SPRING 2015 | USPS 165-700
DISTRICT CALENDAR FEBRUARY / MARCH
APRIL
Feb 21 - March 29...........World Missions Spring Tour
1-3.....................................District Fine Arts Festival – BCC 2-4.....................................Youth Convention – Giant Center, Hershey 3........................................Good Friday – Ministries Center Closed 5........................................Easter 11......................................PDRR Work Day 14......................................World Missions Committee Meeting – BCC 17-18.................................Acts 2 Journey Retreat – BCC 19......................................National Youth Day 22......................................Administrative Professional Day 24-25.................................Girls’ Ministries Impact – BCC 24-26................................. RR Geo. Washington Chapter FCF Spring Trace
Feb 27 - March 1.............Kids’ Breakaway #1 – BCC 2........................................SWS – 9:30 am – Monroeville NW – 2:00 pm – First/New Castle 3........................................SWM – 9:30 am – Houston SCW – 2:00 pm – Bedford 5........................................SCE – 9:30 am – Enola SC – 2:00 pm – Bethel/Chambersburg 6-8.....................................Kids’ Breakaway #2 – BCC 8........................................Daylight Saving Time Begins 8........................................BGMC Day 9........................................NC – 9:30 am – Milesburg NCW – 2:00 pm – Clearfield 10......................................EC – 9:30 am – Hamburg NE – 2:00 pm – Hazle Twp. 12......................................GPA – 9:30 am – West Chester Delmarva – 2:00 pm – First/Wilmington, DE 12-14.................................National RR Council – Dallas, TX 21......................................District Teen Bible Quiz Finals 23......................................Executive Presbytery – Spring Session 24......................................Credential Interviews 27-28.................................RR District Leadership Conference 29......................................Palm Sunday
MAY 1........................................Fasting & Prayer 1-2.....................................NE Regional Teen Bible Quiz Finals 4-6.....................................MinistrieSummit/99th District Council – Glad Tidings A/G, Reading 7........................................National Day of Prayer 7........................................Youth Committee Meeting 10......................................Mother’s Day 16......................................Kids’ Fun Arts 24......................................Pentecost Sunday 25......................................Memorial Day – Ministries Center Closed
A very special THANK YOU to everyone that participated by sending in their selfies!
We still need more selfies!
In preparation for the PennDel Network’s Centennial Celebration, we want you to be a part of this historical record! If you have not sent one to us yet and you are a credentialed minister, staff minister or spouse, please send us your “selfie.”
We need a picture of YOU! • • • • •
Please use a neutral background (against a light/white wall) One face per "selfie" We want a smile (get out your happy face) Use high resolution Send your "selfie" and info below to 100@penndel.org
Pennsylvania-Delaware Ministry Network 4651 Westport Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Read online: penndel.org/connexions Follow us on Facebook: PennDel Ministry Network Follow us on Twitter: #penndelag
Editor: . . . . . . . . . . . Stephen R. Tourville Managing Editor: . . . . . Carole Bongiorno
Please be sure to include your name with your email. Volume 60 Number 1 - (USPS 165-700) is the official periodical published quarterly by the Pennsylvaina-Delaware District Council of the Assemblies of God. Periodical postage paid at Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Circulation Stands at Approximately 7,500 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Pennsylvania-Delaware District Council 4651 Westport Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-4887
SUPERINTENDENT
selfie selfē
Pastor Stephen Tourville, D. Min. 717.795.5921 supt@penndel.org
noun (pl. selfies | selfēz) A “selfie” is defined in Wikipedia as “a self-portrait photograph, typically taken with a hand-held digital camera or camera phone” and are “usually flattering and made to appear casual…usually at arm’s length.” At times I find selfies to be awkward, self-absorbing and perhaps too revealing of personal flaws. But the “selfie” has become a popular trend and probably illustrates the human tendency to maintain our individuality (although, of course, many selfies are done in a group setting). As Christians, we recognize the importance of the individual receiving Christ, believing and confessing Him as Lord and Savior. The person’s decision to follow Jesus is not only transformative to the individual but also radically changes the context of that person’s existence. No longer is he/she living for themselves, but they are now living for God. No longer are they “of the world” but have been made a part of the kingdom of God, a part of the body of Christ. As followers of Jesus, we do not lose our individuality, but we gain an added dimension of our existence by becoming part of something so much bigger than ourselves.
World Missions Director Rev. David Crosby Sr. has retired from the office as District World Missions Director and
Most of us recognize the importance of personal responsibility and our self-preservation, but the selfie should never be viewed as the ultimate goal or of primary importance. The mutual goals, dreams and aspirations we share are seldom accomplished as individuals. We need others around us to support and encourage us even as we support and encourage others. Being “better together” means this “self” is a part of what God is doing in our world today. Connecting relationally with others of like-mindedness motivates us to significant interactions on a personal level to one or more groups pertaining to C3. The goal of C3 (Catalyst, Connect & Coaching groups) has been to provide a means that allows and encourages us to understand and practice our ministry endeavors to be so much more than a selfie for Facebook but a group portrait in the halls of heaven to be all He has called us to be.
Executive Presbytery
Bryan Koch Assistant Superintendent
Superintendent Emeritus
Stephen R. Tourville Superintendent
Philip Bongiorno
Donald J. Immel Secretary/ Treasurer
Rev. Don Immel has been appointed by the PennDel Presbytery to replace him. Thank you Dave, for your exemplary service. Also, please keep Pastor Don in your prayers as he takes on these additional responsibilities.
