Commissions

COMMISSIONS Church Health Healthy Pastor Team Church Planting Evangelism & Discipleship Christian Education Prayer Mobilization Team Global Ministries Leadership Chaplaincy Student Aid Leadership Team

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CHURCH HEALTH COMMISSION Including Healthy Pastor Team

The mission of the Evangelical Congregational Church is “to raise up healthy churches proclaiming Christ to a hurting world.” The Church Health Commission (CHC) has sought to serve the congregations of our denomination by providing training and resources that will promote church health, resulting in greater effectiveness in ministry. This report will summarize ongoing programs and new initiatives over the past year that have sought to serve this mission.

Church Health Seminars On November 21, 2015 the Church Health Commission sponsored a seminar, Leaving a Legacy in My Leadership – Bringing About Lasting Change with leadership provided by Jim Ayers, Professor at Large and former chair of Church and Ministry Leadership at Lancaster Bible College. As the responsibilities of the Church Health Commission are assumed by the Church Health Community, a seminar is being planned for the final quarter of 2016. The seminar which is tentatively titled Natural Church Development (NCD) – Taste and See will be designed to introduce church leaders to this tool for not only assessing church health but for also developing a plan to improve church health in the critical areas of Empowering Leadership, Gift-Oriented Ministry, Passionate Spirituality, Functional Structures, Inspiring Worship, Holistic Small Groups, Need- Oriented Evangelism, and Loving Relationships.

Affinity Groups An Affinity Group is established when there is a need for peer support, resourcing and/or training focused on a particular area of ministry. Currently there are two Affinity Groups formally related to the present CHC, and a third group that has drawn together leaders from several churches on the Conestoga District, Susquehanna Region.  Turnaround Church – The purpose of this group is to provide an opportunity for pastors to study the strategy for local church revitalization that is presented by Gene Wood in his book Leading Turnaround Churches. This group meets for discussion every other month and also plans an annual fellowship event which includes pastors and wives. While the present group is primarily comprised of pastors in the Delaware Region, the group facilitator, Rev. Gary Kuehner, is available to help initiate similar groups in the Susquehanna and Great Lakes Regions.  Healthy Pastors Team – The purpose of the team is to provide support, resources, and encouragement to denominational leaders and pastors and their families, focusing on healthy lifestyles. This team will again promote a Walk/Run/Bike event at National Conference. Also at National Conference a time will be announced for a meeting of those who have experienced a ministry sabbatical and those interested in exploring a sabbatical.  Recovering the Full Mission of God: A Biblical Perspective on Being, Doing, and Telling by Dean Flemming—is the resource that local church leaders on the Conestoga District are meeting to study. See below for additional information on this resource.

Church Health Assessments At the writing of this report seven (7) local churches are utilizing the Natural Church Development (NCD) resources to assess church health and to develop ministry plans to improve health and strengthen ministries. The Commission is seeking qualified leaders to receive training to serve as NCD facilitators—consultants who will be able to administer the church health assessment and then work with congregational leadership to develop a ministry plan addressing church health needs and ministry opportunities. To explore training opportunities please contact Rev. Gary Kuehner who will assume the position of Church Health Associate as of July 1, 2016. Funds are available from the Church Health Community to assist congregations with the costs of the NCD Survey. Requests for funding assistance should be directed to your District Field Director.

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Transition to the Church Health Community As the new denominational structure becomes effective on July 1, 2016 the ministry responsibilities of the present Church Health Commission will be assumed by the Church Health Community. Rev. Gary Kuehner has been appointed to serve in leadership as the Church Health Associate. At the present time the membership of the community is in the process of being gathered. The following purposes of the Church Health Community have been established: 1. To communicate and encourage a health mindset and strategy for advocating healthier church ministries. 2. To assess local church health-related needs and potential within their contexts (based on eight essential qualities). 3. To deliver up-to-date resources and workshops that provide creative church health solutions. 4. To assist churches in adopting concepts that will ultimately produce health within their contexts.

A List of Helpful Reading Resources As the Church Health Commission has met a number of helpful resources have been recommended by leaders, others are being utilized in Affinity Groups.

Bickers, Dennis. 2005. The Healthy Small Church: Diagnosis and Treatment for the Big Issues. Kansas City, Beacon Hill Press.

Daman, Glenn. 2002. Shepherding the Small Church: A Leadership Guide for the Majority of Today’s Churches. Grand Rapids; Kregel Publications. (Note: Glenn Daman has authored three books in his series. The focus of this volume is on church assessment and ministry planning,)

Daman, Glenn, 2006. Leading the Small Church: How to Develop a Transformational Ministry. Grand Rapids, Kregel Publications. (Note: the focus of this volume is on pastoral ministry and leadership in the smaller church.)

Daman, Glenn, 2009. Developing Leaders for the Small Church: A Guide to Spiritual Transformation for the Church Board. Grand Rapids, Kregel Publications. (Note: the focus of this volume is on leadership development.)

Flemming, Dean. 2013. Recovering the Full Mission of God: A Biblical Perspective on Being, Doing, and Telling. Downers Grove; IVP Academic.

Schwartz, Christian A. and Schalk, Christoph. 1998. The Implementation Guide to Natural Church Development. St. Charles, IL; ChurchSmart Resources. (Note: this resource will provide an overview of the Natural Church Development assessment tool and ministry planning process.)

