2014 ICOC Delegates Conference. Singapore August 25-26, 2014

Transcription

1 2014 ICOC Delegates Conference Singapore August 25-26, 2014

2 2014 ICOC Delegates Conference Packet TABLE OF CONTENTS TAB 1 DELEGATES PROGRAM TAB 2 VITAL INFORMATION AND DATES Delegate Sponsored International Conferences ILC and Delegates Meeting Schedule through 2020 ILC and Delegate Meeting Bid Information Contact Information TAB ICOC MEMBERSHIP SURVEY SUMMARY TAB 4 SERVICE TEAM REPORTS TAB 5 ICOC MINISTRY RESOURCES 2

3 TAB 1 DELEGATES PROGRAM 3

4 2014 ICOC Service Team Meetings Singapore Level 4 Raffles City Convention Center Friday, August 22 9 am 5 pm Service Team Meetings Evangelists Service Team Butterworth Room Teachers Service Team Orchard A Room HOPEww & Ben. Service Team Orchard B Room Elders Service Team Orchard C Room Youth & Family Service Team Clark Room Saturday, August 23 9 am 5 pm Service Team Meetings Women Service Team Blundell Room (2-5 pm) Evangelists Service Team Butterworth Room Teachers Service Team Orchard A Room Campus Service Team Orchard B Room Elders Service Team Orchard C Room Singles Service Team ORD Room (9am - 3:30 pm only) Youth & Family Service Team Clark Room 8:45 am Sunday, August 24 Bus leaves for Singapore Church Service Bus Bay, Swissotel Lobby 10:00 am Central Christian Church building 1:00 pm Lunch with Singapore disciples seachurchesmedia.org/seachurches 4:00 pm Sunday, August 24 ICOC Chairmen Service Team Meeting Location: Clark Room, Level 4 Raffles City Convention Centre 7:00 pm Sunday, August 24 Delegates and Service Team Dinner Location: EQUINOX Restaurant, Level 70, Swissotel the Stamford 4

5 2014 ICOC Delegates Meeting PROGRAM Singapore "The Next Big Thing" Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12 DELEGATES, CHAIRMEN, SERVICE TEAMS AND GUESTS Monday Morning, August 25 Coordinator: Doug Arthur, Boston Atrium Ballroom, Level 4, Raffles City Convention Centre 8:30 am Session Coordination Meeting all session MCs and presenters 9:00 am Worship, Welcome and Prayer 9:15 am The Next Big Thing A Call to Leadership Sam Powell, New York 10:15 am Break 10:30 am Training the Next Generation Steve Kinnard, New York (Training Subcommittee) 11:30 am Service Team Presentations 12:00 pm Lunch Break HotNews video filming Monday Afternoon, August 25 Coordinator: Justin Renton, Johannesburg Atrium Ballroom, Level 4, Raffles City Convention Centre 1:30 pm Worship, Prayer, HotNews video 1:45 pm Conflict Resolution (Conflict Resolution Subcommittee) 3:45 pm Break Biblical Call for Unity Wyndham Shaw, Boston Implementing Conflict Resolution Policy Walter Evans, Philadelphia Growing in a Unified Church Culture Gordon Ferguson, Los Angeles 4:00 pm HOPE worldwide Update Randy Jordan, John Causey (HOPE & Benevolence Service Team) 4:15 pm Disciples Today World Report Roger Lamb (Communications & Admin Service Team) 4:30 pm ICOC HotNews Update Mike Taliaferro (Video Subcommittee) 4:35 pm Announcements and Dismissal HotNews video filming 4:45 pm Session Coordination Meeting all session MCs and presenters 5

6 Tuesday Morning, August 26 Coordinator: Harliem Salim, Jakarta Atrium Ballroom, Level 4, Raffles City Convention Centre 9:00 am Prayer in groups, HotNews video 9:30 am Unified Vision for World Mission Douglas Arthur, Boston (Global Missions Committee) 10:15 am Discussion 10:45 am Break 11:00 am "A Great Cloud of Witnesses Bruce Williams (ICOC Events Subcommittee) 12:00 pm Lunch Break HotNews video filming Tuesday Afternoon, August 26 Coordinator: Ed Anton, Hampton Roads Atrium Ballroom, Level 4, Raffles City Convention Centre 1:30 pm Worship, Prayer, HotNews video 2:00 pm Delegates Business elections, etc. 2:30 pm Bearing Each Others Burdens a Biblical Perspective Mike Fontenot, Sydney (Church Growth Subcommittee) 2:50 pm Best Practices for Moving Our Churches Forward Koko Enrile, Manila; Francis Dasse, Abidjan; Jeff Wong, Hong Kong 3:30 pm Q and A s 3:45 pm Recap and Assigned Discussion Groups 4:30 pm Closing Thoughts Sam Powell 5:00 pm ILC Announcements and Dismissal Prayer HotNews video filming 6

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8 TAB 2 VITAL INFORMATION AND DATES Delegate Sponsored International Conferences ILC and Delegates Meeting Schedule through 2020 ILC and Delegate Meeting Bid Information Contact Information 8

9 DELEGATE SPONSORED INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES ICOC Spring Leadership Meetings March 2015 Evangelists, Elders, Women, Teachers, Chairmen ICMC International Campus Ministry Conferences North America 2015 Phoenix, AZ and New Jersey 2016 St. Louis with Continental Discipleship Summit Other Continents: please notify Chris Zillman Campus Service Team Chairman and DisciplesToday.org at ICYFM International Conference for Youth and Family Ministry 2015 Chennai, India 2017 Mexico City ISC International Singles Conference 2014 Denver September St. Louis with Continental Discipleship Summit Delegates Meeting 2015 Kingston, Jamaica Service Teams October Delegates October Caribbean Conference October ILC International Leadership Conference 2016 St. Louis Continental Discipleship Summit Service Teams July 3-4 Delegates Meeting July 5-6 ILC, ISC, ICMC, Family, Teens, etc. July Continental Discipleship Summits North America St. Louis July 7-10 Europe Kiev, Ukraine August Others? 2020 World Discipleship Summit in US - BIDS DUE BY MARCH 1,

10 LEADERSHIP MEETING DATES Official leadership website with all Delegates and Service Team information ICOC ILC and Delegate Meeting Schedule Regions will bid for the year they would like to host. They will determine the host city in their region to include in the bid. US Regions and non US regions will rotate so that everyone has an opportunity to host these events and so our leaders can be exposed to various parts of the world. Planning this far out allows scheduling of facilities, budgeting for travel, etc. Regions host the events. Service Teams plan the program to fit the facilities, etc. See below for the Bid process and requirements 2015 Delegate Meeting Kingston, Jamaica 2016 ILC & Delegates Mtg. in U.S. St. Louis, Missouri at NAm Continental Discipleship Summit 2016 Continental Discipleship Summits Intl cities to be selected by September 1, Delegate Meeting in U.S. Bids due by November 1, ILC & Delegates Meeting non U.S. Bids due by November 1, Delegate Meeting non U.S. Bids due by November 1, World Discipleship Summit in U.S. Bids due by March 1, 2015 History 2003 ILC Dallas & San Antonio 2004 ILC Chicago 2005 ILC Seattle 2006 ILC Virginia Beach 2007 ILC Los Angeles 2008 ILC Kiev 2009 ILC Denver 2010 ILC Miami 2011 Delegates Meeting in Budapest 2012 World Discipleship Summit in San Antonio 2013 Delegates Meeting in New York City 2014 ILC Singapore 10

11 ICOC ILC and Delegate Meeting Bids Bid Details This is a bid to be a host church. The Evangelists Service Team selects the Director of each year s conference. The ICOC Delegates Meetings involve about 110 Delegates and Service Team Chairmen and about 30 Observers invited by Delegates. Spouses are also invited to attend. The ILC attendance varies due to location. US attendance has been about 1,000. DATES: Preferably in late September or October Coinciding with a Regional Conference BUDGET: Registration Costs for the Delegates Meeting should cover: Meeting space including coffee and tea service Service Team meeting expenses including coffee and tea service. $15 per person for DToday administration, printing, etc. Host church agrees to administer and underwrite all arrangements. REGISTRATION: Will be through the website so that it is not confused with the regional conference. Registration for Regional Conference will be included in the Delegates Registration. SUBMITTING YOUR BID: Send your bid to rlamb@dtoday.net Roger will gather these, distribute to the appropriate people and prepare for a vote at the next Delegates Meeting. SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Bids for the 2017 Delegates Meeting are due by November 1, All bids are due by November 1 three years before the event. This gives you time to book your facilities at great prices and time for the bids to be voted on by the Delegates. In your bid, please include these details: Dates of the Proposed Delegates Meeting and Regional Conference Description of the Regional Conference Estimate of registration cost Estimate of hotel costs Church responsible for hosting. Willingness to fi back the Delegates Meeting Name, role, phone numbers and addresses of key decision makers. Reasons to choose this date, location and conference SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR THE 2020 International Discipleship Summit is March 1, Please contact Roger Lamb for a submission form and protocols. 11

