Moderator Elect
Marla Bieber Abe
Faith Statement
As a teen I met Jesus, my Savior, Lord, and Best Friend. I have done my best, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to follow Him and serve His church ever since.
Vision
That we be so loving, forgiving, merciful, and kind to each other and our neighbors that others want to know who Jesus is. To learn ways to understand and live the Scriptures from the international Churches of the Brethren, and churches with people of color.
Intercultural Work
I taught seminars on Brethren beliefs in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Spain, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda. I was privileged to be in the start of the Great Lakes Africa Churches. I stay in touch with EYN.
Demographic Information
Home: Lynchburg, Virginia
District: Virlina
Congregation: Lynchburg
Occupation: Retired pastor
Female, age 68, European-American
Experience
Local: pastored Church of the Brethren congregations in Southern Plains, Northern Indiana, Northern Ohio, Southern Pennsylvania, and Virlina districts; Sunday school teacher; small group leader; moderator of several churches
District: Moderator and moderator-elect in Northern Ohio and Southern Pennsylvania districts; board; Program and Arrangements committees; Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center, teacher and board; New Church Development; Camp Eder board, vice-chair; Brethren World Missions
Denomination: Bethany Theological Seminary board; Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee; Annual Conference messenger, insight session presenter, Bible study co-leader; leadership for Bethany’s Exploring Your Call; Youth and Young Adult board.
Other: Koininia and MLK Jr. planning committees
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
I offer a wide view of our denomination from several districts. I love the Brethren and want to help us become what we can be. My leadership skills have been recognized. I like to hear all sides of issues and maintain a calm voice. I have attended over 50+ Annual Conference and know the role this Big Meeting plays in our lives.
Madalyn Metzger
Faith Statement
I believe “love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12) is given in the context of community, calling us to extend and receive God’s restorative and transforming love – together – to make God’s justice and peace real through us, as we build up the Body of Christ.
Vision
From the global pandemic to pronounced theological differences, we’re living in a time of significant disruption and change. While disconcerting, it’s also an opportunity to evolve our denominational vision in ways that will transform the church and strengthen our faith community.
Intercultural Work
My commitment to cultivating community led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in interpersonal and organizational communication and master’s degree in business administration and leadership for the common good. I’ve provided executive leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy development, implementation, training, and dialogues in Anabaptist institutional settings (including Everence Financial, Manchester University, On Earth Peace, and Mennonite Church USA).
Demographic Information
Home: Bristol, Indiana
District: Northern Indiana
Congregation: Goshen City
Occupation: Vice President of Marketing, Everence Financial
Female, age 44, Multi-Racial
Experience
Local: Board, chair; outreach committee, chair; constitution and bylaws committee, co-leader; goals development committee; social media minister; congregational media spokesperson
District: District conference delegate; district conference presenter; pulpit supply
Denomination: Inter-Agency Forum; On Earth Peace board, chair; Annual Conference insight session presenter; Annual Conference delegate; Intercultural Ministries advisory committee
Other: Everence executive team; Manchester University Board of Trustees; Mennonite Church
Other: Everence executive team; Manchester University Board of Trustees; Mennonite Church USA convention worship planning committee and worship leader; Collaborative MBA Program, adjunct faculty; Eastern Mennonite University, adjunct faculty
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
I’m thankful for opportunities the faith community has provided to hone my servant leadership skills, and hope my relationship building, active dialogue, and shared learning abilities – guided by God’s love and movement of the Spirit – will help discern and strengthen our denomination’s direction for the future.Annual Conference Secretary
Connie R. Burkholder
Faith Statement
Grounded in scriptures and guided by our Brethren heritage, I seek to live with an openness to God’s calling on my life.
Vision
I see the role of Annual Conference Secretary as crucial to faithfully and accurately processing and communicating with Annual Conference participants and the denomination as a whole. Maintaining records and sharing information about polity and process helps hold together the relationships within the church.
Intercultural Work
In the past I’ve had experience working with Central American refugees in the Sanctuary Movement. More recently I have had experience in serving as a pianist for worship experiences in Spanish for a diverse Hispanic community, and through that experience developed important friendships and appreciation for diverse worship and faith expressions.
