Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints (Jude 3b).
THE GLOBAL ADVOCATE (ISSN 0009-630X) is published bi-monthly by the Churches of God, General Conference.
Vol. 189, No. 6
Established June 5, 1835 as THE GOSPEL PUBLISHER, re-established on May 1, 1846 as THE CHURCH ADVOCATE, and re-established on October 1, 2019 as THE GLOBAL ADVOCATE.
Rachel Foreman, Managing Editor
The Global Advocate, official publication of the Churches of God, General Conference, exists to encourage members of the CGGC to maximize their collective potential for Kingdom impact.
Correspondence: Address correspondence to The Editor, The Global Advocate, Churches of God Publications, PO Box 926, Findlay, OH 45839, or email to RachelF@cggc.org
Periodical rate paid at Findlay, Ohio.
Postmaster: Send address changes to THE GLOBAL ADVOCATE, PO Box 926, Findlay, OH 45839.
Theological Seminary continues to faithfully serve the Churches of God, General Conference denomination. Today, as it always has, Winebrenner is raising up pastors, counselors, and leaders of all kinds to serve God’s kingdom. From its founding as a Graduate School of Findlay College in 1942 until today as a thriving online seminary of the future, WTS and its leadership have made tough but diligent decisions to see the seminary succeed, and by the grace of God, it has and is. In fact, as you’ll see in this issue, Winebrenner is growing and evolving, but never wavering in its commitment to its core mission. In this issue of The Global Advocate, we interview Trustees, hear from numerous alumni and faculty, provide an update on Winebrenner’s statistics and growth, and finally delve into Winebrenner’s history.
On the cover: Lindsay Arthun receives her diploma from Dr. Brent Sleasman at the August 2024 WTS commencement.
Equipping Leaders for Service in God’s Kingdom
WTS at a Glance
FAST FACTS
DEGREE OPTIONS
Doctor of Ministry, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Practical Theology, Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling, Institute for Christian Studies
ACCREDITATION
Winebrenner Theological Seminary is in good standing with three accrediting bodies: The Association of Theological Schools (ATS), The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
COST TO EDUCATE
Each fall trimester, Winebrenner calculates the Cost to Educate (CTE) using the following formula: divide total expenses by the total number of students served.
2023-2024 CTE: $6,423
2022-2023 CTE: $7,106
2021-2022 CTE: $7,719
CELEBRATING 82 YEARS
5-YEAR ENROLLMENT TREND
Fall 2023 – 126
Fall 2022 – 109
Fall 2021 – 106
Fall 2020 – 61
Fall 2019 – 51
(Fall headcount as reported to the Association of Theological Schools; accessible at https://www.ats. edu/Data-Visualization)
The Winebrenner Graduate School of Divinity was established by Findlay College—now the University of Findlay—in 1942 in Findlay, Ohio. The graduate school relocated to a different region of Findlay after receiving its own charter from the State of Ohio in 1961, thus allowing it to become an independent, degree-granting institution. The name WinebrennerTheologicalSeminary was selected to represent educational mission as well as recognize the founder of the Churches of God, General Conference (CGGC), John Winebrenner. In 2003, Winebrenner Theological Seminary relocated to its current property adjacent to the University of Findlay campus, where it continues to function as an autonomous institution governed by its own Board of Trustees.
INDEPTH BLOG
Each week Winebrenner shares “behind the scenes” aspects of theological education, including more about our students and the work we do. You can find weekly updates at winebrenner.edu/indepth/.
For more stats, visit: https://winebrenner.edu/2024/02/19/affordability-300-month-tuition/
What does being a WTS Trustee mean to you?
C ollaboration is E ssential with
Pastor Kendall Hughes
Pastor Kendall Hughes is the pastor of Leadwood Church of God, the Western Regional Director, and a Trustee for Winebrenner Theological Seminary’s Board of Trustees. We’ve asked Pastor Kendall about what it means to be a Trustee for the seminary, and how the seminary is collaborating to maximize their kingdom impact.
First, it’s an unexpected blessing. When you answer the call to ministry, serving at WTS isn’t on the list of things I thought God would have me do. But it’s a blessing to see what God is doing on an up-close view through the lives of the people there— Staff, faculty, and the students.
Next, it’s an honor. I sit on the board as the representative of the CGGC Ad Council. When I first came on to the Ad Council, they chose me as the representative on the Winebrenner board. That’s a big honor. I was new to the board, but they had enough trust in me to be their voice, their eyes and ears.
Lastly, it’s a tremendous privilege. There are only so many that can serve on the board. To have that opportunity, others may not get that chance. To do this is a privilege.
What’s your role as a trustee?
Part of our role is to make sure that leadership is strong. To make sure leadership is going in the right direction. Dr. Sleasman hires but we get to be the sounding board to him. Next is watching the financials of the institution. There were years when it was a struggle, and we’ve had to be there to make some very tough decisions. Finally, we have to be a positive reinforcement to the staff to keep them encouraged, to know they are appreciated.
How do you see your role as a Pastor, a Regional Director, and a Trustee overlapping?