12 2014 ICOC Regional Family Chairmen International Churches of Christ REGION AFRICA Africa - West Africa French West and Central Africa - East REGIONAL FAMILY CHAIRMAN Chris Ogbonnaya CHAIRMAN CHAIRMEN PHONE krisrols@yahoo.com Lagos Church of Christ Francis Dasse yanne1968@yahoo.fr Abidjan Church of Christ John Maleya Kilaha jmaleya@yahoo.com Nairobi Church of Christ Africa - Southern Justin Renton justin@joburgcoc.co.za Johannesburg Church of Christ ASIA / PACIFIC Asia Pacific Koko Enrile koko_enrile@yahoo.com Metro Manila Christian Church China Jeff Wong jeffwong1941@gmail.com Hong Kong Church of Christ South Asia Region Dinesh George Georgedinesh@gmail.com Bangalore Church of Christ South East Asia John Louis john_louis@seachurches.org Central Christian Church Australia / South Pacific Mike Fontenot jmfontenotjr@gmail.com (757) Melbourne Church of Christ EUROPE / EURASIA / MIDDLE EAST UK & Scandinavia Mohan Nanjundan mohan_nanjundan@hotmail.com E+11 CHURCH CITY COUNTRY ROLE London Church of Christ Western Europe Joe Silipo jsilipo3@gmail.com Milan Church of Christ Eastern Europe Shawn Wooten shawnkiev@mac.com Kiev Church of Christ Eurasia - Northwest Eurasia - Eastern Eurasia - Western Alexey Donskoy donskoyalexey@gmail.com St.Petersburg Church of Christ Yuriy Sokolkin y.sokolkin@nskcc.nsk.su Novosibirsk Church of Christ Alexander Bazashvily s_baz@aha.ru Moscow Church of Christ Middle East Simon Hinn simonhinn61@hotmail.com Amman Church of Christ CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA Mexico and Central America South America Southern Cone South American Andean Pedro Garcia pedro_garcia@icoc.org Los Angeles Church of Christ John Porter johnjporterjr@gmail.com South Florida Church of Christ Steve Brown stevendenhambrown@gmail.com Iglesia de Cristo en Buenos Aires Lagos Nigeria Evangelist Abidjan Ivory Coast Evangelist Nairobi Kenya Evangelist Johannesburg South Africa Evangelist Manila Philippines Evangelist Hong Kong China Evangelist Bangalore India Evangelist Singapore Singapore Evangelist Melbourne Australia Evangelist London England Evangelist Milan Italy Evangelist Kiev Ukraine Evangelist St.Petersburg Russia Evangelist Novosibirsk Russia Evangelist Moscow Russia Evangelist Amman Jordan Evangelist Los Angeles USA Evangelist South Florida USA Evangelist Buenos Aires Argentina Evangelist 12

13 2014 ICOC Regional Family Chairmen International Churches of Christ (continued) REGIONAL REGION FAMILY CHAIRMAN NORTH AMERICA / CARIBBEAN CHAIRMAN CHAIRMEN PHONE Canada Kevin Robbins tonorth@gmail.com (416) Toronto Church of Christ Caribbean Angel Martinez minista115@hotmail.com Iglesia de Cristo Santo Domingo ACR Mike Fontenot jmfontenotjr@gmail.com Hampton Roads Church of Christ Florida Ron Conkling ronconk@gmail.com Tampa Bay Church Heartland Maurice Hooks mohooks@yahoo.com Kansas City Church of Christ Midwest AT Arneson aarneson@chnts.net Chicago Church of Christ New England Douglas Arthur DArthur@icoc.org Boston Church of Christ New York Sam Powell spowell3@gmail.com New York City Church of Christ Northwest Jay Kelly jay_kelly@me.com (206) Portland Church of Christ Southeast Scott Kirkpatrick askirk64@gmail.com Greenville Church of Christ Southwest Robert Carrillo robertcarrillo@mac.com (619) LA Church of Christ Texas Mike Taliaferro mctaliaferro@me.com Mission Point Christian Church CHURCH CITY COUNTRY ROLE Toronto Canada Evangelist Santo Domingo Hampton Roads Dominican Republic Virginia Evangelist Evangelist / Elder Tampa USA Evangelist Kansas City USA Evangelist Chicago USA Evangelist Boston USA Evangelist New York City USA Evangelist Seattle USA Evangelist Greenville, SC USA Evangelist LA USA Evangelist San Antonio USA Evangelist Cooperation Service Team Chairmen Term Ends 2016 Campus Service Team Chris Zillman czillman@chicagochurch.org 2016 HOPEww & Benevolence John Causey cauz1977@gmail.com 2016 Singles Wade Cook wadecook5@gmail.com 2016 Teachers Steve Kinnard stevekinnard@mac.com 2014 Women Jeanie Shaw Jeanie_Shaw@icoc.org 2014 Communication & Admin Roger Lamb rlamb65@mac.com 2014 Elders Wyndham Shaw wyndham_shaw@icoc.org 2014 CST Chairman Roger Lamb rlamb65@mac.com 2014 Evangelists Chairman Sam Powell spowell3@gmail.com 2015 Youth & Family Dave Pocta dave@pocta.com 2015 International Leadership Conf John Louis john_louis@seachurches.org 2015 Evangelists Service Team Regions select 13

14 TAB ICOC MEMBERSHIP SURVEY SUMMARY 14

15 SIX YEAR GROWTH TOTALS Geographic Regions 2013 # of churches 2013 Membership 2013 Growth # Africa Asia/Pacific Canada/US Caribbean Eurasia Europe Latin America Middle East Unaffiliated *TOTAL OBSERVATIONS All geographic regions grew over the last six years except Eurasia 25 out of 31 church families grew over last six years. Highest growth % was Middle East, each of the last two years and over last six years Greatest loss of membership was in 3 Eurasian families, which lost a combined 261 members. Total loss in other 3 families with negative growth was 51 members. Regional Family Total # of churches 2013 Membership Growth # East Africa French West Africa Southern Africa West Africa Asia Pacific Australia/South Pacific China South Asia Southeast Asia Canada ACR Florida Heartland **Midwest New England New York Northwest US Southeast US Southwest US Texas Caribbbean Western Eurasia Eastern Eurasia

16 Regional Family Total # of churches 2013 Membership Growth # Northwestern Eurasia British Isles & Scandinavia Eastern Europe Western Europe Mexico/Central America S. America Andean S. Amer. Southern Cone Middle East Unaffiliated TOTAL Membership % total churches 4% total churches **Chicago's ending membership for 2012 was incorrect due to double counting the NW Indiana church. Correct starting membership for 2013 was 1840, not Chicago correct growth number for 2013 was +30 members or 1.6%. Midwest region's correct 2013 growth is +44 members or 1.2% 4 Churches removed in 2013 had 11 members 20 Churches added in 2013 have 481 members 16

17 HIGHEST GROWTH BY REGIONS (Several regions have churches not reporting in 2007 survey but added later, inflating their real growth %. No survey in 2008) Regional Family 6 year membership change 6 year % growth # of new churches Middle East % 6 Southeast Asia % 12 Texas % 1 ACR % 2 Australia/South Pacific % 1 East Africa % 5 Caribbean % 6 Florida % 4 West Africa % 8 Canada % 0 South Asia % 11 New York % 2 Southwest US % 4 Western Europe % 5 Midwest % 3 China % 5 British Isles/Scandinavia % 0 Asia Pacific % 5 New England % 1 Mexico/Central America % 3 French West Africa % 5 S. America Southern Cone % 1 Southern Africa % 2 Eastern Europe % 3 Eastern Eurasia % 0 Western Eurasia % 1 Northwestern Eurasia % 0 4 year growth % ( various churches missing from survey in no survey in 2008) South America Andean % 5 Southeast US % 2 Northwest US % 1 Heartland US % 0 17