Jim Price

CH: HEALTHY PASTOR TEAM

The Healthy Pastors Team serves as an Affinity Group of the Church Health Commission. Its mission is to provide support, resources and encouragement to our denominational leaders, pastors and their families, and the EC churches by promoting holistic health and lifestyles that can, in turn, strengthen their ability to carry out their ministries. The Healthy Pastors Team will change to: Pastoral Congregation Health after National Conference. The Bishop Kevin Memorial 5K Run/Walk/10k Bike was held in 2015. All proceeds went to Bishop Kevin’s passion: Church Planting. This year the event T-shirts were supplied by Imagine Goods, a company founded by two Pastors wives: Aiyana Ehrman and Michelle Kime—two ordinary women doing extraordinary things in Cambodia. They partner with vulnerable and marginalized people around the world to make products that, in many cases, give them the first fair wages they've ever received. Not only did Church Planting receive funding from this event but purchasing the shirts from Imagine Goods enabled many people to benefit in extraordinary ways. This was a total win-win situation for everyone. God is indeed at work! Stress and burn out continue to dominate the reasons why pastors leave their pulpits and return to the secular world. In 2015 the CHC will be exploring how to encourage Pastors to observe a Sabbath each week and creating guidelines for a sabbatical rest. This work will continue under the new structure. The Prayer Mobilization Team will focus on assisting Pastors to routinely observe a Sabbath day and Healthy Pastors will focus on Sabbatical leaves.

Sec. 7 -Pg. 3 Commissions Margie Miller, FCN (Faith Community Nurse) serves on the Episcopacy committee, assuring she has the “pulse” on our Bishop’s health and can make recommendations and insights accordingly to the committee. Margie also serves on the Board of Directors at the Rosedale Grove Association. Jackie Iatesta, FCN serves on the Church Health Commission giving input on topics for Church Health Seminars and serves on the coaching committee and enjoys leading the Pastors’ wives session at National Conference with emphasis on healthy lifestyles and prayer time. Both Margie and Jackie have found their “roles” within the EC Denomination change according to the needs of the people and seek to follow God’s leading in whatever role they are to play. They are both available as resources, consulting and friends to the entire denomination, the pastors, their wives and families.

Jackie Iatesta

CHURCH PLANTING COMMISSION

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4 – 6 NIV).

One Church! Not “my church” or “your church.” There is just the one church, the Church God is building on the foundation of Jesus Christ. This biblical truth statement should define and direct the ministries of every congregation, as well as those of a denomination – a fellowship of like-minded congregations. One Church. One Mission! We don’t need to creatively develop statements that define what we are about. We merely need to follow his Word – “go and make disciples” as we “love our neighbor.” These words are not just good ideas, they are Christ’s marching orders for His Church, for our congregations, and for the EC Church. One Mind! Over the past few years, we have begun the hard work of shifting our church culture to reflect “one church” and “one mission.” Not easy! Definitely possible. And the fruit of this shift is already evidenced through stories of shared ministries. We are enjoying more healthy conversations about reaching our neighbors. We are hearing more creative ideas and proposals about how to create space for spiritual conversations. The shift is happening! We cannot underestimate the value of the claim that church planting is the most effective means to reach the lost. This is true, not simply because church plants do more evangelism; it’s true because church plants tend to be more people oriented, less building and program focused. This makes biblical sense. Jesus rather clearly said “go and make disciples,” not go and create discipleship programs and stack bricks to worship behind. Our problem is the limits we place on what church planting should look like, and who can do the work of church planting. There is a definite need to carefully launch planters lest they hurt themselves or other people. (Though it seems we can do this at any point in a church’s life.) Instead of thinking “what should a church plant look like?” maybe we should start thinking “what might a church plant look like?” This shift allows more room to imagine new models for “loving our neighbors” on the way to “making disciples.” To this end, the Church Planting Commission continues to encourage new planting and outreach works, as well as sponsor conversations and training designed to prepare churches and church leaders to imagine and attempt new ministries for the Kingdom. Recent efforts have seen the launch of Christ House in Lancaster and Next Step in York, as well as a cluster of Fresh Expression LAUNCHES in Sinking Spring. Beyond these, several other churches are in the process of discussing, even strategizing, how to leverage people connections and church and/or denominational resources for Kingdom expansion.

Current Commission Members Bishop Rev. Bruce Hill; Rev. Leslie Cool, Associate & Chair; Rev. Ralph Owens, Secretary; Rev. Nathan Fry; Rev. Jeffrey Martin; Rev. Michael Snedeker; Rev. Charles Campbell (Great Lakes Region); Rev. Gordon Lewis (Susquehanna Region); Rev. Gary L. Kuehner (Delaware Region); Rev. Randall Sizemore, Director of Global Ministries, advisory member; and Kevin Henry (financial advisor).