The real work is connecting the three, from the grass roots church, through the region, and to the
seminary. In [the Western] region, we’re 500 miles away from the seminary. For many, in our area, the seminary wouldn’t be their first thought, so there needs to be that connection, a conduit, at all levels to share information with the churches, with the region, from the seminary. That way it can flow in both directions. I have that opportunity to share what is going on, to make all three relevant to each other.
As a pastor, we’re here on the front lines, day to day. I believe Winebrenner has gotten more receptive to this.
As a regional director, it probably gives me more of a voice [to the seminary] than just being a pastor. Because I’m not just concerned with one church, and its needs. I’m concerned with how WTS is equipping and helping the larger body.
As a Trustee of WTS, you’ve led multiple ACTS Teams to the Southwest USA. How did that get started?
About 25 years ago, [Leadwood] church took a team to do a 1-week Bible school, at Tsaile, AZ. It was my first experience out there. My responsibility was to teach the high school students. For the first three days, I got no response out of these students. They were attentive, but no reaction.
I was getting a little depressed. “Well”, I said, “Two more days, and this will be done.” Then the next day, one of the kids asked me what we did the night before. We went into Gallup, and saw a native dance. They didn’t believe us and said, “Show us one of the dances.” I tried to recreate it and they started laughing, talking in Navajo. But at that point, I told
them we had two more days, and I’m going home, and we’re done, and you won’t have to put up with me anymore. “Wait a minute, you can’t go home!” They said, “We haven’t got to do anything with you.” The culture was they had to develop trust before they would respond.
Those last two days were absolutely wonderful. As we started home, I told my wife, "We have to come back." Why? Well, because we gave them a Bible school, but we didn’t teach them to do Bible school.
Donna and I just fell in love with that, and now we’re 22 or 23 years into it.
Through these ACTS teams, you’ve developed a close connection to Winebrenner alumni Jacob and Haley Day?
We’ve always had a special relationship with Jacob and Haley Day. Just to see that relationship develop, and to see, not only through the growth and maturity in their lives, to be able to help them in areas that maybe they had some questions on.
Haley came out twice with us on the ACTS Team, two different trips. She developed the same kind of passion that we had. And then the next trip Jacob came with her. We developed a special bond doing those and I ended up doing their wedding. I was realizing that they had a call upon their lives to do something in missions and recognizing the passion they had for the Southwest. I felt like God was going to send them out there. She finished her
school at Winebrenner and we were able to get with Pastor John Thumma. Both of them hold a license now through the Western Region.
Do you see collaboration between our different institutions as essential for the future of our denomination?
I do. I really do. The seminary is searching for how we collaborate in all of these areas and stay true to the call of being the seminary. That can be a challenge at times. It’s essential, because in each of these areas, there are things that we can’t do on our own, or one of these other areas can do it better, so why recreate the wheel?
We’ve had pastoral credentialing classes in the Western Region. I went through those regional classes and it is sometimes hard for us, within a region, to keep that continually on pace. But now, collaborating with the seminary, we have our courses set. Instead of being a hinderance to men and women moving further, we are a better help because we’ve collaborated.
It’s cliché, but we can do more together than we can apart.
Biblically, Paul wrote about the body of Christ. We each have this vital part that brings wholeness to the ministry. In our collaboration efforts, that’s just going to make the body of Christ function better, not pulling in different directions and getting nowhere.
The 2024 Southwest ACTS Team
Alumni on Mission: Jacob & Haley Day
by Haley Day
Fifteen years ago in 2009, Jacob visited Gamerco for the first time while serving on an ACTS team. A year later, I visited for the first time and knew it would not be my last. In 2011 our paths finally crossed as God brought us together on the Pittsburgh ACTS team. The next year, we came to New Mexico together to serve on the ACTS team. In total, Jacob was a member of 4 different ACTS teams. I have been a part of six. In short, ACTS teams lead each of us into a deeper faith in God, to each other, and ultimately to our current ministry. That ministry is working as the pastors at Gamerco Church of God, a small diverse congregation just on the edge of the Navajo Nation.
We moved to Gamerco, New Mexico in 2019 following God’s lead. Going into it, we weren’t entirely sure what His plan for us was, but He gave us assurance that we were following it by moving to the Southwest. We started by helping at the church where needed—helping with youth group, doing office work, and helping Pastor John
Thumma with teams. In 2021, we became employed by the CGGC in a missionary position. We also both became licensed pastors through the Western Region that year. In January of 2022, we became the copastors at Gamerco Church of God. Pastor John Thumma still pastors the Hooghan Nizhoni Church. Besides pastoring our congregation, a major part of our job is to host short-term mission teams.
Usually when we think of mission trips, we think of people going halfway around the world. But there is a huge opportunity for us to share the Gospel here in the United States. The Southwest has a long history of encounters with the Catholic Church and missions since the 1600s. In fact, the oldest continuously running church in the United States is in Santa Fe, just a few hours away from us. Name any denomination, and I bet there’s one of their churches somewhere near us. This area, with its numerous Native American tribes, has been a hotbed of missions activity for centuries. The Churches of God have had a mission field here since the late 1970s.
