Moderator-Elect
Dennis Beckner
Faith Statement
I believe that the Jesus of the Gospels is God’s son and that He teaches us to be compassionate towards our brothers and sisters. Until Jesus returns, the Holy Spirit will unite believers with Christ. We must be compelled to continue to follow the Great Commission through our words and actions.
Vision
To accentuate the positive, uplifting aspects of our denomination as we embrace what we have always loved about the church, while continuing to discern what new ways God is calling us to be the church today.
Intercultural Work
Our congregation hosted a Nigerian student, while he studied at Manchester. Within our congregation today, we have people who were born in Mexico, Nigeria, and Israel worshipping with us. International travel has included visiting 20 countries. I enjoy meeting people of different cultures and seeing what unites us in faith, rather than what divides us.
Demographic Information
Home: Columbia City, Indiana
District: Northern Indiana
Congregation: Columbia City
Occupation: Pastor
Language(s) Spoken: English, French
Male, age 60, European-American
Experience
Local: Pastor; youth advisor; Sunday school teacher; board; moderator
District: Moderator; district conference delegate and workshop leader; shalom team; Indiana camp board; Camp Mack volunteer
Denomination: National Youth Conference advisor and workshop leader; Annual Conference senior high youth coordinator; Midwest regional youth conference coordinator; Roundtable keynote speaker and workshop leader; workcamp director and coordinator; mentor for three licensed ministers.
Other: Manchester College staff, academic coach
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
As a life-long member of the Church of the Brethren, attending Manchester and Bethany, and working my entire life for the Church of the Brethren (at Camp Mack, Manchester, and as a pastor), I feel God has provided me so many opportunities to both know and serve this denomination. My work has helped shape my skills in prayerfully working through sometimes difficult situations in a compassionate, Christ-centered way.
Glenn E. Bollinger
Faith Statement
God’s love for me, and for the world, was so great that Jesus Christ was sent into this world. Christ was sent to not only proclaim the Kingdom of God, but to also die on a cross and rise again, becoming the ultimate sacrifice and path to salvation. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, I am called to share through word and action of Christ’s great love for us and a desire to be in relationship with us.
Vision
As a follower of Jesus Christ, who knelt before the disciples and washed their feet, I am compelled to “go and do likewise.” I believe I am to be a servant leader who encourages all to be faithful, loving disciples of Jesus Christ.
Intercultural Work
International ministry opportunities in Haiti and Ghana have supplemented local multicultural experiences through the years.
Demographic Information
Home: Port Republic, Virginia
District: Shenandoah
Congregation: Mill Center
Occupation: Pastor
Language(s) Spoken: English
Male, age 60, European-American
Experience
Local: Pastor; moderator
District: Moderator; board, executive committee; outdoor ministries board; district conference program and arrangements committee; discernment team; Christian Growth Institute, instructor; pastoral placement, director; pastors’ fellowship, officer
Denomination: Standing Committee; Nominating Committee; National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) planning team; Annual Conference head teller
Other: Ecumenical clergy groups; local school parent/teacher advisory committee
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
I have had the opportunity through the years to work with people from diverse walks of life. I have been in leadership positions that required me to work with multigenerational Brethren, new to Christ converts, and still-seeking agnostics. I have consistently strived to assure others that their voice is important and they are heard.
Program and Arrangements Committee
Amber T. Harris
Faith Statement
I believe that Jesus Christ is God’s gift to us each day. He was born for us and died for us. Christ is an incredible example of how to serve, love, forgive, peacefully challenge oppressive systems, and work for justice.
Vision
My vision for serving in this role is to actively listen to other’s ideas, along with using my voice, to prioritize collaboration and create worshipful experiences for the church.
Intercultural Work
I’m the founder and executive director of SPARK, a nonprofit ministry in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. SPARK’s work is to partner with community ministries, organizations, and initiatives to create service-learning experiences that both serve needs and neighbors, while teaching and communicating the importance of equitable service. SPARK values partnership with intercultural neighbors with service project design and management.
