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Search Term: jones
Leaving UBDom
The South Mountain UB church in Dillsburg, Pa., has withdrawn from the United Brethren church. They do so with our blessing.
Some connections existed between people at South Mountain and at Celebration Church, a local Assemblies of God church plant. Celebration needed a place to meet, and there were conversations about sharing South Mountain's building. After senior pastor Greg Helman left to become pastor of Blue Rock UB church (Waynesboro, Pa.) earlier this summer, some leaders at South Mountain began pursuing the idea of becoming part of Celebration. I did some checking. Celebration is a good church with a highly regarded pastor.
Bishop Ron Ramsey and I both met with people from South Mountain. We told them, "If you want to withdraw, here's the proper way to do it." They followed those steps, which culminated in a congregational meeting on Sunday night, September 28. I was present during that meeting.
Five options were presented:
- Remain United Brethren and let us find them another pastor.
- Remain United Brethren, but become part of a circuit with another UB church.
- Remain United Brethren, but sell the building and become a house church.
- Remain United Brethren, but hire a bi-vocational pastor.
- Join with Celebration.
Of the 52 votes cast, 43 were in favor of joining with Celebration.
South Mountain took all the proper steps. So as of September 28, we consider them to have properly withdrawn from the United Brethren denomination.
The Language of the Community and the Next Generation
The Chinese church is trying to figure out how to impact the community the church is in when:
- None of them live in that community--they all drive in.
- None of them speak the dialect spoken in that community (Mandarin, I believe it is).
Many of the adults do not speak fluent English, but all of their children do. They're trying to figure out the most effective way to train their young people when they don't by nature speak Chinese--they go to American schools and speak English. They want to reach their community and the next generation, but they don't speak the language of either.
Right now, they're looking for some English-speaking people to work with their youth. I appreciated the spirit I saw when I visited them last year.
On Sundays, the Chinese people make a day of it. They come for worship in the morning, usually do lunch together, and have worship later in the day. They have rooms in their building where kids can watch TV, study together, and do activities. A lot of fellowship happens on Sunday. It's a cultural thing for them. It reminds me of the old days when you had service, stayed for lunch, then had an afternoon or later service.
George Rhodifer: Diagnosed with Bone Marrow Cancer
George Rhodifer (right) is one of my cluster leaders. In addition to pastoring the Olivet UB church in New Lebanon, Ohio, he leads a cluster of churches located in Ohio and Indiana. I've appreciated working with him over the past three years.
Today, George was told that he has bone marrow cancer. He's been given three months to live. He sent me an email about this a short time ago.
"My blood count has been low for several months and they could not find a reason for it," George wrote. "They sent me to a blood doctor and she wanted to do a test on the bone morrow which makes blood. She read the report to us today in her office. It seems that I have bone morrow cancer--luekemia of the bone morrow. She told my wife and I that I have about three months to live. With low-dose chemotherarpy, I could possibly live six months, but that is not a guarentee.
"This came as a complete surprise to us. I have a pinched nerve in my back which has affected my right side. I was getting ready to go on pain management, but the doctor told me I may as well cancel that and just take pain medicine."
George asked that we remember him in prayer, and he states, "I believe that God is able to touch me and take care of the problem."
You can contact George by email or by writing to:
George Rhodifer
109 Solar Drive
Tipp City, OH 45371
Voting in the Church
When I talk to churches about the governance model, several questions typically come up. One involves voting.
In many of our churches, 10-25% of the people are on the board, and you vote for people on those boards. The issue of American democracy and having a vote is vital to people-- they want to have a say in who sits on the board. But as I talk to people, I look at them straight, and say, "Would you agree that your voting doesn't necessarily put the best people in the best spots?" Their answer is generally "yes."
Voting is not a biblical model for putting leaders into place. It's an empowerment issue. Under the governance system, we encourage letting people nominate persons for various positions. But your leadership team makes appointments to put gifted people in proper places. This follows the Acts 6 model. Deacons were "nominated" by the people but appointed by the Apostles.