General Presbytery
Timothy Bunney Steven DeFrain Southwest Suburban East Central
James Pentz North Central
Christopher Clark Stephen Getchell Jeffrey Kettering North Central West Southwest Metro South Central
Randall Rhoads Roland Coon South Central East Delaware
Walter Smith Allan Thorpe South Central West Northwest
Robert Novak Greater Philly Area
David Twiss Northeast
Network connexions | Spring 2015 | 3
CATALYST
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT Bryan Koch 610.678.0266 ext. 224 bryankoch@gtaog.org
Faith VS. Fear
T
here are always exciting initiatives that are happening throughout the Assemblies of God both in America and around the world in regard to church planting. The Assemblies of God is on track in the US to plant a church every day this year. The PennDel Ministry Network has enthusiastically embraced this vision and is helping to lead the way nationally. The three ministry groupings associated with the PennDel Ministry Network consists of Coaching Relationships, Connect Groups, and Catalyst Networks. The PRIMARY AIM of the PennDel Catalyst Network is to plant and re-launch churches in Pennsylvania and Delaware through strong pastorchurch relationships. Although the PennDel C3 Network involves three separate components, this does not diminish the importance for all of us to embrace all three branches. Strengthening existing churches and planting new churches can only become a reality with the help of every church and pastor in our network. To step out and see this happen takes a big step of faith. Here are some thoughts from Catalyst Pastor Jeff Leake (Allison Park Church) on the tension church planters and leaders face between faith and fear from his latest ebook…
B
eing from Pittsburgh, I am a huge Steelers fan. Our head coach, Mike Tomlin, is famous for responding to questions about why he did or didn’t do something. Almost always, you’ll hear him say in interviews, “we choose to not live in our fears.” As much as I love that sentiment, it’s way more difficult to apply than it is to say. As soon as we decided to step out and plant our first church, I felt the pull of fear on my soul: • What if everyone leaves our church and goes with the church planter? • What if our larger givers leave and I’m left with nothing but bills? • What will happen if my attendance drops? • What will my peers think of me if I pastor a smaller church than I did before? I dealt with those fears by setting some guidelines. Pat Summers (our first church planter) and I sat down and had a meeting. I told Pat, “You can recruit anyone you want from APC on two conditions: First, you must tell me who you’re recruiting before you talk to them, and second, you must stay away from two key leaders I’m depending upon right now.” Pat was thrilled with this arrangement and kept his word to me. On the final Sunday before the launch of this new church, Pat spoke in our services about his new calling. When he finished, I put it out there to the church, “Whomever feels called by God to go with Pat and help him plant this church is free to go. In fact, why don’t all those who feel called come to the front so that we can pray over you?”
CATALYST LEADERS
Bob Novak pastorbob@ lcfconnect.com
Brian Bolt brianb@ cityreachnetwork.com
Brad Leach phillypastor@ gmail.com
4 | Network connexions | Spring 2015
Jeff Leake
Chris Foster
Dave Crosby, Jr.
Curt Seaburg
Gerry Stoltzfoos
jeff@ allisonparkchurch.com
chris@ newlifelancaster.org
dcrosby@ poconocc.com
cseaburg@ victorychurch.ws
gerry@ freedomvalley.org
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR
Jeff Leake jeff@allisonparkchurch.com
0-100
By Jeff Leake
Church Planting with Jeff Leake
I guess I really didn’t think through what I was doing at the moment, because as soon as the statement left my lips a stream of people left their seats to come to the front. And wouldn’t you know it? Who was in the group but one of the two leaders I had told Pat he was not allowed to recruit! God reserved the right to override my restrictions.
What fuels your vision to plant new churches? God has called us to do it — obedience. We are trying to reach people for Jesus in places where there needs to be a church.
As this “restricted” leader made his way to the front, in about five seconds flat my emotions went from shock to fear and then from fear to anger. God, how could you do this? I didn’t ask for much! I am willing to be generous. All I asked for was two guys. Of all people, did you have to speak to him to go with this church plant? I said all this under my breath as I led this prayer moment.
What do you look for in a potential church planter? • Teachability • Passion • Humility • Results-oriented
In a flash, as I protested before God, I felt Him speak to me: I know you are sacrificing and being generous, but if you’re not going to give Me your best, then why are you even doing this?
What is your long term vision for church planting? • To plant 100 churches in the Northeast.
From that moment on, I have chosen to die to any effort to control my own church. The only way you can become a multiplying leader is to break with fear. Nothing is birthed out of fear, and everything is birthed in an atmosphere of faith. And what is faith but hearing the ‘Word’ and believing it so much that you’re willing to act upon it.
• To see a movement where church plants plant churches who plant churches.
What book has challenged you the most in the area of church planting? Experiencing God by Henry and Richard Blackaby
If you live in your fears, you cannot foster an aggressive multiplying church. In fact, the very decision that we make when we decide to plant churches is a decision to break from fear and live in faith. That decision must be made repeatedly because the pull of fear will always be something we have to purposefully overcome.
What are the next big opportunities for our church planting movement? Partnership between districts and church planting networks.
What is the one thing that you feel we need to get right in church planting?
