You have been involved in the Church in many ways. Do you have a favorite role?
Until recent years, when this job became particularly fulfilling, I enjoyed the time as bishop, interacting with pastors, most. I especially enjoyed church planting. I think it was the challenge, the mobilization of people that appealed so much to me. And the opportunity to learn, church plant by church plant, new ways to start churches more effectively.
How do you see your wide variety of experiences within the Church as influencing your role as one of its major leaders?
One of the things I do bring to the mix is that I was part of the Church in the west for 18 years and now it’s been 19 in the east. So I have a sense, I believe, of what it’s like being a part the Church in one of the outlying areas as well as in the heartland. We have the same values, the same convictions, but we’re different, you know, across the Church.
When I was bishop of the Atlantic Conference, I also served as bishop of the Southeast. So then I had a chance to get to know our Spanish-language constituency, then.
I think it just helps to be sensitive to the particular concerns of the different constituencies. Hopefully, I can do that.
As moderator, on what boards or committees in and out of the denomination do you sit ex officio?
Primarily, I work with the General Conference Board and Leadership Council. Through my involvement in leadership development, I also sit on the Commission on Ministry and Doctrine, and Equipping for Ministry.
I attend Regional Conference BOD and Annual meetings. Don McNiven [the General Secretary] and I are part of the executive committee of the International Brethren in Christ Association, and we attend the Counsel of Moderators and Secretaries, which is a gathering of Anabaptist-related leaders.
What about Messiah College?
Oh, yes—I’m also on the College’s board, too.
In addition to Focusing our Faith, what is another significant contribution you feel you’ve made to the Church during your time “in office”?
God has blessed us with significant growth. Bishops have made concerted efforts to hold up church planting and church health as an important part of their leadership. As a result, we’ve expanded greatly in Miami and south Florida, in Toronto with The Meeting House, and in the development of Circle of Hope as a thriving urban church. Our World Missions program has moved to connect with unreached peoples around the world, and our daughter churches have done the same. Globally, we are a family of 200,000 people worshiping and living for Jesus Christ.
What do you see as the most significant personal changes since becoming moderator?
I have learned to depend on the Lord more deeply, which is why I pray. Prayer is my antidote to discouragement. Every morning, I get up early—I’m at my best in the mornings—and give an hour for prayer for the Church. And I set aside a day a month for prayer for the church.
What is your favorite book by a BIC author?
Can I split it between two? Lantern in the Dawn by John Zercher and then Focusing our Faith. Lantern, because its insights continue to be fresh today. But both of these books speak to who we are as Brethren in Christ, our shared identity and common mission.
Favorite jelly bean flavor?
Licorice
Least favorite fruit?
Coconut