God-Sighting in Logan, Ohio
Here is another "God sighting" report, this one about a community outreach event by Shepherd of the Valley UB church in Logan, Ohio. Doug Stull, the senior pastor, sent me this brief note:
The Festival turned out at least 200 unchurched people. Food, free school supplies, carnival games--all brought a lot of the community to the event. I believe we planted a lot of good seeds and hit the right button. Economically, people are hurting. We're thinking now to keep the ball rolling by offering a free Thanksgiving dinner to families.
The Cluster System After Three Years
We adopted the cluster system at the 2005 National Conference. At that time, two competing philosophies were at work:
- We need to do everything at the cluster level, including who leads the cluster and what they do. Don't appoint cluster leaders.
- We want clear direction. Tell us what to do, and appoint our cluster leader.
We've tried letting clusters develop the way most helpful to them, with the basic focus of churches becoming outward focused and healthy. But some structure works better for many of our pastors. So I'm working on ways to have more structure, but great flexibility, basically telling them, "Here are some things we'd like you to consider, but you figure out how to do it."
Every group is unique. I sent out surveys to see if pastors felt their cluster was effective and helpful to them. I found that a majority of the pastors enjoy their cluster and enjoy getting together, with a few guys wanting more instruction and leadership development. We've had people change clusters, because they wanted a more intentional approach and a nearby cluster was doing that. For the most part the clusters are working.
Leading With Boundaries
Huntington University works on a governance system. If we have an issue with the university, we don't go to a staff person, but to Dr. Dowden. He's responsible to the board of trustees. The trustees establish the guiding principles and boundary principles for the University, but they let Dr. Dowden and his staff handle day-to-day things.
In a church, the governance board operates the same way. The pastor is given authority to lead, but the board sets certain boundaries (such as, he can't spend more than one percent of the budget at a time without getting permission). The staff work under the direction of the pastor and are accountable to him, not to the board. The board then holds the pastor accountable.
A governance board doesn't need more than 3-5 people. Some churches have made their elders group their board. Some call it the Executive Leadership Team or Church Leadership Council. Whatever the name, this group focuses on two things:
- Make sure the big boundaries are being followed.
- Monitor how goals are accomplished.
Thinking of Building? Stop!
In our travels I have heard rumors of a few of our smaller to medium sized churches discussing plans to build. That concerns me. Having led one church through two major building projects and another through major renovations, I know a little about the processes and impact such a move can have.
Several factors suggest that building more buildings is not always the wise decision to make as a steward of the Lord:
- The state of today's economy.
- The fact that most of our churches, even those who are discussing building, are virtually stagnant or in decline.
- The availability of creative new solutions that were not available even a few years ago.
1. Have you done all your homework?
Can you present a clear rationale that answers these questions:
- Why are you building?
- What are you building?
2. Have you exhausted ALL avenues of meeting the need for which you are building?
Many churches only look at one solution for their need.
- Could you double use your currently rooms with some flexibility in meeting times?
- Are there other facilities nearby that could be used or rented to meet the need?
- Is there a way to do a video venue to another part of your building to solve your over-crowding in worship?
- Is there any way to do something short of building another building?
The Body of Christ (all believing churches) has literally billions of dollars of assets sitting woefully underused across this country. If turf wars could end and barriers between fellowships would cease, we could work together to accomplish something great. Church is about relationships and transformational change, not buildings. So could you use a resource another church has that they would make available to meet your goals and needs?
There are other good questions to ask but these can get you thinking. Remember, people draw people. Relationships, not buildings, are the most important thing. And the only reason to build something is if that building will provide the most effective means of accomplishing your goals.