Demographic Information
Home: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
District: Virlina
Congregation: Peace Covenant Church of the Brethren
Occupation: Ordained Minister and Nonprofit Ministry Executive Director
Language(s) Spoken: English, learning Spanish
Female, age 38, European-American
Experience
Local: Interim pastor; pulpit supply; council, co-chair; ministry team, chair
District: Pulpit supply for Virlina district congregations; nominating committee member; FaithQuest Junior High planning committee; Calling the Called committee
Denomination: Annual Conference worship planning committee; National Young Adult Conference, speaker; National Junior High Conference, speaker
Other: Wake Forest University School of Divinity Board of Visitors; Community Coat Closet leadership team
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
Providing leadership in these roles has shown me that a constant readiness to learn about a community has transformative power for folks. Leadership is a balance of logistical organization and humility in one’s steps forward.
Marty Keeney
Faith Statement
We are called to follow Jesus’ example. This is carried out as we build relationships and the Kingdom through compassion, study, love, worship, and service that seeks justice.
Vision
It is my hope that the Program and Arrangements Committee can do its part to help ALL Annual Conference attendees feel welcome and grow in connection and relationship with siblings in Christ and the whole of the denomination.
Intercultural Work
Psychiatric practice has led me to know and love folks of every socioeconomic station and a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Growing up in a household deeply steeped in connection to Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria helped me be mindful of diversity of culture from early on in my life.
Demographic Information
Home: Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
District: Middle Pennsylvania
Congregation: Stone Church of the Brethren
Occupation: Minister of Music
Language(s) Spoken: English
Male, age 63, European-American
Experience
Local: Music minister; deacon; nurture commission, chair
District: Delegate; music leadership
Denomination: Annual Conference, choir director, delegate, and table facilitator
Other: Chief Resident in psychiatric training; medical director psychiatric clinic; hospital case management committee, chair
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
I think listening, troubleshooting, worship planning, and striving to include the gifts and contributions of all were developed in the above positions. I believe they are quite generalizable to the Program and Arrangements Committee. In particular, designing worship at Stone Church has helped me understand the broad range of tastes, theology, resources, and cultural influences in worship. This will serve well at the denominational level, too.
Mission and Ministry Board – Area 1
Donna Parcell
Faith Statement
My faith has been shaped by the Church of the Brethren and the life experiences God has provided. Jesus said to love our neighbors, no exceptions. As His church we are called to show the love of God to our global neighbors.
Vision
Next to serving Jesus there is no greater honor than serving our neighbors. God has placed intercultural ministry on my heart, and I would love the chance to serve the global church, to work and worship with them, and to raise awareness of their situations by serving with this team.
Intercultural Work
I have served in Nigeria, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Thailand, Ecuador, and Myanmar. I served as a volunteer in Nigeria. I was the photographer for the book “We Bear it in Tears”, stories of people affected by Boko Haram. I led workcamps in Burundi and Rwanda. I have had many chances to interact with and learn from our global brothers and sisters. I listened to them, sat with them, worked with them, and showed love and compassion. I have learned to appreciate our differences, and respect other cultures.
Demographic Information
Home: Souderton, Pennsylvania
District: Atlantic Northeast
Congregation: Indian Creek
Occupation: Retired
Language(s) Spoken: English
Female, age 64, European-American
Experience
Local: Board, chair; nurture team, chair; vacation Bible school committee, chair; youth ministry coordinator; youth advisor; Sunday school teacher; worship coordinator
District: Youth advisor; witness and outreach team; programs committee
Denomination: Lead fellowship tour to Nigeria; Nigeria workcamp; director for 18 FaithX trips; press team
Other: COBYS board member
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
I believe an effective leader listens without judgement. I have learned to listen to people, to try to understand and appreciate their perspective. I have learned how to communicate effectively, manage and work with a group, navigate difficult situations, problem-solve, and motivate people. I strongly believe in servant leadership.
Eric Ramirez
Faith Statement
My faith is not about asking God to stop the storm. It is about trusting God to help me through it.
Vision
Revitalize the Church with projects that can reach out to the community, not only in the spiritual aspect but also extending a hand to help improve the quality of life of the people who live around the local Church.
Intercultural Work
I have traveled as a missionary to Nigeria in 2015, on that occasion I had the opportunity to work with local people in the construction of a church for 500 people.
Demographic Information
Home: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
District: Atlantic Northeast
Congregation: Ebenezer
Occupation: Pastor
Language(s) Spoken: English, Spanish
Male, age 59, Hispano
Experience
Local: Part-time pastor
District: Coordinator of SeBAH (Hispanic Anabaptist Seminary) for the Atlantic Northeast District; stewardship committee.
