Robert Miller

Director of Regional Ministries - Robert K. Miller HPBC 2021 Annual Meeting Report for November 2020 – November 2021

As the Director of Regional Ministries, I serve church leaders, churches, and associations across the Hawaiian Islands. I am the primary liaison with regional/associational leadership. I serve with Dr. Craig Webb and Diana Ventura in “HPBC Assist,” which focuses on supporting existing churches in the areas of pastoral support, church leaders, church revitalization, churches in transition, theological education, and prayer.

In my role, I seek to support our HPBC vision that sees every Hawaii Pacific Baptist Church working together to be leaders in impacting God’s Kingdom throughout the pacific and Asia.

In the following ways, I seek to support our strategy to build and sustain a stronger Kingdom network of like-minded churches:

Assisting Associations: BIBA has updated their HPBC-BIBA Cooperative Agreement. Their strategy team is now finalizing their new vision for 2022. MCBA pastors have met twice to consider the application of Kahului Union Church for acceptance into their association. A monthly newsletter was started to improve communication among MCBA churches. OBN continues to develop their six ministry teams and their HPBC-OBN Cooperative Agreement. As Regional Director, I attend all Hawaiian Island executive board and annual meetings either in-person or online. At these meetings, I offer support and updates from HPBC.

Prayer Gatherings: Big Island Pastors gather via Zoom for prayer. The Big Island Westside Pastor’s Huddle meets every Monday to provide mutual encouragement and support. Pastor Brian Frable of Kona Baptist leads this prayer group. The BIBA Eastside Pastors gather online every Thursday. On the 2nd Thursday of each month, I invite all BIBA pastors to an island-wide prayer time that I facilitate. All Oahu prayer groups have been put on hold.

Supporting Pastor-less Churches: Craig Webb and I have developed training for pastor search teams. I have provided training or coaching for approximately 15 churches this year. I also fill the pulpit regularly for churches without pastors. Craig and I have also updated our interim/transitional pastor list of trained pastors available to serve our churches. We also offer training to men who desire to serve as transitional pastors.

Visiting Pastors & Worship Services: I continue to visit pastors online and in-person. I made approximately 90 visits this year. I filled the pulpit 20 times this year, and on other Sundays, my wife and I attend different worship services. I also assisted five churches experiencing conflict. In-person visits on the neighbor island have been limited because of Covid restrictions.

Supporting our Pastors Forums: Craig Webb took the lead with our bi-monthly Pastors Forums. Pastors meet via Zoom on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. Topics are introduced by mainland speakers, followed by breakout groups. I assist with planning and break-out groups. Approximately 15-25 pastors participate in each of these forums.

Language Group Training: Chris Martin, Craig Webb, and I met with Korean pastors on March 23 to discuss future training opportunities. We have observed that Korean pastors participate in training events if training is offered in their language. Pastor Elise Tafao started a certificate program for future Samoan church leaders.

In the following ways, I seek to support our strategy to empower and mobilize Hawaii Pacific Baptist churches to engage Hawaii, the Pacific, and Asia with intentional efforts for God’s Kingdom:

IMB Prayer Initiative: Our HPBC staff (Brian, Sean, Diana & Lisa) has formed a team to recruit IMB missionaries and HPBC churches for partnerships. I lead the team. Our goal is for HPBC churches to adopt Asia missionaries desiring prayer support. On July 22-24, IMB Prayer Director Eleanor Witcher provided prayer training in-person at FBC Pearl City. A total of 20 church leaders participated in this training in-person and online.

Advance Program: The Oahu Bible Institute continues to provide theological training on Oahu. Efforts are being made to expand this Institute to the Big Island. Graduates were recognized on July 30, led by Advance Director (Gateway Seminary) Dr. Warren Haynes. While on Oahu, Dr. Haynes also introduced his new book, “How to Communicate on Purpose,” to Oahu pastors at a breakfast on July 29.

International Ministries: Carlye Lawrence announced her resignation as director after 13 years of ministry. Her ministry ended on August 31. An HPBC Aloha party for Carlye was held on September 14. John Allison has assumed the position of director. Most weekly ministries have resumed except for Thursday lunches.

Network of Pacific Moderators: A forum for Associational Moderators started on February 3 via Zoom. This network is structured to encourage and equip our Pacific moderators. The goal of this gathering is to help moderators develop strategies to strengthen their association. This network includes our Korean and Filipino fellowship leaders. As the facilitator, I lead the discussion.

Waianae Coast Christian Women’s Job Corp: WCCWJC Board meets quarterly to oversee this ongoing ministry. Diana Ventura and Alma Noble were added to the board this year. Plans are being made to start an online Bible study and create a new website.

Strategic Planning: This year, I have assisted two groups and three churches through a strategic process. Together we rethink the mission and vision of the organization. We then develop a practical strategy that moves the church or group forward. Church revitalization requires understanding why the local church exists and where God wants to lead the church.

Ordination Councils: At least six ordination councils were formed this year to exam young men entering pastoral ministry. More young men are returning to the islands to serve in our churches either as associate or senior pastor.