It comes as no surprise then that individuals like Freddy Hall, founder of the Dine Christian Church, have stated that the Navajo people are often referred to as “the most evangelized Native American tribe of North America” and that “40-50% of Navajo are born again Christians.” They’ve had a long history of encounters with the Church and with Christians. Many have heard of the Gospel and know of Jesus.
A problem we often encounter, though, is that they know of Jesus, but many still don’t know him personally. Oftentimes, there is some sort of church hurt somewhere in their lives and they haven’t truly had that opportunity. We believe that the key to lasting heart change is that they need to see Jesus and experience him. We then believe that the way to accomplish this is to show who Jesus is through not just our words, but our actions as well.
To some extent, I think this is what short-term missions have always set out to do. They go to
underserved areas to help meet the needs of people, complete projects that locals might not have the ability to do, and to share the Gospel. Many have been successful over the years while others may have caused more harm than good. We can see these outcomes across the world and in our short five years here, we’ve witnessed both outcomes. So have many of our friends and colleagues who also host short-term mission teams at their churches in the area. In the 21st century, one thing that can make or break a short-term mission trip is the mindset of the participants, especially when they’re visiting a place that has a long history of mission work.
I’d like to think that ACTS teams are a better way to do short-term missions. They help participants view short-term missions from a different perspective. ACTS stands for “Advancing Christ Through Service.” ACTS teams are intergenerational shortterm mission trips that seek to help participants grow closer to God, experience the Gospel at work in different cultures and see missions as part of everyday life.
Jacob and I have been participants on ACTS teams and we have been a part of hosting them and working alongside them the last three years. We’ve also hosted and worked alongside 20+ other teams. For all teams, the goals of sharing the Gospel and helping meet the needs of our people, church, and community remain
Haley takes a selfie with the 2024 Southwest ACTS Team
steadfast. But this is why I believe ACTS teams really excel here in the Southwest:
• Participants are asked to come with the mindset that they will be gaining a global perspective. Through these trips, participants witness how there is more than one way to experience and worship the Living God.
• Participants are encouraged to be aware of how God is at work in their lives during the week. It is often the case that their lives will be transformed through this experience just as much if not more than those who they may encounter here.
• Relationships are a priority. Participants work alongside church members and locals on projects when possible. We also encourage participants to listen to their stories and learn from them. We want team members to spend time getting to know the history, experience the local culture, and get to know the community and people on a deeper level. Our goal is to help people understand that this isn’t just a one-time project; this is an investment into our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The ACTS team this year fully embodied these characteristics. We had a team of 14 people come and help with Gamerco’s VBS. They started the week with two days of praying for and getting to know our church and community. Over the 10 days, we witnessed how they prioritized relationships and allowed God to work through their lives. The two upper pictures included are from the team.
If you can’t tell, short-term missions in general, and ACTS teams specifically, mean a lot to us. They have impacted each of us individually and as a couple. We have seen how they can not only change the lives of participants, but how they help strengthen our church and community. We’re blessed God has given us the opportunity of hopefully impacting countless more lives through them.
Jacob Day's Graduation from Winebrenner Theological Seminary in August 2024
Winebrenner: In Depth with Faculty
Rev. Dr. James Ellis III
Rev. Dr. James Ellis III is a new faculty member at Winebrenner Theological Seminary, serving as Assistant Professor of Practical Theology. He has an eclectic background and interests. He is most passionate about helping students to traverse the realities of life winsomely, relevantly, and biblically; to understand the times and know what to do (1 Chronicles 12:32).
He is a practical and public theologian with a gift for writing. His latest books include “An Inward-Outward Witness: Suffering’s Role in Forming Faithful Preachers” and “Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil: Stories about the Challenges of Young Pastors,” with his fourth, “Dysfunction in the Name of Jesus: Confronting the Idolatry of Pastoral Workaholism,” set to be released this year.
He holds graduate degrees from Western Theological Seminary (DMin), Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (STM), and George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University (MTS). Growing up with military fathers and then relocating for many pastoral assignments once married, he and his wife have resided in 10 states and three countries.
In the diverse spirit that has marked his career, James, though comfortably ordained in the Baptist tradition, leads a small, aging Dutch Calvinist church in Holland, Michigan (known for its tulips and heated downtown sidewalks), where he and his wife live.
Dr. James Sweeney
Rev. Dr. Jim Sweeney is the J. Russell Bucher Professor of New Testament Studies at Winebrenner Theological Seminary, where he has taught since fall of 2010. He also serves as advisor of the seminary’s Master of Divinity program. Over Prof. Sweeney’s years at Winebrenner, he has taught on a wide range of courses in the areas of Old Testament, New Testament, biblical languages and exegesis, biblical theology, as well as worldview, world religions, and theology.
Prof. Sweeney is an ordained Christian minister and a graduate of four academic institutions: Elim Bible Institute (Lima, NY), Roberts Wesleyan College (Rochester, NY), Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (South Hamilton, MA), and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Deerfield, IL). He is a presently a member of two professional societies: The Society of Biblical Literature and the Evangelical Theological Society. He was a past member of the Institute of Biblical Research.