You can download Jeff’s eBook for free at www.exponential.org/resource-ebooks/the-question
Obeying the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
Gary Bellis
Dave Twiss
Rodney Murphy
Steve C DeFrain
Steve DeFrain
Bryan Koch
Chris Clark
bellisg@pa.net
dave.twiss@gr-ag.org
rodney@faith-ag.com
steve@journeypa.tv
steve@mstar.org
bryankoch@gtaog.org
chapelpastor@ embarqmail.com
Sam Masteller sam@ excitingchurch.net
Network connexions | Spring 2015 | 5
SECRETARY/TREASURER WORLD MISSIONS
About People:
Donald J. Immel 717.795.5921 don@penndel.org
About Churches:
New and Upgraded Credentials: Licensed Minister Chillinsky, Jonathon Getchell, Sofia K.
Parent Affiliated Assembly: Burrell Community Church – Monroeville, PA Lance Lecocq – Parent Church Lead Pastor Lance Lecocq – PAC Pastor
Credentials Reinstated Albert DiSalvatore Ministers Transferring In: Carter, W. Bradford (Ordained) Clover, Aaron D. (Licensed) Collazo, Gabriel (Ordained) Collazo, Kahyla (Licensed) Reichman, Marilyn (Licensed)
Cedar Mountain Church – Newington, CT Jeff Leake – Parent Church Lead Pastor Stephen A Cianci – PAC Pastor from PenFlorida from Kansas from New Jersey from New Jersey from New York
Revolution Church – Enola, PA Gerry Stoltzfoos – Parent Lead Pastor Randy Webb – PAC Pastor
Ministers Transferring Out: Baker, D. Alan (Ordained) to PenFlorida Canfield, Marie E. (Licensed) to New Jersey Compton, Kevin R. (Ordained) to PenFlorida Cronin, Diane (Licensed) to PenFlorida Furr, Robert J. (Licensed) to Potomac Grylls Jr., Steven W. (Certified) to Potomac Heikkila, Holly D. (Licensed) to North Texas Pierson (Preiser), Karen J. (Licensed) to Northern New England Walsh, Irene F. (Licensed) to New Jersey Pastoral Transitions: (James) Alan Lane to New Life A/G, Landisburg, PA Todd McCauslin to Heritage A/G, Gettysburg, PA (William) Craig Cross to Echo Hope A/G, Mill Hall, PA
City Reach Church Bustleton – Philadelphia, PA Brian Bolt – Parent Church Lead Pastor Mathew James – PAC Lead Pastor City Reach Church Cumberland – Cumberland, MD Brian Bolt – Parent Church Lead Pastor Stevie Grylls – PAC Lead Pastor City Reach Church Schenectady – Schenectady, NY Brian Bolt – Parent Church Lead Pastor Jason Cooper – PAC Lead Pastor City Reach Church Moon – Moon Township, PA Brian Bolt – Parent Church Lead Pastor Sean Busa – PAC Lead Pastor City Reach Church Forest Hills – Bronx, NY Brian Bolt – Parent Church Lead Pastor Robert Racoma – PAC Lead Pastor
With the Lord NAOMI CLARK, 96, went home to her eternal reward on October 21, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband Rev. J. Wesley Clark. Naomi was born April 24, 1918 in Springfield Delaware County, PA and served with her husband in the following PennDel churches: Quakertown, Meadville, Ephrata and Lititz. MARY HOLLENBAUGH, 80, went to her eternal rest on Oct. 22, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, James Hollenbaugh. Mary and her husband, James, faithfully served the Milton Community and pastor of the Milton A/G for 37 years.
GORDON ROSS, 62, of Mt. Union, passed away Nov. 21, 2014. He is survived by his wife, Diane (Battrell) Ross. Gordon was born March 19, 1952 in New Kensington, PA and faithfully served in the following PennDel churches: Youth pastor of Gospel Tabernacle, New Kensington and lead pastor of First A/G, Mt Union from 1990 until present. 6 | Network connexions | Spring 2015
ALEXANDER GIUNTA, 79, went to be with the Lord and with his wife on November, 20, 2014. Alex was preceded in death by his wife Penny Giunta and will be remembered for his 30+ years of service as a staff pastor at Wilmington First Assembly of God. WINDELL JONES, 67, of Wilmington, DE passed away suddenly on November 18, 2014. Born in Roswell, NM, Windell was the pastor at River of Life Church (Wilmington, DE) and actively supported and ministered to many area communities such as Chester and Marcus Hook, PA. MARVIN J. RICHTER, 67, born on September 22, 1947 in Shawano, WI went home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 7, 2014. Marvin was an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God in 1976. Marvin was a shepherd to many as he pastored and mentored others throughout his life in the ministry. He is survived by his wife, Mari-Lynn Richter.
ASSEMBLIES
OF
GOD
WORLD
MISSIONS
TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH – ACTS 1:8
2015 Missions Theme
The 2015 missions theme is EMPOWERED! Use it for your missions convention or emphasis theme, and perhaps integrate it into your Pentecost Sunday service. You can review the materials catalogue online at www.agwm.com/assets/theme-catalog.pdf
2015 Missions Project The world missions project that our network is collaborating on is for East Africa. This project was launched in 2014 and extends through 2015. A church planting center is being constructed in Zanzibar, and is now under roof. The work of training church planters has also begun, and Bryan Koch, who has just returned from East Africa, reports that this effort has begun also. More information will be shared during Sectional Council Tour in March. THANK YOU for your financial contributions toward this initiative!
Off To The Field BRICE KARPER finished his physical rehabilitation this fall and left for the field in mid-December.
2015 Missions Tour The 2015 Spring Missions Tour will take place February 21 through March 29. The missionary team includes Doug & Brittany Favuzza (Argentina), Juan and Shirley Ocasio (Republic of Georgia), and Doug & Carol Baldwin (Ecuador). The missionaries will visit 17 churches and conduct 46 services during the tour. If you are interested in participating in next years tour, please contact your sectional rep or Don Immel at don@penndel.org.