Denomination: Liaison between the Community of Faith (CoB) in Dominican Republic and the Global Food Initiative
Other: Church planter
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
These roles have given me the opportunity to work with people with different cultures and/or customs, which has taught me to work with people with different cultures and/or customs.
Mission and Ministry Board – Area 4
Sarah Mason
Faith Statement
Jesus Christ is the risen and living son of God. I believe that true joy comes from building relationships, being in community, and learning while carefully discerning together before making decisions. I believe in being vulnerable, getting to know each other on a deeper level to strengthen and build God’s Kingdom yet remain dedicated to hearing the Holy Spirit to not be led astray.
Vision
Develop and build relationships across the denomination, holding strong to our core values yet protecting each person’s dignity even in disagreement.
Intercultural Work
None
Demographic Information
Home: Marion, Kansas
District: Western Plains
Congregation: Monitor
Occupation: Teacher
Language(s) Spoken: English
Female, age 44, European-American
Experience
Local: Sunday school teacher; FaithX team sponsor; team minister; pastoral search team; pastoral commission
District: Leadership team, recording clerk, ministry and nurture teams; new church development and renewal; child sexual abuse task force; District Executive Minister search team; transition team; reference group member; moderator; pulpit supply minister
Denomination: None
Other: Preschool; early childhood special education and kindergarten teacher
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
In my roles of teaching and as an ordained minister I have learned many communication skills. I am able to bring my training and experience into practice while maintaining professionalism with appropriate boundaries. I am committed to the core values of the Church of the Brethren with respect to each one’s dignity and working in community building relationships. Relationships are important; thus, I have spent many an hour in a vehicle traveling from congregation to congregation getting to see people across our vast geographic district. In many visits I have had deep conversations, gained perspectives and new insights, built new relationships with respect, while hoping to also continue a form of unity through Jesus Christ even when there are disagreements.
Samuel Gahm
Faith Statement
In the book of Matthew, we are told to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” To do this, we must work to feed the hungry, give the thirsty something to drink, clothe the naked, heal the sick, and invite the stranger in. We must work for social, ethnic, and gender equality. We must go into the world and be examples of God’s love and grace. Jesus welcomes everyone to the table, and so should we.
Vision
Serving on the Mission and Ministry Board is a meaningful chance to contribute to the church’s vision of Jesus in the neighborhood. This is a chance to work with others who share a passion for service and to make a tangible impact on the Church of the Brethren’s role in addressing spiritual, social, and global needs.
Intercultural Work
I have worked on several projects with Brethren Disaster Ministries.
Demographic Information
Home: Raytown, Missouri
District: Missouri/Arkansas
Congregation: Messiah
Occupation: Videographer / Business Owner
Language(s) Spoken: English
Male, age 46, European-American
Experience
Local: Board, chair and clerk
District: Administrator of the district website and social media accounts; district conference, program and arrangements committee and audio-visual tech; ethics taskforce
Denomination: Annual Conference delegate; district youth advisor for National Youth Conference
Other: Raytown Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; Midwest Geospatial Academy Board of Directors
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
My leadership experience has taught me how to engage with individuals and organizations with diverse perspectives, fostering healthy and productive discussions that pave the way for meaningful interactions. Leadership and service go together; I am excited to contribute to others’ well-being through my role on the Mission and Ministry Board.
Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee
Harry Biddle
Faith Statement
I believe God put on flesh and lived among us to bring good news to the poor and marginalized and calls us to do the same. I believe that loving neighbor as yourself, regardless of ethnicity and gender is a model that Jesus preached during his earthly ministry and that I strive to follow. I believe in gaining new understanding when reading scripture. I am open to new revelation from the Spirit.
Vision
My two terms as congregational board chair and many years as treasurer and finance chair have given me keen insight of the needs of pastors. I feel that fair compensation and sabbath renewal are crucial to the pastor in their work and ministry in local congregations, district, and denomination.
Intercultural Work
I have worked with many students from immigrant families at the Oakton Partners in Learning tutoring program in my community. I work for a medical association that has many international physicians. During our association conference, I am the person assigned to the information desk to assist these international physicians with their needs and questions.