Prof. Sweeney has authored numerous articles, book reviews, and book review articles in prominent theological journals, including Expository Times, Journal of Biblical Literature, Bibliotheca Sacra, Review of Biblical Literature, Trinity Journal, Journal for the Evangelical Theological Society, Africanus Journal, and the Bulletin of Biblical Research.
At the personal level, Prof. Sweeney is happily married to his wife, Verne, an Ohio native and enjoys walking, hiking, travel, and (to Dr. Sleasman’s chagrin) following New England area sports!
Dr. Imac Reynaga
Dr. Imac Reynaga Holmes is excited to become a Winebrenner counseling faculty member. Prior to coming to Winebrenner, Imac lived in the high desert of rural Arizona and is excited to start a new chapter in life as she continues to follow God’s direction every step of the way.
Imac has a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and a Masters in Christian Counseling from Philadelphia Biblical University/Cairn University, and a Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from Argosy Washington DC campus. She is a licensed LPC /LHMC in 7 states and is an Approved Clinical Supervisor and Nationally Board Certified Counselor.
Imac has a varied teaching and clinical background, having taught at Duquesne University, Waynesburg University and Geneva College before moving to Arizona. In her clinical practice, Imac has enjoyed focusing on children and youth and has worked in urban clinics, rural hospitals, schools, and Native American reservations.
Imac has been married for 37 years and has 3 wonderful adult children. She enjoys taking walks, reading nonfiction, and wants to spend more in creative endeavors. Imac is also adamant about having a cat in her life always!
Dr. Mary Iiames
Mary first came to Winebrenner as an adjunct professor in the Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling program. In May 2017, she joined the seminary as a full-time faculty member. She stated, “When the opportunity arose to join Winebrenner in the MACC program, I thought to myself, ‘This is my dream job!’ The opportunity to teach counseling courses and include faith and Biblical truths was a dream come true.”
Mary was raised in Bluffton, Ohio. She went to Bluffton High School and Bluffton College, majoring in mathematics and education. She began her career life as a high school math teacher at Perry High School in Lima. She then went to Bowling Green State University and graduated with an M.Ed. in guidance and counseling. She was the freshman class counselor at Perrysburg High School for one year before returning to Perry Schools to be an elementary school counselor. She completed her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Toledo in 2000. She continued to work as a school counselor but also taught as an adjunct professor for the University of Toledo and the University of Dayton.
Mary and her husband Jeff have been married for 30 years and live in Lima, Ohio. Their daughter Brooklyn is a nurse in the Ohio State Health Network and recently married Christian Sauer. They reside in Columbus with their fur babies. Their daughter Riley is an intervention specialist at Cridersville Elementary School. Riley is currently working on her master’s degree in special education with the hopes of becoming a Certified Academic Language Therapist. “And last, but certainly not least, the baby of the family, Lulu, is a 7-year-old miniature poodle. Her only aspirations are to eat and sleep.”
2 Pray for the U.S. general elections, for the peace and stability of our republic.
1 Happy Birthday, Jenn Schlumbohm! Jenn serves the CGGC in the Global Reach Department.
November 2024
Global Advocate Prayer Calendar
9 Join together in prayer for Rod & Mila Ayers for their oversight of the Sister Church and School ministry in Haiti.
8 Intercede for countries impacted by food insecurity and ask the Lord to provide the nourishment they need.
7 Pray for Dave & Kenda Kapaku as they help minister to the needs of their community recovering from the fires.
6 Encourage Pastor John & Toni Thumma through prayers. Pray especially for their health and the provision for Hooghan Nizhoni church.
5 Lift up in prayer Jacob & Haley Day as they serve at Gamerco and the surrounding community.
4 Ask God to raise up leaders for His mission in the U.S. and across the world.
3 Request God for wisdom for the Project Help Executive Team as they meet each month to serve Haiti.
16 Intercede for the churches in Mexico . Petition for unity and spiritual protection for those bringing God’s word.
15 Trust the Lord to provide opportunities for Dave & Kenda Kapaku to serve and share Christ with the people of Hawaii.
14 Many CGGC congregations participate in Operation Christmas Child. Pray for givers and receivers to be equally blessed!
13 Pray for Winebrenner Student Enrollment to continue to increase!
12 Thank God for our retired missionaries who continue to bless others: Geneva McNutt, Gordon & Annie Avey, and Mike & Dawn VanDervort .
11 As the USA observes Veterans’ Day, give thanks for all who have served in the armed forces. Take time to thank individuals for their service.
10 Beseech the Lord in prayer for the nation of Haiti ! Pray for safety, sufficient food and national unity.
23 Remember Denis Droicin, Haiti Liaison, and the hospital in Haiti. Pray for God’s intervention to bring peace to Haiti.
22 Ask God to continue to provide stamina and creativity for school children, teachers and staff throughout this 20242025 school year.