18 TAB 4 SERVICE TEAM REPORTS 18

19 ICOC Campus Service Team Report The campus service committee met during the ICMC this summer in St. Louis and has more encouraging signs of continuing growth in all the areas for which we are focusing. One of our newest initiatives this year has been our focus internationally. This year we are trying to understand the unique opportunities and challenges to building campus ministry outside U.S. borders. To that end the U.S. campus service committee has been in regular and growing communication with our international counterparts. We are hoping that these conversations will result in joint initiatives to strengthen existing ministries and plant new campus ministries abroad. Members The campus service is team is presently made up of U.S. and international representatives. Ten international brothers are partnering with the current U.S. committee to promote campus ministry, exchange ideas and work together to one day form their own continental and national campus committees. International Team: Central America/Carib South America Africa Europe Eurasia India Southeast Asia China Australia Asia Pacific Middle East Josue Ortega John Hoyt Emmanuel Emeh Shawn Wooten Shawn Wooten Prem Jeba We Kyoeng Aaron Chow Forest Versele Ariel Lastrado Moufid Tohme The current U.S. members of the committee are as follows: Los Angeles College Station Seattle Boulder Columbia Chicago Boston New York Portland Atlanta State College Steve Lounsbury Marty Wilkinson Alex Whitaker Chris Clawson Vince Hawkins Chris Zillman Kevin Miller Steve Stevenson Glenn Petruzzi Tom Brown Jamison Malcolm 19

20 ICMC One of our primary roles each year is to promote, build and host a dynamic campus conference each year. The role of this conference has proven to be significant. A great deal of training takes place during these four days. Perhaps even more importantly the conference has given our students the forum to meet, connect and discuss the Kingdom at large. Our campus ministers have formed important partnerships and forged relationships during these times as well. Finally, it is a great opportunity to identify future leadership and connect them with mentoring and opportunity. We have come to some conclusions regarding the future of our ICMCs as well. While ICMC attendance is not necessarily a definitive sign of health or illness in the U.S. campus ministries, it is an important opportunity for each student disciple. We therefore want to do more to make this conference accessible and easy to attend. We are exploring ideas to keep the costs down at all levels for this conference. Additionally, we will strongly recommend that each host site separates the payment of registration and lodging for the students to make it easier for them to get signed up and attend. Finally, we will look at future sites for the ICMC with keener attention paid to population distribution and proximity to sit down on transportation expenses. This year s conference has widely been called one of the best we ve had even though our registration dropped off nearly 20%. Despite that figure the more compelling quantitative signs of health within our campus ministries are strong. We will get to those signs shortly U.S. Conferences Attendance St. Louis 2300 In a few months we will also see what our total attendance is for the 2014 international ICMCs. State of the U.S. Campus Ministries At this year s ICMC we made time for our first State of the Campus Ministries address. The entire campus ministry staff of the U.S. gathered to hear how the current campus initiatives are doing and where we are going in the years to come. We reiterated the main goals of the campus ministry: To maintain and growing and thriving youth culture within our family of churches. To identify train future leaders, both ministry and lay, for the churches we serve. These two goals inform app the principles by which we lead and guide our ministries. To that end the service committee conducted a survey of the U.S. campus ministries. The following are the results. Total student population in the U.S.: 3,706 Baptisms since 2013 ICMC: 1,040 Number of campuses with disciples: 492 Total full-time staff: 183 Total part-time staff: 142 By 2020 we estimate that the U.S. campus ministries should graduate 5,000-7,000 students. Those future graduates will make up about 10% of our U.S. congregation. If we do our job correctly, and graduate trained leaders and servants we can effectively end much of the need for younger lay and ministry leaders in our churches in the U.S. 20

21 Finally almost 70 ministers under thirty years of age stayed an extra day after the conference to meet, fellowship and discuss the future. We are very encouraged by this next group of leaders. They will be ready to move the work of the campus ministries and this service committee forward very soon. Subcommittees We presently have one functioning sub-committee on the service team. They are tasked with oversight and planning of the One Year Challenge. Both Glenn Petruzzi and Chris Clawson work on the OYC sub-committee. We will have updated numbers for volunteers and number of sites for 2014 in our end of the year report. We are grateful to Roger Lamb, Kelcy Hahn and Disciples Today for helping organize the OYC efforts through this portal. Chris Clawson has helped coordinate the efforts on the west coast of America and foreign OYC sites. He has provided great leadership and service to taking the OYC higher was a great year of organizing this effort and multiplying the efforts. The potential of the OYC has greatly opened up, as any church or mission team can be a OYC site. This allows any church or any mission planting that meets the 7 criteria to have an OYC site and does limit the OYC site to a handful of sites. Below are the 7 Criteria: 7 Criteria for Being an OYC Approved Site 1. Click here to fill out the application on 2. Must be approved by an ICOC Delegate and have this delegate send an to: Kelcy Hahn: kelcyhahn@yahoo.com Chris Clawson: Chrisclawson11@gmail.com Glenn Petruzzi: MaineMission@gmail.com 3. Must be led by a Full-Time Evangelist or be discipled/overseen by an Evangelist 4. Must submit site proposal/promotion and training plan in writing send in PDF form to: Kelcy Hahn: kelcyhahn@yahoo.com Chris Clawson: Chrisclawson11@gmail.com Glenn Petruzzi: MaineMission@gmail.com 5. Must submit a promotional video (2-3 Minutes) that will be played during the conference and on your personal OYC Site Website page 6. Must contribute $100 yearly to Disciples Adventures/OYC Site through Disciples Today contact Kelcy Hahn: kelcyhahn@yahoo.com for instructions on this. 7. Must be approved by the ICOC Campus Committee: In cooperation with the ICOC delegates and committees we want to support all OYC sites in their approval process. We desire to see the OYC sites be quality sites and send as many volunteers to each site as possible. By adhering to this criteria we believe your site will be blessed with many qualified workers. Conclusion As of now the work of growing the U.S. campus ministries continues. There are no signs of this plateauing or slowing down. We want to make sure that each student that graduates from our ministries is ready to join the work of building our church with their time, energy and money. Thousands of these graduates will populate our U.S. churches and we want them trained and ready to serve at multiple capacities. We wheel the responsibility to justify the 21

22 investment made upon the campus ministry by yielding young and energetic leadership into our churches. Lastly, we are still learning a lot about international campus ministry. We estimate that we have, at any given moment, enough leaders to populate any international campus initiative our family of churches should decide to attempt. There are many international cities that are open doors at this moment for U.S. campus support or even a campus planting. The committee is compiling which places are most promising, and learning what strategy would be most effective for those places. We hope to provide a comprehensive proposal at some point in the near future. However, we have only begun to strengthen our international ties and still have much to learn from them. 22

23 2014 Communication and Administration Service Team Report The mission of the Communications and Administration Service Team is to provide communication and administrative support to our churches and leadership to inform, inspire, unify and grow the International Churches of Christ. ICOC Church Directory Paul Ramsey (Columbia, SC), Chairman; Sebastian George (Dallas), Webmaster Survey ICOC churches annually for current information. Maintain accurate ICOC Directory of Churches on Disciples Today US Administration Subcommittee Keith Rose (Los Angeles), Chairman Administrator Workshops at: Leadership Conferences, regional conferences and other groups as needed. Video Subcommittee Mike Taliaferro (San Antonio), Chairman 200 ICOC HotNews video segments distributed to over 500 churches Many videos recorded on site from global locations. ICOC Tool Box with videos for ministry Retirement Survey Subcommittee Guillermo Adame (San Diego), Chairman Surveyed US churches and ministers for existing state of ministry retirement plans Presenting recommended protocols to Evangelists and Elders Service Teams Developing recommended protocols for non US churches to review and consider their ministry retirement plans Search Engine Optimization & Reputation Management Subcommittee: Jonathan Hoggard, Chairman (Denver); Justin Renton (Johannesburg) ICOC Search Engine Optimization webmaster group working with largest churches; great progress with search engines for ICOC; more work to be done with local churches. ICOC Reputation Management Update online info that is outdated and negative. Administrative Support for ICOC Delegates and Service Teams: Roger Lamb Coordinate Service Teams Action Items and Reports Coordinate ICOC sponsored events and reports Maintain ICOC list of Delegates, Churches, etc. 23

24 Disciples Today Roger Lamb (Boston), President 2013 All DT sites: 1,2923,638 pageviews; DToday.tv: over 1,800,000 loads from 150 countries ICOC Church Directory 2.0 Paul Ramsey, Editor ICOC US Campus Ministry Directory Disciple Adventures Campus One Year Challenge; short term missions for all ICMC Registration, Audio and Video ICYFM Registration, Audio and Video Delegates Coordination Began Search Engine Optimization and Reputation Management Plan at request of Evangelists and Elders Service Teams. First hire: Executive Director, Jonathan Hoggard, PhD in Digital Media, Denver, Colorado Experienced church leader. Former Assistant Provost for Global Programs at New York Institute of Technology HOPE worldwide Communications HOPE worldwide has partnered with Disciples Today to further the connections and relationships between HOPEww and the ICOC churches, leaders and members and to improve HOPEww communications Celebrated Disciples Today 10 Year Anniversary! Disciples Today is now turning our focus to using media to reach those searching for God. ICOC Welcome Center Who Are We; Meet Our People testimonials; Find a Church, Campus, etc. ICOC Search Engine Optimization webmaster group working with largest churches; great progress with search engines for ICOC; more work to be done with local churches. ICOC Reputation Management Update online info that is outdated and negative. DT Counselor Connect to provide counseling to anyone from verified, commended, licensed disciples DT Heart & Soul 14 marriages and first baby due in September! DT Media Store DPI closed and gave copyrights to DT to continue distribution of the Kingdom Songbook and the Kingdom Kids curriculum. ICMC and ISC registration and posting of audio and video Consult with ICOC churches in improving their media effectiveness. Use social media to connect disciples and reach out to those looking for God. Disciples Today Support Thanks to everyone who continues to support DT in our mission to connect churches and disciples around the world. Without God s work through you we would not exist Financial Information Disciples Today is the official media of the International Churches of Christ 24

