Sept-Oct 2007

An International Gathering

General Conference of Elders

Nearly 800 elders and spouses from around the world gathered July 25-29 at the Hyatt hotel in Indian Wells, CA, for several days of lectures, workshops, worship and fellowship. The conference included discussions about theology, spiritual formation and many other subjects (details below).

The meeting also provided numerous opportunities for elders to talk with one another about the challenges and rewards of serving their churches. These face-to-face "meetings after the meeting" are an invaluable part of any conference. Lectures could theoretically be recorded and sent out, but along with processing the information as a group, the informal personal contacts cannot be duplicated or replaced, and these experiences helped elders feel more a part of a worldwide fellowship.

Above, Bernie Schnippert, legal counsel, talks with John Halford, editor of Christian Odyssey. Below, Brenda High (South Holland, IL) talks with newlyweds Jon and Susie Martinez (Antelope Valley, CA).

"An 'aha' moment for me was understanding the deep, deep love of the Father for his children. We don’t stop loving our children when they do wrong, and neither does God. You feel their (your children’s) pain. I also enjoyed the opportunity to meet people from different areas who seemingly don’t have anything in common with me. Yet, I met a pastor who has a prison ministry and when comparing his ministry with our nursing home ministry, we were able to share stories with one another. I felt like a sponge absorbing everything, ready to burst!" —Joyce Wendt, Wausau, WI

One pastor’s story is probably similar to many more. He had not planned to attend for financial reasons, but when his congregations found that out, they worked together to pay his expenses. They commented, "You came back from the 2005 conference with such energy and enthusiasm, it is well worth the money to send you again. You will be a better pastor."

The conference was not just a lecture series; it was not merely a time for friends to catch up with one another—it was an experience that should help pastors, elders and, through them, the members, to draw closer to Christ in life and work.

These three instructors also taught "Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ" on Monday and Tuesday after the conference.

To ensure that pastors serve their congregations well, U.S. Church Administration & Development requires pastors to take at least one theology-related class each year, either at a nationally accredited school or through ACCM. Most ACCM classes are offered online, service our widely dispersed pastors, but some pastors and elders find the on-site classes an attractive option. The undergraduate classes are open to everyone.

On Wednesday, July 25, meetings were held for U.S. church pastors. As noted in the Nov./Dec. Together, U.S. churches are organized into 30 district pastoral networks, and in the morning Dan Rogers addressed district pastoral leaders (right); in the afternoon he spoke to all the pastors. Ross Jutsum, of State of the Heart Ministries, led pastors in worship.

Randal Dick, Superintendent of Missions, met with international leaders on Tuesday through Friday. These meetings included Hector and Paulina Barrero (Latin America), Charles and Carmen Fleming (Caribbean), Eugene and Lulu Guzon (Philippines), James and Shirley Henderson (England and Africa), Rod and Ruth Matthews (Australasia), Tim McGuire (South Africa), and Gary and Wendy Moore (Canada).

Under Randal’s guidance, the group reached the conclusion that the position of Superintendent of Missions is no longer necessary for the effective administration of the church’s international operations, and an outline for moving forward without that position was developed. The participants discussed the ways in which mission efforts would be coordinated within the church in coming years.

On Thursday morning, workshops were offered on several topics:

Landon Norton	Jim Kissee	Paul Jackson
Michael Euliss	James Roberts	The Prayer Path room
"When Mark Vincent called us 'one of the sanest denominations I know,' I understood even more what a marvelous work Jesus has done in our fellowship. What a compliment! The radical increase in humor and camaraderie in the sessions and workshops tell me that this part of the body of Christ is becoming very vibrant and healthy. Our denomination has never been a dull place, I just can’t wait to see where the Lord is going to take us next!" —Doug Johannsen, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN

Starting on Thursday, worship before the main sessions was led by Higher Ground, a group from Community Life Fellowship in Altadena, CA, composed of Craig Albright, Nathan and Sue Braden, Mike Hale, Al and Kathy Killebrew, and Linda and Terry Willhoite.

Later on Thursday morning, President Joseph Tkach gave the conference opening message, noting our focus on spiritual formation, and expressing his delight that the speakers we wanted to address us were able to do so.

Sue Braden, Linda Willhoite, Kathy Killebrew, and Mike Hale. Hidden in background: Al Killebrew and Nathan Braden	Terry Willhoite and Craig Albright	Randy Bloom
Ross Jutsum	Joseph Tkach	Charles Albrecht

In the afternoon, Randal Dick gave a PowerPoint tour of our churches in international areas, with statistics about the number of members and churches in each nation, with special note of the numerous churches that have been started within the last 10 years. There is abundant growth in many nations. Charles Fleming, Eugene Guzon, Rod Matthews, David Perry, Hector Barrero, Alan Redmond, and James Henderson gave reports on work that has been done in other nations.

Ruth Tucker, former professor of church history at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI, spoke on "Good News for the ‘Left Behind’ Church." She referred to the churches "left behind" after the growth of megachurches, noting that small churches cannot be small imitations of the megachurch. For example, large churches emphasize celebration, and although tragedies may befall a member or two each month, the megachurch continues to celebrate. Small churches can take time to grieve with those who grieve, and can give a more personal touch. She noted, "Small churches play a significant role in the work of the kingdom."

