Minutes – 2005 Spring

The Spring 2005 meeting of the Ohio Association took place at Church of the Master, Canton OH, Rev. James Mathewson, Pastor.

Meeting moderated by Dr. John Hood, Ohio Association Moderator.

Devotions concerning the biblical concept of peace provided by Rev. Gary Eno, Vice Moderator. Two presentations were made.

The first was made by Rev. Dave Brand, founder of ADVOCATE Enterprise, a ministry in the area of Christian apologetics seeking to influence for Christ the life and world views of college students, faculty, and administration, particularly at institutions in Ohio which were originally founded on Christian premises but which have long since departed from biblical Christianity. Rev. Brand is seeking persons and organizations who are able to commit to ongoing prayer and financial support of this ministry. He may be reached at:

DCB Communications
P O Box 1388
Mt Vernon OH 43050

The second presentation was made by Dr. Marshall Pierson, Ohio Association Secretary, presenting for consideration a proposal that an alternative for basic ministerial education be constructed, endorsed, and overseen by the association. At the present time there are association-affiliated individuals without any formal theological education who are pastoring churches, or who are seeking theological/pastoral education, but for whom formal, on-campus Bible college or seminary education is not feasible.

A lively discussion ensued with the conclusion that indeed such a program is needed in Ohio. Towards that end copies of the Savoy Declaration of Faith and the Cambridge Platform (the historical, definitive Congregational statements concerning systematic theology and church government, respectively) were distributed to all persons attending, with the costs for the books underwritten by Pilgrim Fellowship.

The hope is that those in attendance will read these documents and consider whether they might be employed as basic instructional materials for the subjects which they address. It was also proposed that the complete Matthew Henry commentary set could serve as the basic instructional material for biblical theology. The idea is that the student, at his/her own pace, would read a section of material, and then write a reaction paper, to be read and assessed by an experienced mentoring CCCC minister. Discussion also focused on the need for a practicum under supervision of a mentoring minster so that the candidate would not only acquire a basic intellectual understanding of the system of Christian theology, but would also acquire necessary pastoral and counseling skills, under supervision of a CCCC mentoring minister.

When both the academic and practicum components are completed, the candidate would then be recommended by the mentoring minister(s) for association examination leading to licensing as a minister by the Ohio Association, thereby being recommended to the churches as a viable candidate for parish ministry. At a later date a particular church could then request a vicinage council be convened to examine the licensed minister who by this time has become a candidate for ordination to the gospel ministry by the requesting church. (To see a model of such a program see: Bahnsen Theological Seminary —Ed.)

It was the consensus of those in attendance that this proposal should be publicized among all persons who are affiliated with the Ohio Association to seek their feedback. It was further proposed that this idea be an agenda item for further discussion and possible formal adoption at the Fall 2005 Meeting of the Ohio Association.

Treasurer Report: Rev. David Lippert, Treasurer: Ohio Association Balance as of 05/02/05: $ 462.12. Financial records audited by Janeen Eno and found to be in order according to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Rev. Phil Ross: Rev Ross provided a brief report concerning the goals and objectives of PARoss Services, providing “Speaking, Planning, Seminars, Development, Marketing & Consultation Services that apply the Bible to life and work for churches, non-profits, small businesses and organizations. Building with biblical principles.” Go on line to www.paross.com for more information.

Rev. Pat Street, Pastor, Salem Evangelical Church, Marion OH: Rev. Street sought and received very positive feedback from the group concerning the inclusion of an Ohio Association section in his church’s newsletter, which is being mailed to all association-affiliated persons and churches. Rev. Street also requested more information for inclusion in future editions.

FALL 2005 MEETING: 10/08/05 at Ganges Community Church.

WINTER 2006 BANQUET: 02/24/06 at Troyer’s Dutch Heritage Restaurant, Bellville OH.

Mr. Jon Noggle, Youth Pastor, Salem Evangelical Church, Marion OH: Jon spoke about lack of response to his previous outreach efforts to member churches in the Ohio Association seeking initiation and implementation of association-wide youth activities. Jon is continuing to seek feedback in the service of establishing an association-wide youth program.

Rev. Pete Parry, CCCC national representative: Rev. Parry sought, and received, association financial support in the amount of $ 200.00 as donation to a Cornerstone Corps project which is seeking to assist Snyder Ave Cong Ch of Philadelphia with the costs of replacing their heating system (approx. $80,000).

Rev. Parry also encouraged attendance at the 2005 national CCCC meeting in Harrisburg PA the week of July 25th. John Hood in this regard mentioned that Ohio Association attendees hope to have supper together on Wednesday evening of that week during the national meeting. Go on line to www.ccccusa.org for additional information.

Additional Motions Approved for financial support: $50.00 to the CCCC national office; $50.00 to Cooperative International Studies.

Submitted by:

Rev. Dr. Marshall Pierson, Secretary