Demographic Information
Home: McPherson, Kansas
District: Western Plains
Congregation: Monitor Community
Occupation: Semi-retired pastor
Female, age 65, European-American
Experience
Local: Pastor; pianist; choir director; Sunday school teacher; bible study leader
District: District executive; board/commissions; presenter for continuing education events; workshop and retreat leader; worship leader for district conference; worship planning for
The Gathering (Western Plains District)
Denomination: District executive; board/commissions; presenter for continuing education events; workshop and retreat leader; worship leader for district conference; worship planning for
The Gathering (Western Plains District)
Other: Ministerial Alliance groups, spiritual retreat leader for various church groups.
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
My ministry and various roles have given me a good working knowledge of the denominational processes, groups, and people. I bring good listening and relational skills from my pastoral work and spiritual direction training which would be valuable in relating to and communicating within the denomination.
David K. Shumate
Faith Statement
God’s grace and compassion, revealed in Jesus Christ, is an invitation to a transforming faith journey for the individual, the church, our society, and every generation. The church, both the visible institutional and the invisible incarnational, is called to a threefold witness that is evangelical, social, and ecumenical in nature.
Vision
That our denomination, with its rich heritage, faith and practice, be transformed for continuing, effective and worshipful service to God and ministry to society. Serving as Annual Conference Secretary would provide an opportunity to use administrative gifts and experience with polity to support this vision.
Intercultural Work
That our denomination, with its rich heritage, faith and practice, be transformed for continuing, effective and worshipful service to God and ministry to society. Serving as Annual Conference Secretary would provide an opportunity to use administrative gifts and experience with polity to support this vision.
Demographic Information
Home: Roanoke, VA
District: Virlina
Congregation: Daleville
Occupation: District Executive Minister
Male, age 64, European-American
Experience
Local: Usher; Sunday school superintendent; worship leader; interim pastor; pastor; moderator.
District: District board, vice chair, secretary; commission on ministry; district executive minister
Denomination: Council of District Executives, chair, treasurer; Annual Conference study committees; Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee; Review and Evaluation Committee; Ministry Advisory Council; New Church Development advisory committee; Annual Conference Moderator
Other: Virginia Council of Churches, president, treasurer
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
Over the past thirty years I have written and edited hundreds of pages of minutes, formulated written correspondence and edited communication pieces designed for individuals, groups, congregations and institutions. Being a district executive minister and former Annual Conference Moderator has given me a wide experience of the denomination, how it works as a system, and the respective roles of polity, policy, position and practice.
Program and Arrangements Committee
Jacob Crouse
Faith Statement
Taking Jesus seriously by seeking justice, wholeness, and community through His gospel.
Vision
To help the Church see itself, effectively commune, and blossom through all aspects of the Annual Conference.
Intercultural Work
Many experiences that influence my cultural background and interests come from where I’ve lived. Living in Virginia, the Dominican Republic, Missouri, London, and Washington, D.C. has fed into my broad world view, cultural tastes, and ability to connect with folks from different backgrounds. I have learned to speak Spanish as a second language through my education and travels. I attend trainings at my job and continue to learn extra-curricularly about diversity, equity, and inclusion to address my own implicit biases and the importance of recognizing power/privilege in a work environment.
Demographic Information
Home: Washington, D.C.
District: Mid-Atlantic
Congregation: Washington City
Occupation: Audio Visual Associate
Male, age 31, European-American, he/him pronouns
Experience
Local: Music coordinator; audio/visual technician; leadership team; worship leader
District: District conference delegate; district conference music leader
Denomination: Annual Conference delegate; Annual Conference musician; Young Adult Conference music coordinator; National Youth Conference musician and current music coordinator; National Junior High Conference musician
Other: Audio/visual coordinator – ACC; audio lead – PSAV; editor/host/music – Dunker Punks Podcast
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
My church music leadership roles give me insight into who and what is involved in making Annual Conferences happen. I understand the technical needs and scale from participating behind the scenes in many conferences through work. I work closely with meeting planners, venues, and audio-visual companies to coordinate the audio-visual needs for large and small scale in-person, virtual, and hybrid conferences at the American College of Cardiology. My previous work as a lead audio tech with PSAV and current work on the Dunker Punks Podcast give me knowledge into the technical aspect of setting up and running live and virtual conference technologies.