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Current Projects: (CAPS SIGNIFY SOME FORM OF CURRENT BUDGET/FINANCIAL SUPPORT) Currently . . . we are supporting and/or encouraging . . .  8 Planters and 9 Plants o EPHRATA, PA . . . HOUSE OF BLESSINGS (ABE MONTANEZ) o Harrisburg area, PA . . . Restore Community (Brian Parker) o LANCASTER, PA . . . CHRIST HOUSE CHURCH (TIM KING) o Philadelphia, PA . . . Communidad Biblica (Rolando Diaz) . Allentown, PA location o Pottstown area, PA . . . Journey53 (Rick Christman) o York, PA . . . Iglesia Cristiana (Carlos Kelly) o YORK PA . . . THE NEXT STEP (CARLOS KELLY & TIM KING)  1 Restart / Revitalization o SLATINGTON, PA . . . TRINITY (BRIAN KERN)  3 Informal Partnerships* / 5 Missional Works / 0 Potential Adoptions o Lancaster, PA . . . Iglesia De Dios Ven A El (Luis Ramirez) o Lehigh Valley, PA . . . Horizon (Bud Daneker) o Millersville, PA . . . The Gathering (Juan Carlos Morales) o Palmerton, PA . . . Gaming Grotto (Chris Bronico) o Reedsville, PA . . . LifeTree Café (Jeff Byerly) o Sinking Spring & Mohn’s Hill, PA . . . Two Lifetree Cafés (Jerry Artz, Mohn’s Hill & Mike Snedeker, Sinking Spring) . “Off the Avenue” and “Canal Street” o SINKING SPRING, PA . . . FRESH EXPRESSION LAUNCHES (MATT HILL – PASTOR OF MISSIONAL MINISTRIES) o TALLMADGE, OH . . . NEW DIRECTION (TIM REAM)

*An “informal partnership” is just that, a loosely defined relationship between an established church and another church or church plant or church planter that is transitional or less precise than an adoption, plant or “out of that church” ministry. Some informal partnerships are based on use of space in a building; others involve overlapping ministry events. In the end, these partnerships may become more formal or will dissolve when the dust finally settles.

Philosophy of Ministry The CPC continues to embrace three biblically-based principles as helpful guidelines for ministries designed to obey the Great Commission.  The Church is the people called by God to his mission. As the church we are a people redeemed through Jesus Christ and enabled by the Holy Spirit to live in community as witness to God’s love and intention for humanity and the whole created order. The church’s work is accomplished as we receive God’s blessing and bless the world around us in the name of Jesus and in the power of his Holy Spirit. (from “The Church” adopted by the 2014 National Conference)  Church planting is the intentional, relational and redemptive work of the people of the church in identified communities or to identified people groups to the end that a new church (gathering of God’s people for church related ministries) is the fruit. (CPC working definition for church planting)  A Fresh Expression is a form of church for our changing culture, established primarily for the benefit of those who are not yet part of any church. o Fresh expressions are missional (serving those not currently served by any church); incarnational (listening to people and entering their culture); discipling (helping people enter more fully into the life of Christ); and ecclesial (forming church). Fresh Expressions work towards establishing a new

Sec. 7 -Pg. 5 Commissions community or congregation especially for those who have never been involved in church (un-churched) or people who once were part of a church, but left for whatever reason (de-churched). While a fresh expression of church might look different from the structure of a more established church, they are best conceived and orchestrated in partnership with established churches. (from the Fresh Expressions website)

Educational Initiatives The CPC will continue to sponsor an assortment of educational offerings to encourage and promote discipleship, community outreach and creative Great Commission ministries. We recognize that initial responses and ministries may not be church plants. But forward motion toward Kingdom ministry is a good first step. We are planning to sponsor a live stream event built on Exponential 2016 (to be held at Community in Sinking Spring – Wednesday, April 27). Tentative plans also include a series of roundtable discussions designed to draw together pastors and church leaders around themes associated with Kingdom extension ministries. We are in conversation with Chris Backert regarding a potential Fresh Expression Vision Day in our area. New Church Plant Updates Over the past few months, three new planting works have been launched. Each is making measurable progress. Please continue to pray for these exciting ministries and the planters who serve them.  Christ House – Tim King . . . Tim has adopted the model of shepherding shepherds who care for sheep. Being stretched by three ministries, this young planter is using his gifts of shepherding and administration to multiply his reach. The church continues to grow (holding at a solid 30 each service with new visitors each week), and is very active in the community.  Next Step – Tim King & Carlos Kelly . . . showing slow but steady growth, this fledgling church is beginning to show its muscle. Their most recent community outreach was the fruit of the people who attend. Inviting everyone to get involved is proving to be a good thing.  LAUNCH, Sinking Spring – Matt Hill . . . Matt continues to oversee a number of Fresh Expression LAUNCHES out of the congregation at Community in Sinking Spring (CEC). Each LAUNCH is led by CEC people and targets a particular slice of the local community. One exciting aspect of watching this church move is seeing how many LAUNCHES can be creatively connected to the local community. We invite you to join us in praying for these young expressions of Jesus’ Church – planters, planters’ families, leadership teams, community connections – as they not only think outside the box, but serve and minister without the box. These ministries are intentionally driven by the needs and interests of the yet-to-be-churched.

Kingdom Extension Community (KEC) The Church Planting Commission anticipates a smooth transition to the Kingdom Extension Community as we move beyond National Conference 2016. This shift, though including a much more specific attention to promoting and enabling Kingdom ministry, is along the trajectory chosen by the CPC a couple of years ago. The CPC already has begun to address some of the purpose statements for the KEC: 1. To communicate and encourage a Kingdom mindset and strategy for extending the kingdom. 2. To assess local church potential for extending the Kingdom within their contexts. 3. To deliver up-to-date resources and workshops that will provide creative solutions for extending the Kingdom. 4. To assist local churches in adopting concepts that will ultimately extend the Kingdom within their contexts. 5. To facilitate discussions among pastors and church leaders in district cohorts about Kingdom extension within our cultural settings.