With Dalton Jenkins in Yonkers
In June, Pam and I spent some time with Dalton Jenkins, pastor of our small Jamaican church in Yonkers, N.Y. We had supper with Dalton and his wife, Jacqueline (right), and then they showed us the 600-square-foot building where the congregation--about 22 people--hold services.
Dalton's mother-in-law is Mrs. Larimer. She and her husband served in ministry in Jamaica. She's very much a prayer warrior and preaches some. When I attended Jamaica Conference two years ago, she was invited to pray at the installation of Winston Smith as General Superintendent and the members of the Conference Council. They live with Dalton and Jacqueline.
The city of Yonkers is being upgraded. It is totally different from the Bronx, where we have another Jamaican church. Yonkers has a more upscale feel. They have a whole waterfront area that looks pretty upscale. Within a few blocks of the church are people from five or six nationalities--Mexican, Polish, Jamaican, and others. They are trying to figure out the best way to reach people in this type of community.
What is the Governance System?
We encourage churches to adopt a governance system. What does that mean?
In a management model, the board says, "Pastor, you're responsible to lead, but you can't do anything without our permission." When you're given responsibility, but not authority to act, it's called a bureaucracy.
One pastor needed board approval before he could buy something which was already in the budget. "That doesn't make sense," he told them. They said they honestly hadn't thought of it that way.
The governance system (which is explained in the book "Winning on Purpose"), follows this pattern: the board governs, the pastor leads, the staff manages, and the people minister.
The pastor is given responsibility with authority--but there is accountability. Most boards control how the pastor does ministry. But in churches that have adopted the governance system, we've heard pastors say, "I've never been more free to lead, but I've never been held this accountable."
The Easter Before-Sunrise Service
Iglesia Reformada Emanuel is located in Jamaica Plain, Mass., a very urban suburb of greater Boston. It's not a good neighborhood. They told me you don't want to be out at night. When they hold late-night services, they ask the police to come stand guard during the service.
The congregation has a tradition of holding their Easter service at 3 a.m. This past Easter, while police officers stood around the periphery of where they were meeting, a young man in the house next door to the church was shot in the neck and killed. The officers saw the assailant toss the gun away after the shooting and while running through the back yard to escape. They caught him.
Trying to Lessen the Isolation
Pastor Rubenia Bomatay was surprised, during my June 11 visit, when I told her they are the only United Brethren church in Massachusetts.
They feel very isolated in Jamaica Plain. The last visitor connected with the denomination was Billy Simbo, who was the cluster leader for that region. He visited Jamaica Plain three years ago. Finances prevented anyone from Iglesia Reformada Emanuel from coming to last year's national conference.
They told me they needed help obtaining materials to teach their children. I sent an email to Jeff Bleijerveld, who found some materials to send. She also needed pastor's card to prove that she is a licensed minister. I emailed Cathy Reich, our administrative assistant, and she took care of sending that to Rubenia. I hope these services helped them feel part of the larger church.
The most helpful thing we could do for them, they said, is to keep the connection going. That would be a big benefit to the people, showing that they are part of something bigger. I committed to them that Bishop Ron Ramsey or I will visit a couple times a year just to touch base with them.
If You Have Something to Say, Sign Your Name
Recently I preached at one of our churches at their Saturday night service. After the service, someone handed me an envelope with my name on it. The envelope had been placed in the offering plate. It contained a three-page letter outlining concerns regarding the pastor of another church in the area. The letter was unsigned.
Bishop Ron Ramsey and I have an agreed-upon policy regarding unsigned letters. We toss them. Not that we callously desire to ignore people's concerns. There are times when people may have legitimate concerns that should be addressed. But sending an anonymous note to the Bishop (or a pastor or board member) violates the principles of Scripture. If I have a problem with a brother, I need to go to him. The whole process is outlined in Matthew 18.
It is also unfair to throw out criticism (and many times venomous accusations) against someone and not be willing to face them or discuss it with them. I often wonder if the writers of these notes would want the same done to them.
