October 2005
Welcome to the new online home of the Momentum newsletter. Although the format has changed, the purposes of Momentum remain the same: to report leadership news and developments and to elicit feedback from leaders in congregations. As you read, we encourage you to explore Momentum’s new home – our recently redesigned BIC web site. And then let us know what you think – about the web site and/or any of the news items that follow.
General Secretary in Transition
During the fall meeting of the General Church Board, chairman Mark Garis announced the resignation of Darrell Winger from the position of general secretary of the BIC Church. "Although Darrell has been happy in his ministry as general secretary," Garis stated, "he and his wife have become increasingly aware that the amount, duration, and regularity of his time away from home were taking a toll on their family life.” Winger will continue as general secretary on a half-time basis through the current biennium, which ends in July, 2006. More >>
A Word to Pastors about the Credentialing Review Process
Each October, about a fourth of BIC pastors participate in the credentialing review process. New to this process is the expectation of pastors to complete at least two seminar or course offerings available through Equipping for Ministry (the BIC program for theological education) every four years. More >>
Girls Sell Lemonade for Katrina Relief
Individuals within BIC congregations are responding to the needs of those affected by the recent hurricanes in the Gulf Coast, including a group of children from Elizabethtown, PA. Alexa, Brynn, Janae, and Katielle Hoffman – with help from friends – took seriously the adage “when life hands you lemons, make lemonade,” and raised $352 for the Katrina relief effort. More >>
State of the (Marriage) Union
The facts are in and the future of marriage in North America doesn’t look bright. With marital unions breaking apart at an estimated rate of 43% for first marriages and 50% for second and subsequent marriages – including within churches – it’s clear our society has a problem. . In June 2005 , BIC leaders from all over North America and Africa gathered to consider how Brethren in Christ churches can best support healthy marriages. More >>
Emerge 2005 Focuses on Leadership
Thirty-five BIC pastors and general church leaders participated in Emerge 2005, a late August consultation on ministry opportunities and outcomes for the Brethren in Christ by the year 2020. The event was scheduled two days preceding the Leadership Summit at Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago, IL and continued throughout the Summit. . Conversations focused on building healthy congregations and on how we BIC should organize and structure ourselves for God-honoring, effective, missional ministry. More >>
What’s It All About?
If talking about money leaves you tongue-tied or if you’re simply looking for new ways to repeat a familiar message, What’s It All About? may be just what you need to grow even more generous hearts within your congregation. A stewardship curriculum with a uniquely BIC focus, What’s It All About? comes with everything you need to lead your congregation in a worshipful and potentially transforming stewardship experience. More>>
Share your insights!
You receive Momentum because you are a leader in the church, either in the congregation, conference, or general church. You may have asked to be included on the mail list or were listed in a directory or end-of-year report as a leader in the church.
Please, let us hear from you. Your contributions to the advancement of our shared purposes are much appreciated.
Warren Hoffman & Darrell Winger
General Church Leaders
Contact Information:
Email: bic@messiah.edu
Phone: 717.697.2634
Fax: 717.697.7714
Web: www.bic-church.org