DENNIS & JENNEY DUNCAN have received final clearance from Springfield and left for their assignment in mid-January.
Network connexions | Spring 2015 | 7
T
he PennDel Ministry Network has embraced coaching as one of the best practices for ministry leaders and church leadership teams. Many of our pastors and church leaders have received training and are using coaching skills in their ministry setting. Several have pursued certification with AG Coaching (agcoaching.org), International Coach Federation, or other coach training programs. We are fortunate to have a growing core of certified coaches from our own network (penndel.org/c3/coaching/ find-a-coach). Both the Assemblies of God World Missions and US Missions departments are providing coaching for all of our newly approved missionaries. Church Multiplication Network promotes coaching for church planters and the Healthy Church Network is using team coaching to revitalize churches across our district and nation. If you are interested in finding a coach for you and/or your leadership team, or receiving coach training, please contact me and I will be glad to assist you.
COACHING Moving People Forward
P
astor Mike was sitting and ruminating yet again on the big issue of the week like a cow chewing its cud. The deadline for a solution was coming fast which made the issue more foreboding. As the stress built, the solution became only murkier; like walking into a deep forest at dusk, the forest was obvious but the path was hidden! In walked a friend who said, ”What’s up?” As he started trying to explain his issue, his friend responded by asking a few questions. “The questions had a strange effect on me,” Mike said. “They forced me to ’think out loud’ and to get all my murky thoughts out into the light.” Before he knew it, the solution was clear; the path through the forest became illuminated. Mike knew how to get where he needed to be, on time, with solution in hand. Pastor Mike never forgot that day. Once he realized what had happened, he needed to know more than just the solution to his challenge. He needed to know how his friend helped him without
Coach Approach to Evangelism and Discipleship APRIL 10-11, 2015 8 am - 5 pm Calvary Church 7910 Washington Lane • Wyncote, PA 19095
COST: $200 - includes registration, course materials and continental breakfast and lunch each day.
REGISTER AT: CALVARYCOACHING.COM
This 508 course provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply coaching to faith conversations so you can use coaching to support people moving closer to God and deeper in their commitment to Christ. Attention is given to how a dialogical approach can be effective for evangelism and discipleship, how coaching can be expressed in the ministries of a local church, and the relationship between coaching competencies and Christian practices.
AG COACHING — Level 3
Bill Ellis (Mentor Coach) w.j.ellis@me.com
Level 2
Josh Torres (Mentor Coach) Aileen Price
Daniel McNaughton
Rita Leinheiser
Lorna Albanese
josh@ torrescoachinggroup.com
dmcnaughton@me.com
keepshining516@ hotmail.com
lalbanese@gmail.com
8 | Network connexions | Spring 2015
aileen.rodriguez.price@ gmail.com
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR Bill Ellis w.j.ellis@me.com 412.303.2804
By Bill Ellis BILL ELLIS is the founding and Lead Pastor of Riverside Community
telling him what to do. After all, the way Mike usually tries to help is not by asking and listening, but by talking and telling. “Wait a minute! How did you do that?” Mike asked his friend.
Church, a multi-site church in Pittsburgh, and facilitator of the PennDel Coaching Network. Bill is a D.Min candidate in the AGTS Professional Coaching Cohort program.
“Do what?” “Lead me to the solution. I’ve been working on this for hours, then you walk in and ‘poof’ there it is!” The friend’s response was very intentional, “I did not lead you anywhere, because I have no knowledge of the issue apart from what I just learned from you. You did this yourself. The solution was in you all the time.” It turns out that his friend is a trained coach. The questions were tools he used to assist him to discover Mike’s solution, not the coach’s solution. Simple, direct, thought provoking questions, welltimed and well-stated gave Mike time to process and gain clarity on the solution that he had trapped inside.1 1 Mike O’Dell, Christian Coaching Magazine, February 13, 2013.
He completed Asbury Seminary’s Beeson Institute for Advanced Church Leadership, is an ACC certified coach with the International Coach Federation, and is a certified Leadership and Talent Management Coach and Leadership Assessment Coach. Bill coaches teams and leaders in strategic planning, transitional and transformational change, and maximizing one’s personal potential and fulfillment. He and his wife, Teresa, have two adult daughters.
T
his story illustrates why coaching, which is extensively used by executives and managers in the business world, is rapidly gaining traction in the church world.
I came into coaching on the recommendation of a husband and wife in my congregation who transitioned to corporate coaching from their successful careers in engineering and law. After a couple conversations with them that were strikingly similar to Pastor Mike and his friend, I was hooked! The way they prodded my thinking and moved me to decision-making was incredible.
Coaching is all about forward progress.
So often I find myself stuck in a rut. The demands of ministry and personal life collide, the things that worked last year are falling flat this year, I want to make changes but I’m unsure of which changes to make, how or when to make them, who will help or hinder them, and what are the best options to take. I am usually my own worst enemy, and I need to process my thoughts and emotions with a confidential and trusted person who can skillfully help me uncover my own solutions to my unique situation and keep me on course to break out of my rut and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Level 1
Arthur Riddle
Laurie Jayne
Richard Earl
Harry Colegrove
James Bechtel
Kathryn Bechtel
art@faith-ag.com
lauriejayne@gmail.com
richearl@verizon.net
harrycolegrove@ gmail.com
pastorandkathryn@ frontier.com
pastorandkathryn@ frontier.com
Network connexions | Spring 2015 | 9
YOUTH MINISTRIES Doug Sayers 717.795.5921 dyd@penndel.org
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE JESUS KNOWN!
