The Kerusso | 2023 September

The Kerusso – September | 2023

More About our Leadership Summit

General Superintendent Max Edwards

In our regional meetings held across the country from March to June, we asked a few dozen questions of our pastors and lay people. We sought feedback about lots and lots of things, such as future regional meeting locations and speakers; about what kind of pastoral training events would be most helpful; and about how we might improve connections to our people and churches. Well, here’s the thing - I underestimated how much information you have provided for us to pour through, and it will take another few months before the Cabinet of Superintendents will be ready to share a great deal of what we are learning from it all.

But, I can share a few pieces of data from your feedback that is helping us determine where and when we will be holding “Journey” meetings in the first half of next year.

37 out of 93 people indicated that “one-national-meeting-idea” in 2024 would be okay with them, but we don’t feel that is a broad enough view, so we will be holding several regional meetings across the US next year.

By far, the vast majority of people indicated that four meetings across the country is the right amount.

We’re processing possible locations, and are contacting pastors this week to set our dates and locations. We will have that information locked in very soon.

Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”

Cornerstone Community Welcomes The Ellis Family Kevin Brouillette, USA Conference Superintendent

Cornerstone Community Church in Reidsville, N.C. recently welcomed their new Pastor, Josh Ellis, his wife Hannah, and their two children, Natalie and Cade.

Pastor Josh and Hannah both grew up in the EMC. They met for the first time at Indian Cave Youth Camp in 2012 and later married in 2017. Pastor Josh had previously served as Pastor of our East Bend EMC church since October 2020.

While change and transition can have its difficulties, Pastor Josh and family are excited for what God has in store for them in this new season of their life and ministry. The wonderful congregation of Cornerstone Community Church has welcomed them with great warmth and hospitality and shares in the excitement for what lies ahead.

Join me in prayer for Pastor Josh and family and the congregation of Cornerstone Community Church as well as the congregation of East Bend EMC during this transitional season.

Church Clippings

Mike Whitney - Oklahoma

Excerpts from Pastor Mike’s 2022 Ministry Report

“Ministry Highlights for 2022: 1) Our emphasis for our church has undergone a major shift from being a purely attractional church to greater emphasis on developing a culture of Discipleship. Our discipleship focuses on three main areas: a- Deepening a relationship with Jesus Christ b- Understanding the importance of ministry and community c- Developing a more intentional mission in our world.

“2) With our emphasis on Discipleship we kicked off what we have called "Teaching at the Table". This is a once-a-month Wednesday evening focus on building community and discipleship through a more intimate setting around tables. This begins as a pot luck dinner that involves communion to begin the meal, a deeper doctrinal teaching, discussion and prayer at the table. This has received a phenomenal response from the people.

“3) Our Outside the 4 walls ministry through our Project 7 Team far exceeds our expectations every year. The generosity of the church means that we have been able to give away cars - support local ministries - help people through difficulties, support EMC missions and various other projects.”

Jerry McNeill - Texas

Excerpts from Pastor Jerry’s 2022 Ministry Report

“I completed my 26th year of ministry at Abilene the first Sunday in March, 2022. I perform the usual pastoral ministries ... and what many church pastors do, help care for the church with cleaning, repairs, lawn care. I meet weekly with Pastor Russ and other Refuge Ministers via messenger. We discuss what is happening at each campus, the needs, how can we help one another. On Wednesday afternoon, we meet for sermon preparation.

“As a church we have ministered to others through a small food pantry. We also collected gloves, hats, and socks for a local homeless ministry. Two things that stand out with the past year: we have built a family atmosphere within the church that emphasizes caring for, nurturing, and ministering to one another. I have encouraged others to step up to teach classes and Bible Studies and several have. We are growing spiritually and personally.”

Church Clippings

Continued

Joshua Reid - Pennsylvania

Excerpts from Pastor Joshua’s 2022 Ministry Report

“We have experienced growth both in numbers and in depth of saints knowing Christ. We have been active in the community and believe we are rescuing lost souls. We are excited to see what the Lord opens up for us in 2023! We have gained 10 members and baptized 6! We took 7 children/2 adults to youth camp.

