Leader s Digest. March 14-16, 2014 Embassy Suites Blue Ash. The Missionary Church East Central District Newsletter. Inside this issue:

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1 The Missionary Church East Central District Newsletter Volume 466 February 2014 Inside this issue: March 14-16, 2014 Embassy Suites Blue Ash From Our District Superintendent 2 Oasis 3 Ludlow Falls Camp Happening 3 From Our Director of District Ministries 4 Coming Events 5 Renovations on New District Office 6 (*with 4 per room) Dr. Robert Brandt, Assistant Professor of Youth at Bethel College Your District Team: Dr. Jeff Kephart, District Superintendent jeffk@woh.rr.com Rev. Jeff Gerig, Director of District Ministries jeffg@ecdistrict.org Refocusing the church to make disciples who make disciples February 21-22, 2014 Pleasant Grove Missionary Church Yellow Springs, OH May 30-31, 2014 First Missionary Church Lima, OH Cost: $35* per person [Total cost for both weekends] *$35 for East Central District pastors and lay leaders $75 for persons outside the East Central District Sponsored by: Missionary Church East Central District Mrs. Jean Gerig, Secretary jeang@ecdistrict.org Mrs. Wendy Dyke, Financial Secretary wendyd@ecdistrict.org District Office Information: Phone: (937) Fax: (937) Website:

2 Page 2 From Our District Superintendent Signs of the Times I have just returned from our denominational leaders prayer conference. First, I wish you all could have been there to see your Missionary Church leadership gathered together humbly lifting their hearts to God for guidance and direction I believe you would and should be encouraged. Second, I am wrestling with some comments I heard in dinner table conversations over the days we were together. One person noted his concern about the federal court ruling in Wisconsin that suggested pastors housing allowance tax exclusions were unconstitutional (this decision is presently stayed pending appeal). Another wondered if church property tax exemptions might be the next target. Still another leader shared that recent legal recognition of same-sex marriage was presenting new challenges to the churches and pastors in that region. Yet another mentioned that health care costs for pastors in their region could see double digit percentage increases in the wake of implementation of the Affordable Care Act. As I roll these observations over in my mind, I am troubled. Many pastors and churches already struggle with financial issues, and the possibilities mentioned above would negatively impact already stretched budgets. Further, the encroachment of governmental regulations and laws on previously sacred territory is disturbing. Wisdom might suggest that the ever-expanding cultural atmosphere of unconditional tolerance could lead to the possibility of Biblically faithful churches being branded as hate groups. If that was to take its full course, could it be possible that we might face a future in which church parking lots are chained off and churches are forbidden from meeting on Sundays? What if the charitable contribution tax deduction was taken away would our churches be able to continue if contributions waned in the aftermath? Yes, I know this sounds alarmist, and I admit that it is hard to conceive in a nation supposedly dedicated to religious liberty. I sincerely hope such a situation never materializes, and I expect you feel the same way. However, in the event such a future was to become reality, it s important to consider that bi-vocational pastors and non-building centered ministry would become necessities in ways we have not faced in many years in America. I question whether Sunday morning focused, professionally led, program intensive, building dependent ministry models familiar to many of us would be able to survive if the worst case scenarios envisioned above should materialize. The good news is this: in as much as we are championing the centrality of disciple making in our district, we are already moving toward preparing for any possible future cultural earthquake. Disciple making advocates the critical importance of every believer being equipped for the front lines of Kingdom advancement, instead of depending on the worship service as the primary front line contact. It emphasizes that all disciples must live Jesus in our relationship circles out there in our daily lives, rather than limiting our spiritual expression to Sunday morning-wednesday night contexts. Disciple making prioritizes Spirit led selfsustained spiritual growth rather than program dependence. It also multiplies person to person and relationship by relationship, with each disciple trained to pass on the fundamentals of the Faith to others. That process could function even if freedom to meet in larger groups was somehow curtailed. As God develops a disciple making culture, centralized building-focused programming is balanced by relationship based, one to one multiplication that can survive and thrive even in a church adverse environment. This is proven by the amazing multiplication taking place throughout the world in disciple making (Continued on page 3.)