21 Pray for the victims of Hurricanes Helene & Milton and the necessary recovery efforts.
20 Ask God to help us follow the lead of brothers and sisters in Venezuela who regularly join hands to pray for their cities.
19 Continue to ask God’s blessings on Samir Singha as he provides many educational opportunities to children through numerous child development centers in India.
18 Pray for God’s provision and work through our Share the Blessing campaign. More info at www.cggc.org .
17 Praise God for German & Silvia Baquedano as they serve as field directors in Nicaragua.
30 Praise God for the beginning of Advent and the season of repentance and preparation. May Christ be born anew in our hearts! “Prepare the way of the Lord.”
29 Black Friday is famous for shopping frenzies. “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed’ life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15).
28 Happy Thanksgiving! “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good! His love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1). Praise God today for who He is and what He has done.
27 Unite in prayer for Fremio & Evelin Jimenez as they serve as field directors in the Dominican Republic.
26 Thank God for Victor and Alma Montalvo as they continue working and building relationships.
25 Praise God for the renewed connections being made in Bangladesh as Dr. John Costa visits remote villages through medical camps.
24 Pray for Bryan and Katie Crabtree and their children during Christmas, as they who have the opportunity to evangelize what Christmas is really about.
7 Intercede on behalf of Pastors Fremio & Evelyn in the Dominican Republic , for opportunities to witness.
6 Pray that the peoples of India see the love of Christ in our brothers and sisters. Ask for courage for Samir Singha and Assistant Director Philip Das.
14 Rely on God’s power to serve as Jesus’ witnesses locally, regionally, and to the ends of the earth. Resist the temptation to limit your witness.
13 Pray for several GLC pastors as they hold teaching sessions at our India Mission.
December 2024
Global Advocate Prayer Calendar
5 Ask God to richly bless Pastor Maria Grigioni , Argentina Field Leader, with wisdom and provision.
4 Trust the Lord to provide new momentum with the church planting efforts across our fields.
3 On this Giving Tuesday , thank God for our International Field Leaders and their selfless dedication! Support them generously!
2 Intercede for Pastor Joseph Mwaura , Director of Voice of the Gospel in Kenya. Pray for God to bless the pastors with solid teaching and vision for Kingdom impact.
1 “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.” Psalm 89:1
21 Pray that team visits will be possible to our India and Bangladesh Missions as traveling there has become more difficult.
20 Pray for the leaders of 2025 ACTS teams that they would have grace from the Lord to prepare their teams.
12 Keep John & Toni Thumma in your prayers as they are serving in New Mexico. Pray that they will continue to develop relationships within the community.
11 Thank God for the faithfulness of Pastor Dave & Kenda Kapaku in Maui, Hawaii. Ask the Lord to continue adding to His church those who are being saved.
10 Happy Birthday to Jacob Day! Delight in the blessings the Lord has provided for Jacob and pray for continued blessings.
9 Remember in prayer the students and staff of Winebrenner Theological Seminary . Ask God to encouragement and understanding.
8 Join in prayer for CGGC President Dave Odegard and Executive Director Lance Finley . Pray for wisdom as they work together for God’s glory in the CGGC!
28 Pray for all international staff to find rest and peace as 2024 comes to an end and we approach a new year.
27 Intercede for Samir Singha and his daughter Madhumita as they serve in different areas of India.
19 Happy Birthday to Katie Crabtree! Praise the Lord for her serving in Thailand and asks the Lord’s continued blessings on her life!
18 Please Pray for Blue Christmas Services that provide a healing ministry to those who have lost loved ones this year.
17 Call upon the Lord for spiritual growth for new believers in west India.
16 Happy Birthday, Travis Helm, Global Reach Director. Pray God’s blessings for another year!
15 Unite in prayer for the people of many countries under amplified financial strain during the pandemic.
26 Pray for the developing Mexico Conference of churches, that they can be legally recognized.
25 Merry Christmas! “For to us a child is born, a son is given” (Isa. 9:6a). Be sure to share the Good News in word and deed that God sent His Son to save the world!
24 As churches gather to worship on Christmas Eve, pray that all the CGGC will embrace our mission to be the salt and light for Jesus in the world.
23 Thank God for Pastors Liarxis & Mara who serve in Venezuela. Petition for the Lord’s protection.
22 Ask the Lord to empower the pastors in Bahia, Brazil, so that they will continue working together to establish new works in the Brazil Conference.
31 At the end of 2024 give thanks for what God has done. Spend time praying about His plans for you and the CGGC in 2025!
30 Happy Birthday (tomorrow), Mila Ayers! Lift Mila as she seeks wisdom and direction from the Lord as she and Rod serve Haiti.
29 Happy birthday, Winebrenner President Dr. Brent Sleasman! Ask the Lord’s blessings on Brent and his family as he continues to lead WTS into the future.
A History of Collaboration, Stewardship & Discipleship
by Jacob Clagg
CGGC Director of Communications
Collaboration, Stewardship, and Discipleship are the pillars of WTS’s current strategic priorities. And yet, if we look back 80 years to Winebrenner’s founding, we can clearly see, almost prophetically, how these same pillars were in place in 1942.