We invite your prayers as we move forward. Remember – One! There is just One Church; we each get to participate in an “expression” of that one Church through our congregations. And it will take all of us to begin to reach the communities we represent.

For the privilege and opportunity to serve our planters and our churches, we thank you.

Rev. Les Cool

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EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP COMMISSION

Including the Christian Education Committee and Prayer Mobilization Team

ONE. It's how God designed us. We're not all the same (thankfully!) ... but we're still One, united under the authority and saving work of Jesus Christ. We are the Church! Paul wrote, "There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called--one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:4-6). As pastors and lay delegates we lead our churches to reflect, promote, advertise, display, honor and point people to Jesus. That's a lot of verbs, but Jesus is worth it. He's the focus. He made us one. You recall Jesus’ prayer that we would be one (John 17:22-23) and continue His work in the world. Let's continue pointing people to the Way, Truth and Life -- Jesus Christ -- who truly changes our lives. The Evangelism and Discipleship Commission assists local churches through prayer, training and resources to effectively share the Gospel. We want every E.C. church to play it's part in the kingdom by shining Jesus' love and attracting those who need to be saved. Here's a quick "snapshot" of what we've offered:

Men's Ministry - No man is an island. Men need time together to eat, laugh, talk, learn, play, and have fun together just being men. The 3rd Annual Mountain Men's Advance was held at Twin Pines in April. The theme was: "Brotherhood." Special guests Art Remington (Staff Pastor for Promise Keepers & Men at the Cross) and Dale Miller, along with Pastor Gary Kuehner led the sessions. Pastor Wayne Houck gives leadership to this vital ministry. The Great Lakes Region also held a men's retreat at Camp ECCO in October 2015. Jim Beltz is the point person.

Women's Ministry - A Women's Retreat was held at The Castle in western PA, and also at Camp ECCO in 2015. A Chick-Fest Retreat was held at Rock River in the fall 2015. Plans are being made for a pastor's wives retreat for fall 2016. Annette Campbell has offered leadership and direction for several of these events.

Youth Network - The Youth Network sponsored a FAT - "Friday After Thanksgiving" overnighter at Ozzie's Family Fun Center last fall. This event draws hundreds of teens for a fun night together. The Youth network also provides gatherings for youth pastors to connect, pray and discuss ministry ideas.

Christian Education - Churches must strive to keep children safe. It takes a committee, or an appointed person, in your church to stay on top of the new laws and training opportunities that are available. The CE committee is also working on a list of "best resources" that churches can use for discipleship education. For more information please contact Pastor Steve Holubec.

3DM - Several E.C. pastors have joined Huddle groups to experience how 3DM can strengthen a church's discipleship efforts. One-day workshops that explain the 3DM strategy were held last fall and also this spring. Pastor Al Giles (Emmaus, PA) has been on the front-lines of training and is a great resource for the E.C. Church. He'd be glad to share more information with you.

Discipleship S.W.O.T - During the year, the commission did a S.W.O.T. analysis to gain a clearer picture of where our local churches are doing well in discipleship and where we need to commit more of our resources. We discovered a significant need to strengthen leadership (both pastoral & lay) at the local church level. As the culture around us continues to evolve, we as the church must be prepared to adapt and address the needs of a hurting world.

Prayer Support - The Prayer Mobilization Team (PMT) prays for God's mission to be accomplished through our local churches. You can direct specific prayer requests to them for your ministry. From time to time they also offer prayer retreats and provide specialized training opportunities for local churches and districts.

Sec. 7 -Pg. 7 Commissions Evangelism Training - Pastor Gary Kuehner has developed a workshop on "sharing your story" with others. He's available to local churches and districts to offer this training.

Discipleship Training and Financial Assistance: Scholarships are available to help your local church pursue a discipleship strategy and receive further training. In the past, churches have made use of these funds to work with Navigator's, 3DM, etc. If you have a vision for discipleship in your church please don't let the need for finances hold you back. We can help!

May God bless you and the work you are doing to spread the Gospel. Be faithful, creative and influential in providing opportunities for the lost to meet Jesus. May God's Holy Spirit motivate you to serve with joy, energy, and love in all you do. And, never stop praying!

In important matters, never settle for good ideas until you've prayerfully searched for great ideas!

Ryan Taylor

EDC: CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

During 2015, the Christian Education Committee continued to assist churches in Pennsylvania by updating them on the recent changes in the mandated reporting laws. Highlights of the rules that are new or have been altered since our last National Conference report include:

 Criminal History and Sexual Abuse History checks are now free for volunteers.  Free background checks obtained for volunteering cannot be used for paid positions.  FBI Finger Print checks are not needed if the volunteer has lived in PA continuously for ten years or more.  Clearances need to be updated every 5 years (not every 3).

If you would like to attend trainings on preventing abuse, spotting abuse or training volunteers, the best resource I have found comes from the Network of Victim Assistance. Go to www.novabucks.org, under “Education & Training.” The Youth Network has continued to meet monthly. In November, the Network again sponsored the FAT Lock- In with ten different churches bringing a total of 212 people. This year’s Lock-In will be November 25 – 26, 2016. More information will be sent out in late summer or early fall. Beginning in April 2016 the Network’s meetings will be at the Dutch Way Restaurant in Myerstown on the second Tuesday of the month at 11 a.m. Please contact Steve Holubec if you have any questions.