Demographic Information
Home: Woodbridge, Virginia
District: Mid-Atlantic
Congregation: Oakton
Occupation: Data Analyst/Business Intelligence
Language(s) Spoken: English
Male, age 63, European-American
Experience
Local: Board, chair; finance, chair; treasurer; deacon; moderator; trustee; property committee; Sunday school teacher; worship leader; pulpit supply; pastoral transition team
District: District conference delegate
Denomination: Annual Conference delegate
Other: Director of Information Technology; supervised staff of seven
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
I worked with the organization to be mindful of keeping costs and budgets within boundaries while at the same time providing vision for growth in technology that would benefit the company long term. In working as the finance chair, treasurer, and board chair during budget ups and downs, I have learned to be creative in compensating pastors beyond monetary compensation.
John R. Hipps
Faith Statement
Our triune God surrounds us constantly, awaiting our interaction and embrace through faith and actions. Our faith compels us to use our God-given gifts for the furtherance of the Kingdom as we are able.
Vision
To help ensure that our clergy are compensated fairly, sustainably, and in a manner easily comprehended and implemented by parishioners.
Intercultural Work
Having previously served the denomination as Director of Donor Relations and worked in secular roles with a diverse workforce, along with having attended numerous diversity workshops, I feel able to effectively bring those experiences to bear as the committee engages in its work.
Demographic Information
Home: Bridgewater, Virginia
District: Shenandoah
Congregation: Bridgewater
Occupation: Daily Money Manager
Language(s) Spoken: English
Male, age 65, European-American
Experience
Local: Board, executive committee, chair; associate moderator; deacon; head teller; finance commission; stewardship commission, chair; transition team
District: Camp Swatara board, vice-chair
Denomination: Director of Donor Relations
Other: Greater Augusta Coalition Against Adult Abuse board, vice president; Dayton (Virginia) Economic Development Authority
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
The diversity of my experiences has helped develop skills in working with others, establishing a vision for the work of an organization, setting goals, and naming intermediate milestones on the path to success
Review and Evaluation Committee
Ilexene Alphonse
Faith Statement
I believe in God the Father. I believe in the Son Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior who was born of a woman, crucified, buried, resurrected, and will one day come back for the Church. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Leader of the Church of Jesus Christ, the Comforter. I believe in the Trinity.
Vision
My vision and priority is to see our beloved denomination to be whole/united once again and stand on Jesus Christ’s fundamental value.
Intercultural Work
As a Haitian-American I have experiences living among other cultures in my hometown Miami, Florida, and within the Church of the Brethren.
Demographic Information
Home: Miami, Florida
District: Atlantic Southeast
Congregation: Miami Haitian
Occupation: Pastor
Language(s) Spoken: Haitian Creole, English, and some French
Male, age 46, Haitian-American
Experience
Local: Pastor
District: Moderator; nominating committee; camp counselor
Denomination: Committee on Interchurch Relations; Global Mission representative in Haiti; Brethren Disaster Ministries coordinator for Haiti; Country Advisory Team member for Haiti; Annual Conference delegate
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
Each experience is unique and taught me a lot about people, character, and cultures. I believe that God always has a lesson for me to learn. Those lessons learned are the driving forces behind my current leadership role in the church.
Lupita Ortiz Cruz
Faith Statement
Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior; God manifest in flesh. I believe the word of God is active and alive, given to us to guide us. I believe in the power of the redemptive blood of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit, active in believers to comfort, guide, and make us one in Christ. I seek to serve Christ and the church through love and peace.
Vision
To create a multicultural denomination and provide a diverse perspective, while maintaining our Brethren roots, heritage, and God’s word as a foundation to, together, further the Kingdom.
Intercultural Work
Planting and growing a Hispanic congregation in collaboration with a conservative Anglo church has provided me with insight and skills to serve the denomination with the vision of breaking cultural and language barriers to be one body in Christ despite diverse backgrounds and cultures. I have also had the privilege to be surrounded by mentors and a Godly support system that has poured wisdom into my spiritual growth and development.
Demographic Information
Home: Bassett, Virginia
District: Virlina
Congregation: Monte de Hermon
Occupation: Pastor
Language(s) Spoken: English, Spanish
Female, age 32, Hispanic
Experience
Local: Pastor; church planter; steering committee, secretary; youth leader; deacon; Sunday school teacher; translator
District: District conference, speaker, translator; District Executive Minister search committee
Denomination: L.E.A.D Conference, development team, session presenter; New and Renew Conference, translator; Annual Conference, delegate, translator, listening team member
Other: County/school translator and facilitator for Hispanic community
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
Working with people of different backgrounds, color, experiences, and ages has helped me meet, relate to, and serve people where they are. I serve with the purpose of growing the kingdom of God. I have developed skills of management, planning, organization, active listening, communication with diverse cultures, problem-solving, and nurturing. I am teachable and willing to learn from others. I look forward to serving others in every role the Lord permits me to serve.