So if you want to raise a concern with us regarding what is happening in one of our churches, you must understand two things.
- Sign your name or it will be tossed without any action.
- If you sign your name, be prepared to answer in the affirmative that you have gone to the pastor yourself with your concern before writing to us.
We must follow Matthew 18 in our relationships with each other or we are no better than the world around us. And we give Satan the opportunity to have a foothold in the life of our church.
With Iglesia Reformada Emanuel
As I wrote on Thursday, Pam and I spent an evening with Pastor Rubenia Bomatay and her Hispanic congregation in Jamaica Plain, Mass. We went out to eat with Rubenia, her husband Gerardo, and son Moses at a local pizza place. Then we returned to the church for the midweek service.
It was supposed to start at 7:00, but actually started around 7:30 with some singing and a prayer time. About 8:15, while the people were greeting each other, Moses told me that his mother wanted me to preach. I wasn't expecting that, but I said I would be honored. I asked how long I should preach. I was initially told an hour, but they backed it down to 45 minutes, which is how long I preached. Moses translated for me.
I was able to say to them in Spanish, "We are United Brethren in Christ." They clapped for me. It was a great breakthrough that I was speaking their language. That was a fun interaction.
The people at Iglesia Reformada Emanuel are very gracious, and full of life and vigor. They're trying to reach their community. There's a oneness of purpose in what they do. I sensed a great spirit among the people, warm fellowship, and heart-felt praying.
After the service, Rubenia's family led us out to the road we needed. I said, "I think I know how to get there. Just point me in the right direction." But Gerardo said, "We'll take you." It was night, and he wanted to make sure we made it safely out of that not-so-nice neighborhood. So he turned on his blinkers and said, "Follow me."
With Pastor Rubenia Bomatay
In early June, after spending some time with our brethren in Canada, I swung down for a visit with our churches in New York City. Then, on Wednesday, June 11, Pam and I arrived in Jamaica Plain, a suburb of Boston, to visit Rubenia Bomatay and her Hispanic congregation. I wrote about that visit earlier, but I'd like to say more about this isolated church.
Pastor Bomatay formerly served with our Honduras Conference. She came to the States about 13 years ago, but still has a house in Honduras. It is used to teach women the craft of sewing, so they can earn money to provide for their families. A pastor oversees that work and does spiritual development with the ladies.
The congregation in Boston is called Iglesia Reformada Emanuel. It consists mostly of Hondurans, but includes Hispanics from several other countries, too. They meet in a store-front. It is fixed up well, a warm place, They have a worship area, and some storage space.
While Rubenia is the senior pastor, her husband Gerardo and son Moses preach occasionally, and a daughter helps lead worship. It's very much a family thing.
When Pam and I walked into the building, worship music was playing, and there was Rubenia on her knees, praying. That sight deeply moved me and taught me a lot about her.
Consultations Ending and Starting
The consultation process is the primary method we use to transition churches to health. It starts with an intensive weekend at the church, but continues with a year-long process of coaching on my part, with monthly visits. When the year ends, I usually speak on a Sunday morning and encourage them to keep moving ahead.
Among the initial churches were four congregations in Michigan. That enabled me to be more efficient in my traveling, hitting several churches on the same trip.
At this point, we have completed our year-long work with two churches in Michigan:
- Banner of Christ (Byron Center, Mich.). The concluding service for them was January 6.
- Gaines UB (Caledonia, Mich.). The concluding service was February 10.
In the next few weeks, we'll conclude the consultations with three more churches:
- Mount Pleasant (Chambersburg, Pa.). The concluding service will be this Sunday, June 22. Mount Pleasant made the transition to a governance system, and some neat things have happened in services recently.
- Eden UB (Mason, Mich.). The final service is June 29. Eden is averaging over 200 now, but they face some serious financial struggles.
- Fowlerville UB (Fowlerville, Mich.). The consultation was held June 22-24, 2007. We'll finish up with them in July.