Rev. Stephen L. Holubec

EDC: PRAYER MOBILIZATION TEAM

The Prayer Mobilization Team (PMT) is a team of pastors and lay leaders that have become increasingly aware that our churches can enhance the process of transforming our ministries to greater relevance by mobilizing God's people to pray together in God’s Word. While preaching, teaching, worship, and outreach makes use of our individual gifts to develop disciples, prayer is common to every believer and is essential to increasing intimacy with God and with one another. It is this divine vertical and horizontal intimacy that is foundational to effective disciple making and healthy churches as the Lord heals, directs, and gives increase to the church that prays together. God can do more to change a person, a family, or a church through prayer in the Word than any other method, but this could require a paradigm change for some individuals and churches. If this is to happen throughout the denomination pastors and prayer leaders in all of our churches need to have a God-given vision and desire to birth a prayer movement which brings the whole congregation together in corporate prayer.

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Over the past year, several pastors and lay leaders have begun implementing various initiatives in their churches to increase corporate prayer. We have seen some of our churches have success in moving more and more of our people toward getting comfortable with praying together in small groups and as a congregation. The PMT has resources to help the people in our churches overcome the things that inhibit participation in group prayer. We intend to provide more Prayer Summits/Retreats in the future to help pastors and prayer leaders to develop a vision for their churches and to call upon the Lord to give all of their people the desire to pray together. We are able to provide Prayer Workshops for individual churches, pastors, and prayer leaders to help them learn the foundations of dynamic corporate prayer and how to implement them using the resources that we have available. These activities can be implemented at the Regional, District, or individual church level. Please visit the PMT display table at Conference for more information and to discuss how we may be able to help you meet your future prayer ministry needs. We look forward to receiving inquiries from many of our churches during Conference and in the coming year.

Rev. Michael Campbell

GLOBAL MINISTRIES COMMISSION

FACILITATING MISSION WORKERS We continue to facilitate our mission workers, doing all we can to help them be as effective as possible in their various fields of ministry. Pat Strain keeps our missionaries connected with one another and the greater EC Church through regular communication avenues. She also spends time monitoring their support accounts to alert them when their support is getting low and to help them make decisions about their ministry/field/personal budgets. Each missionary completes a six month report that is reviewed by Pat and me. The goal of these reports is to make sure that we are supporting our missionaries in ways that help them further the Great Commission. Carla Sizemore works with local congregations to support our mission workers in prayer. We are averaging about 20 congregations involved in the Missionary Prayer Partner program with more engaging in their own prayer strategies for our missionaries. Currently we have 25 missionary units (couples or singles) serving in eight (8) different countries working in partnership with 14 different agencies. The GMC has been actively discussing how to best serve the EC Church in recruiting, training, credentialing, deploying and supporting the growing number of “non-traditional” mission workers that do not “fit” our traditional models but are being called and sent and supported among our local congregations.

EMPOWERING INTERNATIONAL CHURCHES

Japan: When Tomoyuki & Jessica returned from the states in early June, they started English classes with missionaries Tim & Wakako Clark. This opened up about 40 contacts. There are many people in the area who speak some English and want to improve. They are also using American cooking classes and French cooking classes in addition to the Alpha courses. Tomoyuki shared that they had changed their worship format so that it is now more discussion time and prayer. Their vision is to go deeper and to build a larger core group. They had been looking for a building where they could live and hold church, but it’s not possible in their current area. Plans now are to have two separate spaces, so they are looking for a house with a large living room where they could hold small group events. A church building would be too much of a financial burden for the congregation right now. Yoriyoshi is praising God that Emiko’s great uncle Masao accepted Christ and was baptized just four days before he passed away at the age of 84. Now the uncle’s oldest son is also interested in Christianity. Yoriyoshi was privileged to pray for Franklin Graham during the Tokyo Crusade. Emiko’s photo can be seen in the January issue of Decision

Sec. 7 -Pg. 9 Commissions magazine’s coverage of the crusade! The “Celebration of Love” crusade held in Tokyo November 20-22, 2015 drew more than 38,000 people with about 1,400 responding to the Gospel. Preparing for the Crusade as an office staff manager assisting the pastors, gave Yoriyoshi many more connections and contacts in Japan. Emiko has been performing at the train stations and gave a gospel concert on November 28th at a café. They also gave a Christmas concert for those who come to their international gatherings. Nobuo’s father, who was baptized last year, started going to church this past Easter. Sagamihara Chapel was also involved in the Graham Crusade. Two church members are getting ready for baptism; their family members have been coming as well. Nobuo continues to be involved with disaster relief in northern Japan where the tsunami devastated so much land. In mid-September the church had an exhibit by a Christian artist who is disabled, so he was able to give his testimony. Keiko has about 10 adults and 8-9 children coming together for prayer and then walking to the park for outreach. There are five (5) children in the nursery class. Nobuo shares with the mothers weekly. She invited the mothers of children in the nursery class to the children’s event during the crusade. Nobuo has accepted my invitation to travel with me and Bishop Hill to the General Conference of the EC Church of India in April 2016 for the election of their new General Director. Tomoyuki will accompany Nobuo to help with translation from English to Japanese. Rev. Sudo is taking leadership training courses as well as fasting and praying to find God’s vision for the church and community. Nobuo said the atmosphere in the church is improving. They have a new outreach using music. Yoriyoshi & Emiko lead a monthly youth gathering; the church youth have been inviting their friends to come. There is a concern to build up the youth since the core membership of Kyodo Grace is elderly.