25 Support: 1) Donations from 1st world churches = $6 per member per year 2) Donations from 3rd world churches over 500 = $2 per member per year 3) Registration fees from the registrations at ICOC sponsored International Conferences 4) Disciples Today sponsored programs such as the Steps of the Apostles Tour. Oversight: ICOC Delegates: Disciples Today is accountable to and receives direction from the ICOC Delegates and the various Service Teams. Disciples Today Boards Our Global Team: Resource information: All of our services are listed on our website at this link: More Than a Website. In fact, this is the most read article on Disciples Today. Please send your news to:content@dtoday.net Thanks again for your prayers and support, Roger Lamb rlamb@dtoday.net For business details, please contact: Ann Schaub - Disciples Today Business Manager annschaub@dtoday.net Communications and Administration Service Team Roger Lamb, Chair (Boston) rlamb@dtoday.net Administration: Keith Rose (Los Angeles) HOPEww: Catherine Shump (Los Angeles) ICOC Church Directory: Paul Ramsey (Columbia, SC) Media: Masha Lyashenko (Kiev) Retirement Survey: Guillermo Adame (San Diego) SEO & Reputation Management: Jonathan Hoggard (Denver) Justin Renton (Johannesburg) Technology: Chris Walquist (Chicago) Video: Mike Taliaferro (San Antonio) 25

26 1,000+ 1,923,638 Articles Pageviews 18 Websites International enewsletter Distribution 28,827 News Bulletins Produced weekly for Church, Regions or Bible Talk use 185 Downloads per week DT HEART & SOUL 9 WEDDINGS best ratios ever 626 ACTIVE USERS LAUNCHED IN 2009 ICOC CHURCH LOCATOR Only complete listing of ICOC churches + links to their websites 634 CHURCHES 152 COUNTRIES Hundreds of events posted annually TV 1.8 MILLION Video loads from 143 countries Including Iceland, Fiji + Congo Average of 21 minutes on site! PARTNER FOR GLOBAL NEWS VIDEOS KNN Productions Award Winning Short Films Audio, Video and Songs by Disciples Creation and Management of MEDIA STORE 3TAFF s "OARD -EMBERS s 'LOBAL 6OLUNTEERS DTODAY TO INFORM, INSPIRE, UNIFY AND GROW THE YEARS INTERNATIONAL CHURCHES OF CHRIST REVIEW LANGUAGES 24/7 #OMMUNICATION #ONSULTING 4EACHING partnered with DToday to manage their communications

27 2014 ICOC Elders Service Team Report Mid-year 2014 brings anticipation of our ICOC Leadership Conference in Singapore with the opportunity to learn and connect with more of our Asian brothers and sisters as well as leaders from around the world. The Elders committee has been busy in our pursuit of appointing elders and strengthening elderships among our Churches. The Milan Church appointed the first Italian Elders among ICOC churches and other European churches will follow soon. It is good to see elderships increasing outside of the USA as more men become qualified around the world. ELDER DEVELOPMENT We continue to pursue more international elders for our committee and hope to see one added from the UK by next year. We are considering new representative elders from the Midwest and Southeast families of churches in the US. It has been to God s glory to see the number of Elders and Elderships dramatically increase over the last five years among the International Churches of Christ! We have just completed a survey by regional families of churches. God has now provided 149 Elders in 47 churches! This is from a beginning in the early 90 s of less than 10 elders and 5 elderships among us in our early history. A number of churches are adding more elders and others are about to appoint them for the first time. Our 2020 vision is to see 100 churches with 250 elders. Elder training retreats and workshops are now taking place annually among families of churches in multiple countries! UNITY AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION Perhaps the greatest focus among our group has been seeking to maintain unity among disciples and churches in our fellowship and providing resolution. Jesus final prayer in John 17 before going to the cross was that unity parallel to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit would be among those who believe the message of the Apostles. That includes us as disciples today in the ICOC. We can love all Christians as a concept, but we function in a tangible fellowship as cooperation churches around the world! We serve frequently through missions and HOPE worldwide, and we enjoy various joint meetings among our families of churches Campus, Singles and Youth and Family conferences and even Continental and Worldwide Discipleship Summits where our unity should be seen, felt and multiplied. The Elder s committee has a sub-committee that oversees the task of conflict resolution needs among us. We have produced a protocol for getting help first within the family of churches, and if needed from the Elder committee or a recommended task force. This information is available on the Disciples Today ICOC website. There have been a number of needed resolutions where outside help has been solicited with successful outcomes. It is our desire to cultivate a brotherhood culture of love that is equipped with conflict resolution tools and resources, and that readily maintains the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Finally, we plan to bring a proposal for consideration next year recommending best practices in retirement funding that allows our younger and older staff to feel loved and cared for as they serve God and the Church for their lifetime. Al Baird (Phoenix) Ron Brumley (San Diego) John Brush (South Florida) Larry Craig (New York) Israell Ereola (Lagos) Walter Evans (Philadelphia) Bill Hooper (Dallas) Frank Kim (Denver) Sam Laing (South Florida) Dan Liu (Hong Kong) Wyndham Shaw, chair (Boston) 27

28 2014 Evangelist Service Team Report The Evangelists Service Team is preparing for the Service Team and Delegates meetings in Singapore August In our culture of collaboration and cooperation, the Evangelists Service Team aspires to work hand in glove with the other Service Teams to build a strong and united fellowship of believers. Utilizing the gifts and resources of all the teams will help us to meet the growing needs of a multicultural kingdom and give great glory to God. We have made significant progress with our subcommittees detailing areas we want to focus on as a service team. Here is the list of our subcommittees: Church Growth Subcommittee Mike Fontenot (Sydney) Chairman, Jeff Wong (Hong Kong), Francis Dasse (Abidjan), Koko Enrile (Manila) The focus of this subcommittee is to extend a helping hand to churches that may be "stuck" and struggling to grow. We want to help them move forward and receive the encouragement and support they need to overcome their challenges. Global Missions Strategy Subcommittee Doug Arthur (Boston) Chairman, Andy Fleming (Birmingham, UK), John Lusk (Denver), John Porter (South Florida), AT Arneson (Chicago) The priority of this subcommittee is to help fulfill the vision of global saturation with the gospel through developing and strengthening mission societies in our geographic regions. The aim to find out what works best and to assure that missions support is being used in the most productive ways. Training Programs Subcommittee John Louis (Singapore) Chairman, Shawn Wooten (Kiev), Justin Renton (Johannesburg), Yury Sokolkin (Novosibirsk), Sam Powell (New York) Working closely with the Teachers Service Team, the Training Programs Subcommittee is charged with imparting knowledge, skills and understanding through our basic core academic curriculum developed collectively by many respected leaders in the ICOC. This subcommittee will also focus on giving practical training and provide the tools that will aid in the spiritual development of the present as well as the next generation of leaders. Kingdom Leadership Planning-ILC, Delegate Meetings, Global Summits Bruce Williams (Los Angeles) Chairman, Pedro Garcia (Los Angeles), Mike Taliaferro (San Antonio), Josue Ortega (San Salvador) We want our kingdom events to be excellent and to meet our diverse needs. This team will seek to make these events affordable, dynamic and life changing. Effective planning of major kingdom events is a powerful tool to inspire the saints. As you can imagine there are many other needs and topics that could be on our list. These areas are our primary focus for now. We realize that we can spread ourselves so thin that we fail to get significant things done. So please pray for us as we seek to do our part to help God s kingdom to grow. Sam Powell (New York) Interim Chairman, Evangelists Service Team 28