Terrilynn Griffith
Faith Statement
I believe that Jesus the Christ, is our Lord and Savior sent by God as gift, to help people better understand the complexity of the human experience and to carry the burdens of our sins. I believe that God created all people out of love, providing us with a humanity that is rich in diversity and experience. With God leading our focus in love, I also believe we have a duty to our sisters and brothers in Christ to listen, teach, and serve each other, even when it is difficult and contentious.
Vision
To assist the denomination in planning a Conference that bears witness to the diversity within the Church of the Brethren. This includes conservative as well as progressive points of view with the understanding that there is room at Conference for all to be welcomed and appreciated.
Intercultural Work
I have over twenty years of experience working in the hospitality industry, collaborating with people of diverse cultures and backgrounds. I have also worked with groups representing vast cultural, economic, and racial differences on issues involving police reform, non-violence education, and justice systems within my community.
Demographic Information
Home: Dayton, Ohio
District: Southern Ohio/Kentucky
Congregation: Lower Miami
Occupation: retired
Female, age 64, European-American
Experience
Local: Leadership team; interim pastoral team; various boards; developing housing for immigrants/asylum seekers
District: Racial justice team; organized new church project at a local senior living center; new church development commission
Denomination: None.
Other: United Against Violence of Greater Dayton; Police and Clergy Together; Bridges out of Poverty; assisted in planning BMC conference in Dayton
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
A diverse perspective on culture and race and a willingness to listen to others have strengthened my faith. These and other life experiences allow me to be open to differences within and appreciate the complexity of our denomination. Strong faith and a willingness to listen and compromise will enable me to conduct the tasks of this position.
Mission and Ministry Board – Area 1
Joel Gibbel
Faith Statement
At the core of my faith is a commitment to Jesus Christ and the generous love of God that has been revealed through him. I believe that God has called us to become disciples (students) of Jesus and to live out his ways together in this world. By the leading of the Holy Spirit, I believe strongly in our present calling to seek the upside-down values of peace, mercy, and generosity in this world.
Vision
I would hope to serve the church with patient and informed leadership, bringing the values of Christ to the center of our work and mission as a church. I long for a church with a generous and unified vision, unafraid to be creative and unique in our witness, with attention to our theology and how it is expressed in practices of faith.
Intercultural Work
Anti-racism training through my work with the On Earth Peace board of directors, local ministry alongside a congregation of primarily Ghanaian immigrants.
Demographic Information
Home: York, Pennsylvania
District: Southern Pennsylvania
Congregation: York First
Occupation: Pastor
Male, age 44, European-American
Experience
Local: Pastor; board; worship commission, chair; Sunday school teacher; worship leader; vision team; youth leader and advisor
District: Board; nurture commission, chair; ministry mentor; camp counselor
Denomination: Annual Conference worship planning team, National Young Adult Conference speaker; denominational vision committee
Other: On Earth Peace board; Bethany Theological Seminary student leadership team, former career as a civil engineer
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
I have gained a broad understanding of the Church of the Brethren through experience in church service and recent education with Bethany Theological Seminary, including the many successes and challenges that exist among us. I appreciate well-ordered leadership and discussion, as well as attention to detail working on committees and with various age groups.
Regina Holmes
Faith Statement
I believe our grace-filled God offers salvation to all who accept him through Jesus Christ. I believe in continually exploring who God calls me to be and supporting others on their journey by first, “Loving others as I have loved you.“ I believe we are all fearfully and uniquely made, inter-weaving our tapestry of gifts together to make His church more vital and compassionate.
Vision
I pray we continue to be the voice of calm and reason in the eye of the storm, whom others turn to and ask, “What do the Brethren say?” I’m passionate about embodying our historical identity as compassionate, God-centered people while being innovative and open to who God needs our church to be in today’s world.
Intercultural Work
Coordinated statewide conference on infusing Multiculturalism into Community College curricula; numerous Brethren multicultural conferences; Brethren Volunteer Service SERRV work in Kenya; Honduras work camp.
