The Kerusso – June | 2025
Recalling our Mission
Rev. Max Edwards
Last month, I wrote about the purpose of our annual gatherings, which we call “Journey” meetings. Coming together in those sessions for inspiration and fellowship are vital components to a healthy connectional relationship. The Evangelical Methodist Church is NOT a corporate machine, nor is it a club to which member churches belong. NO, the EMC is a living organism, made up of our people, our pastors, and our active witness and ministry in the communities we serve.
Therefore, our routine gatherings are much more than family reunions at which we connect with long-lost relatives. They are part of the fabric which connects and shapes us as a cohesive unit. The Word of God beautifully reminds us that we are the very body of Christ, and just as the parts of the body are connected by living tissue such as bones, sinew, and ligaments, so we are connected together by our active involvement with one another.
“… We will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:15-16)
In function, our gatherings are less like that once-in-a-blue-moon get together, and more like the family dinner table. They help hold us together for our ongoing mission to touch the world effectively for Jesus Christ.
The overarching mission of the Evangelical Methodist Church can be summarized in four words: Worship, Discipleship, Holiness, and Evangelism. These are the things that our churches and leaders are doing, and MUST DO, if we are to make any eternal difference in people’s lives.
Together with our churches and leaders around the country and the world, we
Promoting Worship! Our first calling is to worship God in spirit and truth. This is the foundation from which all other aspects of our mission flow. The adoration of the one true God is our highest calling and greatest privilege.
Fostering Discipleship! We are called to a lifelong journey of learning and growing in Christ. This means not only our own growth but also helping others to grow, nurturing them in their faith and understanding of Christ’s core teachings.
Modeling Holiness! We must always strive to live lives set apart for God, reflecting His character to the world. Our people are to demonstrate holiness of heart and life, making our message more compelling and authentic to others.
Inspiring Evangelism! We are to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who don't know Him through personal and corporate missions efforts, inviting people into a relationship with God, and into a safe and loving community.
Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
Evangelical School of Ministry of South Africa
After affiliating with EMC International, our South African brothers and sisters expressed a need for a school to train pastors and Christian workers. The SA conference operates differently from the USA, with circuits similar to districts and societies akin to local churches. Pastors in South Africa act as overseers, while local preachers manage most weekly ministry in societies, necessitating solid Bible training.
Planning for the school began last summer (Aug 2024), when the Walkers and Edwardses traveled to South Africa to help inaugurate the Evangelical School of Ministry of South Africa (ESOM-SA).
The trip was fruitful, especially at EMC-SA headquarters in Lusikisiki. Bishop Lungisa Nyangane and his team had already planned the curriculum, allowing us to celebrate their hard work at a gala/fundraiser.
In March, the first ESOM-SA module was well attended. Praise God for this achievement. Rev. Mthobeli Wopula, Chair of the Conference Board of Ministerial Education, leads the school. We hope for future funding for the dormitory or school buildings.
Pray for the leaders and students as they apply their classroom learning in local churches/societies. There may be opportunities for qualified individuals from EMC-USA to teach remotely or in person at ESOM-SA.
Todd Inman - Oregon
Excerpts from Pastor Todd’s 2024 Ministry Report
Over the past year, we have witnessed wonderful growth, not only in adults joining our church family, but also an influx of children filling our KIDS CHURCH ministry with joy and energy! The future of our church is bright as we nurture these young minds in the ways of the Lord. A special thank you to Aaron and Deanna Vollmer for their dedication to the Children’s Ministry, making an impactful difference in the lives of our children. Also, it has been a profound blessing to observe what God has done through our BASIC NEEDS food give away ministry. This outreach has touched the lives of many in our community, providing not just nourishment, but hope and a reminder of God’s love. We extend our deepest gratitude to Greg and Patti Young for their hard work and dedication. Their efforts have been a beacon of light and compassion.
Our Men's Ministry saw a change in leadership this past year. After several years of dedicated service, Rick Shreckengost stepped down as the Men's Ministry leader, passing the mantle to David Upshaw. We are deeply grateful to Rick for his years of leadership and excited to see the fresh vision David will bring. This year, we were blessed with an amazing Man Camp, the first one in eight years, which was a huge success and brought our men closer together in faith and fellowship. The Women's Ministry is thriving under the inspiring leadership of Christina Bradley. With her team of dedicated leaders, the ministry is growing strong, providing opportunities for spiritual growth, community, and support. The unity and strength of our women has been truly uplifting and is a testament to the vibrant faith and commitment within our church.