29 HOPE worldwide and Benevolence Service Team Report As the members of the HOPE worldwide and Benevolence Committee strengthen the collaboration between ICOC churches and HOPE worldwide, the ICOC support and involvement with HOPE worldwide s efforts all over the world are measurably increasing. The Committee continues to thank God, the churches and all the saints for the spiritual growth that has taken place in our ministry to the poor. We are inspired by the tireless efforts put forth by each disciple on behalf of those in need. HOPE worldwide has been regularly featured in regional conferences and leadership gatherings. It is our continued prayer that together we can achieve even greater things in serving the poor in the coming year. We are organized in four Subcommittees, and report the following: Church Relations and Communication Subcommittee: The connection between HOPE worldwide and the ICOC continues to be our most important asset as an organization. A major focus of 2013 was a campaign to personally reach out to all U.S. church leaders in an effort to encourage better communication between church leaders and HOPE worldwide as well as to solicit greater participation in the International Day of Giving. HOPE worldwide is committed to: Being the church s charity and not just a charity the church supports. Proclaiming the ministry of Jesus as preaching, teaching and healing together. Breakthroughs in ICOC Communication: Since July 2013, Disciples Today through Roger Lamb and Dr. Jonathan Hoggard are helping us continue the campaign of maintaining and strengthening communication between HOPE worldwide and the church. For example, Disciples Today developed an ICOC Relationship Plan for the Intl Day of Giving for 2013 and The HOPEww Team used this plan that resulted in 29 new churches giving and an increase of 23% in IDG giving in During the same month the IDG funds were being gathered, DToday and ICOC HotNews helped us raise $600,000 for the disaster relief in the Philippines. Another example of this new partnership is the launch of a new HOPE worldwide website and fundraising tools to be released in time for the ICOC Delegates and ILC meetings in Singapore. We believe this new site will allow HOPE worldwide to more effectively communicate our work and mission to donors, volunteers and churches. Church Giving: HOPE worldwide finished 2013 in the black - due in large part to the faithful funding commitments of our churches and their leaders. A major focus of 2013 was a campaign to personally reach out to all U.S. church leaders in an effort to encourage better communication between church leaders and HOPE worldwide as well as to solicit greater participation in the International Day of Giving. HOPE worldwide presented to the ICOC Delegates in September 2013 in New York and also sent regional church giving reports to the Regional Chairmen to solicit 29

30 their assistance with following up on church giving within their respective regions. Mike Taliaferro, Wyndham Shaw and Steve Kinnard (2013 Coordinators) have been instrumental in encouraging this localized approach. The 2013 International Day of Giving took place during November With more than $1.3 million pledged, IDG church donations exceeded $1.4 million and beat budgeted projections by $270,000, including participation by 29 churches who had not given the previous year. The 2014 International Day of Giving will take place on Sunday, November 9. HOPEww Global Summit: Hundreds of people gathered in Long Beach, California for the annual HOPEww Global Summit in May of An insightful review of the Summit is published on DisciplesToday.org written by Courtney Sebo, a student at Indiana University and Secretary of the NYAC: A Student's Reflections on HOPEww's Global Summit Community Service Subcommittee: Tremendous advances were made in HOPE worldwide's Community Service Division (CSD) team with a growing number of Chapters in local congregations full of enthusiastic volunteers. Chapter Volunteerism Programs 88 Chapters in the United States 12 additional Chapters by the end of Chapters in Canada 3 additional Chapters by the end of Chapters in the Caribbean and 3 Affiliates (Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic) - 2 additional affiliates by the end of 2014 (Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago) The National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC) In April, NYAC hosted the second annual National Youth Service Day on 30 Campuses involving 600 students in service projects to put the "You" back in Youth. In July, HOPE worldwide increased the National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC) from 18 to 130 members and the NYAC helped lead the ICMC Stomp for Homelessness involving 2,300 students. HOPE Youth Corps 2014 celebrates the 20th anniversary for HOPE Youth Corps! Literally thousands of young disciples have been impacted with serving the poor and preaching the gospel. Many attribute HYC to the tipping point in their decision to become disciples. Numerous strong relationships including many marriages continue to bond these people. In 2012, we reported to the leadership that only 120 students participated in HOPE Youth Corps the previous year. At their 2013 meeting, the ICOC Delegates passed a proposal supporting churches to participate in the HOPE Youth Corps. In 2014, 278 students participated in the HOPE Youth Corps. This is an increase of 100 participants from last year. There were 12 different HYC sites this summer and there will be 2 more HYCs taking place in India over the Christmas holiday. Nine churches sponsored participants this year through scholarships totaling almost $12,000. Nadine Templer is now employed as a development officer for the program. She is assisting in promoting the program around the world, gaining support for churches providing scholarships to assist their members with attending HYC and 30

31 also determining which sites would like to be considered for Plans for HYC 2015 are underway, and options are being explored to help more non-us participants attend. National Day of Service was hosted by HOPE worldwide of Canada in June, and chapters across Canada participated in projects in their local communities. SPARK Academy and Staten Island Rebuild In January, HOPE worldwide, the Central Jersey Church of Christ, and New York Church of Christ begin the SPARK Academy in Union Beach, New Jersey and the Staten Island Rebuild project in Staten Island, NY. In March, HOPE worldwide Disaster Services and the New York Church of Christ received the Sophie Matthews Memorial Award for Volunteer Service because of the Staten Island Rebuild Project. Disaster Services Programs: We are experiencing a nationally recognized reputation in disaster relief through our partnerships with the American Red Cross and Catholic Charities USA who have awarded large grants to us because they value our incredible volunteers. In February, HOPE worldwide Disaster Services submitted a FEMA grant for the Protecting Our Neighbors Program. In May, HOPE worldwide Disaster Services received American Red Cross Volunteer Leadership Award for the Protecting Our Neighbors Program at the Global Summit. The program has mobilized over 9,500 volunteers who have served over 175,000 hours of service reaching 800,000 households across the country. In June, Catholic Charities USA, HOPE worldwide Disaster Services, and Lutheran Services in America formed an historic partnership as three faith based organization and submitted a 5 year contract proposal to the US Department of Health and Human Services for the Disaster Case Management program. Disaster Response Subcommittee: With each new disaster, it seems as if our ability to go into Protocol thinking and application gets smoother and quicker. Because of the ICOC s years of support, HOPE worldwide is able to be on the ground serving the church and the community when these disasters strike. Because of our great volunteers from the ICOC, corporate funders have been attracted to our disaster response work. Update on Typhoon Haiyan Philippines: As the people are trying to rebuild, HOPE worldwide and the Metro Manila church continue to help those in need. 200,000 people have been served in the last 9 months. For 2014: The development of the ICOC Disaster Response Protocol has fulfilled the objectives set in December 2010 when the Disaster Response Subcommittee was first formed. The new objectives are being proposed as follows: 1. Expand the membership in the subcommittee to include representatives from Central and South America. As an effort to better support churches globally, Josue Ortega from El Salvador was added as a new member, based on various recommendations by key stakeholders for the region. He brings a valuable ground level perspective and communication anchor from the region. 31

32 2. Continued evaluation of Disaster Response Protocol The Disaster Response Protocol is being updated to improve preparedness. The US protocol has been discussed, and a plan for developing response efforts in the US is being coordinated through Antonio Boyd, Dave Tomlinson, and Sheridan Wright. There is a proposal to develop hotels of hope for relief shelters during US disasters. A preparedness training manual for church leaders is being developed for churches. 3. Assess the viability of implementing the ICOC Disaster First Response Fund as set forth in the Protocol revision of September This would include addressing questions of funding, transparency, accountability, and evaluation. Some churches have set aside funding locally in case of disasters. A church in Legazpi, Philippines is a great example of how these efforts are developing. 4. As HOPE worldwide is experiencing increased roles in disaster preparedness throughout the world, explore the possibilities of disciples in the ICOC being on the front lines in helping their communities to be disaster prepared. In doing this, a training process and accompanying manual are being prepared for this purpose. Another disaster preparedness training is being planned in Indonesia on Oct 30-31, Communicating the need for every congregation in the ICOC to have a Disaster Preparedness Plan. One great example of the need to focus on having a Disaster Preparedness Plan is in the city of Legazpi. Their preparedness is reducing the possibility of loss of life. Governance and Risk Management Subcommittee: A Governance and Risk Management Subcommittee of the HOPE worldwide and Benevolence Service Team is expected to become operational after the upcoming International Leadership Conference in Singapore. The Subcommittee will focus on overseeing implementation of recommendations from the recent ICOC-HOPEww Alignment Task Force (ATF), monitoring problem situations involving joint interests of the ICOC and HOPE worldwide and intervening when appropriate to protect ICOC reputational interests. Initial objectives of the Subcommittee will be to establish priorities for implementation of ATF recommendations, coordinate with ICOC and HOPE worldwide leaders about their respective roles in the resulting partnership framework, resolve current problem situations and provide advice and where necessary intervene in other situations that may require attention. The ATF, chaired by Walter Evans, included representatives of the ICOC Evangelist Service Team, the HOPE worldwide and Benevolence Service Team, and the HOPE worldwide Global Coordinating Council as well as the Board Chair and CEO of HOPE worldwide. It developed 28 recommendations for ICOC-HOPEww relations, including: standards for HOPE worldwide communications regarding its spiritual foundation ICOC relationship, guidelines for ecclesiastical oversight of HOPE worldwide governing bodies, requirements regarding the spiritual standing of HOPE worldwide senior leaders, a process for clarifying ICOC expectations of the HOPE worldwide relationship, and protocols in accountability and crisis management. 32