Demographic Information
Home: Midland, Virginia
District: Mid-Atlantic District
Congregation: Midland
Occupation: Assistant Construction Project Manager
Female, age 53, European-American
Experience
Local: Leadership team; facilities & group ministries, chairs; stewardship team; job description & evaluation team; pastoral search team; reconciliation & peace witness committee; Sunday school teacher; worship leader
District: Leadership team, vice-chair; communications team, chair; photographed all district churches when in Brethren Volunteer Service; district conference delegate
Denomination: Brethren Volunteer Service with SERRV; On Earth Peace Board; Annual Conference delegate; Annual Conference news photographer
Other: New Windsor Multicultural Fest chair, Virginia notary public; financial power of attorney
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
I pray that with my experience in various roles and levels of leadership, I can offer varied perspectives and insight. Planning for the details minimizes drama. Good leaders know when to step forward and when to step back. Listening is often better than being heard.
Mission and Ministry Board – Area 2
Linda Fry
Faith Statement
Loving God, sent his son with the gift of salvation, and to teach his way of living instead of the world’s ways. Jesus’ teaching, (especially Sermon on the Mount) call us to live: as his disciples; in a faith community; sharing his love through word and deed. We should be known by our love; as peacemakers; justice seekers; compassionate people; who walk humbly with God; and enable discipleship in everyone.
Vision
To seek God’s leading while striving together to carry on the work of Christ, and the Church of the Brethren individually, locally, globally. We are blessed by opportunities to work with Brethren from around the world, and others seeking to do Christ’s work.
Intercultural Work
Taught multi-racial Sunday school class; lived in dorms with international students; taught international students basic computer skills; part of interfaith Holocaust Memorial choir; helped with Holocaust art exhibit; Attended workshops on Palestine/Israel, Native American history/religion, Arab and Muslim history, Nigeria, civil rights, emigration, etc.
Demographic Information
Home: Mansfield, Ohio
District: Northern Ohio
Congregation: Mansfield
Occupation: District Peace and Conciliation Advocate; formerly theological librarian
Female, age 64, European-American
Experience
Local: Leadership team, chair; discernment teams, chair; worship committee; chorister; teacher
District: District board; district conference manager; peace and conciliation advocate
Denomination: Annual Conference delegate; non-delegate registration coordinator
Other: District visitor to Mission and Ministry Board; Ashland Center for Nonviolence Steering Committee
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
Lifelong experience, work on Brethren Encyclopedia staff, and study at Bethany give me a strong grounding in Brethren Anabaptist-Pietist perspectives, the denomination, and its ministries. From leadership roles I understand administration and that planning and details are important. The privilege of working with people from different cultures/religious backgrounds/perspectives has taught me a lot. I have more to learn. I believe dialog–seeking mutual understanding (openness to see things from another’s point of view, address past failings, celebrate past accomplishments) are tools for moving forward.
Rosanna Eller McFadden
Faith Statement
I believe in God the Creator, Christ our Redeemer, and the Spirit who guides and empowers us. I believe that the church is commissioned to continue the work of Christ and to make disciples in Jesus’ name.
Vision
To find creative and credible ways for the Church of the Brethren to remain faithful in challenging times.
Intercultural Work
My congregation relates to a racially diverse community; we have made community ministry a priority despite the challenges of reaching out during a pandemic. We have committed to anti-racism education and practice.
Demographic Information
Home: Goshen, Indiana
District: Northern Indiana
Congregation: Creekside
Occupation: Pastor
Female, age 59, European-American
Experience
Local: I have been in pastoral leadership since 2011. I have been part of pastors’ groups and retreat groups as a participant and a leader.
District: Board, chair
Denomination: Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee; worship planning for 300th anniversary Annual Conference.
Other: Advent/Lent Planners, leader; retreat and workshop leader
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
I have broad participation and experience in the Church of the Brethren and professional, personal, and spiritual dedication to its mission. I have a passion for communication through the arts, particularly visual art. I am committed to respecting people who have convictions different from my own while holding fast to what I believe. I am heartened when I witness God at work in a variety of people and settings, and when I receive unexpected kindness. God’s steadfast love and the grace of Christ are central to my understanding of faith and community.