H
ey friends, it’s a new year and the God opportunities are all around us. There are moments in history that an idea becomes action and this action becomes a cause and the cause becomes a moment that goes viral and soon the world is participating. The most exciting thing that could happen is for “The Human Right” to go viral and the worldwide church be its participants. You may ask, what is The Human Right? It is to know Jesus, and make Him known! Jesus told us in John 1:12 “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Every person has the right to experience a clear and adequate presentation of the gospel of Jesus! The Human Right is you and I first of all knowing Jesus and then taking on the responsibility as a believer of making Jesus known. Students and leaders are taking up the challenge to make Jesus known and are claiming this God inspired challenge by posting a selfie on social media with the Human Right Finger and the hashtag #theright15. We are asking all believers to “TAKE THE CHALLENGE.” Won’t you join the Human Right to know Jesus and make Him known? Join now, it’s your right! • Connect with your Pastor or Youth Pastor to get a Human Right Finger or (see ordering information below) • Take a selfie with your Human Right Finger in a location where you are making Jesus known! Some of our students have sent pictures from schools, neighborhoods, work places, malls … every place you can imagine • Post your selfie on social media with the hashtag #theright15 Get your very own Human Right Finger for you and your friends. Here’s how: To order your own Human Right Finger, send a check for $4 each to the PennDel District. Mail to: Make Jesus Known • 4651 Westport Drive • Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
10 | Network connexions | Spring 2015
YOUTH ALIVE MISSIONARY Lee Rogers 717.795.9780 lee@reachtheschool.com
reachtheschool.com twitter.com/reachtheschool facebook.com/reachtheschool
CLIMBING TOGETHER 19,340 FEET. That’s the height of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It’s the highest peak on the African continent and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. Four years ago I had the opportunity to climb this elevation while raising money for Speed-the-Light. I trained for months, getting into the best shape I could to prepare for the physical challenge. The challenge I couldn’t prepare for was the extreme decrease of oxygen at high altitude. Above 18,000 feet, the oxygen in the air is less than half of what I’m accustomed to. We hit that altitude after four days of climbing, and that was also about the time I got violently ill on the side of the trail. I was on my knees, disheartened, and unsure of my ability to continue. That’s when Kristian Walker knelt by my side, put his arm around me, and encouraged me in my sickness. I was not alone; we were climbing together!
not have a consistent connection to the Body of Christ. At this moment there are approximately 1,150 students committed as Campus Missionaries in PennDel, sharing their faith and inviting their friends to know Jesus and his Body. This is an increase of approximately 400% over the last four years. We have a measurable missional presence on 244 school campuses, approximately 25% of all secondary public school campuses in Pennsylvania and Delaware. We have much further to go, but we can reach the summit if we climb together! The Exponential Leadership Cohort for Youth Pastors and Leaders can help accelerate your climb! Also consider scheduling an Unleashed Campus Club Training sometime in August, September, or October!
1000 vertical feet later I became ill again. An Aussie climber was descending and watched me hit my knees and get back up again, struggling upward. He encouraged me, “That’s the spirit, Mate!” His words reminded me that I was not alone; we were climbing together! Within 500 vertical feet of the summit my walking became staggered as I stumbled forward. It was difficult to keep my eyes open, and I was ready to give in. That’s when one of the Tanzanian guides came beside me, took a trekking pole from my left hand, placed his shoulder under my arm and steadied my movement. He sang me songs of ascent and moved upward as one. I was no longer moving alone; we were climbing together! We reached that peak, though it was the most difficult physical experience of my life. I learned two powerful lessons on that mountain; the highest peaks are climbed one step at a time, and always climb those peaks “together.” We have another huge elevation to climb in Pennsylvania and Delaware—562,500; this is the number of middle and high school students in Pennsylvania and Delaware who do
Network connexions | Spring 2015 | 11
CONNECT
Hard-Wired for Authentic Community
I
still remember the emotions I experienced sixteen years ago as I pulled into the parking lot to attend my first Sectional Fellowship as a new minister in the PennDel Network. I was completely out of my element and unfamiliar with my surroundings. I felt insecure, self-conscious and was totally riding on the coattails of the only relational connections I had at the time – the two pastors that I was on staff with at our church. I had a deep longing to be accepted and came hard-wired for authentic community. But the looming question that day and for the first year was, “Will these leaders welcome me or will I remain on the outside?” I’m happy to say, all these years later, that I felt wanted and valued as a new addition to the Section. That sense of inclusion continued as I began to attend Network events and formed casual relationships that have become the deepest of friendships. I am blessed by the ongoing connections that have been forged in the fires of frontline ministry and consider those who are in my Connect Group among God’s greatest gifts in my life.