33 John Causey as Chair of the HOPE worldwide and Benevolence Service Team has partnered with senior leadership and the Board of HOPE worldwide to address challenges in a number of countries over the past two years. This has involved a number of trips where a partnership of a church leader and a HOPE worldwide leader has worked well. It is anticipated that the Subcommittee will assume responsibility for such advisory and mediation services to the extent they are needed in the future. Updates on these situations: Cambodia Negotiations involving a long-time financial partner in the Sihanouk Hospital as well as a former hospital director are focused on a settlement that HOPE worldwide hopes will enable it to continue operating the hospital on a sustainable basis. India HOPE worldwide and HOPE worldwide India are discussing plans for remedial action pursuant to a HOPE worldwide whistleblower report. Recommendations are expected shortly from an Elder Service Team task force investigating a related matter. Nigeria The Board of HOPE worldwide Nigeria has been reconstituted, church disciplinary action has been taken involving a number of former HOPE worldwide Nigeria senior leaders and positive steps have been taken to strengthen the relationship between HOPE worldwide Nigeria and the Lagos church. Members: John Causey (chair) Los Angeles, CA Mark Templer (co-chair) Dubai, Doug Arthur Boston, MA John Brush Miami, FL Robert Carrillo San Diego, CA Herve Fleurant San Antonio, TX Darren Gauthier Chicago, IL Bill Hooper Dallas, TX Gregg Marutzky Omaha, NE Ray Nadon Anchorage, AK JP Tynes Orlando, FL Sheridan Wright New York, NY Antonio Boyd (HOPEww) Columbia, SC Charles Ham (HOPEww) Jakarta, Indonesia Mandy Jordan (HOPEww) Philadelphia, PA Randy Jordan (HOPEww) Philadelphia, PA 33

34 Singles Service Team Report The Singles Service Team is excited to share with the delegates the current result of our efforts to serve the exciting singles ministries worldwide! As always, we appreciate your continued support and prayers. There have been two important changes to our team. Jay and Carol Kelly of Seattle have graciously accepted our invitation to represent the Northwest US family of churches thus bringing our North American team to 31 members. We have discussed plans for how this team will to branch into the always intended globally representative service team it needs to be and are laying the groundwork for that expansion now. We will be communicating those plans during the 2014 International Singles Conference and will be launching them in Our Service Team now consists of: Wade & Debbie Cook, chairs Denver Howard Martin Canada Wilner Cornely Caribbean (honorary) Sam & Diana Manning Caribbean Chad & Marilyn Winchell No. Virginia Matt & Deena Newburg Florida/La. Rob & LaShonda Milner Heartland Bill & Kristen Moulden Midwest Larry & Kim Reed New England Sheridan & Debbie Wright New York Jay & Carol Kelly Northwest Mark & Lin Ottenweller Southeast Ronnie & Shamarra Rose Southeast Floyd & Tamara Grossett Southwest Angela Williams Southwest Marshall & Shawn Mead Southwest Adam & Bethany Smith Texas We have put into motion a few service team sub-committees: T.I.P. of the Spear! (Mark and Lin Ottenweller). It is noted that there is only one single person on the Singles Service Team. The committee was concerned that the singles themselves would not be adequately represented in discussions and decisions being made. Therefore it was suggested we create a Singles Sub-committee to operate as a "think-tank" of sorts to both identify and rectify current issues facing the singles ministry. That group is what we named the TIP group. Tip stands for : T. Think I. Inspire P.- Propose The SST thought it very important that we are hearing from singles in their own voice. If we are to authentically service the singles ministry worldwide, we need to be kept aware of the real time issues facing the singles ministries. We all understand that it is frightfully easy to become a ceiling over the singles and not remain a service agent to them. Additionally the SST expressed a desire to raise up single leaders, especially amongst the brothers. To that end, this subcommittee would represent their regional families of churches and would be tasked to call, or even visit their local church ministries asking singles what are the real time issues on their minds. This sub-committee would collect that info and then be asked to come up with solutions to the problems they encounter. The group would be hopefully a brother and sister from each of our geographic regions beginning in North America, but with intention of strategically connecting all the singles worldwide. They have been assembled and have had two conference calls to this point. A comprehensive report their discussions will be published following meetings during the 2014 ISC 34

35 Conference Planning Committee (Wade and Debbie Cook) We are happy to announce that plans for the 2014 International Singles Conference are progressing well. We will convene in Denver, September 26-28, 2014 at the Downtown, Hyatt Convention Center. We are encouraged by registration numbers at this juncture (just over 1400 have registered well in advance of the registration deadline August 30, 2014). In terms of future sites we will have a formal decision following our 2014 meetings in September. We remain on schedule for our future ISC's to be: St. Louis Jamaica Communications Sub-Committee (Adam and Bethany Smith) Communication has been this committee's greatest bogie and we have been going after this issue with vigor. Each of the Service Team members have assembled a list of single leaders in their US geographic regions and have had conference calls with them. As communicated above, we have begun the task of connecting worldwide to each of the international geographic regions. Adam and Bethany Smith are the Disciples Today Singles editors and are tasked with finding fresh and consistent material to put on the website. They are doing a great job! As you know, late last year we launched a fresh, ICOC Facebook page in which we currently have 1,291 likes! If you haven't done so yet, please like us! Demographics Sub-Committee (Floyd and Tamara Grossett) Another of our primary 20/20 goals was to gather and maintain accurate information on the size and scope of our ministry. We finished that data collection last week and are already making plans for our 2015 "qualitative" survey we discussed in our previous report Regional Leadership Retreats (Chad and Mara Winchell) In an effort to capitalize and extend the anticipated momentum of the conference, we are working to organize training weekends in each of the Geographic regions of North America. The overall goals of the weekend are for each person to leave: 1. Inspired, with vision for what God can do in their life and ministry. 2. With more connections formed with other leaders. 3. Equipped to lead more effectively. Special effort will be made to have the worldwide singles partner fly in for that weekend to connect and build connections that will be the basis of future regional connection with that. Finally, I am happy to report that we have had monthly conference calls since January. In lieu of meetings in Singapore where a significant number of our service team will be unable to attend, we had meetings in Denver April which was incredibly fun, bonding and productive for our team. Some initiatives that came from those discussions are: 1. Intensified implementation of visionary and strategic programs related to reaching, converting and retaining more single men worldwide. This is a long and nuanced conversation, but it is a high priority for the Singles Service Team 2. Increased collaboration with Disciples Today Heart and Soul. Our team considers DTHS a remarkable yet underutilized tool for connecting those who are looking for a vibrant, romantic relationship with another disciple. The SST is working collabora- 35

36 tively with the fine team at Disciples Today to investigate ways in which the 2014 conference can help them achieve the critical mass of DTHS users we all have been praying for. 3. A Bridge program that can more formally and effectively transition young teen and college graduates into singles ministry. The idea of moving into the singles ministry is currently met with mixed reviews and our aim is to communicate what a wonderful chapter of life this next phase can bring. More will be communicated in our next Service Team Report. 4. HOPE Single Corps - HOPE worldwide Corps affords participants an unparalleled opportunity to better understand the world s current conditions while growing in their faith. HSC volunteers will return home with a heightened sense of purpose and a broader perspective of the world, but most importantly a better understanding of Jesus character and qualities. The SST is fully behind the mission of HOPE Single Corps and seeks to be more engaged in marketing and inspiring participation in future service opportunities. Grace and Peace, Wade Cook 36