Winebrenner Graduate School of Divinity, as it was called in 1942, began as a collaborative effort between Findlay College and College First Church of God. The Church provided the physical location, with classes taking place in the church, while the Church and the CGGC supported the college’s annual budget. Of course, a large portion of the students came directly from the CGGC as well. And all of this was in service to the idea of seeing Christians educated well and raised up to positions of leadership.
But that didn’t mean the task of educating and discipling these students was easy. The existence of Winebrenner as a Graduate School of Findlay was an immediate challenge to the accreditation of the College. It brought new, higher standards with regard to funds spent on students, facilities, faculty pay, and more. It was, at the time, insurmountable given Findlay College’s resources. They had too few supporters, too few students, too few books in their library, too little housing, and more. Between 1942 and 1947, the North Central accrediting body had given Findlay a number of warnings about revoking accreditation. In 1948, there were no more warnings. The loss of this accreditation was an immense challenge, but not an impossible one.
The College, the denomination, and many local churches gathered together to see the program supported and to ultimately thrive. It wouldn’t be until 1960 that the Seminary would officially separate and become its own body distinct from the College, allowing Findlay the ability to regain its accreditation with North Central.
On its own, Winebrenner Seminary would continue to find more challenges. Challenges that Winebrenner had at Findlay followed them when they became a new institution. The need for additional library books and services, student support, additional faculty, living space, and more once again became pressing needs. By 1969, financial concerns were so bleak that an initial decision was made to shutter the school. Once again, proper stewardship and collaboration kept Winebrenner afloat. In a special October meeting of that year, the denomination rallied to save the school and meet its needs.
It's apparent that proper stewardship and student accessibility were present even in WTS’s earliest days. Government assistance, thanks to educational support made possible during Truman’s Fair Deal era of the late 40s, early Winebrenner students were only charged a fee of $30 per student, and approximately $10.50 per week for room and board. Crucially, this made getting a quality education highly accessible, especially for students who were mostly rural.
We see the same ethos of stewardship today, ensuring the seminary is run with student
economics in mind. WTS is on the forefront of affordable graduate education, charging only $300 a month for tuition, which allows students to take any number of classes they are qualified for, whether it’s for the divinity or the counseling programs.
Student accessibility has increased in other ways too. While in the early days Winebrenner Seminary was constantly concerned about proper student housing and providing sufficient services to meet student and accreditation requirements, now WTS’s online platform allows students with a wide variety of education needs to be met. Students can attend Winebrenner where they are, from around the country, without the complicated and prohibitively expensive move, either lodging in campus dorms or selling their home and finding a new one in the Findlay area.
Discipleship is, perhaps, the most obvious of all strategic priorities for a seminary. And we need to look no further than the students themselves. Alumni of all kinds can confirm that the seminary has played a crucial part in their discipleship journey.
Pastor Paul Rutledge, a 1997 Winebrenner Alumni, of Risingsun First Church of God, Ohio, said that, “The institution has helped me have the foundation I needed to be an effective pastor. I've used every class I took at Winebrenner in some capacity in 28 years of ministry.” But it didn’t stop at just education. “Winebrenner reached out over the years to pray for me and to see how I was doing. I'm blessed that I received my degree from Winebrenner,” Pastor Paul concluded.
From providing quality biblical education and preparing students to minister and preach the gospel, to mentoring and preparing them for the practical side of ministry and Christian counseling, Winebrenner Seminary has set a firm foundation for alumni to both launch and go deeper in their faith.
Furthermore, the cooperation from UF and the denomination to see Winebrenner thrive has paid dividends back. Winebrenner grads have lead the denomination, both nationally and regionally
"I've used every class I took at Winebrenner in some capacity in 28 years of ministry."
—Pastor Paul Rutledge
time and again, demonstrating that Winebrenner Alumni have been discipled well to lead.
Dr. Gale Ritz, first president of the seminary, said the following during an Inaugural prayer in 1963.
“We recognize in Thee, O Lord, the foundation of all knowledge and truth, and we pray that Thou would grant this day Thy richest blessing upon our Winebrenner Theological Seminary, upon its faculty and student body.
“We give Thee thanks, O God, for the wisdom of those who envisioned the need of a seminary; for the perseverance of those who kept alive the dream that this has led to the reality of the present campus and its fine facilities; and for the faithful stewards of this church and every church who have shared of their means to underwrite the costs of so noble an adventure.”
Amen.
CGWM Fall Retreats and Beyond
by Kathy Foor, CGWM Director
One of my favorite things about being the director of Women’s Ministries for the Churches of God, General Conference is that I get to travel to lots of places and meet lots of new people. While travel in itself can be exhausting, I find it invigorating to find out what God is doing in other parts of the country and around the world. I love hearing testimonies of His grace and mercy in the lives of brothers and sisters I have the opportunity to meet along the way.
God is at work. Lives are being transformed. God is moving mightily.