I want this for you. It’s my hope and prayer that you’ll find the kind of love, support and encouragement that is found when we live life together like the first followers of Christ did. But what I want isn’t nearly as important as what Jesus wants for you. As it turns out, I’m convinced He longs for the same thing for you. On the night He was betrayed, He asked for us to have Trinity-level oneness in the bonds of community …
“My prayer is that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” John 17:20-21
One of the obstacles we face is that our culture devalues personal relationships and interdependency. We can more easily isolate ourselves these days than ever. From ATM machines and online banking to internet shopping and self checkout lanes, we simply
CONNECT LEADERS YOUTH MINISTRY
WOMEN IN MINISTRY
Rob Gillen
therealrogers@ gmail.com
rgillen@ christian-life.com
Jim Paisley
Mike Kemler
jim@faith-ag.com
mike.kemler@live.com
Harry Colegrove
Jim Rugg
K R Mele
Daniel Winters
John Kolenda
Elmer Kipe
mcaog@epix.net
KRMele@ Rocketmail.com
dantheman39@ juno.com
gtassembly@ verizon.net
elmerkipe@ verizon.net
FELLOWSHIP
Lee Rogers
harrycolegrove@ gmail.com
12 | Network connexions | Spring 2015
Sophia Getchell
Sue Willis
sogetchell@ centralconnect.org
sue@abundantlife ministrycenter.org
don’t have to interact with others. Add
to that the thinking that church leaders should show no weaknesses and you have a recipe for loneliness, isolation and seclusion. Our heavenly Father made us
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR David Kennard Adult Ministries Pastor Riverside Community Church
in His image and as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit interact in community with one another, we carry within our DNA the core need to know others and be known by them. To this end I invite you to join one of the Connect Groups (http://penndel.org/c3/ connect-groups) that have been designed to help you live and lead in the context of genuine, transparent community. I acknowledge this can be intimidating, but in the long run taking the relational risk is worth it. You weren’t designed to follow Jesus alone, and there are benefits to having other Christian leaders who understand the unique challenges of ministry in your life to speak truth and grace to you when needed. If you don’t find a Connect Group that fits what you’re sensing is needed, please contact us, and we’ll work together to explore adding new groups.
Lead a Connect Group?
If you’re an elder or board member, I implore you to insist that the pastoral staff in your church find support and accountability in the context of community with spiritual leaders outside your church who will help provide wisdom, counsel and friendship. They need it more than they might ever let on. I encourage you to help resource them so that they have the time and necessary funds to invest in relationships that will help them to be healthy in the most important areas of life.
they have two children – Joshua and Jenna.
If you lead a group or are interested in leading, please email me at kennard@riversideconnect.org
DAVID KENNARD is married to Amie and He was born and grew up near Springfield, MO. He has served at Riverside Community Church in the Pittsburgh area for 16 years as the Adult Ministries Pastor. RCC is a multi-site church and David is also the Site
To those who are facilitating our Connect Groups – “Thank You!” I appreciate your leadership, and my prayer is that you will create the kinds of environments where those who are new to our Network will find a place to belong and call home just as I did so long ago. Jesus said that the world would know that we belong to Him by our love. So may we extend His love to one another and be the answer to Jesus’ prayer.
scottkramer@gtaog.org
DISCUSSION
EXECUTIVE PASTORS
Scott Kramer
traveling, reading, biking and hanging out
familyactionagents@ verizon.net
Maureen Gregory
Cole McClenithan
Rich Earl
mcolemcclenithan@ gmail.com
richearl@verizon.net
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
missmoaaa@yahoo.com
RESOURCING
Fred Pettet dels@conline.org
and loves electronic gadgets. He enjoys
Clayt Sheridan
Jack Mason
clayt3@icloud.com
jmasonag@aol.com
READING GROUP
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Del Smith
Mills. He is a chocoholic, a tennis fanatic
with his family.
We’re Better Together! David
SENIOR PASTORS
Pastor for their location at the Pittsburgh
David Kennard kennard@ riversideconnect.org
Stephen Tourville supt@penndel.org
Network connexions | Spring 2015 | 13
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION BONGIORNO CONF. CENTER George Krebs 717.795.5921 george@penndel.org
Wow, “We are Better Together.” I remember our district staff spending weeks brainstorming a slogan or catch phrase that best describes the PennDel District. We seemed to come up blank and lifeless. One day at our staff meeting, Pastor Steve was thanking everyone for all their gifts and support that help make us a great District Ministries Center. He ended his thank you with, “We are better together.” As I looked around the table, I saw a light come on in everyone’s mind. The “better together” concept is not only what makes us a great District Ministries Center but also a great network of churches. We have adopted that same philosophy in our District Children’s Ministry. One of our children’s pastors, Jeremiah Gruber of Living Waters Chapel in Lebanon,
initiated a Facebook page for children’s leaders. Even the masthead on our page says, “We are Better Together.” It seems the more we say it, the more we see it. PennDel’s strong children’s department is a credit to the children’s leaders who have helped shape our Children’s ministries. We have listened to their voice and shared ideas at our annual Children’s Ministries Summit each January. The reviews submitted by chaperones help shape and develop our children’s summer camp. Our Children’s Ministry Facebook page has generated a wealth of connections and dialogue for growth in children’s ministry. Indeed, “We are Better Together,” and together we make a difference!
We Need YOU! We have many projects in 2015 just waiting for the right work team to tackle. Perhaps you have dreamed of using your skills on
The Bongiorno Conference Center is a prime example of “Better Together”. We exist for the purpose of serving the PennDel Ministries Network. The conference center is the main venue for our district sponsored events, as well as our network churches. There is great potential when we share resources (people, ideas, finances and vision). We are blessed to have so many individuals, churches and organizations from PennDel contribute to the ministry of the Bongiorno Conference Center.
a mission’s trip. How about sharing those same skills on a mission’s trip close to home and heart. We would love to host a team from your local church. We can host any size team, skilled and unskilled labor, one or more days. Being better together means we can accomplish much, much more. At Bongiorno, over 3,500 PennDel children and youth have their lives challenged and changed. This year, let’s be “Better Together” and together we will see lives changed.