37 2014 Teachers Service Team Report In early April the Teachers Service Team met in South Florida with the Evangelists and Elders service teams for a combined and collaborative meeting. Our second meeting of the year will be at the ILC in Singapore in August What are we working on at present? Here are some of the items we have been discussing in our time together. 1. How can we broaden the influence of the teaching ministry? We want to encourage, inspire, educate, and inform other men and women who can use their teaching gifts and skills for God and his church. We decided to launch a website for the teaching ministry. Ed Anton has already purchased the name TeachICOC.com or TeachICOC.org. Ed has developed the website for us to try out. Look for articles, blogs, and upcoming teaching events on TeachICOC.com. We also want to build a directory of teachers in our fellowship. This directory would list teachers in our regional family of churches and congregational teachers. It would list courses these teachers have taught and their specialties. Also, it would list resources these teachers have produced that can help in the ministry. Look for the upcoming International Teachers Directory on TeachICOC.com. We would also like to have a teaching track, a class, or, at the very least, a reception for our teaching ministry at all the upcoming International Leadership Conferences and regional conferences. This would be a way for us to recognize and train future teachers in our churches. 2. The women s teaching ministry. The Teachers Service Team is graced by having Deb Anton and Kay McKean on the team. We are searching for other women teachers to join the team as well. Deb Anton has shared with us ways the women s teaching ministry is being used effectively at the Hampton Roads church. Deb often teaches the women in the MTA in the ACR. Many women are using their gifts and skills to teach in the ministry there. This needs to happen across our churches. Kay McKean has reminded us of how far we have come in our movement. Yet, we need to realize there is so much more we can do. Women need to be taught by other women. Also, men need to be helped by women to understand how to speak to women in their lessons. What can we do? How do we help other women develop and use their gift for teaching? We asked Kay and Deb to write an article about this. We also asked them to give us some books written by women that would help all of us understand the perspective of women. We can make sure that our sisters have the opportunity to hear from women teachers. We can speak to women who have the gift of teaching and encourage them to use that gift to glorify God and strengthen the church. 3. How do we build a sustainable Ministry Training Academy (MTA) in a third world setting? We have to teach our MTAs not to be dependent on first world churches for teachers and material. We have to allow these MTAs independence to plan their courses and teach those courses. Here is a four-step approach to building a sustainable MTA in the third world: First, get students through an MTA. In order for people to become teachers, they must have some foundational courses. 37

38 Second, as the MTA is being taught, find students that can become teachers. Third, provide teaching labs to train prospective teachers how to teach. Fourth, find a person or persons to run the program. Make sure this person has the backing and support of their ministry leaders. Here is an example of how to build a sustainable MTA. For years, Gordon Ferguson travelled to Manila to teach courses in a MTA. While there, he spotted a young man who had the aptitude and skill to become a teacher. That man is Rolan Monje. Over time, Gordon trained Rolan to become a teacher. Now Rolan is able to direct the MTA in Manila. This success story can be reproduced across the world. Along with the development of MTAs, the Teachers Service Team would like to explore the possibility of offering accredited course work to our students. Glenn Giles, an elder in the Denver church, has done much research in this area. Already, Glenn, Douglas Jacoby, and Steve Kinnard teach accredited courses at the Masters level at Lincoln Christian University. Some of our students take courses and others have graduated with degrees from Abilene University, Pepperdine University, Harding School of Theology, and Lubbock Christian College. We want to explore the possibility of partnering with one or more of these schools to allow our students to take classes with some of our teachers while pursing accredited degrees at their universities. Recently we asked Courtney Bailey of Kingston, Jamaica and Robert Carrillo of San Diego, CA to be a part of our team. Courtney is a teacher in the Kingston church, and he directs the Damian Jean Baptist School of Ministry in Jamaica. Robert is the lead evangelist with the San Diego church and has recently received his M.Div. from Pepperdine University. Robert helps train ministers across Southern California and Latin America. We are very exited to add the two capable teachers to our team. As teachers, we want to glorify God, strengthen his church, and win a lost world. Please pray for us as we work together to build the teaching ministry across our churches. Teachers Service Team Subcommittees Teacher Development Valdur Koha, chair Steve Kinnard, Joey Harris, Gordon Ferguson, Rolan Monje, Reese Neyland Congregational Teaching Ed Anton, chair Fred Faller, Douglas Jacoby, Joey Harris Technology Arturo Elizarraras, chair Joey Harris Women s Teaching Ministry Kay McKean, Deb Anton International Teachers Seminar Douglas Jacoby, chair Steve Kinnard Divorce and Remarriage, an examination Valdur Koha, chair Steve Kinnard Accreditation/MTAs Glenn Giles, chair Steve Kinnard Disputable Matters and Hermeneutics Steve Staten, chair Douglas Jacoby, Joey Harris, Kay McKean, Steve Kinnard 38

39 Members of the Teachers Service Team: Dr. Rolan Monje, Manila Ed Anton, Virginia Beach Dr. Deb Anton, Virginia Beach Kay McKean, Northern Virginia Steve Brown, Buenos Aries Steve Staten, Chicago Gordon Ferguson, Los Angeles Reese Neyland, Los Angeles Dr. Douglas Jacoby, Atlanta Joey Harris, Augusta Dr. Glenn Giles, Denver Fred Faller, Boston Valdur Koha, Boston Robert Corrila, San Diego Courtney Bailey, Kingston Arturo Elizarraras, Mexico City Dr. Steve Kinnard, New York 39

40 2014 Women s Service Team Report The mission of the women s committee is as follows: To serve the sisters around the world by providing resources for growth and inspiration through the Women Today website, planning the women s portion of worldwide conferences, and championing the need for healthy functioning of women s ministry throughout all of our churches. The committee made great strides toward this purpose over the past year. Women s Ministry Leaders Survey E- mail addresses were gathered for the women leaders (full time and non-full time) in our churches worldwide. We surveyed these leaders with questions about the size of their ministries, whether or not they were supported by their church, their greatest challenges and needs, and where/how they received ongoing training and support. We received an outstanding response. The survey was sent to 422 sisters around the world in November and 358 completed the surveys by Dec 1, 2013 (401 started it) This showed us that the women are eager and responsive. They expressed much gratitude just for being considered. A subcommittee presented the finding of the survey pinpointing the top three needs: 1. Training (especially in balancing life, raising leaders, evangelism) 2. Relationships/discipling 3. Resources Communications In response to the survey, the committee wished to be as responsive as possible. The best course of action we determined was to send weekly (or bi-weekly) links to inspiring and informative articles (mostly from Women Today) to these church leaders. Since this was begun, numerous responses have been received from women all over the world expressing their deep gratitude for connection to these needed resources. Several new members (Sally Hooper, Tammy Fleming, Pat Brush and Mary Lou Craig) were added to the existing Women Today communication sub-committee. Women Today (part of Disciples Today) will be our portal of communication to the sisters around the world. Training Along with this response, a new initiative was suggested in order to encourage and provide further training to the women in smaller churches, young churches, and more isolated churches to have the opportunity to learn from seasoned women s ministry leaders and elder s wives in keeping with Titus 2. This initiative will be fashioned after TED Talks and will be 7-10 minute videos of lessons from the older, seasoned sisters. ICOC HotNews will produce these videos, and will begin filming in Singapore at the ILC. During our upcoming meeting in Singapore we will discuss ways to include women beyond the committee who can participate in these videos. Over the past few months, 2 new books were published to help in leadership development with the women. The ACR women put together a practical book for needs with full time women, and Jeanie Shaw, Teresa Fontenot, Tammy Fleming and 40

41 Robin Williams authored a book published by IP intended for all aspiring to leadership entitled Spiritual Leadership for Women. A sub-committee was established at the last meeting for planning the ILC conference in Singapore which Karen Louis chairs: The committee members are Lena Wooten, Erica Kim, Tess Fontenot, Bari Lusk, Anne-Brigitte Taliaferro and Kim Evans. Due to health reasons with Mike Taliaferro, shortly after the meeting the Taliaferros took a sabbatical from the ministry responsibilities and Anne-Brigitte resigned from co-chairing the women s committee with Jeanie. It has been encouraging over the past few years to witness more and more women young and old begin to dream (and dream again) of ways God will do more than we ask or imagine through our lives as we follow him. Working and serving together as a team of sisters, we look forward to strengthening dynamic women s ministries that can take the life-changing message of Jesus to women all over the world. The Women s Service Team Jeanie Shaw Boston, Chair Anne-Brigette Taliaferro San Antonio Barbara Porter South Florida Caroline George Delhi, India Cynthia Powell New York Erica Kim Denver Elexa Liu Hong Kong Geri Laing S. Florida Gloria Baird Phoenix Irene Renton Johannesburg, S. Africa Abigail Ereola Lagos, Nigeria Joyce Arthur Boston Karen Louis Singapore Kim Evans Philadelphia Lena Wooten Kiev, Ukraine Lena Sokolkina Moscow, Russia Linda Brumley San, Diego Laura Garcia Los Angeles Mary Lou Craig New York Paule Dasse Abidjan, Ivory Coast Pat Brush S. Florida Robin Williams Los Angeles Rolayo Ogbannaya Lagos, Nigeria Sally Hooper Dallas Tammy Fleming Birmingham, UK Teresa Fontenot Sydney, Australia 41