Bethany Theological Seminary Trustee – Representing Colleges
Desired skill set: awareness of the dramatic changes taking place in higher education, especially seminary education; awareness of the issues of division in the denomination and changes in the larger church; persons of color who can help the seminary have conversations about diversity
Katharine Gray Brown
Faith Statement
I am to love God and others, dedicate myself to spiritual growth as a Christian peacemaker, and devote my life to the realization of the Beloved Community. God calls us to support each other in striving toward this vision for the world.
Vision
The world needs committed, capable, and visionary community builders equipped with distinctively Brethren understandings to address challenges of injustice, violence, and separation from God. I will support Bethany’s work to fortify institutional resiliency, expand compelling programs, and bridge diverse communities.
Intercultural Work
I have significant short-term cross-cultural immersion experience, with time spent at various sites in Eastern Europe, Central America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and East Asia ranging from three weeks to nine months. I have co-led organizations to support Indigenous students and scholars. Drawing upon my experiences at organizations and institutions seeking to promote greater diversity, I have developed educational programming for my congregation to explore questions of privilege, oppression, and inclusion.
Demographic Information
Home: North Manchester, Indiana
District: South/Central Indiana
Congregation: Manchester
Occupation: Professor of Philosophy and Peace Studies
Female, age 53, European and Native American
Experience
Local: Witness commission
District: District conference delegate
Denomination: Annual Conference delegate
Other: Peace Studies Institute director; Fellowship of Reconciliation national board
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
My experiences working in higher education and in curriculum development prepare me to help Bethany flourish in even difficult times. I have worked with diverse student populations as a teacher and advisor and helped to develop inclusive and anti-racist institutional practices that support students, faculty, and staff. I have significant experience in developing programs to engage alumni and foster community connections.
Jonathan Paul Frye
Faith Statement
I resist stating a creed, but I work at living out the priority of following Jesus’ example of loving God and neighbor with faithfulness and integrity.
Vision
As a Brethren educator, I foresee Bethany providing educational programs and experiences that develop skills for 21st century leadership, and that are true to our radical anabaptist/pietist perspective.
Intercultural Work
Board member/secretary of HASER, a 501c3 in Puerto Rico. La misión de HASER es promover el bienestar social de comunidades en Puerto Rico a través de proyectos de base comunitaria para lograr mayor equidad y calidad de vida. (See www.hasercambio.org. The mission of HASER is to promote social well-being in Puerto Rico through community-based projects working towards equity and quality of life.) I have developed and offered ecological/cultural/historical courses in Puerto Rico, and I teach a diverse student body at McPherson College. I lived and studied abroad for a year.
Demographic Information
Home: McPherson, Kansas
District: Western Plains
Congregation: Monitor
Occupation: Professor
Male, age 57, European-American
Experience
Local: Deacon; moderator; leadership team, chair; adult Sunday school teacher; musician
District: Clerk; ministry commission chair; district board; district conference planning committee
Denomination: Bethany Theological Seminary Trustee: Academic Affairs Committee, chair; Executive Committee
Other: McPherson Solid Waste Utility Director; McPherson College department and faculty chair; HASER board, secretary (501c3 in Puerto Rico)
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
The positions I’ve held had significant responsibilities regarding higher education assessment and accreditation, financial management, and students’ discernment of their educational and career paths/callings into diverse fields.
Bethany Theological Seminary Trustee – Representing Clergy
Desired skill set: awareness of the dramatic changes taking place in higher education, especially seminary education; awareness of the issues of division in the denomination and changes in the larger church; persons of color who can help the seminary have conversations about diversity
Susan Stern Boyer
Faith Statement
I have spent my life trying to follow the way of Jesus. It means that I my call is to hope unequivocally; act courageously; live in solidarity with others; and love extravagantly, just as God loves us.
Vision
As the world continues to throw new challenges at us, preparing ministers to lead faithfully, creatively, theologically, justly and with agility is of utmost importance. I will support Bethany as it encourages its students in the vital work of integrating faith and practice.