“Chapel of Hope held several outreach events including VBS, Open Mic/Bonfire Night, Cross Carry and Walk with Jesus.” Joshua shares this about the Cross Carry and Walk with Jesus: “… The heart of the Cross Carry event is to give the opportunity for people to carry the cross of our Savior through the community to first make the reality of the cross more personal and second to show belief in Jesus not just in the church but in the community. This year there was a strong desire to pray so we stopped at four key locations in the community to pray for public servants, first responders, leaders, children and families in our community… The Walk with Jesus is a passion walk to guide children and their families through the passion story. [Stations were Palm Sunday, The Last Supper, The Trial, The Cross, The Empty Tomb.] Volunteers dressed in costume and taught the story. We did this in our parking lot using decorated canopies. At each station a portion of the Bible was being read over them because we believe that His Word will increase their faith.”

Brian Gordon - Virginia

Excerpts from Pastor Brian’s 2022 Ministry Report

“Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” -Luke 2:49b

“In 2007 I came home to Salem a young man still in my 20s, and I type this realizing that 50 is just a little more than 4 years away. Now, in my 17th year at Riverside I am still excited to come into the office every day. I still love everything about “church.” I love meetings. I love visiting and being with people. I love diving into God’s Word and mining the riches that are found there. I absolutely LOVE watching when someone has an “aha” moment as the Scripture comes alive for them. Some years I begin the year with clear purpose and direction, and at other times I feel more like a bird floating on the breeze, curious to see which way the Lord takes me.

“As 2022 came to a close and 2023 began the Lord directed me to Luke 2 where he impressed four words on my heart: “His Presence - His Prerogative.” Just as Jesus was compelled to be in His Father’s house, my heart’s desire is his presence. Not just when we gather for worship, but in every aspect of my life. His presence drives away fear and anxiety. His presence brings peace in a world filled with uncertainty. Just as Jesus was about His Father’s business, my desire is God’s will in all things. I want to be in the center of God’s will in every decision. What I am learning is that “His Presence – His Prerogative” requires me to slow down and listen. God seldom yells.

“Starting the year off with combined services, and a series on praise, has been awesome! I’m looking forward to what God is going to do and where he takes us from here. Moving forward my heart is for Riverside to continue to be a church that our community can’t live without.”

Howie McKinney - Virginia Excerpts from Pastor Howie’s 2022 Ministry Report

“Mt. Calvary Church experienced a wilderness year in 2022. We persevered through some tough times, but we were also refreshed as well. We talked about the wilderness experience throughout the year – not focused on the difficulty, but on what God was doing in our lives individually and corporately. Jesus will lead us into the wilderness to transform us, to deepen our resolve, but also to bring us to the place of absolute trust in Him. We had some oasis moments during the year that greatly encouraged us along the way.

“Our one-day VBS in May was a highlight. We also welcomed the community on August 6 for a Back-to-School Bash. Free school supplies were distributed based on the grade level from Kindergarten through Middle School. We had bouncy houses, games, and free hot dogs for everyone who attended. Just under 200 people attended.

“We were also blessed to personally deliver school supplies to both Shawsville Elementary School and Shawsville Middle School. We were able to begin a Thursday night children’s program as a result of the BTS Bash.

“2023 will be year of new beginnings for our church. The Board of Stewards agreed to re-launch the church in the Spring of 2023. We are excited to see what God has in store for us. Our mission will remain the same: to be a church where everyone knows they have value, a place, and a purpose.

“Mount Calvary Church took a great step of faith to become a part of Riverside Church in 2020. Now in 2023, we are all taking a great step of faith together as we present our church to the Lord with an open hand with no agenda or demands of our own. We simply want to be in the center of His will, to be faithful to our mission, and to be soft clay in the Potter’s hands. Sandra and I remain grateful for the love, support, prayers, and encouragement we continue to receive from our Riverside/Mt. Calvary family. It is a high privilege to serve the Lord as we serve alongside the special people who make our great church the special church it is.” Philippians 1:6

Updates From Around The World

Honoring Faithfulness: An Interview with Bishop Albert Budiaki Mbenza (General Superintendent of EMC’s “Christ for All Nations” Global Conference)

Submitted by, Revs. Bill & Lisa Walker, GBWM Co-Chairs

“Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.” Acts 26:19

Bill Walker: Bishop Budiaki, we extend our congratulations on the 45th anniversary of your call to ministry. If I have done my math right, you were called to ministry in 1978. I know you have a great deal of ministry experience—good times and hard times. I would like to help the EMC family get to know you a little bit.