India: The first ever of its kind, the “ECCI Key Leaders’ Consultation” was held on October 27-28, 2015. The leaders worked through the current and future challenges and issues facing the EC Church of India and drafted the following (unedited) Covenant which was approved by the Board of Trustees at its November 24, 2015 meeting: 1. Reaffirmed to continue its federal unity and agreed to withstand any threat that come on its way. 2. Affirmed to strengthen its existing Bible College, (Evangelical College of Theology) which is the main image of the organization. 3. Affirmed to promote and strengthen its networking with other like-minded churches and Para-churches both at national and international level. 4. Affirmed to carry on projects and programs under ECCI even without much support from outside sources and every member body to be prepared to contribute as and when needed. 5. Affirmed to strengthen and develop our fellowship with one another by way of pulpit exchange, etc. from time to time. 6. Affirmed to form Evangelistic Team comprising of the Evangelist At-large of the constituent presbyteries in order to develop and promote more and more spiritual unity at ECCI level, to be initiated by the General Director from time to time 7. Affirmed the magnificent dynamic strength, in the youths and women in particular and their potentiality in strengthening our federal unity and agreed to revitalize and mobilize them. 8. Affirmed that lack of sense of ownership on the part of member bodies, lack of integrity and seriousness on the part of ECCI leadership, selfishness and independent mindset by all, financial dependency etc. are threats to our federal unity and vowed to fight all these with our cherished dream in the days to come.

Rev. L.B. Angam’s term as General Director is coming to an end and the new General Director will be elected at the April 2016 General Conference. A GMC delegation including Bishop Hill (USA); Chairman Nobuo Abe & Tomoyuki (Japan); Director Th. Janga (Nepal) will be joining me for the General Conference and the election.

North East Children’s Home: Based on factors and circumstances reported at the October 2015 NMT meeting, the Global Ministries Commission has agreed to discontinue our partnership with NECH and has communicated the same to their Board of Directors and to the EC Church USA.

Nepal: The country of Nepal continues to struggle with rebuilding after the April 2015 earthquake. Even as I write this report today Nepal has experienced a 5.5 earthquake north-east of Kathmandu. Along with rebuilding the physical aspects of the country, they are also trying to implement the new Constitution which allows more religious freedom. This has caused some other issues such as general work strikes and opponents of the religious freedom in India responding by not sending in much needed supplies to Nepal. This uncertainty is also directly affecting Janga’s ability to begin

Sec. 7 -Pg. 10 Commissions construction on the Mercy Home/Church Center. A few of the adjoining land owners where Janga has purchased his property have decided not to develop the land now so they are not paying their required funds to the government to construct the access road to the property. In spite of these obstacles, the EC Church of Nepal continues to reach the Nepalese with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In 2015 Janga reports 194 new converts and 156 baptisms. They established three (3) new fellowships or church plants. Construction continued on existing churches and after eight years of riding motorcycles, we finally were able to help Janga purchased a vehicle to facilitate his transportation! Janga plans to hold a VBS program once again in October and his vision is to establish five (5) new local fellowships in 2016.

Mexico: In July 2012, the GMC entered into a four year agreement with the ECCM (EC Church of Mexico) to appoint Rev. Elias Martinez as the Director of Mexico and replacing his secular salary of $650 a month so he could focus his time on leading the ECCM to becoming a self-governing, self-supporting and self-propagating National Conference. Although Elias’ term and our agreement is slated to end on July 2016, the leadership of the ECCM has voted and the GMC has agreed to extend his term until 2017 to complete the necessary work for them to become a National Conference. The year-long intensive personal and professional development courses offered for pastors and spouses called, “Transforming Ministers” concluded in 2015. The pastors are now implementing the lessons and strategies learned throughout the year in their own local congregations. Elias and his wife Myrna have developed a pilot children’s outreach program to combat the large numbers of marginalized children on the streets of Mexico often targeted by the drug cartels. This pilot program called IGLEKids (Church Kids) is now being implemented in our other EC congregations and also in non-EC congregations. The 2016 GMC VBS project will be to help construct a roof and fenced patio area to provide a safe place for the children to be engaged with the Good News and for the ongoing development of this program. A GMC delegation will be traveling with me and Bishop Hill to Mexico March 28 – April 4 for their Annual Conference. The Great Lakes Work Team is sending a small specialized team of men to assist with the electrical needs during the building of the new Casa De Dios church building planted by the Bethel Congregation in Rio Bravo.

El Retiro Children’s Home: As reported at the October 2015 NMT meetings, the GMC has been in the process of evaluating the sustainability of the ministry at ERJ. Our evaluation has resulted in the decision to use the next two years to transition away from this ministry. We have communicated this decision to ERJ’s Board of Directors and the EC Church USA. I will be traveling to Mexico March 28-April 4, 2016 and will be meeting with the ERJ Board of Directors to facilitate their transition as much as possible.