430 Union Hall Rd Carlisle, PA 17013 | 717-243-7381 | www.bongiornocc.com 14 | Network connexions | Spring 2015
Take A Ministry Selfie
US MISSIONS HONORBOUND Tom Rees 717.795.5921 tom@penndel.org
A ministry selfie is when you stop and look at where you are at… through God’s lens. During my first year of ministry, I had been reading Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome by R. Kent Hughes. I was frustrated by the pushback I was getting on changes I was making and a lack of numerical results. God clearly spoke to me that I was more concerned with the outward but God wanted to change me on the inside. That divine encounter changed my life and ministry. Let me encourage you to take a ministry selfie and look at what success is through God’s lens!
SUCCESS IS FAITHFULNESS Am I proving faithful in the exercise of my ministry? Specifically, am I obedient to God’s Word? Or is there, perhaps, some area, in my personal or public ministry, in which I am disobedient?
SUCCESS IS SERVING OTHERS Am I living my life as a servant, or have I drifted from servanthood into self service? Am I a tyrant in my home? Am I loyal to the leadership I serve under?
SUCCESS IS LOVING GOD The great question for all who want to please God is, Do we love Him? Before all things, even our ministry, we must love God with all our hearts. Hughes warned that high places also can be particularly dangerous… • It is possible to lead a growing church or ministry and not love God. • It is possible to design and preside over perfectly conceived and executed worship services and not love God. • It is possible to preach insightful, biblical, Christ-exalting sermons and not love God. • It is even possible to write and deepen others’ love for God and not love God.
SUCCESS IS PRAYER Am I a man of prayer? Do I regularly take significant portions of time for an exposure to God, to bare my needs and the needs of our people to God? Is my prayer life moving toward success or failure?
SUCCESS IS PURSING HOLINESS Is my life growing in holiness? Am I becoming captive to the culture? In respect to holiness, would God classify my life as a success or a failure? Hughes says, “all is failure apart from holiness.”
SUCCESS IS DEVELOPING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE What is my basic attitude toward my ministry – positive or negative? Some attitudes exclude success, namely negativism and jealousy. Negative people never fully experience success, regardless of their accomplishment.
Think About It… A December study from Ohio State University concluded that men who frequently post and edit photos of themselves on social media also tested higher in behaviors of narcissism, psychopathy and self-objectification. OUCH!
Network connexions | Spring 2015 | 15
I
WOMEN OF PURPOSE
Planning a Big Event Takes a TEAM
t takes over 100 volunteers each year to facilitate the Women of Purpose Conference at Hershey and the Single Moms’ Day Out in June. We could not effectively accommodate 3,000 women at the conference without a unified team. There are so many behind the scenes individuals needed to run these events smoothly – such as Management Staff, Guest Staff, Usherettes, Door Monitors, Registration & Hospitality Staff, Tech Staff, etc. Ministering to our single moms requires another level of service due to the individualized benefits received by each mom that attends. We are providing multiple pampering choices, work-
Ruth Puleo 717.795.5921 ruth@penndelwomenofpurpose.org penndelwomenofpurpose.org
shops, car oil changes, childcare, meals, Diva Shoppe, numerous gifts, as well as, a worship experience & words of encouragement in the main session. Doing it “Better Together” implies the presence of unity between those laboring together to accomplish a goal. Psalm 133:1 instructs, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Unity among workers is something to be admired and sought after. There are several key factors needed both from the leader and the volunteer in order for unity to be achieved.
As LEADERS, we can encourage unity by providing the following for our team: INSTRUCTION It is easier to achieve success
SERVANTHOOD Being willing to serve in
when you know exactly what is expected of you by having a defined job description before the event.
any capacity that is needed to get the job done.
COMMUNICATION People appreciate knowing when things have changed or been updated so they are in the loop on what is happening.
of excellence knowing that ultimately God keeps the records and gives the rewards.
EXCELLENCE Doing everything with a spirit
COMPLIMENTS Everyone needs to know you appreciate their efforts and the sacrifice of time and talent they offer. As VOLUNTEERS, we can spread unity amongst the team and inspire others to serve.
PROMPTNESS Being at the event early and prepared to eliminate last minute challenges and make everyone coming feel welcomed and comfortable. ATTITUDE “Let it go” when offenses come –
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” Ephesians 4:3, because when we are Better Together, others will want to join your team!
it is not worth the emotional effort.
Women of Purpose Sectional Reps
Upcoming Events Spring Events • March & April 2015 Michelle Stoecker Northwest stoeckerfive@ gmail.com
Diane Lamborn Delaware dlamborn@ calvarydover.org
Becky Kromer North Central West beckykromer@ yahoo.com
Susan Lanza South Central East susan@gtagpa.org
Lynda Ray North Central laray1010@ gmail.com
Diane Swan South Central dianeswan2@ gmail.com
16 | Network connexions | Spring 2015
Kelly Carver Northeast kmcarver1@ hotmail.com
Tracey Wyns South Central West traceywyns@ yahoo.com
Liz DeFrain East Central liz@mstar.org
Patricia Carver Southwest Metro pattiacarver@ yahoo.cm
Carol Menditto Greater Philadelphia carolmenditto@ yahoo.com
Elaine Giacalone Southwest Suburban elainegiacalone@ gmail.com
Single Moms’ Day Out Houston, PA June 27, 2015 “Radiant” Women of Purpose Conference November 13-14, 2015 For more info: www.penndelwomenofpurpose.org
Better Together!