Everyone knows that you are the General Superintendent of the EMC CFAN Global Conference, but we’d like to know “who, really, is Bishop Albert Budiaki?” I’m sure you have much about life and walking with Jesus that you can share.

Bill: What was your childhood like? What Christian influences did you have as a child?

Bishop Budiaki: I was growing up in the Congo (DRC) like any other child. My father was in the military and was away much of the time. My parents had 9 children, 5 boys and 4 girls. I am the 3rd of the 9 children. I grew up moving around a lot and started being a troublemaker. I was always fighting in the streets. At some point we started attending a Catholic church. Even though we were going there, we did not know God.

Bill: When were you saved? How did you come to Christ?

Bishop: I became a Christian when God spoke to me on August 18, 1978. I heard his audible voice. When we were attending the Catholic church, we were just going but didn’t know what we were doing. But then I heard God’s voice and came to know God.

Bill: How did you meet your wife? How many children do you have? Boys/Girls? What about your grandchildren?

Bishop: After coming to Christ, I started preaching right away. In a certain town, we were preaching at a Christian event. While there, we were arrested because of our preaching and because of some of our political statements. You, see, we had been given Divine revelations about certain leaders, and people were following us around to know what we were saying about the country. When I was arrested, the woman who was the local town authority took me to her house, because she wanted to hear more what we were doing. She also wanted me to preach to her family.

In that context I got to know her daughter, Gertrude Masengu. “Mama Getu” as everyone calls her now, is my wife, and God has blessed us with 4 children: 1 boy and 3 girls. We also have 9 grandchildren.

Bill: That day in 1978, how did you know that God was calling to you to ministry?

Bishop: The audible voice was unmistakable. There were four of us together, and God spoke to us from 9pm - 3am. We did not see anyone, but we all heard and understood the Voice giving us instructions. So, we were sure it was God speaking. I was converted and called to preach at the same time. This is a story that many, many people back home in Congo know. They have heard about this event over the past 45 years.

Interview with Bishop Albert Budiaki Mbenza (continued)

Bill: Your testimony reminds me of what happened with the Apostle Paul: He was a violent man, but God confronted him. He was converted and called, all at once on the road to Damascus. Sometimes ministers second-guess themselves or wonder if they were really called or should remain in ministry, but I imagine that for you, there is no question; you didn’t imagine God’s call. You can always go back to that supernatural, unmistakable, and undeniable experience, knowing that God called you to salvation and to service.

Bishop: Yes! Also, there were other persons who were not present when God spoke to us, [but were able to] independently confirm what God said.

Bill: What have been some joys you have seen in ministry?

Bishop: The greatest moments are seeing God’s Word fulfilled. God promised we would not be alone, that he would send us men and woman to serve with us, and He did. We have now over 1,000 pastors across the globe. *

Bill: What have been some of the hard things?

Bishop: There have been doctrinal conflicts. Some were believing in the Trinity, others were non-trinitarian. Because of this and other conflicts, we have nearly experienced separation between the four of us who heard God’s voice that day.

Bill: How did you remain faithful at times when you might have wanted to quit?

Bishop: What helped us remain faithful during those hard times was that God said he would send us to an assembly where He would help us grow and encourage us. We went to an apostle in the Congo. He sheltered us for 7 years and showed us the word of God. He helped us in our journey. This helped us stay strong.

Bill: What experiences, resources, or influences have impacted you and helped form you into the minister you are today?

Bishop: I experienced what the Lord has done. Also, the kindness and training from that apostle who sheltered and mentored us during those early years. We were going through different villages to preach the Gospel, and God did many miracles, healing sick people. This helped us see that God’s word is not mere words, but it is power. This helped us stand strong and grow in our faith and teachings.

Bill: Based on your experience, what are some lessons you would share with a younger pastor?

Bishop: Fear God! Fear God and really follow His instructions. That’s what we have done. That’s when God shows Himself and shows Himself faithful. Know that there are good times and bad times. But what helps you go through the journey is to sanctify yourself. Live in holiness.

* Concluding notes: The 45th anniversary is less a celebration of Bishop Budiaki’s ministry and more about remembering the supernatural intervention of God in his life as a young man. A takeaway for everyone is this: time in the presence of God always transforms one’s heart and directs the trajectory of one’s life.

The 1,000+ pastors he mentions is an organization which Bishop co-founded named “Assembly of Messengers.” Though formally connected to the EMC, Bishop maintains relationships with the “Assembly.”