Last weekend was no exception! While attending the Sisters of Strength Retreat at Camp Sonrise Mountain on the border between Pennsylvania and Maryland, it was such a blessing to hear what was shared during our closing prayer time! One woman shared how blessed she was the night before as the women in her cabin shared their testimonies. She noted how blown away she was by the testimony of a woman God had rescued from a cult and brought to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Suddenly several women were chiming in about how others had blessed them throughout the weekend. The theme for the weekend was being Re-born into the Kingdom of God with birthday cake and presents for all! Ashley McDonald, our speaker for the weekend, shared about the importance
of understanding your identity in Christ and walking in the life He has called you to. Each of us, she said, has unique gifts and abilities that God wants to use to build up the body of Christ. She shared many practical ways to pursue God’s calling in our lives as she wove together her own personal stories of the faithfulness of God in her life. Ashley serves alongside her husband Greg who pastors the Goodridge Church of God in Cambria, Pa.
The weekend before that I had the pleasure of participating in the ERC Fall Retreat at Camp Yolijwa in Doubling Gap, Pennsylvania. What a joy it was to see the auditorium filled with women of all ages and stages of life! Our guest speaker for the weekend was Kay DeKalb Smith, also known as the Carol Burnett of Christian comedy. Kay masterfully wove together songs and stories with both humor and tears to touch our hearts and encourage us to be kind to others. She shared personal stories of how reaching out to neighbors can be lifechanging, though not always easy. She invited us to join her Saturday evening to watch Unsung Hero, a movie based on the life of the Smallbone family from which we would recognize Rebecca St. James and For King and Country. Kay is portrayed in the movie by Candice Cameron Bure’, a neighbor whose simple acts of kindness impacted this struggling young family when they first arrived in the United States from Australia. It is such a powerful testimony of how lives can be impacted by the kindness of a neighbor!
Mt. Tabor Church of God in Celina, Ohio will be hosting the Believe Conference on Saturday, November 2, 2024. This year’s theme is “Foundation~A Focus On Prayer” featuring Wendy Bender. I look forward to the opportunity to lead a couple of breakout sessions at this event, but more than that it is always a joy to learn what God has been up to in the lives of these precious women.
The Flourish Conference 2025
As we talk about Fall retreats, I want to encourage you to be on the lookout for this year’s Flourish Conference brochure which will be mailed early in November. You will want to pay close attention to the details of the conference this year, since there are a few significant changes in our event as we look forward to celebrating the 200th birthday of the CGGC at the 2025 Triennial. CGWM will have its Triennial meeting during the Flourish Conference. This means it is time to prepare for election of CGWM officers for 2025-2028. If you would like to nominate someone for a position on the CGWM National Leadership Team, first make sure that person is willing to serve, and then email their contact information to Kathy Foor at cgwmdirector@gmail.com before January 31, 2024. These candidates will be interviewed prior to being added to the ballot for a vote at Flourish 2025.
The Flourish Conference will be held at Grand Point Church in Chambersburg this year in celebration of the 2025 Triennial and John Winebrenner’s Pennsylvania roots. We welcome Georgina Verzal as the featured speaker for this year’s conference which will be held March 7-9, 2025.
About Georgina Verzal
Georgina Verzal is a captivating and transformative speaker whose powerful life story resonates with audiences across the globe. As an ordained minister, she shares her journey from deep personal pain to spiritual triumph, demonstrating the life-changing impact of unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. At 21, Georgina’s life was shattered by the tragic death of her brother, leading to a decade marked by emotional, physical, and spiritual turmoil. She endured multiple failed marriages, single parenting, miscarriage, bankruptcy, eating disorders, and abusive relationships. Yet, at her lowest point, Georgina made a life-altering decision to recommit her life to Christ. This decision ignited a profound spiritual renewal, transforming her life and fueling her passion for helping others find healing and purpose through faith. Today, Georgina stands as a testament to resilience, redemption, and hope. As a sought-after speaker, she inspires audiences worldwide with her compelling testimony, encouraging people to overcome adversity and embrace God’s redemptive power. Her influence spans across the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, Africa, and Europe, where she speaks at conferences, retreats, church events, and evangelistic outreaches.
Complimentary Registration
We are also excited to announce that as part of a grant from the CGGC, we will be offering complimentary registration to this year’s conference for pastor’s wives and/or female pastors of the CGGC. These will be given on a first come first served basis up to the amount of the grant, so we advise registering early. Pastor’s wives/female pastors should fill out a paper registration form, being certain to indicate your request for complimentary registration, and mail to Nancy Scott as instructed on the registration form. Registration forms will also be available to download and print from our website. https://www.cggcwomen.org/
Whether you never miss a Flourish Conference or have never had the opportunity to attend, we are certain that you will not want to miss out on this opportunity to discover the tools needed to live a victorious Christian life as we advance His Kingdom on this earth! See you there!
Global Reach Updates
Thank you for partnering with our friends and fields in Global Reach. Our main desire and prayer in Global Reach is that the Gospel will be shared in the fields and countries where God has opened doors to be a witness for Him. The following are a few updates from some of our Global Reach fields. Please continue to pray for our leaders and believers as they serve God and share the Good News with seekers.