Ten years ago, we planted Connections Community Church. Over this decade, we have experienced many ups and downs in our church and in our personal lives. Almost five years ago, I wondered if I would have the strength, allowance, and ability to continue as a pastor after my wife walked out on me and my daughter. However, I found that this church body created an environment that not only accepts people from all walks of life, but loves and supports me, despite what I went through. Connections is a congregation that loves deeply and gives unselfishly – a church of encouragers. We owe it all to the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit first and foremost and to the leadership of an awesome board and wonderful ministry leaders. This past year, we witnessed the joyous occasion of seven baptisms! Baptisms should be a highlight of every ministry, as they signify a commitment to faith and a new beginning in Christ. We will keep the emphasis of "Who's Your One?" through this year to remind us of our mission to reach out and bring others to Christ, one person at a time.
Our vision for 2025 is rooted in deepening our spiritual lives and nurturing the next generation. I encourage everyone to engage in a Bible study group, and encourage families to participate in children's ministry activities, creating a supportive community around our children. Let’s also strengthen our outreach ministries and continue to pray for His guidance, wisdom, and blessings, keeping in mind the importance of unity, support, and love for one another. I can’t imagine what God has in store for the next ten years and the mighty things He will do through His church
Jared Winslow – North Carolina
Excerpts from Pastor Jared’s 2024 Ministry Report
I have pastored at Community EMC for three years now. Our church family had another great year of worship and growing together in God and His Word. My wife and I make sure we visit those who are unable to attend services, and I make the videos of our services available on our church Facebook & YouTube pages. We always encourage our members to make their needs known to each other, and meet whatever needs they can, as we fulfill the Spirit of the law, by Christ’s love for others shining through each of us.
We had a large community outreach this year in September which we called “Family Fun Day” with about 100 people from the community showing up! We made sure they got information about the Gospel, including through a puppet show we performed, and information about our church. Our congregation gave generously this past year to help our Linville congregation affected by the hurricane. Our church also gave generously to our missionaries the Walkers, the Gentrys, the annual November missions offering, Indian Cave Youth Camp, Bibles for the World, and PreBorn’s Gospel-centered prolife ministry.
One of the most significant things that happened for us in 2024 was starting a youth group, after a couple teens who attended Indian Cave Youth Camp, became motivated to get more involved with our church, including helping with worship. We are actively looking forward to the things that God would have us to do with and for Him in 2025, always with the goal of reaching lost souls and growing in Christ together.
Roosevelt Lake, Family Camp 2025
Submitted by,
Rev. Debbie Miller
In Arizona we ventured out once again for Family Camp. This time we were at Roosevelt Lake in Arizona.
Thirty-five of us braved the chilly March weather. Most of us did not consider it warm enough for swimming but the kids just could not stay out of the water.
‘We Walk by Faith Not by Sight,” was the theme for this family camp.
Our daily Bible studies were partially reading a book called Mr. Pegelow at the Gates of Hell, written by Bob Streblow.
We talked about what service to others, evangelism and compassion are in the believer’s life. We had services each night preached by Melinda Gould, and Alexis Fraughton, our youth leaders. Family Camp is always time well spent reconnecting with each other and gathering around God’s Word.
It is time to SAVE THE DATE and mark your planning calendars for the EMC’s General Conference gathering, to be held in Indianapolis in the summer of 2026. We anticipate a thrilling time as EMC’ers come together from all over the country to enjoy good food, good fellowship, Christ-honoring worship, and inspiring speakers.
There will be a variety of speakers from which you can choose in two breakout sessions during the conference, but in our plenary sessions, one of the keynote presenters will be Rev. Karl Vaters
He has been shaped by God to encourage and equip thousands through his Helping Small Churches Thrive teaching. Karl’s “small church” threshold is 350, and truly his wisdom applies to churches of ALL sizes between house churches and megachurches.
Dr. Carla Sunberg will be our keynote evening speaker during General Conference, preaching two of the three nights, including the ordination service. Since June of 2017, Dr. Sunberg has served as one of the elected General Superintendents of the Church of the Nazarene. Along with her husband, Chuck, she served as a pioneer missionary in the former Soviet Union for 13 years, and at the time of her election to the Superintendency, she was the sitting President of Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.
loves to teach and train leaders for future service as leaders of local churches, and her heartfelt passion is a life of holiness and service for
Watch the monthly Kerusso, and your email inbox for more information over the coming months as plans continue to develop regarding the schedule, registration, break-out sessions, lodging, youth and children’s ministry, and more.
Carla
the Lord
Carla Sunberg
Karl Vaters