Intercultural Work
I served a church with an active sister relationship to a church in El Salvador that included my own travel and education there. I am part of the Inland Valley Interfaith Working Group for Middle East Peace. I have attended the Unmasking Whiteness Institute and helped co-lead opportunities for my congregation to explore privilege and oppression.
Demographic Information
Home: Claremont, California
District: Pacific Southwest
Congregation: La Verne
Occupation: Pastor
Female, age 61, European-American
Experience
Local: Pastor
District: Nurturing and Credentialing Committee; mentor
Denomination: Annual Conference study committee; youth ministry training team; Annual Conference preacher; National Youth Conference preacher; National Young Adult Conference preacher; National Older Adult Conference preacher; Bethany Theological Seminary board
Other: Supportive Communities Network steering committee; Voices for an Open Spirit steering committee; Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests board member
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
As an alumna of Bethany and a pastor for the last 37 years, I bring the experience of ministry and the recognition that we must learn to adapt to this new reality in which we live. I have served on several boards and understand the ethos of our denomination. I have a strong heart for the Church of the Brethren and for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Laura Stone
Faith Statement
God is always present, inviting our participation in new and abundant life. Christ is always redeeming, transforming toward wholeness and reconciliation beyond our vision or understanding. The Spirit is always dancing grace around the whole world, offering Love and Witness as slender yet strong threads that bind us to each other.
Vision
God calls ministers as in every age, but tasks and roles of ministry also change to meet new needs. My prayer is that Bethany might continue to be rooted and grounded in love (Eph 3:17) while continuing to put on a new self (Colossians 3:10) for the equipping of ministers for the living of these days.
Intercultural Work
Ministry in urban Boston churches, in First Baptist in Jamaica Plain and Roslindale Congregational Church, and ecumenical and interfaith experience (e.g. UCC, American Baptist, UU, Jewish). Chaplaincy for people with disabilities, of many denominations and religions, from Black, Latinx, and H’Mong communities, and across socioeconomic, educational, political, gender, sexuality, and age spectrums.
Demographic Information
Home: North Manchester, Indiana
District: South/Central Indiana
Congregation: Manchester
Occupation: Chaplain
Female, age 39, European-American
Experience
Local: Timbercrest Senior Living Community chaplain; preacher; worship leader; teacher; Clinical Pastoral Education residency; ecumenical connections locally
District: Brethren Leadership Institute board and worship instructor; district executive minister search committee
Denomination: Brethren Journal Association board; NYC speaker; published in Messenger; Brethren Life and Thought and BL&T Blog; Bethany Seminary Association of Theological Schools (ATS) accreditation team.
Other: Association of Professional Chaplains; Spiritual Directors International; Chaplaincy Innovation Lab; mental health work, Iona Community musician
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
I offer a voice that can balance tradition and possibilities, a voice that can speak from both Church of the Brethren and broader contexts, a voice that acknowledges disability and accessibility. I also offer organizational and institutional insights gained from congregational and healthcare work.
Brethren Benefit Trust Board
Desired skill set: investment expertise including: knowing risks/rewards of investment vehicles, questions to ask of investment managers, and decisions to be made due to market fluctuations
Kevin R. Boyer
Faith Statement
Whether we’re “believers” or not, we’re all accountable to a higher authority. A personal relationship with God is essential to a well-balanced life on earth and accepting Jesus as our Savior for the forgiveness of our sins is essential to life eternal.
Vision
Retirement planning is not always high on the priority list for young individuals beginning a career; it’s not always high on the list for others. Strong, solid options for providing retirement benefits is critical for the recruitment and retention of pastors and others who are eligible for such a benefit.
Intercultural Work
My 40-plus year career in accounting, administration, and health care has prepared me quite well for a role such as this. In addition, I’ve served 20 years on my local school board, 16 years on the board of a local not-for-profit agency that provides services to developmentally and intellectually challenged individuals, and 11 years on the board of the community foundation in my county of residence.