GIRLS MINISTRIES
Sharon Poole penndeldmc@yahoo.com penndel.org/girls
“God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” I Corinthians 12:24-25 NIV Somewhere in the mid-1990’s, General Council was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Paul and I had the privilege to travel there (in a rented car) with a neighboring pastor and his wife, Martin and Pat Koss. Before we left on this road trip, I was both excited and anxious. We were going to be in a vehicle in close quarters for many hours. What would we talk about for so long? Would there be substantial periods when no one talked and you could feel the awkward silence? What if I said something that offended them? After all, Pastor Koss is significantly older than me. On some levels, we were worlds apart in our ministry mechanics. In those hours on the road, something quite remarkable happened. Through the many miles, the wrong turns, the good
food choices and the bad, we became really good friends. Although the Kosses would be considered more traditional, they had a perspective that was good for us to know and appreciate. We discovered that there was incredible wisdom and foundation for us through this relationship. As Paul and I BEGIN to transition into the “older generation,” I pray we are able to share life experiences with many who are younger. Our prayer is to encourage, support and learn from those who are from a different generation. I really do believe in doing so, WE’RE BETTER TOGETHER!
Thank you, Pastor and Sister Koss. You have taught us so much!
Network connexions | Spring 2015 | 17
ROYAL RANGERS Greg Scott 302.697.2313 gscott@pdrangers.org www.pdrangers.org
Praise God That He Put Us Together
R Coming Events in 2015: District Leaders Conference Newport Assembly of God Thompsontown Campus Thompsontown, PA March 27-28 PennDel RR Camp Workday Honey Grove, PA April 11th George Washington Chapter FCF Spring Trace PennDel RR Camp • Honey Grove, PA April 24-26 PennDel RR Camp Workday Honey Grove, PA June 6th PennDel Junior Leader Training Academy PennDel RR Camp • Honey Grove, PA June 16-20
18 | Network connexions | Spring 2015
oyal Rangers was founded in 1962, but didn’t find its way to the PennDel District, known then as the Eastern District, until sometime in 1965. It took quite some time for the word to get out and the ministry to start developing. Johnnie Barnes, the founder of Royal Rangers, found it difficult by himself to not only create the program, but also promote the program. Getting the word out to all of the Assembly of God churches across our country was going to be a monumental task. It would take personal contact. In 1972, Thurman “Butch” Keifer became District Commander and recognized the need to personally contact churches throughout our district. He traveled from one end of the state to the other knocking on doors, setting up appointments and presenting the program to pastors. However, one person couldn’t keep up with the demand and requests to hear about the ministry, not to mention the training that was needed. As more churches came aboard and leaders were enlisted, more staff was appointed and the concept of dividing the District up into sections and smaller areas was implemented and more leaders became available to go out and promote the ministry and help get outposts started. It was quickly recognized that by working together and dividing up the work much more could be accomplished. More events could be held and the quality of events greatly improved. It became quite apparent that we were better together and could accomplish much more than just one person.
Since those beginning days there have been over 400 churches within the PennDel District that have at one time or another run a Royal Ranger program. Much of this wouldn’t have been possible with just a small group of people acting on their own. It took an entire team working together to build this ministry to what it is today. Our District Royal Ranger Organizational Leadership Manual, always a work in progress, is fostered around a team concept with a profound understanding that no one man can do it by himself. We need men with varying backgrounds, experience, skills, talents, and personalities. God made us different on purpose, and wired us to need each other to be effective. It’s not always easy and sometimes life can be deceiving, but I’ll tell you one thing, it’s always better when we’re together. Our ministry is better, our leaders are better, our events are better and our boys turn out better. There are very few endeavors in life that are performed more efficiently with one hand than with two. In nearly everything we do, we must ask at one time or another, “Hey! Could you give me a hand with this?” Royal Rangers is now in every state across the United States and in 93 other countries around the world. There are thousands of outposts running the program and countless boys and men have given their heart to the Lord as a result of the ministry. Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.
Connecting Around the Network
75th Anniversary Pastor Dan & Sue Cluck First AG Shippensburg, PA
Pastoral Commissioning Pastor Ken & Melanie Claflin Hamlin AG • Hamlin, PA
Pastoral Commissioning Pastor Ben & Rackel Grenier Full Gospel AG • Brookhaven, PA
Greater Philadelphia Master’s Commission Philadelphia Christian Center Bensalem, PA
UVF Worship Leading Program Recognized in National Magazine Worship Leader magazine selected the Worship Leading undergraduate program and Worship Studies graduate program of the University of Valley Forge (UVF) as part of its Best of the Best 2014 issue. UVF was highlighted as one of the top worship leader training academic programs around the country. Worship Leader said UVF’s undergraduate Worship Leading program combines traditional, theological and practical training: “A dynamic spiritual environment with multiple opportunities to develop your leadership skills provides the ultim ate higher education experience for aspiring worship leaders.” It also stated that the Worship Studies graduate program establishes a solid foundation for students and the “skills needed for a lifetime of leadership.”
Department of Music chair, William DeSanto, Ph.D., said, “We are honored that both of our worship leading programs have received this national recognition ... It is a tribute to our team members who have diligently worked over the years to create these relevant and much-needed programs.”
Network connexions | Spring 2015 | 19
Pennsylvania-Delaware Ministry Network 4651 Westport Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Find us online: penndel.org PennDel Ministry Network Follow us on Facebook: Follow us on Twitter: #penndelag
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