That evening, Ruth Tucker and her husband John Worst, professor emeritus of music at Calvin College, along with Ross Jutsum, presented "Three Centuries of Gospel Song," with hymns from Martin Luther to modern times.

Workshops were again offered on Friday morning—some of them the same ones as on the day before, and a few new ones:

• Teaching for Transformation, and Raising up Spiritual Champions (both on children’s ministry, by Marla Barritt, with Gospel Light)

• Twelve Daughters of Eve, by Ruth Tucker

• Financial Q&A, by Mat Morgan, Church Treasurer (right)

• Churches Training Leaders, by James Roberts

• Leadership and the Engaged Church, by Michael Euliss

• Tech Tools for You and Your Church, by Robert Meade, manager of our Information Technology department

Robert Meade

Mike Feazell

Baxter Kruger

The conference was about spiritual formation. We pastors need it so we can pass it on to others. These conferences are an excellent way to remain connected. I am very happy that about 20 of us were able to come from the Philippines. It’s one thing to hear the tapes, but quite another to be here in person. Our discussion about Trinitarian theology gave us insight in how to communicate that to our congregations. Even pastors need nurturing, and a conference is an excellent way to do this. I’m hoping we’ll be able to have another one in two years. Three years may be too long. —Eugene Guzon, Quezon City, Philippines

After praise and worship on Friday morning, Mike Feazell introduced our guest speaker: C. Baxter Kruger, president of Perichoresis, a nonprofit ministry in Mississippi. Dr. Kruger studied under Professor James Torrance in Scotland, has published several books, preached in 50 churches in 20 denominations in four nations. He has also been interviewed for "You’re Included," a program posted on the www.wcg.org website.

Dr. Kruger emphasized that God created humanity because he wants us to share in the love that characterizes the relationship between the Father, Son, and Spirit. Jesus has done everything that is needed for us to enter this relationship—if we think that there is a barrier, it is only because we have a distorted view of reality. The stunning truth of the gospel is that Jesus has accepted us into his life.

Dr. Kruger spoke again in the afternoon. Then, after a short break, Mike Feazell, John McKenna and Michael Morrison joined him on stage for a plenary Q&A session. For many, the conversation continued at dinner as attendees ate together in the hotel dining hall or in nearby eating establishments.

Baxter Kruger, John McKenna, Michael Morrison and Mike Feazell	Richard and Renee Roberts (San Francisco, CA) and Robin Chester (Bend, OR)	Charles Adams (Richmond South, VA) with Martin Manuel (Charlotte, NC)

Spiritual formation

On Saturday, Richard Foster and Dallas Willard spoke on the topic of spiritual formation. Both have authored books on this topic, with awards from Christianity Today, and their writings have been well received in many denominations. Dr. Foster spoke in the morning, and Dr. Willard in the afternoon, and then they came together on stage for a dialogue about how people grow to become more Christlike.

"The gospel is not that if you repent you will be forgiven. That is a sin-management ‘gospel.’ This does not lead into a life-transforming encounter with Jesus," said Dr. Willard. (Rather, the gospel is that Jesus has already forgiven us, and repentance is accepting his forgiveness and following the lead of the Spirit.) "Grace is God acting in your life, and we would need it even if we never sinned," he said.

Richard Foster and Dallas Willard

Tim Brassell (Portsmouth, VA) with Jonathan Stepp (Nashville, TN)

Carmelita Dizon (Pasadena, CA) talks with Debbie and Craig Minke (Vancouver, British Columbia).

After dinner that evening, the elders enjoyed the humor of Christian comedians Ron McGehee and Kerri Pomarolli.

Dan Rogers gave the sermon on Sunday morning, followed by offering and communion messages by Al Barr, pastor in New York City. Services ended at 11:15 so that everyone could check out of the hotel by noon.

About 350 conference attendees then drove to Glendora for an open house at the church’s denominational offices. Joseph Tkach gave tours of our facility and everyone enjoyed food and fellowship in the lunchroom.

Sue and Lee Berger (Waco, TX) with Catherine Carter (ministerial intern in Altadena, CA).	Greg Williams (Lawrenceville, GA) with Mark Stapleton (San Diego, CA)	Four elders who completed the Ambassador College of Christian Ministry advanced diploma program: Ken Williams, Mike Swagerty, Gene Koch, and Sam Butler.
Comedians Ron McGehee and Kerri Pomarolli	Mitch Vasseur and Mat Morgan cooking at the Glendora facility.	Elders enjoy food and fellowship on the back patio of the Glendora facility.
	Those who visited the Glendora facility were asked to place a pin on the map to represent their churches. At left, Len Joson points out Mindanao, the Philippines.	Photos by Doug Johannsen, Melinda Morrison and Michael Morrison Copyright Grace Communion International
	Encouraging, uplifting and inspiring would be the words I would use to describe the conference. Our entire family had an incredible, fun and learning experience. —Charles Taylor, Miramar, Florida