3 Page 3 Signs Continued from page 3 movements, even in places where Christianity is officially off limits. Also, the disciple making process can often move forward with considerably less financial resources than the more conventional building based ministry process. Disciple making is more that just another good idea. It is commanded by Jesus in the Great Commission of Matthew and supported throughout Scripture. In addition, given the possible challenges looming in our nation in coming years, disciple making would seem to be a wise course of preparative action. Disciple making is the focus of the On Mission training our district is offering later in February, and I would encourage all pastors and church leadership teams to consider taking part. The district is subsidizing a significant portion of the cost so as many as possible might benefit from this training; please let the district office know if financial concerns are the only ones keeping your church from taking part. Most importantly, be praying for God s will to be done in our nation and in our churches as we seek His plan for advancing His Kingdom in the years ahead. A Ladies Day Away A day of fun, relaxation and spiritual renewal for ladies of all ages Pleasant View Missionary Church 5231 Gettysburg-Pitsburg Rd, Greenville, Ohio 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Cost: $10* per person [*Includes entrance fee, lunch and speaker, workshop] Several vendors will be available for you to order and purchase items, along with the photo booth and workshop. Meet Guest Speaker: Shannan Martin I m finding my bearings as a city girl after living most of my life in the boondocks. I like to decorate & craft with my cutie kids. I m obsessed with my man, food, & books. I m learning every day to embrace this wild adventure God has given me. Sign up through your local church and don t forget to invite a few friends! Reservation Deadline: Wednesday, March 26, 2014 Sponsored by ECD Women s Ministries Committee Ludlow Falls Camp Happenings Here are the dates for the 2014 Camp Season: Camp Sharing Banquet [Dining 6:00 pm]... May 10 Kid s Alive [Marc Hamman]... June Kid s Kamp [Marc Hamman]... June Camp Meeting [Rev. Phil Whetstone, Dr. Roger Ringenberg, Rev. Keith Kotesky]... July Journey [Pastor Bob Morton]... July RENEW [Rev. Chris Knight]... July 31-August 3 Lumberjack Retreat... October 17-18

4 Page 4 From Our Director of District Ministries What s Love Got to Do With It? I saw the article online and could hardly believe my eyes, Man Sues Wife Over Ugly Children and Judge Orders Wife to Pay $120,000. The article reports that Jian Feng initially accused his wife of infidelity because he knew he could never be the father of an unattractive child, yet DNA tests proved the child was indeed his. Feng says, I married my wife out of love, but as soon as we had our first daughter, we began having marital issues. Our daughter was incredibly ugly, to the point where it horrified me. Now, I m not going to lie to you, his kids aren t the cutest; you might even consider them ugly, but didn t he have some role in the process? I wonder what his definition of love might be. I love you but one ugly child and you re outta here! The truth to the story is that Feng s wife admitted that she had over $100,000 worth of cosmetic surgery done in South Korea before they met, so Feng sued his wife on grounds of false pretenses for not telling him the truth that she was really ugly. The judge agreed. Sometimes these international news releases are hard to prove, but I can see this story being true. Our culture places such a high regard on outward beauty that we confuse erotic love for unconditional agape love. When I saw Jean for the first time I said to myself, That s the girl I want to marry. It was at a late-night roller skating party at college and that thought actually popped into my mind. I didn t really know much about her but I liked what I saw. Her cute looks definitely attracted me to her, but I can tell you confidently, if there was nothing substantial behind that cute face, any possible relationship would have been short lived. Fortunately she felt the same way and looked past my handsome, rugged exterior and got to know my kind, loving and gentler side. Your spouse may be handsome or gorgeous. Maybe they ve done some modeling, but I certainly hope you didn t marry just for looks, but for inner character and strength as well. I hope you married a person of strong spiritual conviction. I hope you married your best friend. I hope you care more that your spouse brings out the best in you and isn t just another pretty face. If you get cute kids out of the deal, that s icing on the cake. This Valentine s Day, [which is February 14th, for you guys] focus on your spouse s inner beauty, the stuff that the rest of the world sees, but sometimes we overlook. I know my wife loves me because first of all, she puts up with me, my silliness, my impatience, my inability to do certain tasks around the house. She shows me respect and is there by my side to problem-solve when needed. She involves herself in my hobbies: refinishing furniture, taking walks, and watching football. Well, I guess maybe two out of three on the hobbies, which isn t bad. She adds stability to our household and always brings her best to whatever she does. Here s my bonus, she s also adorable. If we were to have had ugly kids, I know it would have been all my fault and most every person in the world would agree! Fortunately for Jenna and Jillian, they re adopted. No chance of getting my looks. By the way, 1 Corinthians 13 (Continued on page 5.)