Demographic Information
Home: Bourbon, Indiana
District: Northern Indiana
Congregation: Plymouth
Occupation: Financial Administrator, Elkhart Clinic
Male, age 65, European-American
Experience
Local: Board; finance committee; treasurer; youth and adult Sunday school teacher
District: Board; Timbercrest Senior Living Center board; moderator for two congregations
Denomination: None
Other: Emcee of Triton High School’s Distinguished Young Women program for the past 15 years.
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
I serve on the Elkhart Clinic’s retirement plan committee, which oversees over $70,000,000 in investments and I serve on the Marshall County Community Foundation’s investment committee, which oversees nearly $50,000,000 in investments. Those experiences have taught me that you’re always looking through a rear-view mirror and you simply have to pay attention to what you HAVE seen and make the best investment judgments possible based on that experience.
Carl Eubank
Faith Statement
I believe God sent his only son to die for my sins, so that I can have eternal life. Using the New Testament as my guide, I strive to live out my faith on a daily basis through my words and actions.
Vision
When called to serve on the Brethren Benefit Trust board, my vision would be to work with other board members and the Brethren Benefit Trust staff to ensure successful operations for all product lines. On an individual member level, it is extremely important that sufficient financial resources are available for the member’s need when they have claims or when they decide to retire. On an organizational member level, it is critical for Brethren Benefit Trust to earn confidence by producing consistent, superior investing results and exceptional customer service.
Intercultural Work
During my life I have gone to school, participated in sports and worked side-by-side with others who are different than me philosophically, economically and culturally. I believe that everyone deserves respect, everyone has value and I can learn from everyone.
Demographic Information
Home: Dayton, Ohio
District: Southern Ohio & Kentucky
Congregation: Happy Corner
Occupation: Vice President & CFO at Brethren Retirement Community
Male, age 66, European-American
Experience
Local: Sunday school teacher; building fundraising committee; board, chair; commission, chair; financial secretary; moderator
District: Board, vice chair; resource development chair; moderator
Denomination: Registration volunteer
Other: Underwriting Committee, Peace Church Risk Retention Group, Darke Economic Foundation Board
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
My leadership roles have provided me with the financial and insurance acumen to provide guidance and oversight to the Brethren Benefit Trust leadership team. In my current role, I oversee multiple investment managers who manage multi-million-dollar portfolios. Church work has developed my skills of stewardship, compassion and integrity. I understand the board member role and how they work effectively with a leadership team.
On Earth Peace Board
Desired skill set: develop and walk with leaders/communities who work for justice and peace; participate in “values-based consensus” decision making
Matt Boyer
Faith Statement
Following the Brethren understanding of Matthew 18, I believe that as a church we must move forward together in accountability and solidarity, allowing that shared experience to inevitably bring us into conflict with the world, but ultimately into harmony with each other, our neighbors, and God.
Vision
I am greatly moved and inspired by the Brethren values of consensus, simplicity, and peace. I believe that when we reconnect with what makes us unique as a Brethren community, we are closer to creating the commonwealth of God on earth.
Intercultural Work
I have worked and studied on multiple continents, and have organized with working people of various races, languages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds across the United States. Those experiences have shaped my understanding and commitment to broad coalition-building across cultures, while staying true to our most sacred values.
Demographic Information
Home: Berkeley, California
District: Pacific Southwest
Congregation: La Verne
Occupation: Labor Representative
Male, age 34, European-American
Experience
Local: Preacher; small group leader
District: None
Denomination: None
Other: New Community Project advisory board; California Nurses Association, assistant director
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
I am able to work in group settings on organizational projects. I can both facilitate and work collectively. I am able to communicate organizational vision and priorities internally and externally. I have also organized statewide events involving tens of thousands of members both prior to and during the pandemic. Working with other Brethren would be an exciting opportunity to connect my faith and my skillset.
Doug Richard
Faith Statement
I believe God is love. (God is patient, God is kind… God never fails.) I believe if we remain open to God, we remain open to ongoing transformation.
Vision
To support the vision of On Earth Peace, engage in anti-racism, anti-sexism, anti-oppression, anti-violence, and peace, through advocacy, education, and comprehensive policy reforms, to help repair the systemic racial, economic, and social disparities that pervade society.