That leaves only the Mongul UB church in Shippensburg, Pa. Bishop Ramsey and I conducted the assessment March 7-9.
However, a new round of consultations is in the works. I'll conduct an assessment August 22-24 at Crestview UB in Lafayette, Ind., with Pastor Dan Young. We're also working toward consultations with four other churches--one in Indiana, one in Ohio, and two in Pennsylvania. I'll let you know more about those soon.
The Isolated Church: a Picture of Perseverance
"How many churches do we have in Massachusetts?" Rubenia Bomatay asked me. She pastors a primarily Honduran congregation near Boston, Massachusetts.
Pam and I visited yesterday to connect with Rubenia and her congregation at Iglesia Reformada Emanuel. "Uno," was my response. "You are the only one."
No wonder they feel isolated. A six-hour train ride from the nearest cluster and few other Spanish-speaking congregations within our tribe make it tough to sustain a sense of belonging. But they are Hermanos Unitos en Christo (United Brethren in Christ.)
It was a joy to share a meal with Rubenia, her husband Gerardo, and son Moses prior to the Wednesday night service on June 11. Moses was our translator, as his folks speak limited English and I speak very limited Spanish. Pam and I were blessed by their heart for the Lord and for ministry.
Gerardo, Moses, and another man from their church recently completed a three-year Bible Institute provided by a local Assemblies of God congregation. They work closely with the local police to make a true difference in a gang-oriented neighborhood. I had the privilege of speaking to a very warm and engaged congregation. Our conversation on the way back to the hotel was focused on how we can be a greater support and encouragement to them.
Pam and I look forward to returning to Boston soon. We have brothers and sisters who share our heart to reach the lost. I pray you have the privilege of meeting them sometime soon as well.
New Life Church: A Great Place of Faith
The UB church in Chanute, Kansas, recently changed their name from Highland Avenue to New Life. This church, under the leadership of Michael Longfellow (below), is about to take a major step. 
They bought an elementary school for $25,000, though it's valued at several million dollars. They're trying to sell their present church, but already have the money needed to buy the school, which is less than two miles away.
They bought an elementary school for $25,000, though it's valued at several million dollars. They're trying to sell their present church, but already have the money needed to buy the school, which is less than two miles away. The school is in the process of moving out, but will leave behind a sound system and a lot of other equipment. It's a good deal for them. They'll need to do some refurbishing, but hope to begin holding services there by September.
The New Life Church has grown to two services reaching over 135 people. Their current sanctuary is small and parking is very limited. Their new facility will help them more effectively reach their community. Their goal is to see over 40 people come to Christ this year.
During a recent trip I made to Chanute, Michael and some of the lay people ministered to a young lady who was struggling with drugs and walked into the building seeking help. They led her to the Lord in the kitchen while I was preaching in the sanctuary. It is a great place of faith.
A Service Where God Definitely Showed Up
It's always thrilling to hear encouraging reports from our churches. I recently received this email from Chris Little (right, below), senior pastor of Mount Pleasant UB church in Chambersburg, Pa. That is one of the churches we've been working with in the year-long consultation process, which we'll wrap up with a service on June 22. Here is what Chris wrote:
"Just wanted to pass on a God moment from Sunday. The scripture was the stoning of Stephen. I used it as a time of forgiving and being forgiven. Ron Cook, months ago, gave me the idea of using a paper shredder with the congregation and it seemed appropriate, so out on a limb I went."When the sermon ran to its conclusion I told everyone they had a choice to make. Either hold on to your rocks and be in bondage to bitterness, or throw away your rocks and find the freedom of forgiveness. I placed an insert in the bulletin and had them write either names of individuals they needed to forgive, their own name if they were struggling with forgiving themselves, or even particular sins of which they are guilty. I invited people to come forward and find forgiveness by shredding the "stones" and throwing them away.
Continue reading A Service Where God Definitely Showed Up.