Liberia: A GMC Team consisting of Rev. Ralph Owens, Pastor Rick Sergi, Carla Sizemore and myself traveled to Liberia January 21 - February 3, 2016 for the 47th Annual Conference of the EC Church of Liberia. The GMC Team played a critical role in recognizing the 17 years of leadership by outgoing Field Superintendent Rev. Matthew Gueh, dedicating a much needed pickup truck to the conference and facilitating the first general election of ECCOL’s new leadership position of Bishop as part of their progress toward becoming a National Conference. Rev. Abraham Powell was elected and consecrated as Bishop of the EC Church of Liberia for a six year term with the possibility of being elected to a second term. Rev. Ralph Owens’ bike tour and Pastor Rick Sergi’s Bethlehem Emmanuel congregation were instrumental in raising the funds needed to purchase the truck. With the transition of leadership and the Ebola virus challenges behind them, the ECCOL can now focus her energies on the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ as a unified, organized conference.

ENGAGING THE CHURCH IN THE GREAT COMMISSION The GMC continues to invite the global EC Church to be actively engaged in the global aspects of the Great Commission. I am happy to report that we are seeing more local churches in direct contact and partnership with our EC missionaries and international EC conferences. Our international EC conferences are more aware of one another and are now partnering with one another with prayer and financial support. The GMC continues to educate and communicate the world of EC missions to our members through publications like the monthly Global Prayer Guide and the semi-annual Window On The World magazine. By providing missionary speakers, planning the Mission Minded Kids Rally, Missionary Prayer Partners and promoting Mission Brunches in each region, we are giving the local congregation multiple opportunities to be involved in the great things God is doing in the global EC Church.

LOOKING AHEAD

Sec. 7 -Pg. 11 Commissions The GMC will use this conference year to assess and evaluate the changes in our structure that will be needed to allow us to best serve the National Conference of the EC Church, USA as we restructure from a Commission model to a Community model. Our challenge is that the scope and responsibility of the Global Ministries Commission is unique and therefore does not neatly fall into the parameters of the other Communities being formed. We currently have an Executive Director supported by a shared ministry model, a full-time Deputy Director of Missionary Care supported by the GMC, five (5) Field and seven (7) Function committees staffed by volunteers. We facilitate (manage) a significant portion of the financial, professional and logistical aspects of 25 missionary units (couples or singles), empower (guide, counsel, oversee and raise funds for) five (5) international conferences totaling over 400 churches and 60,000 members and engage (equip, educate and encourage) the local congregations here in the USA in the Great Commission. In order to accomplish these responsibilities we also have to raise the funds needed and manage a budget that is slightly over one million dollars a year. We count it a privilege to serve the global EC Church and covet your prayers as we seek God’s continued direction for this new chapter in the life of the EC Church and the GMC. I want to make sure to express my appreciation to my wife Carla, Dixon Bethel EC Church and Deputy Director Pat Strain and the staff at Church Center for their ongoing support and encouragement.

Rev. Randy Sizemore

Global Ministries Commission of the Evangelical Congregational Church Balance Sheet Twelve Months Ending December 31, 2014 Unaudited Audited 12/31/2015 12/31/2014 Assets Cash and Investments 1,161,332 1,094,080 Accounts Receivable 141 141 Prepaid & Other Assets (4,095) (4,095) Property, Plant & Equipment, net ---- 595 Total Assets 1,157,378 1,090,721

Liabilities and Net Assets Liabilitie s Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses 29,199 12,394 Annuities Payable 33,634 34,754 Total Liabilities 62,833 47,148

Net Assets Unrestricted 314,204 331,535 Temporarily Restricted 780,341 712,038 Total Liabilities 1,094,545 1,043,573 Total Liabilities & Net Assets 1,157,378 1,090,721 Gobal Ministries Commission of the Evangelical Congregational Church For the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 Actual Budget Favorable/ Audited 2015 2015 (Unfavorable) Actual Budget 2014

General Fund Donations & Offerings 230,646 140,000 90,646 239,118 Investment Income (40,970) --- (40,970) 10,004 Other Income 6,200 1,200 5,000 400 195,876 141,200 54,676 249,522

GMC Personnel Expenses 95,662 96,785 1,123 97,683 Travel 30,351 18,400 (11,951) 15,266

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Int’l Churches & Field Rebalancing 59,227 --- (59,227) 44,006 Office Expenses 29,310 25,627 (3,683) 64,441 214,550 140,812 (73,738) 221,396

Revenues over/(under) expenses (18,674) 388 (19,062) 28,126

Commissions & International Churches Regional Committees Revenues 6,783 550 6,233 6,325 Expenses 6,289 --- (6,289) 5,385 494 550 (56) 940

GMC Rally and Events Revenues --- 2,250 (2,250) 952 Expenses 270 2,250 1,980 980 (270) --- (270) (28)

ECC India Revenues 31,099 --- 31,099 67,394 Expenses 37,099 --- 37,099 48,134 Fund Rebalancing (6,000) --- 6,000 2,127 ------21,387

Nepal Revenues 20,250 --- 20,250 15,622 Expenses 36,307 --- 36,307 28,200 Fund Rebalancing (16,057) --- 16,057 12,078 ------(500)

Liberia Revenues 25,734 --- 25,734 9,621 Expenses 34,850 --- 34,850 31,823 Fund Rebalancing (10,884) --- 10,884 25,202 1,768 --- 1,768 3,000

Mexico Revenues 31,042 --- 31,042 35,200 Expenses 57,000 --- 57,000 39,799 Fund Rebalancing (25,958) --- 25,958 4,599 ------