Chris Douglas
Faith Statement
God is the constant Presence in my life as I seek to follow Jesus’ teachings. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, my daily scripture study and prayer, I strive each day to be more Christ-like.
Vision
I care deeply about the Church of the Brethren; it is the family I chose during college. I want this denomination to thrive for many years and continue the work of Jesus.
Intercultural Work
I worked with many of our intercultural churches as director of urban ministry for three years in the 1980’s and the launching of the Education for Urban Ministry program. I majored in Spanish in college and spent time in Peru and Mexico.
Demographic Information
Home: Dundee, Illinois
District: Illinois/Wisconsin
Congregation: Highland Avenue
Occupation: Retired
Language(s) Spoken: English, some Spanish
Female, age 71, European-American
Experience
Local: Pastoral care team; worship leader; connections team; youth Sunday school teacher; youth advisor; board, vice chair; pastoral search committee, co-chair
District: District conference program and arrangements committee
Denomination: denominational staff for 35 years (3 years as director of urban ministry, 25 years as director of youth/young adult ministry, 11 years as director of annual conference)
Other: Spiritual director; member of Religious Conference Management Association
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
I have traveled throughout every district of the denomination and learned to know many members of our church. I attended Bethany Theological Seminary both for my M.Div. and D. Min., participate in the Brethren Pension plan of Eder Financial and have participated in programs of On Earth Peace so I am well acquainted with each of the agencies of Church of the Brethren.
Anna Lisa Gross
Faith Statement
As a hospice and hospital chaplain, patients and families taught me that God creates us to adapt to change and challenge, heal from trauma, and flourish in community. As a gardener, God’s creation teaches me that there is no waste in God’s design: mistakes and death feed the soil and nourish new life. We learn this through scripture and Jesus, who demonstrates creativity and healing, calls us to abundant life, turning death into new life for all.
Vision
How we live with change and struggle is rooted in the soil of our spiritual practices. When we cultivate prayer, reflection and community we are more creative, adaptable and fearless – faithful to God’s ongoing presence and power.
Intercultural Work
I’ve traveled and lived throughout the United States, Mexico and the world. I trust and treasure God’s divine creation, full of diversity and complexity. Living as a linguistic and ethnic minority at various points in my life has been a beginning to dismantle white supremacy and confront my white privilege.
Demographic Information
Home: North Manchester, Indiana
District: Northern Indiana
Congregation: Beacon Heights
Occupation: Pastor
Language(s) Spoken: English
Female, age 42, European-American
Experience
Local: Pastor; Sunday school leader; small group facilitator; outreach, witness, nurture, and education committees; office administrator
District: Interim District Executive Minister; district conference delegate; women’s retreat leader
Denomination: Global Women’s Project and Womaen’s Caucus Steering Committees; presenter for Young Adult, Annual, and National Older Adult Conferences; Ministry of Reconciliation observer and practitioner
Other: Wabash Pastoral Leadership Fellow; devotional and Bible study writer; hospital and hospice chaplain
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
In ministry we are present with people in the best and worst times. We know the power of community to support transition. Denominational transition is more complicated because we are on so many simultaneous paths, but discerning God’s will together is our heritage.
Gene Hollenberg
Faith Statement
God loves and desires peace and justice for all. We understand God’s full vision by exploring all of scripture through the life of Jesus and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Vision
A Church empowering congregations to actively serve their communities; participate in collaborative regional, national, and global groups responding to injustice; reclaim the development of new ways to minister to hurting people; and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Intercultural Work
I served as teacher, principal, and school supervisor in schools of poverty. As a school supervisor, I assisted coordination of a three-year program exploring systemic racism in the South Bend school district.