India
A key ministry tool for our India Mission is child development centers. We have more than a dozen centers scattered in every region we serve (Northeast, South central, and west). Some centers have 15 children and the largest has close to 100. This involves tutoring, moral and hygiene instruction as well as some form of nourishment. The children are all underprivileged and from other faiths. The India Mission faces numerous struggles through various forms of resistance, but it is also in a season of new ministry in expanding regions. This includes slum ministry among high-risk youth as we our able to find proper meeting structures. It also includes leprosy ministry, new child development centers, and outreach efforts in new villages. The following pictures of some new child development centers and new fellowships may help bring the field to you for prayer and support. We continue to move forward with the stages of planning an English Medium School at Uluberia as the Lord guides and provides. Samir expresses his gratitude for your sincere prayers and faithful giving.
New thriving fellowships in India pictured here.
Bangladesh
Thank you to many of you who have been faithfully praying for the Country of Bangladesh, our Mission, the staff, students and church members. It continues to be a difficult situation as the transition into a completely new government in Bangladesh is established. As you can imagine, the political climate is volatile and minority faith communities (like Christians) are very vulnerable at this time to violence, harassment, and intimidation. Our Mission has been under severe harassment and threats so continued prayer is greatly appreciated. The picture below shows a group of Mission pastors, some leadership staff of Bogura Christian Hospital, a few Mission school teachers, and Mission senior leaders. They are praying as they begin a three-day Biblical study session sponsored by the Bible Extended Education Mission. This involves a three-day session each quarter for one year including examinations. Upon successful completion, participants will graduate with a diploma that is recognized by government and allows pastors-teachers to legally teach Bible to other communities without any harassment from antiMission groups.
This has become a huge encouragement to participating staff during this current time of harassment, uncertainty, and fear. The following pictures are from the group's first three-day session.
The Bible Extended Education Mission also provides an MP3 stick which has the same coursework studies on it. Our Mission will purchase 100 to provide to the remainder of the pastors and some church leaders for home study.
Southwest
Jacob and Haley Day have had a crazy busy summer! They visited Colorado in June and in July, they had back-to-back teams. The ACTS team helped with VBS at Gamerco where they had about 50 people in attendance! Enola Church of God Youth team held VBS at Hooghan Nizhoni. They also had about 50 people in attendance. VBS is always a wonderful way to connect with the community. See pictures on these two pages. Congratulations to Jacob Day who graduated this summer from Winebrenner Seminary with a Masters in Practical Theology. The Days were able to see old friends and finally meet professors and classmates in person during Jacob’s graduation in Findlay, Ohio this summer.
Each faithful donor and prayer partner has a significant part in our Global Reach field ministries across the globe. Partnerships are vital in reaching the lost in various parts of the world. Please contact travis@cggc.org if you want to discuss how your small group, church or family can partner to help make an eternal impact on the Kingdom. There are also opportunities for short term field visits, internships, and vision tours to help encourage and support the field work.
Blessings,
Travis Helm
CGGC Global Reach Director
Periodical Rate
Postage Paid at Minster, OH
Permit No. 110260
700 E. Melrose Ave., P.O. Box 926
Findlay, OH 45839
Phone (419) 424-1961
Fax (419) 424-3433
www.cggc.org
Share the Blessing!
Will you bless others around the globe with the gifts God has given you?
To give online, scan the QR code on the corresponding picture, or visit CGGC.org. To give by mail, send a check with “Share the Blessing #1, #2, or #3” in the memo line to the CGGC office at: PO Box 926, Findlay, OH 45839
2 Brazil Church Construction
Good News Bible Church in Santo Antônio, Bahia, Brazil has secured land for a new church building.
1 Equipment for Bangladesh Hospitals
Our medical ministries in both Bogura and Khanjanpur are in constant need of new medical instruments to do their jobs properly. Currently, Bogura Christian Hospital needs an ultrasound machine and pediatric oximeters to monitor baby oxygen levels. Meanwhile, the Khanjanpur Eye Clinic is in need of an Auto Biochemistry Analyzer and an EKG Machine as part of their standard operations. Our hope is to secure $22,000 for these life-changing medical instruments.
To start Phase 1 of their construction, the church is in need of additional funds for the assessments, surveys, permits and construction of a functional first level of the building including a space for worship, plumbing, and electricity. Pastor Roque Alves has pastored the church since 2013. The area is made of “simple” people, spiritually they are planted firmly on the Rock, Jesus. The present need is $44,000 to complete this phase of construction.
3 India Fellowship/Education Center
We now have plans to further expand our fellowship and education work in northern West Bengal, India. The work was started in 2014, fellowshipping and educating about 35 families consisting of mostly cultivation laborers who are very poor. This established fellowship region of northern West Bengal is rapidly growing with new friends and children’s outreach. We would like to provide a new building for them. Already, the leaders here are eagerly praying over the ground even before it’s been broken. Our goal for this fellowship-education center is $14,000, which will help establish the center on land that has already been purchased.
