that so naturally.” Sept/Oct 2015 The Brethren Evangelist
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Appreciated Mike (Perkinson) & Joe’s (Woodruff) leadership. Steven Cole: great introduction. Blessed by Ken’s gracious words in passing the “baton” to Steven and the installation of officers (keep a “yes” for the church).
“The music during the worship sessions was uplifting. We have a small church with not many singers so having many people singing together just brings forth so much praise to God."
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The Brethren Evangelist Sept/Oct 2015
BITS & PIECES
in MEMORY Thelma Irene Shanholtz, widow of Rev. Brice Shanholtz passed away July 30, 2015 at the age of 101.
Marilyn Burkey 1942-2015
Marilyn Burkey passed away September 2, 2015 at the age of 73. Marilyn taught school in Ashland for many years while her husband, Fred worked as the Christian Education Director for The Brethren Church. Fred and Marilyn had two children, Lynne (Brady) Reynolds and Brian Burkey.
Congratulations ... Congratulations to Gerald & Linda Barr, the Barr’s recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on August 21, 2015. There are several upcoming church anniversary celebrations. We look forward to sharing those stories and pictures in future issues of The Brethren Evangelist. Please be sure to ask someone to take pictures and send those along with a story about the day to Paula. We appreciate getting invited to all of the special events your church has upcoming. Kindly give us four-to-six weeks notice as oftten as possible. Our schedules fill up quickly and the more notice we have, the easier it is usually to make a visit possible.
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The Brethren Evangelist (SSN 0747-4288) is published quarterly by The Brethren Church, Inc., 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792 (telephone: 419-289-1708; email: brethren@brethrenchurch.org; fax: 419-281-0450. Authors’ views are not necessarily those of The Brethren Church. Subscription rates: Sent free to Brethren Church members; $15.00 per year to others. Member, Evangelical Press Association. Postage: Paid at Ashland, Ohio or additional mailing office at Mansfield, Ohio. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Brethren Church, 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792. Sept/Oct 2015, Vol. 137, No. 4
The Brethren Church 524 College Ave. Ashland, OH 44805
Please let us know when you are moving. This will save us much-needed funds for ministry.
Both Adult & Youth (ENGAGE) Conference July 18-22, 2016 At Ashland University in Ashland Ohio
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