42 Snapshot Youth & Family Service Team Report The Youth & Family Service Team is primarily concerned about advancing a familybased ministry model and helping to supply resources to help the families of the International Churches of Christ to be spiritually successful. This has primarily been accomplished by training leaders both at an international level (International Conference of Youth & Family Ministry) and at a local level at geographic conferences. Resources have been made available through the website and The ICYFM has been held four times in the USA, every other year starting in The plan is to move the ICYFM to India in December 2015 and Mexico City in The USA will continue to address youth & family ministry needs through local geographic conferences. History The Youth and Family Service Team has served to advance healthy teen and familybased ministries in our churches since At its inception, the committee planned the first Youth and Family Conference in Boston in The members then coordinated the 2009 ICYFM (International Conference of Youth and Family Ministry) in Chicago, began a resource website at and worked with leaders from other service teams to facilitate healthy communication. The second term of the service team advanced the youth & family model around our churches and developed the Ten Characteristics of Healthy Youth & Family Ministry (see below). Local youth & family conferences also began in different locations globally including Johannesburg, SE Asia, Lagos, etc. In September last year, the team hosted the 2013 ICYFM (International Conference of Youth & Family Ministry) in New York City. This conference was in conjunction with the end of the annual delegates meeting to allow leaders from around the world to participate. The conference ended on Sunday at the 30th anniversary service of the New York City church. Current Youth & Family Service Team The World Discipleship Summit in San Antonio, July 2012, marked the end of the second term of the Youth & Family service team. Dave Pocta was re-elected as chairman and started assembling a third team. The current group represents new global participation. The structure of the service team is built around the needed development areas identified to advance youth & family ministry in our churches. This includes a few new areas this term that have not previously been included. Ministry Development Dinesh & Caroline George connected to: India Robert Carillo connected to: USA & Mexico Partner with subcommittee on Evangelist s Service Team. Identify youth & family health in each of the 30 geographic regions. Advance the ministry practices outlined in the Ten Characteristics of Healthy YFM. Develop a scalable model for Youth & Family ministry model 42

43 Parent Development Phil Arsenault connected to: NE USA In partnership with the Elders Service Team Evaluate current parenting material and determine gaps Develop plan to help fathers engage Children Development (and Kingdom Kids) Beth Pocta connected to: Texas, USA & Africa In partnership with the Women s Service Team Create and advance a communication point for Kingdom Kids programs globally. Pre-Teen/Young Teen Development Lisa Comrie connected to: Southern Africa Identify key people around the world involved in this ministry Gather resources Teen Leadership Development Ruben De Anda connected to: SW USA Damon Curtis connected to: NY, USA Develop teen leadership ideas, plans, and opportunities for our churches. Develop teen Bible Talks in the high schools Communication Development Mike Block connected to: SE USA Kent McKean connected to: USA & Europe In partnership with the Communications service team Website ( Facebook, Twitter, and other social media. Resource Development Cesar & Jennifer Lopez connected to: Cambodia & Philippines Francisco Bedoya connected to: South America Coordinate and develop materials from around the world to share on the website. Progress Development Teck Ming (Singapore) connected to: SE Asia Partner with subcommittee on Evangelist s Service Team. Develop measurement tool for youth & family ministries. Conferences The Youth & Family service team coordinates an international conference every odd numbered year (Boston in 2007, Chicago in 2009, L.A. in 2011, NYC in 2013). During the even numbered years, we have encouraged the geographic regions to host conferences that worked to facilitate the development of youth and family ministry in their respective areas. For example, in July 2012, the Johannesburg Church hosted a Youth & Family Conference for church leaders and families, having over 900 in attendance. The attendees of the International Youth & Family conferences have grown significantly Boston 400 attendees 2009 Chicago 700 attendees 2011 L.A attendees 2013 NYC 1000 attendees 43

44 2011 was the year of global expansion. From the inception of the service team, most of the conferences had taken place in the USA. Now, there are nearly ten local youth & family conferences that take places around the world. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE for 2015 Chennai, India INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE for 2017 Mexico City, Mexico Cooperation with Other Service Teams One of the most significant developments recently is the working relationship with the other service teams. The Youth & Family Service team is working closely with the evangelists and elders to develop ministries around the world and to develop a measuring tool for growth and progress. We are working with the teachers to coordinate and share resources that will strengthen families. Dave Pocta, chairman, attended the elder, evangelist, teacher meeting in Miami in April 2014 to facilitate even closer working connection with the Youth & Family Team and these other groups. Meetings The first official meeting of the new Youth & Family Service Team was held in Johannesburg, South Africa in April 2013 in conjunction with the Southern Africa family conference. The second meeting took place in NYC before the 2013 ICYFM. Some of the members met in Miami in April 2014 and the rest will meet in Singapore in August Conclusion We are honored to serve on this service team. We welcome input, suggestions, and ideas. Please feel free to contact any of us and we can bring your questions and concerns to the group. May God bless our families! Submitted by: Dave Pocta Chairman, Youth & Family Service Team Team Members Dave Pocta Cesar Lopez Damon Curtis Dinesh George Kent McKean Lisa Comrie Mike Block Phil Arsenault Robert Carillo Ruben De Anda Teck Ming Connected to: Texas, USA & Africa Connected to: Cambodia & Philippines Connected to: New York, USA Connected to: India & Pakistan Connected to: American Commonwealth Region & Europe Connected to: Southern Africa Connected to: SE USA Connected to: NE USA Connected to: SW USA & Mexico Connected to: SW USA Connected to: SE Asia 44

45 Healthy Youth & Family Ministry Characteristics God s salvation plan has always involved families. At the beginning of the Hebrew Canon in Genesis 17:7 God promised Abraham, I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. As the church began in Acts 2:38-39, the promise was echoed, Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off for all whom the Lord our God will call. Our churches should reflect God s heart for the generations. God s will is that faith should be passed on to our children. While the name Youth & Family Ministry is fairly new to our family of churches, the concept is not. We have always desired our children to have deep, meaningful relationships with God. The shift is purposeful in recognizing the importance and influence of the family in the spiritual development of our children. The family has always been God s primary vessel. The church works alongside the family to assist in spiritual formation and discipleship. Obviously each church is different. We have different needs and resources. We will have different schedules and methods, but we can look at common traits that should be in place for any healthy ministry. There are some tangible measurements to determine a church s effectiveness, such as the number of teenagers that are disciples. But there are many intangibles that are important as well. We have listed some critical characteristics herein: 1. Christian parents who are committed and involved in the spiritual lives of their teens. 2. A strong teamwork between the church leaders, the Youth and Family leaders, the parents, the teen workers, and the teens. 3. Parents being regularly equipped by the church leadership through both discipling and training. 4. Teens being discipled and matured in faith, character, knowledge, and use of God s Word. 5. The majority of the kingdom kids (those who have grown up in the church) being converted and staying faithful through their later teen years. 6. Teen disciples successfully transitioning into campus and/or single ministries where they continue as faithful and giving disciples. 7. Teens of non-members and their families being influenced by teen disciples and their families, studying the Bible, and getting baptized. 8. Strong spiritual relationships with the other teens, campus students, and adults across the church. 9. A strong connection to other Youth and Family Ministries in sister churches, to the International Conference of Youth and Family Ministry, and to HOPE Youth Corps. 10. A dynamic, fun, and spiritual youth ministry! 45

46 TAB 5 ICOC MINISTRY RESOURCES 46

47 ONLINE RESOURCES Official ICOC portal: One URL to connect to all of our church websites ICOC Church Locator, Campus Locator, Events Websites for each ministry group ICOC sponsored conferences Links to all other vital websites and Leadership information ICOC Cooperation Churches ICOC Delegates and Meeting Reports Future Conferences Service Team Member and Reports Vision Plans 2012 WDS videos ICMC and ICYFM videos HOPEww videos ICOC HotNews Videos ICOC Hot Resources Your HOPE worldwide ICOC charity ISC International Singles Conference Kingdom Songbook and Kids Kingdom Curriculum Books, Video and Music by ICOC disciples 2014 Communication and Administration Service Team Report 47

48 2014 ICOC Delegates Ballot Name: Delegate Region: POLICY: Service Teams nominate. Delegates are to send any additional nominations to Roger Lamb before the Delegates Meeting. Voting takes place at the Delegates Meeting. Terms are for 3 Years. See Delegate Roles and Responsibilities on COMMUNICATION AND ADMINISTRATION SERVICE TEAM CHAIRMAN YES NO Service Team Nominee: Roger Lamb, Disciples Today Write-in: ELDERS SERVICE TEAM CHAIRMAN YES NO Service Team Nominee: Wyndham Shaw, Boston Write-in: EVANGELISTS AND WOMENS SERVICE TEAM CHAIRS Elected by their Service Team at their meetings in Singapore YES POLICY: The Evangelists and Women s Service Teams select their chairman and the choice is ratified by the Delegates. Terms are for 1.5 Years. These elections will take place at the Evangelists and Women s Service Team meetings immediately prior to the Delegates Meeting. The results will be announced and ratification vote taken at the Delegates Meeting on Tuesday, August 26. See Delegate Roles and Responsibilities on NO Evangelists Service Team CHAIRMAN: YES NO Women s Service Team CHAIRWOMEN: 48