Japan Revenues 79,184 --- 79,184 34,752 Expenses 36,000 --- (36,000) 15,500 43,184 --- 43,184 19,252

Revenues over/(under) expenses 45,176 550 44,626 44,051

Active Missionaries (6,218) --- (6,218) (16,219) Other Funds 29,568 --- 29,568 26,924

Total Revenues Over/(Under) expenses 49,852 938 48,914 82,882

Sec. 7 -Pg. 13 Commissions LEADERSHIP COMMISSION

Including the Chaplaincy Committee, Student Aid Leadership Team

“The Leadership Commission serves the local church by recruiting, assessing, and training pastoral leaders within the Evangelical Congregational Church. The commission shall also provide leadership resources and training for local church lay leaders.” – EC Discipline

COMMITTEE WORK The Leadership Commission has been busy throughout 2014-15 through the work of its committees. The Chaplaincy Committee, under the leadership of Chaplain Endorser, Pastor Bob Brown has overseen the annual verification of active duty chaplains. Our chaplains are often at the forefront of dealing with societal and cultural change. We are pleased that Chaplains Noel Blancaflor and Juliana Lesher are sharing in devotions during National Conference. One of the projects the committee is undertaking is the formation of a historical list of EC credentialed individuals who have served as military chaplains. The committee has also brought to our attention the need for our local congregations to be aware of and involved in opportunities to minister to the caregivers for veterans. There are no doubt needs to support those who are providing care to veterans within our congregations. Another area that requires both awareness and ministry is the many families of veterans who deal with suicide. This is a growing area of concern both for veterans and for others in our communities and churches. Our Student Aid Leadership Team worked with eight (8) students who were eligible for funds this year. The movement has been to support all programs, if not equally. We continue to favor the MDIV, but because the structure of our Seminary degrees is changing, we continue to monitor the degree being pursued so we give the right support to the people who need it most. The question remains: how do we foster and support qualified and well-trained leaders from within the EC Church? We know the Ministerial Development Community will be working on this question in the coming years. Eight (8) candidates were assessed through the outstanding efforts of the Pastoral Assessment Center in January 2016. We are also pleased that the thirteen essential qualities of an EC pastor are now included in the National Conference Journal’s Appendix so that all our leaders can be aware of these key characteristics we value in both pastoral candidates and current pastors. We are pleased that this year the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) released a “Code of Ethics for Congregations and Their Leadership Teams.” This follows their “Code of Ethics for Pastors” which was published last year. We strongly suggest that pastors discuss the NAE pastoral and congregational ethics documents together with relevant leaders – Pastoral Relations Committee and Official Board / Ministry Council.

2015 ORDINATION We congratulate five of our pastoral leaders who were ordained during the fall of 2015: Revs. Mike Campbell, Kyle Roth, Brad Hatter, Ken Kalisz, and Keith Blank.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING The Commission is able to serve as a clearing house for many leadership training opportunities as we become aware of them. We are especially thankful for the times we have been able to partner with Evangelical Seminary in proving life-long learning experiences. During the past year training has been provided by a variety of entities – we think it’s important that those opportunities keep coming.  With the strong support of one of our congregations, the Commission was able to partner with Evangelical Seminary to host a Leadership Forum with Reggie McNeal. This was a great day to be stretched in our understanding of leadership and the Kingdom of God.  We are pleased that our denomination’s Church Planting Associate, Les Cool, helped to lead a spiritual day retreat with Dr. Laurie Mellinger of ETS: “Come Apart …before you come unraveled”  A number of our pastors participated in the Seminary’s “Fresh Hope for the Poor: Moving Beyond Charity” seminar.  The Church Health Commission’s “Leaving a Legacy in My Leadership” with Dr. James Ayers.  Twin Pines Camp’s “Church Change Culture” Summit

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 The annual Exponential Conference, Fresh Expressions National Gathering, and the Rural Home Missionary Association (RHMA) Conference all feature topics relevant to the majority of EC churches and are refreshing because they don’t necessarily emphasize megachurch aspirations  We look forward to an EC Leadership 101 training event for our church treasurers to be scheduled in the coming year.

ONGOING CONCERNS Denominationally, we are in a time of leadership transition. The Leadership Commission is aware of what the Bishop has called “the first wave of baby-boomer” pastors who are retiring. This can have a real impact on the leadership of our congregations and denomination. How many more “waves” will we experience over the next few years? This is meaningful because we could lose the history and theological experience carried by those folks. But also, what does the "new" pastor look like? (He may not have grown up in the EC Church, he's probably married, may have younger children, certainly less experienced, maybe less educated and perhaps in debt trying to pay for his education.) Then too we are aware that the Bishop has been contacted by pastors from other denominations who consider transferring their credentials to a conservative evangelical denomination. He has also received similar calls about entire congregations joining the EC Church. While there are many questions here to be resolved, these conversations could impact our denomination in the years to come.

FUTURE INCARNATIONS/LOCATIONS OF THE COMMISSION’S WORK Most of the Leadership Commission’s work will become the responsibility of the Ministerial Development Community in the years to come. The Chaplaincy Committee will move to the Global Ministries Community. We are thankful for the members who have served the Lord and his church over the years through membership in the Leadership Commission. We also look forward to the new and creative work which the Ministerial Development Community will undertake with the start of the new Conference year.

Dr. Christine Pense

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