by Rob Appel Executive Director Last month I wrote the top ten things I learned while in my current position. I’ve been in this job now for the past twelve and a half years. So, what have I learned? Please check out 11-22. 11. We are in this world, but not a part of it. Too many of our churches are starting to behave in ways that reflect this world, the society...

Mar 23, 2017

by Diane Cruzan In the spring of 1811 Our history had its start. Once members of the Shiloh Church, our forefathers chose to part. Their reason was the distance; Too far for horse and man. And so with Shiloh’s blessing, They made good on their plan. They met in homes until the day their labors were complete. The little church built “in the barrens” was just 20...

Mar 23, 2017

by John J. Pethtel Director Church Development & Pastoral Services Let me guess. You’re so busy caring for others (people in your church, your kids, your family, your friends) that you haven’t really taken great care of yourself lately, have you? Welcome to leadership. Especially church leadership. You run hard. You work long hours. And you’re so busy...

by Katrina Goodrich We are incredibly blessed as a denomination to have an established program like Summer Christian Service Corps (SCSC). It’s been equipping young adults for leadership for over 50 years and has made a transformative difference in the lives of its participants and those who come into contact with them. This isn’t the sort of program that many...

by Nicholas J. Kersten Director of Education and History In the December issue of the Recorder, I suggested that it was a good and necessary thing for local member churches of our General Conference to implement child protection policies to guide and direct their ministry to our youngest participants. That column introduced a broad topic, and in response,...