Intercultural Work
I am open to humbly learning and growing, and grateful for classes focused on gender, ethnicity, race, and systemic issues of oppression and discrimination. I continue to learn. I’ve been in diverse places with diverse people (conservatives, progressives, urban, rural, Southeast Asia, etc.) where my eyes have been and continue to be opened.
Demographic Information
Home: Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
District: Southern Pennsylvania
Congregation: Buffalo Valley
Occupation: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (systemic mental health professional)
Male, age 33, European-American
Experience
Local: Children, youth, adult volunteer and Sunday school teacher; ministry intern; small group leader; worship leader; many leadership teams including reconciliation team
District: District conference delegate; Camp Eder, staff and volunteer
Denomination: None
Other: Owner, CEO/CVO, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Rooted Relational Therapy; Systems-Thinking Advocate; Facilitator of Mifflinburg Against Racism and Hate; associate pastor
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
My wife and I own a mental health therapy practice with six therapists and a spiritual director. My systemic training helps me better understand and educate others. I believe in healthy tension as part of the human experience and harness its generative power for healing, creativity, and deepening of relationships, and I “disturb and disrupt systems that are not working so they reorganize in healthier ways.” I helped facilitate peaceful protests in my hometown, and I focus on bridging divides and peacefully bringing people together. In everything I do, I bring the love, hope, and empathy of Christ.
Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee – Representing Clergy
Angela Finet
Faith Statement
I believe in a loving God, revealed in Jesus Christ, who disciples us to live into God’s gifts of faith and mercy through acts of service – loving God, loving neighbor, loving enemy.
Vision
To share, from a pastoral perspective, the compensation needs of ministers, so that they are freed to serve the church boldly. To serve the wider body, and to listen deeply.
Intercultural Work
My family hosted 3 exchange students in my formative years: two from Brazil and one from Finland. I studied abroad in graduate school, attending Temple University’s campus in Rome. I founded a non-profit serving inner-city communities in Philadelphia. My seminary cross-cultural work was in Puerto Rico, and I use that experience to share in worship and faith formation classes on an ongoing basis with the members of the Un Nuevo Renacer CoB congregation.
Demographic Information
Home: Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania
District: Atlantic Northeast
Congregation: Mountville
Occupation: Pastor
Female, age 53, European-American
Experience
Local: Pastor; worship leader; Christian education team; worship team; outreach team; deacons, vice chair; musician; youth and adult Sunday school teacher
District: Calling & Credentialing Ministry Team; Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center board, executive committee; facilitated Matthew 18 workshops; created deacon training materials; district conference insight session leader
Denomination: Annual Conference preacher; author of Brethren Press 2021 Advent devotional
Other: Founder of The P.O.S.S.Y (Philadelphia’s OutStanding Singing Youth) a non-profit for inner city teens; owned retail shop with 10 staff; MBA from Temple University
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
I am in my 7th year of pastoral ministry, so I understand unique challenges ministers face. But I also owned a small business for 14 years with 10 employees, so I understand the challenge of balancing budgets with caring for staff. Following my MBA, I served in a management position, which included annual salary reviews for my staff.
Diane Mason
Faith Statement
I trust in our Creator Father God’s grace through the sacrificial death of his Son Jesus Christ and seek the guidance of his Holy Spirit to live as Jesus taught and to guide my reading of the inspired Scriptures.
Vision
Congregations increasingly find themselves hiring part time pastors today. As a retired bi-vocational pastor, I can bring their voice to the discussion.
Intercultural Work
I have a great interest in the global church. My personal experience is two short-term trips to Haiti. We have hosted international exchange students and have friends from different backgrounds from mine.
Demographic Information
Home: Hillsboro, Kansas
District: Northern Plains
Congregation: Fairview
Occupation: Retired teacher, retired pastor
Female, age 65, European-American
Experience
Local: Sunday school teacher; Bible school teacher and superintendent; custodian, witness commission; nurture commission; clerk; treasurer; pastor
District: Writing clerk; treasurer; moderator
Denomination: Annual Conference Program & Arrangements Committee; Mission and Ministry Board
Other: I am a math teacher retired from a college where I served on various policy-making committees.
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
I have a broad understanding of the denomination and of finances. I have the experience of a pastor.