Demographic Information
Home: Nappanee, Indiana
District: Northern Indiana
Congregation: Union Center
Occupation: Executive Director, Camp Alexander Mack
Language(s) Spoken: English
Male, age 66, European-American
Experience
Local: Board, chair; deacon board, chair; moderator; children’s Sunday school, director and teacher; adult Sunday school, teacher; vacation Bible school, director; ordained minister; worship planner; preaching
District: Board, chair; moderator; district conference planning and arrangements
Denomination: Outdoor Ministries Association board, chair; Brethren Academy, instructor
Other: Outdoor Ministries Association board, chair; Brethren Academy, instructor
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
Throughout my career, I collaborated with people from many cultural and economic backgrounds. I have had difficult conversations and negotiations with students, parents, teachers, and community groups, keeping focus on the goal. I was one of a series of district board chairs that moved our board from passive accountability to active involvement with congregations and issues of concern to those congregations. As chair of the Outdoor Ministries Association board, I connected with a wide variety of people throughout the denomination. At Camp Mack, I lead a Spirit-led and service-driven environment where all people are welcomed and served. I led the board through two periods of strategic planning, and we are preparing for a third.
Del Keeney
Faith Statement
I believe that Jesus Christ came to heal our brokenness, and to reconcile us to God and to each other. As a follower of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, I choose daily to practice his gracious love, and to shape my life as a part of his servant community, the church.
Vision
The larger church exists to enable congregations to do together what they cannot accomplish on their own. While essential, these larger structures need to be both right-sized and relevant to fulfill that unique role. Our decision-making needs to reflect shared discernment as a community of Jesus’ followers. At this juncture, I invite the church to consider what changes in structure and decision-making might be most helpful to enhance our effective collaboration in the name of Christ.
Intercultural Work
As Executive Director of Congregational Life Ministries for the denomination, I contributed at cross-cultural and church planting gatherings. I visited Nigeria to learn about Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria’s witness between Christians and Muslims. In local ministry, I interacted with Jewish and Muslim leaders.
Demographic Information
Home: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
District: Southern Pennsylvania
Congregation: Mechanicsburg
Occupation: Retired clergy
Language(s) Spoken: English
Male, age 69, European-American
Experience
Local: Pastor; intentional interim pastor
District: Board, nurture; teacher training; Camp Swatara board; Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center board, chair and instructor (leadership and ethics)
Denomination: Congregational Life Ministries, Executive Director; Brethren Academy, trainer (leadership practices); ministerial ethics trainer
Other: Certified trainer in Six Thinking Hats, Lateral Thinking (DeBono); local ministerium, chair
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
Throughout my ministry I have held a keen interest in organizational change. I have assisted local congregations in transition and conflict. My training in Six Thinking Hats/Lateral Thinking has equipped me for collaborative and creative work in organizations. My service as a denominational executive and local pastor provide a unique perspective into the workings of the church at the local, district and denominational levels.
Deb Oskin
Faith Statement
I believe that God—Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer—gives to each of us gifts and commands us to use them to bring the kingdom of heaven here to earth, and to bring shalom and abundance to everyone and everywhere we touch. So, following Jesus Christ’s example, when I see a need, and I can fill it, I do so. That’s the simple, literal, faith statement of my life.
Vision
Reimagining the way our denomination functions might ease the tensions we’ve experienced as a body and may also spur growth instead of decline.
Intercultural Work
I served on the denomination’s New Church Development Advisory Committee for 7½ years. This committee works closely with multicultural church planters, plans the biennial church planting conference (now New and Renew), and worked closely with Intercultural Ministries for several of those conferences.
Demographic Information
Home: Columbus, Ohio
District: Southern Ohio/Kentucky
Congregation: Living Peace
Occupation: Small Business Owner (Clergy Tax Professional)/Ordained Free Ministry Team Member
Language(s) Spoken: English
Female, age 64, European-American
Experience
Local: Moderator; board, chair; free ministry team member; ordained peace minister
District: Moderator; board, chair; new church development committee
Denomination: Pastoral Compensation & Benefits Advisory Committee, chair; clergy tax advisor to Office of Ministry and Eder Financial; New Church Development Advisory Committee
Other: Ohio Council of Churches, Faith & Order Commission and executive committee; foundation chair
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
While serving as Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee chair when revising the Pastor’s Agreements, I worked successfully with several groups of stakeholders who had veto power over the changes we were suggesting to parts of the Agreements. My training in consensus facilitation has given me experience in group leadership that allows me to work creatively with others. My goal is always to craft Spirit-led solutions to old and new issues, drawing from each person’s God-given gifts and expertise.