5 Page 5 What s Love Got to Do With It Continued tells us that love is more about our moral fiber than our outward appearance. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. We have those verses hanging up in our house because Jean cross-stitched them as a wedding present to me almost 29 years ago. In this world, there are many like Jian Feng who judge solely on outward appearance. His wife wasn t much better, trying to cover up her outward appearance so she could feel better about herself. The Bible tells us that it s what s on the inside that counts, our character, our attitudes, our relationship with Christ. They say Beauty is only skin deep. I agree from the standpoint that they are saying that good looks are fleeting and it s what s on the inside that counts. They also say, Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This statement is definitely true. Jean is always frustrated with me when she asks How do I look? My answer is always the same, You look great! And she does to me. Her inner beauty shines through and that s usually what I m focused on. I love Jean the person, not Jean the face. This Valentine s Day [February 14th, another reminder for you guys], in addition to buying your spouse a card, flowers, chocolates, or a dinner date, why not also praise them for their inner beauty, those inner qualities that made your life interesting and brought joy and longevity to your marriage. February 6-8, 2014 Pastors & Wives Retreat Embassy Suites Blue Ash February 8, 2014 Youth Quizzing Calvary Evangelical, Van Wert February 15, 2014 Kids Quizzing Pleasant Grove Missionary Church February 21-22, 2014 OnMission Pleasant Grove Missionary Church March 8, 2014 Youth & Kids Quizzing Pleasant View Missionary Church March 14-16, 2014 Keeping the Faith Embassy Suites Blue Ash April 12, 2014 Youth Quizzing April 12, 2014 Oasis Pleasant View Missionary Church April 25, 2014 District Conference True Life Community Church, Troy May 10, 2014 Camp Sharing Banquet Ludlow Falls Camp 3DYC Highlights This year s 3DYC [3District Youth Conference], made up of teens from across the North Central, Central and East Central districts of the Missionary Church, was again held at the Grand Wayne Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, December 28-30, Over 600 teens attended the three-day conference, where they were challenged to take that next step in their walk with Jesus. Jon McCallon, Student Ministries Pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY was the keynote speaker for 3DYC, with the band Before Morning leading the teens in worship. A Christian comedy duo, Kirk & Tyler, entertained the teens during the late night. 3DYC has moved back to an annual format, so it will be held again this year, December 28-30, 2014.

6 Renovations Begin at New Office Property Work on the new district office has begun, with much of the needed demolition already completed. Three work days have been held at the new office, with pews being dismantled, carpet removed, and a platform taken apart. While we wait for the architect s plans to be officially approved, the next step will be to begin the framing of new rooms for offices, and some needed plumbing work in the restrooms. We appreciate the work the Properties Committee and Jeff Warner have given to this project, being good stewards of what God has entrusted to their oversight. The Missionary Church East Central District 607 South Market Street Troy, Ohio U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 325 Non-Profit Organization Troy, Ohio RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED