May 2010

With the deadline of General Conference fast approaching, Leadership Council set aside a full day during our early May meeting to work on the Transformation 2020 vision and strategic plan. Dr. Michael Sigman, president of Evangelical Theological Seminary (Myerstown, Pa.) and an experienced denominational executive, served as facilitator for our discussion. In addition to helping us wrap up our work on the mission and vision statements and strategic priorities, Mike’s assistance was critical as we began putting “flesh” on the “bones” of the plan with specific action steps. He reminded us that the General Church is the servant of the Regional Conferences and local congregations. As we considered each of nine strategic priorities, Mike challenged us to identify what the Regional Conferences need from the General Church in order to best serve local congregations.

When the plan for the General Church is completed, it should be clearly evident the part that the General Church plays in our shared aspiration that the Brethren in Christ in North America will be an expanding mosaic of churches all seeing lives transformed, individually and in community, by Jesus Christ! We look forward to sharing Transformation 2020 with delegates at the upcoming General Conference and then with the wider North American BIC community via future issue of Momentum and other communications.

planning ahead

UPDATE: General Conference 2010

There’s something for everyone at General Conference 2010—from special events for children and youth, to business sessions highlighting important events in church life, to daytime workshops for ministry leaders, to evening worship services where we can celebrate as a community. Learn more and register now!

Take part in In Part

The summer issue of In Part will be sent out in July. Looking ahead, we invite you to take part in the fall edition of the magazine, which will focus on "Following Jesus," by...

• Sending us your 150-word response to our “To the Point” question: Consider the parable of the two lost sons found in Luke 15:11-32. In your own ministry, which son, in general, do you find easier to minister to? Why?
• Posing a question to our next “Part of the Whole” subject: Madeleine Engle, a student at Messiah College, a summer intern for the Atlantic Conference, and the daughter of Bishop Perry Engle.
• Sharing your article ideas with us!

Email your responses, suggestions, and ideas to us at inpart@bic-church.org.

reflections

Staff transitions at the General Church Offices

Over the next several months, the General Church Offices in Grantham will experience several staff transitions, as long-term employees conclude their service to the denomination. This season began in April, when Mary Ann Gomez retired after 12 years as the office's receptionist. Mary Ann's friendly greetings—to both telephone callers and in-person visitors—will be fondly missed as she begins the next chapter in her life.

Many of you will know Jim Smiley, director of planned giving for the Brethren in Christ Foundation, through his extensive travels across the church promoting the Foundation’s planned giving initiatives and Brotherhood Loan Fund. After more than a decade of service, Jim will conclude his work with the BIC Foundation at the end of May. We wish Jim well in his future endeavors and thank him for his many years of service to the denomination.

And following General Conference 2010, two key members of the Leadership Council—Rebekah Basinger, executive director of congregational relations, and Gene Blessing, chief financial officer—will conclude their service with the denomination. Having contributed more than ten years of combined service in the areas of resource generation, communication, and financial oversight, Rebekah and Gene have played a critical role in the life of the general church.

As general church leaders seek to fill these important staff positions, we ask you to pray with us that God will impart wisdom and discernment, and that He will raise up strong, qualified new leaders to fill these vacancies.

In Part magazine garners accolades from Evangelical Press Association

As in years past, In Part magazine was recognized in 2010 by the Evangelical Press Association for its top-notch writing and innovative graphic design. Among the first-place winners were Perry Engle, bishop of the Pacific and Midwest Conferences, and Nate Bridi, In Part graphic designer. Read more »

"Women as Pastors" seminar helps church leaders tackle tough issue

By next month, about 200 pastors and congregants from across North America will have taken part in the most recent Equipping for Ministry Impact Seminar, “Women as Pastors: The BIC Perspective.” Guided by pastors Alan Robinson, of Carlisle (Pa.) BIC, and Jim Spurrier, of Dillsburg (Pa.) BIC, the seminar examines the BIC Church’s journey to its present stance on women in the pastorate and challenges participants to consider how the hermeneutical principles they use to interpret the Bible might influence their conclusion on the issue. Although the seminar has already been held in the Allegheny, Atlantic, and Susquehanna Conferences, there is still an opportunity for individuals in other areas to take this valuable course. Visit the Equipping for Ministry website for more information!

Transitions at Paxton Ministries

After almost 25 years of service to Paxton Ministries (Harrisburg, Pa.), Chris Book is leaving his post at this BIC-affiliated organization to serve in Macha, Zambia. Upon the conclusion of Chris' service in July, new executive director Jodie Smiley will begin her tenure. Read Chris' reflections on his time at Paxton Ministries, and learn more about new executive director Jodie Smiley.

Money Well-spent

Family to Family nears $200,000 mark

Since March 2009, the Family to Family, Village to Village initiative has given donors in North America the opportunity to provide help and hope to Brethren in Christ families in Zimbabwe. To date, donors in Canada and the U.S. have contributed $196,104.10 (USD) to the initiative. Learn more about the Family to Family initiative »

BIC donors respond generously to Haiti earthquake crisis

In response to the devastating earthquake that ripped through the island nation of Haiti in January, BIC individuals, families, and churches gave generously in numerous ways and through various aid agencies. To date, the BIC World Hunger Fund has received more than $53,000 toward earthquake relief—a generous outpouring of support for our Haitian sisters and brothers. Learn more about how Brethren in Christ are responding »

Resources

Evangelical council to hold webinar on U.S. healthcare reform implications

Curious about how the healthcare reform bill recently passed by the U.S. Congress could affect your congregation? The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability will host an online seminar examining the issues. Learn more »

Staying safe on the mission field

Planning a mission trip for your church? Check out these tips for safe trips from Brethren in Christ World Missions »

Faith & Culture

Learning to be rich toward God

For pastors and other congregational leaders who are eager for help in encouraging God’s people toward greater generosity, Rebekah Basinger, executive director of congregational relations, reviews three books on stewardship that merge theological insights, solid research, and practical “how-to” pointers that can benefit any size church. Read more »

BIC WORLD

BIC missionaries in Thailand safe, remain alert »

BIC woman walks the "long road to residency" with would-be immigrants, one application at a time »

BIC church members hold vigil on Good Friday protesting gun violence »

Contact Information:
Email: bic@bic-church.org
Phone: 717.697.2634
Fax: 717.796.4781

Archived Issues of Momentum