Daniel L. Rudy
Faith Statement
I trust in Jesus Christ as my Savior and follow him as Lord seeking by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to be obedient to his teachings as revealed by the New Testament. I also strive with God’s help to lead others into a full and mature faith in Christ.
Vision
Like most denominations and large organizations, the Church of the Brethren exists in a world that is undergoing tremendous change. My priority is to bring mission clarity to the evaluation of our structures and processes, so that our structure might serve the Church and empower us to more faithfully serve Jesus.
Intercultural Work
In my role as District Executive Minister, my work with New Church Development in Virlina has given me the opportunity to work closely with Brethren of Hispanic background at both the congregational and district level.
Demographic Information
Home: Boones Mill, Virginia
District: Virlina
Congregation: Monte Vista
Occupation: District Executive Minister
Language(s) Spoken: English
Male, age 38, European-American
Experience
Local: Pastor
District: District Executive Minister; new church development committee; board, executive committee; Christian Growth Institute, instructor
Denomination: Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee; Annual Conference delegate and table facilitator
Other: representative to the Virginia Council of Churches
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
The roles that I have served in and the places where I presently serve have given me insight into the ways that denominational structure and relationships impact local congregations. I also have experience working with various stakeholders within and beyond denominational committees to bring about changes to policies and procedures.
Carol Scheppard
Faith Statement
I believe in God the creator and sustainer of us all; in Jesus Christ, his son, our lord and our redeemer; and in the Holy Spirit who ever connects us to God and Christ. I believe in the Church, the body of Christ called to work his ministry in our world. As a community we seek God’s will by gathering around the Bible and discerning together, with the help of the Holy Spirit, its directives for our lives. I believe the Bible to be the collected witness of the saints professing the consistent, deliberate, miraculous presence of God in our midst throughout time.
Vision
With the recent split in the denomination and loss of congregations, a review and analysis of the whole structure of the church is essential. How can we regain stability and continue as a unified body, clear in our mission and efficient in our operations such that we can be effective in our work as the church.
Intercultural Work
Both my work as a college professor and my work as Annual Conference Moderator have given me experience listening, learning, and operating in multi-cultural contexts.
Demographic Information
Home: Mt. Sidney, Virginia
District: Shenandoah
Congregation: Lebanon
Occupation: College Professor
Language(s) Spoken: English
Female, age 68, European-American
Experience
Local: Board, chair; deacon
District: Moderator
Denomination: Annual Conference Moderator; Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees, chair
Other: Bridgewater College, Chief Academic Officer; Bridgewater College Forum for Brethren Studies, chair
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
I’ve worked within and learned from several different administrative systems. The Review and Evaluation Committee will require members who can assess the current Church of the Brethren system and consider creative models that can enhance a long, healthy life for the denomination.
Paul Schrock
Faith Statement
I look to Jesus as the best model for my daily living. I do my best to follow that example, choosing love over hate, and trusting that God will help me learn from whatever mistakes I make along the way.
Vision
I see the institutional church as the necessary “woody stem” from which new life continually emerges and bears fruit. As a worker in the vineyard, if I can tend the vine in ways that lead to a bountiful harvest, my time will have been well spent.
Intercultural Work
My extended family is multi-racial. I have spent much of my professional career interacting with colleagues in Asia, South America, and Europe, learning along the way that there is much to learn from those with different cultural perspectives.
Demographic Information
Home: Indianapolis, Indiana
District: South/Central Indiana
Congregation: Northview
Occupation: Retired Senior Research Fellow
Language(s) Spoken: English
Male, age 70, European-American
Experience
Local: Board, chair; pastoral search committee; pulpit fill
District: Moderator; board, chair; District Executive Minister search committee
Denomination: Standing Committee; Mission and Ministry Board, Strategic Planning Committee chair; Annual Conference delegate
Other: Timbercrest Senior Living Community board, chair; Second Starts, Inc. board, chair
Relationship of skills/experience to the position
I have had broad exposure to the inner-workings of the institutional church (and other non-profit organizations), and I have repeatedly leveraged that exposure and my analytical abilities to identify opportunities for improvement. I have been intentional about attending every Annual Conference (except one) since 1976, and I have had first-hand exposure to some of our greatest moments as well as some of our most cringe-worthy moments; with vital lessons learned at every step along the way.